We talk about her experience as the lead singer of Killing Fiction, building a brand on TikTok and YouTube, and creating content rooted in authenticity and fun. Beth opens up about letting go of fear, embracing who she is, and taking advantage of opportunities as they come.

We also discuss the challenges of monetization, including the ongoing issue of Facebook not monetizing her content despite strong engagement.

This episode is about growth, reinvention, and doing what you love—on your terms.

Starting in college while pursuing a business degree, Matt worked in construction on the side before fully committing to the trade. After navigating the ups and downs of the 2008 recession and trying commercial contracting, he ultimately found his path in residential remodeling.

Matt explains how he grew his business organically through word of mouth, beginning with real estate punch list jobs and scaling into kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and outdoor spaces.

We also discuss the importance of systems, hiring your first employee, and what it takes to transition from working in the business to working on it.

Nicole shares her journey from working in neonatal intensive care units to starting her own pediatric therapy practice. Through her work, she helps families navigate infant feeding challenges, breastfeeding struggles, bottle refusal, and developmental milestones that can cause stress and uncertainty for new parents.

In this conversation, Nicole explains what she sees most often when working with infants, what warning signs parents should watch for, and why early intervention can make such a powerful difference in a child’s development.

Randy and Nicole also discuss the entrepreneurial side of healthcare, including what it takes to start and grow a specialized therapy practice, building trust with families, and the challenges of launching a business centered around helping others.

Topics discussed include:

• Infant feeding challenges

• Breastfeeding and bottle feeding support

• Baby development milestones

• Crawling and early movement development

• NICU experience and infant therapy

• Starting a pediatric therapy business

• Advice for new parents and entrepreneurs

Whether you're a new parent, expecting a baby, or interested in entrepreneurship in healthcare, this episode offers valuable insight into the early stages of childhood development and the journey of building a purpose-driven business.

After immigrating from the former USSR to the United States, Maria grew up in a family where hard work started early. She began working at a young age to help support her mother, learning responsibility and independence long before most kids her age.

One day, almost by accident, she stepped into a dance studio — and it changed everything.

Maria quickly fell in love with dance and carried that passion with her through every stage of life. At the same time, she pursued academic excellence with the goal of becoming a doctor. But after learning how the traditional path to medicine works in the United States, she realized that the system didn’t match the way she learns.

Maria is someone who learns by doing.

That realization eventually led her into the field of ophthalmology, where she developed a deep passion for preventing blindness and improving lives through vision care. She continues to pursue that work today while expanding her knowledge and impact in the field.

Through all of it, dance never left her life.

Eventually Maria realized that her greatest passion wasn’t just dancing — it was teaching others and sharing the transformative power of movement.

Today she is the founder of MK Creative Arts Studio, where she is working to build more than just a dance studio. Her vision is to cultivate an arts culture within the community — a space where people can explore creativity, movement, and artistic expression, even if they might not otherwise have the time or financial resources to pursue it.

This conversation explores Maria’s journey from immigrant child to healthcare professional and arts community builder.

After moving to the United States, he began studying pre-med at UNC Chapel Hill with plans to become a doctor. During college, he adopted his two younger sisters and brought them to live with him — first in his dorm room, then in off-campus housing he worked with the university to secure. With almost nothing materially, they lived minimally while he finished school.

Runbin went on to work at IBM and several tech startups, moved to Japan for his wife’s career, returned to the U.S., explored healthcare, and even helped his mother launch and grow a dumpling business that was eventually sold.

All of that life experience led him to create Scale Social AI — a platform designed to help businesses use AI to scale their content authentically without scaling overhead.

This episode is about sacrifice, responsibility, reinvention, and building lean in a world obsessed with growth.

In this episode, Randy sits down with Chris Joyner, owner of Shorty’s Hot Dogs — the oldest continuously operating business in Wake Forest. Shorty’s has survived over a century of change, including World Wars, the Great Depression, suburban expansion, fast food chains, and COVID — all while refusing to change what made it work.

Chris shares the history of the restaurant, how Wake Forest has evolved over the years, and why they still use the same 100-year-old grill, bun steamer, recipes, and brands. No renovations. No reinvention. Just consistency.

This conversation is about legacy, stewardship, and the discipline required to build something that outlives you.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder of Olde Raleigh Distillery.

Brandon shares how his four years as an Air Force officer shaped his leadership philosophy, what he learned from senior officers about discipline and decision-making, and how climbing the corporate ladder ultimately led him to realize it wasn’t the life he wanted.

In SBP #25, Brandon McCraney, founder of Olde Raleigh Distillery, shares the real story behind launching a craft bourbon and whiskey brand. This is not a highlight reel. It is a conversation about startup risk, alcohol regulations, cash flow pressure, loan rejections, and what it actually takes to build a product-based business in a highly regulated industry.

Brandon walks through his journey from serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force to climbing the corporate ladder, losing a VP promotion, and deciding to start a distillery. What followed was years of planning, navigating ABC laws, securing funding, opening a bar and tasting room during COVID, and building a whiskey brand without private equity backing.

In this episode, we cover:

1. How to start a distillery and understand alcohol regulations
2. Startup costs and the reality of small business loans
3. Risk, 401k decisions, and entrepreneurial mindset
4. Blending vs distilling and scaling a craft bourbon brand
5. Marketing a bar and distillery through community and organic growth
6. Distribution challenges across multiple states
7. The difference between whiskey and bourbon

We also discuss leadership lessons from a 3-star general, why entrepreneurship is not for everyone, and how to define success beyond revenue.

If you are building a startup, launching a product-based business, opening a bar, or exploring the whiskey and bourbon industry, this episode offers practical insight from someone who earned it the hard way.

Joshua shares his story of growing up in a working-class household, moving multiple times as a kid, and learning work ethic early by watching his father build a career in landscaping. After settling in North Carolina, Joshua took the traditional route—starting at the bottom of a corporate company and working his way up the ladder—before making the difficult decision to walk away from security to chase something of his own.

That leap led to the creation of Audrey’s Barkyard. Joshua breaks down why he and his wife chose to leave Wilmington and plant roots in Wake Forest, how market research shaped that decision, and what it takes to build a care-based business people trust with their family.

We dive into trust as a business strategy, scaling without losing quality, hiring in a care-driven industry, social media transparency, and the hard lessons that come with turning passion into a real, sustainable company.

This episode is a must-listen for service-based business owners, entrepreneurs considering leaving corporate life, and anyone trying to grow without losing their values.

Jessica shares her real journey into business ownership — including starting a business before she was ready, becoming overwhelmed, and making the difficult decision to step away for several years. She explains how that pause helped her gain the skills, confidence, and systems needed to come back stronger.

Today, Jessica runs a thriving coaching and consulting business focused on nonprofit and organizational leadership, which also helps subsidize the reality of serving as mayor in a small town. We also talk about the nonprofit she and her husband run together, their work supporting families and relationships, and the book they co-authored to extend that mission.

This episode is about preparation, humility, sustainable income, and what it really takes to serve others while still building a life and career that works.

This conversation goes beyond jokes. Graeson shares the behind-the-scenes reality of growing from content creator to touring comedian and business owner. We talk about social media growth, building a merch operation, staying consistent, and navigating the pressure that comes with scaling a personal brand.

It’s an honest mix of comedy, business, and real-life lessons for anyone trying to turn creativity into opportunity.

Aaron shares how he knew early in life that he wanted to be an entrepreneur, why experience often matters more than formal education, and what most people misunderstand about franchising.

We cover:

1. Early signs of entrepreneurship
2. Education vs real-world experience
3. Building and exiting healthcare businesses
4. Franchising myths and realities
5. Startup costs, growth strategy, and due diligence
6. Mentorship, customer experience, and long-term thinking

This episode is a real-world look at entrepreneurship without hype. It’s about learning by doing, avoiding costly mistakes, and building businesses that actually last.

Ryan’s journey started with discipline and sacrifice. When he opened his first uBreakiFix location, his business partner fronted the startup costs. Ryan moved into the cheapest apartment he could find, had no furniture, and sometimes slept at the store because it was easier and safer. For more than six months, sleeping on the floor was part of the process. Buying a bed felt like a milestone.

That focus helped Ryan scale to 12 locations across multiple states using reinvested cash flow instead of bank loans. Years later, he sold all 12 stores and his home in the same week, moved to North Carolina, and started over.

Today, Ryan is a franchise owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run, where he operates in Wake Forest and helps test ideas that could eventually become permanent menu items across the brand. He also founded 127 Haven, a nonprofit focused on creating family-based homes for orphaned children in Uganda, funded through business systems rather than donations.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. What can break when you scale beyond one location
2. The difference between owning a business and operating one
3. Why franchising is never passive, even at the brand level
4. Why food businesses are harder than tech
5. Using discipline and systems to start over the right way

This conversation is not about shortcuts or hype.

It is about execution, ownership, and building something that lasts.

Some topics in this episode involve assault, grief, substance abuse, and personal loss. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Ron Shirley, founder of Lizard Lick Towing and one of the most recognizable faces in reality television.

Ron shares his full story — from growing up with childhood trauma and navigating difficult relationships, to building a one-truck towing business into a nationally recognized brand. We go deep into the rise of Lizard Lick Towing, separating fact from myth when it comes to reality TV, what was real, what wasn’t, and how fame truly impacted his business and personal life.

Ron also opens up about the loss of his son, how he processed grief in the public eye, and what continuing forward looks like after unimaginable tragedy. We discuss who he still keeps in touch with from the show, who he doesn’t, and why certain relationships evolve over time.

The conversation closes with Ron’s faith journey, his ministry, and how purpose, service, and perspective now guide his life beyond television and business. This is an honest, raw, and inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and what it really means to keep going.

A major theme of this conversation is networking — something Tanisha admits she didn’t prioritize early on, but now considers essential to her success. We dive into her deep involvement with Women in Networking Wake Forest, her excitement about being asked to serve as President for 2026, and how community-driven connections have transformed both her business and personal growth.

Tanisha also talks candidly about the impact of hiring a business consultant, why it became a game changer for her, and the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. This episode is packed with real-world insight for small business owners navigating growth, leadership, and the power of intentional networking.

Have you ever wondered what Santa's favorite cookie is or how he gets around the rest of the year? Learn these answers and many more!

Jim opens up about what it was like stepping into the Chamber during a sensitive time, following the embezzlement case involving a prior president. He breaks down how he approached rebuilding trust, restoring credibility, and reestablishing accountability with members and the community. We also dive into the future of the Wake Forest Chamber, including his strategic goals, long-term vision, and the important role of the Chamber Foundation.

This conversation goes deeper into how nonprofit organizations operate, why the Chamber is structured as a 501(c)(6), how that differs from a 501(c)(3), and what that means for funding, advocacy work, and tax exemptions. Jim discusses leadership philosophy, community values, economic development, and what it really takes to lead an organization through change while preparing it for long-term success.

Whether you're a small business owner, a community leader, or someone interested in how local chambers impact economic growth, this episode offers a rare inside look at leadership, transparency, and navigating the future of Wake Forest.

Lauren takes us through her entrepreneurial journey — starting with her childhood surrounded by entrepreneurship through her father’s reptile-selling business, to trying out multiple ventures of her own, including online sales, social media management, and other side hustles. Eventually, everything pointed her toward one powerful niche: Google My Business optimization.

Today, she runs a thriving agency servicing clients across all 50 states, from small independent businesses to large corporations. And as she explains in the episode, the beauty of Google My Business is this:

whether you're a one-person shop or a national brand, the system works the same — and the opportunity is huge.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Lauren’s entrepreneurial roots and the many ventures she explored before finding her calling
• How Rank Rise Studio was built to solve a very real problem: businesses not being found online
• Why Google My Business is the most powerful — and most underused — tool for local visibility
• How AI depends on platforms like Google to gather reliable information
• The synergy between Google search, local intent, and emerging AI-ranking systems
• Why keeping your Google Business Profile active and updated directly impacts your ranking
• The types of businesses (all sizes!) that benefit from proper Google Business optimization
• The biggest misconceptions small business owners have about “just having a profile”
• What Google looks for when deciding who shows up first
• The verification challenges many businesses face — especially with locations, addresses, and compliance — and how Rank Rise helps them navigate the process
• How Lauren built scalable systems to manage clients nationwide
• Why specialization allowed her business to explode faster than general digital marketing ever could

This episode is packed with insights every business owner needs to hear — whether you’re trying to grow your local presence, get more leads, or simply understand how Google and AI shape the modern business landscape.

If you’ve ever wondered why your business doesn’t show up when customers search for what you offer, or if you’ve been frustrated with Google’s verification process, this conversation will connect the dots.

On this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Young and Dr. Lee Welch — the minds behind BYoung Physical Therapy, The Running PTs, 8ctane Baseball, and NC Biomechanics. Their story blends entrepreneurship, sports science, injury rehab, performance training, and innovative tech like 3D motion capture and force plates.

Whether you’re a baseball parent, runner, PT, coach, athlete, or a small business owner, this episode is PACKED with insights on how to build better athletes — and better businesses.

📍 Based in Raleigh, NC with offices in Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, and South Raleigh

Brandon & Lee are growing one of the Southeast’s most innovative performance ecosystems — serving MLB athletes, college programs, youth sports, and everyday runners looking to stay healthy.

🎧 New Podcast Episodes Every Sunday at 6 PM. We shine a light on business owners and entrepreneurs

Watch on YouTube or stream on all major audio platforms.

Follow our journey as we document 365 days of building a $1M business.

🌐 staybroke.com

Hannah’s story begins long before her 10-year journey as a business owner — from being a junior at NC State at just 17 years old, switching her major from bioengineering to agricultural science, to overcoming a rough childhood that inspired her life’s mission.

After a devastating horse “crash” that left her with a punctured lung, broken ribs, and a head injury, Hannah rebuilt not only her health but her entire business. Her commitment to making horsemanship accessible to everyone through scholarships and outreach has defined JAKS Stables as a true community cornerstone.

Her nonprofit, The Samson Project, focuses on helping adults overcome childhood trauma and PTSD through equine therapy — teaching emotional regulation, trust, and confidence through horses.

We also talk about her incredible experience as one of the first responders on horseback during Hurricane Helene, leading one of the most organized relief efforts in Western North Carolina.

Finally, Hannah opens up about her journey working with Stay Broke Business Consulting — how the process helped her turn things around financially, go from struggling to pay bills to building a surplus, and develop a one-, three-, and five-year plan for growth and sustainability.

This episode is about leadership, resilience, and what it means to rebuild with purpose.

Dan’s story begins in the U.S. Air Force, where discipline, structure, and leadership became the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset. After leaving the military, he built an IT company from the ground up, navigated multiple acquisitions and a merger, and eventually sold his business for millions. Now, as a Managing Partner at Viking M&A and founder of their Raleigh, North Carolina office, Dan helps other business owners prepare for the single largest transaction of their lives — selling their company.

We cover it all — from what makes a business truly worth buying to how owners can build systems, teams, and financials that attract premium buyers. Dan shares eye-opening insights on:

The emotional and strategic side of selling your business

The “Silver Tsunami” — the trillion-dollar wave of baby-boomer business exits coming in the next 10–15 years

How AI tools like ChatGPT are now influencing how buyers and sellers find each other

The biggest mistakes owners make when they wait too long to plan their exit

Why valuation isn’t just about revenue — it’s about readiness, documentation, and leadership depth

Through every part of the conversation, Dan’s passion for helping his clients make informed, confident decisions shines through. Whether you’re just starting to think about succession or you’re already building toward a sale, this episode gives you the playbook to grow smarter and exit stronger.

🎧 Tune in to learn what it really takes to build a business that’s ready for sale — and why your best exit starts long before the first offer ever lands on your desk.

Joe shares what it’s like marrying into a multigenerational family business and learning how to “retrovate” — blending old-school service with new ideas, products, and technology to keep a small-town hardware store thriving in a big-box world.

They dive into Joe’s national advocacy work as part of the National Retail Federation, where he’s traveled to Capitol Hill to fight for small retailers on issues like credit card swipe fees and tariffs — and how those policies quietly impact the people on Main Street more than anyone else.

Randy and Joe also explore local Wake Forest politics, Joe’s run for Town Commissioner, and his ongoing leadership roles with the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, including his time as interim president. They touch on his recognition as Man of the Year (2021) and his deep commitment to keeping the heart of downtown Wake Forest strong.

From Traeger grills to the town’s beloved Christmas train display, Joe’s story is about community, adaptability, and finding common ground — whether it’s in business, politics, or everyday life. As Joe puts it, “the answers aren’t on the left or the right — they’re in the middle.”

Perfect for: anyone planning to open or expand a business in Wake Forest—or any Main Street community.

#StayBrokePodcast #WakeForest #SmallBusiness #DowntownRevitalization #Entrepreneurship #MainStreet #LocalBusiness

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Ilia opens up about the lessons behind the success: the years of grinding in New York, the personal mistakes that became turning points, and how coaching, faith, and mentorship helped him rebuild his mindset — and his mission.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between ambition and burnout, this episode will remind you why doing the work on yourself is the most important investment you can make.

💡 In This Episode

• Building a business from scratch in a niche industry
• Finding purpose through failure and growth
• Turning passion into a sustainable brand
• How mentorship and mindset shape success
• What it means to lead with ethics and discipline

Jennifer never planned to run a restaurant—she didn’t even like burgers. But life had other plans, and her journey from military wife and stay-at-home mom, to single mother, to losing her second husband to cancer, forged the grit and identity she carries into business today.

What started as survival became leadership. What started as uncertainty became a community favorite.

This episode is for anyone building a business while carrying real life on their shoulders.

🎧 Stream this episode on all major audio platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.)

🕕 New episodes drop every Friday at 6 PM, where we interview business owners and influential community leaders to learn from their stories, strategies, and scars.

🍔 The Burger Shop: https://wakeforestburgershop.com/

🌐 Stay Broke: https://staybroke.com

From taking voice lessons and learning the ropes of the music industry to creating his first EP in Wilmington, NC, DAVIS88 walks us through the highs, lows, and lessons of building a career in music. Along the way, he made key connections that led him to Nashville, TN, where his passion and persistence continue to open new doors.

Despite working full-time with Parks and Recreation, DAVIS88 never stops writing, recording, and performing — proving that dedication and consistency are the keys to turning passion into purpose. This conversation is a reminder that success in the creative world doesn’t happen overnight — it’s earned one song, one show, and one connection at a time.

Tune in and get inspired by the grind, growth, and genuine heart behind DAVIS88’s journey.

We dig into the mindset shift from founder to community builder, the nuts and bolts of launching local programs, and Brad’s vision for creating spaces where small businesses can thrive.