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 left the corporate world to pursue her dream of coaching fellow-entrepreneurs toward redefining their visions so they too can make a “big splash” in their lives and businesses.

Lorin Beller Blake is the founder of Big Fish Nation, a year-long business development program that leads entrepreneurs toward maximizing their lives and business goals. She’s also the author of the book, From Entrepreneur to Big Fish: 7 Principles to Wild Success.

Since 2004 she’s has been fulfilling her own dream—to share her Big Fish principals with thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide through her innovative program which as been promoted nationally as ‘a Zen approach to business.’ Big Fish Nation and Lorin Beller have been nationally recognized by Investor’s Business Daily —She was named one of the Top 30 Female Executives of 2004 by Female Entrepreneur Magazine.

This segment features a discussion with Rene Godefroy, as he shares his unbelievable story of coming to the United States from a poor village in Haiti, and his adventure that led to being a celebrated author and motivational speaker for corporations and events nationwide.

Matt Phipps has enjoyed an impressive career in the creative, brand building and operational part of the business arena. Today, his entrepreneurial talent and experience are what drive him to continue to create the vision and direction of his company, Blendz.

On this segment I interview Jim Belanger, president of Gamer Doc Video Games. Jim is a veteran of the Franchise industry with a wealth of experience. having lead companies such as Burger King, Rent A Center, Play N Trade and others.

I spoke with Terry Bean, who is growing both a networking training/development firm and a career as a public speaker/author.

My guest in this segment of Your Natural Health Biz is Lynn Higgin Wholistic Kinesiologist and Practicing Herbalist. Lynn has been in practice since September of 2003. She is also the executive director of the Wholistic Kinesiology Institute.

Mr. Alex Vantarakis has over 10 years of management, ownership and acquisition experience. He has extensive experience in the areas of acquisitions, finance, franchise development and strategic planning; Mr. Vantarakis is active in the business brokerage industry as a member of the Business Broker Network, Texas Association of Business Brokers and The International Business Brokerage Association.

I interviewed Meny Hoffman, a prolific and talented entrepreneur who create three companies that help small businesses.

I visited with Dr. J Dunn, a celebrated expert in the area of Natural Health practices. Dr. Dunn is the host of a new podcast coming to the Smallbiz America Network.