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What happens when you take a material known for aerospace, automotive and high-performance applications and bring it into industries that have relied on steel for decades?

On this episode of the Entrepreneur Like ME Podcast, Courtney sits down with Willie and Eli Rytlewski of CF SPAN to talk about CarbonBar, their carbon fiber solution designed to bring strength, durability and lightweight performance into new industries and everyday applications.

But this conversation is about much more than carbon fiber.

Willie and Eli share the story behind CF SPAN, what it takes to introduce a new product into established industries, the importance of understanding your customer before going to market, and why even the best innovation still has to make business sense.

We also get into the realities of manufacturing and scaling, building the right team, listening to customer feedback, becoming cost competitive, and creating systems that allow a growing company to move from a great idea to a sustainable business.

Whether you're developing a new product, trying to disrupt an established industry, or simply figuring out how to turn your idea into something customers will actually buy, this conversation is a reminder that innovation isn't just about creating something new—it's about solving a real problem and building the business around it.

Learn more about CF SPAN and CarbonBar:
www.cfspan.com

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

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From Visibility to Viability: Building Marketing Systems That Convert

Getting people to notice your business is only half the battle—turning that attention into paying customers is where the real work begins. In this episode of Entrepreneur Like Me, I sit down with Angela Carter, founder of Angela M. Carter Services, to talk about the strategy behind sustainable business growth and why successful entrepreneurs build systems, not just social media posts.

After making an unconventional transition from entertainment law to digital marketing, Angela now helps coaches, consultants, product-based businesses, and service providers create sales funnels, lead generation systems, and customer journeys that consistently convert interest into revenue. She shares why trust must be earned before a sale is ever made, how entrepreneurs can simplify their marketing, and why every customer interaction should have a purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why visibility alone doesn't grow a business
• The difference between a website and a sales funnel
• Building trust through intentional messaging and video marketing
• Creating lead generation systems that work while you sleep
• Using email marketing to nurture relationships and increase sales
• How AI is helping entrepreneurs work smarter—not harder
• Practical steps to stop chasing algorithms and start building predictable growth

Whether you're just starting your business or looking to create a more consistent customer acquisition strategy, this episode will challenge you to think beyond marketing tactics and start building a business that scales with intention.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Building a Business That Leaves a Legacy

What starts as making custom treats for a child's birthday party can grow into something much bigger. In this episode of Entrepreneur Like Me, I sit down with Devonya Brown, founder of Sparkle Tees, to talk about building a business rooted in creativity, family, and legacy. From custom apparel and personalized gifts to empowering messages that inspire confidence, Devonya shares how she's creating more than products—she's building something her children can one day carry forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Pivoting from baking to custom apparel during the pandemic
• Teaching yourself design and growing through trial, feedback, and persistence
• Creating products that celebrate identity, confidence, and community
• Pricing your work with confidence and knowing your value
• Overcoming stage fright through Lift ME and the BET on Black Pitch Competition
• Rebranding your business to match the vision for its future
• Why entrepreneurship is about building a legacy, not just earning a living

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, maker, or anyone working to turn passion into purpose, Devonya's journey is a reminder that every great business starts with believing in yourself—and staying committed to the vision even when the path isn't easy.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!