In this segment, Ron Patel describes the process he used to create his small business, Just Dine In, a restaurant delivery and marketing company.

Our guest on this segment is a business leader with a fascinating family business story. Mike Eaton is the CEO of Eaton Springs—since 1937 the company has manufactured leaf and coil springs—these are the springs that give your car that “ride” that you feel as your drive. Today, Eaton Springs is the only spring manufacturer to have been licensed by both Ford Motor Company and General Motors to produce Authentic Factory Replacement Springs and Parts.

Our guest on this segment of the Smallbiz Brain has more than 25 years of experience in buying and selling businesses. Tom Marx is the President and founder of Marx Group Advisors—- the company specializes in mergers and acquisitions with a focus on providing those services to the Automotive and Heavy Duty aftermarkets. The Marx Group is headquartered in San Rafael, CA with offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles

Way back in 1949, Scott Stolberg’s father and uncle started AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers—the company provides leadership in the automotive manufacturing, remanufacturing and recycling industries. Today AAEQ is one of the leading suppliers of automotive engine, transmission and internal parts cores, manufacturers of new, remanufactured and reclaimed engine parts, and recyclers of scrap metal.

Chris Talis is my guest in this episide of The Smallbiz Brain. We discussed some of the legal and financial considerations particularly for start up projects.

In my interview with Dr. Ritch Sorenson says that family businesses make the some of the most most important contributions to the American economy. He also is a true believer in the success of family businesses.Dr. Sorenson holds the Opus Chair in Family Enterprise at the University of St. Thomas- Opus College of Business’ /Schulze School of Entrepreneurship. In that role, he integrates family business concepts into the broader business school vision, serves as a family enterprise ambassador to the larger business community and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses.
Sorenson’s work has been published in many journals including Family Business Review, Journal of Business Venturing Group and Organizational Studies, The Leadership Quarterly and Academy of Management Executive.

Our guest on this segment of the Smallbiz Brain has owned retail businesses, restaurants and consulting practices. Today Mary Pat Kavanagh’s specialty is teaching her clients to create strategic, profitable, long-lasting relationships using social networking.

Jennifer Bays joins me on the Brain to discuss “Womens’ Online Magazine”. Find out more about this fast growing social platform for women entrepreneurs.

About Steve Olson

Steve Olson is a leading authority on franchising. He is Publisher of Franchise Update Media Group, an industry resource for over 2000 franchise organizations. He has recently authored the book, “Grow to Greatness: how to build a world-class franchise system faster.”

With nearly 30 years in franchise consulting, sales and executive management, Steve specializes in accelerating expansion for emerging and established franchise brands. He has served on franchise boards and is a frequent columnist and speaker on the subject of franchising.

Our guest on this segment of the Smallbiz Brain created a very unique company that tracks the performance of privately held growth companies throughout the US.

Steve Watkins is the Founder and CEO of Entrex, which manages the PCI, or Private Company Index—This system monitors trends, benchmarks a performance reports findings, and celebrates the Top Growth Companies throughout the year.