Welcome back to the Big Small Business Podcast! In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard tackle a topic every entrepreneur should master: staying “on brand.”

Starting off with a funny take on high school graduations and parenting philosophies to business decisions and branding missteps, Ben and Wade unpack how sticking to your brand identity helps guide decisions, build trust, and ultimately shape long-term success. They share candid stories from startup lessons and quirky business rules to major brand blunders like New Coke and HBO’s identity crisis.

If you’ve ever been tempted by a “good idea” that just didn’t feel right, or wondered how to differentiate your business in a crowded market, this one’s for you. Learn how guardrails and intentionality can elevate your company and why being “on brand” isn’t about logos—it’s about values.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why every decision should pass through a brand filter

• How to define your brand’s identity and values

• The power of simplicity and intentional guardrails

• Real life examples of brand wins and fails

📱 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast for bonus content, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.

In this episode of the Big Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Brittany Hendrix—founder of BIEN and a leader in the influencer management world. Brittany shares how she went from teaching middle school to building a thriving agency that represents top-tier influencers. We unpack what business owners can learn from the influencer industry—from branding and authenticity to audience engagement and long-term growth. Whether you’re running a local service business or scaling a startup, this conversation is packed with insights on how to humanize your brand, create loyal customers, and leverage social media with purpose.

Follow Brittany: @bientheagency | bientheagency.com

In this episode of Here and Now (soon to be Big Small Business), Ben and Wade dive into Part 2 of their conversation on how to bring your team together through internal company conferences. They break down how they plan and execute their biannual gatherings—sharing the themes, structure, tips, and even mistakes they’ve learned from along the way. Whether you lead a team of five or fifty, this episode gives you practical insights on how to use conferences to reinforce company culture, cast vision, and have some fun along the way. Plus, expect a few good laughs, personal stories, and an unexpected side quest into Reddit movie rabbit holes.

In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard discuss the importance of bringing your team together, no matter the size of your business. They explore how annual internal conferences build relationships, boost morale, align vision, and create a strong company culture. With personal stories and practical insights, they highlight why investing in team cohesion is crucial for long-term success.

In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into what it really means to run a lean business. They break down the misconceptions around being lean—it’s not just about cutting costs or downsizing. Instead, it’s about smart resource allocation, efficient processes, and creating value without wasting time or money. Listen in as they share real-world examples, practical tips, and insights from their own experiences as business owners. Plus, they discuss the importance of data-driven decisions and the pitfalls of bad data. Whether you’re scaling up or tightening your operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice!

In this episode of The Hear and Now Podcast, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into the ongoing struggle of balancing work and family life. They discuss the concept of “choosing to cheat” (referencing Andy Stanley's book) — the reality that we can’t give 100% to everything and must intentionally decide where to focus our time and energy. With personal stories, leadership insights, and practical strategies, they explore how to set boundaries, prioritize key moments, and trust that putting family first doesn’t mean sacrificing success. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone striving for better work-life balance, this conversation is for you!

Mike Cottrell joins Ben and Wade in this insightful, funny and detailed look at how to find amazing people when expanding your sales teams.

Disclaimer:

Some of the stories and banter in this podcast are strictly for entertainment and comedic purposes. While we share personal experiences and hiring philosophies, they should not be taken as official hiring policies. The companies represented by the hosts are committed to fair and lawful hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, age, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected status. All hiring decisions are made in compliance with federal and state employment laws. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal or HR advice. For professional guidance on employment law and hiring practices, consult a qualified expert.

In this episode of The Here and Now Podcast, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into one of the toughest responsibilities of leadership—firing. They break down why letting someone go is so difficult, the right way to approach it, and lessons they’ve learned from past experiences. Through personal stories and candid insights, they explore the emotional weight of firing, the importance of acting decisively, and why keeping the wrong person on board can hurt both the company and the individual. With humor, wisdom, and practical advice, this episode sheds light on a topic no leader enjoys but every leader must face. Plus, stick around for an unexpected blooper at the end!