American Operator

In this episode of American Operator, Dr. Nick shares how his grandfather’s wisdom and belief in him sparked a fire to go independent. From those early days of doubt and hustle to building a thriving chiropractic practice, Dr. Nick reveals the discipline, patience, and purpose it takes to serve people well — and run a values-driven business.

This is a story about honoring where you come from, pushing through when no one’s watching, ...

When crisis hits, it's not just firefighters and first responders that show up — sometimes, it's your neighborhood small business owner. In this episode, we dive into real stories of local operators who stepped in when it mattered most. From natural disasters to community breakdowns, these entrepreneurs became unexpected heroes, proving that running a business isn't just about profit — it's about purpose.

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In this final episode of our First 30 Days series, we get tactical about improving the business you just bought—without breaking the machine.

JC shares how to audit your customer and team experience, introduces a 5-step framework for solving process problems, and explains how to implement changes without burning trust or momentum.

If you’re ready to lead smarter, not louder, and want to make your business better one improvement at a ...

You don’t need to be a CPA to be a great owner.
But if you don’t understand how your business makes, loses, or keeps money... you’re flying blind.

In this episode of American Operator, JC walks through the core financial metrics every new business owner must track to know if the business is actually healthy… or just surviving.

From weekly cash flow checks to retention rates and debt coverage, this is the business dashboard no one...

You just bought a business. Now what? The worst thing you can do is walk in and start swinging your authority around. In this episode of American Operator, JC breaks down exactly what the first 30 days should look like for any new owner.

This isn’t the time to change everything. It’s the time to earn trust.

From one-on-one conversations to walking the floor with humility, this episode will teach you how to build credibility, calm you...

On this Independence Day, JC delivers a personal and passionate message on why small business ownership is the most American thing you can do. As we fire up the grills and watch fireworks, JC challenges us to think about what we're doing with the opportunity we've been given.

He shares reflections from his time in uniform, the risk of losing legacy businesses, and how we need a new generation of owners willing to take the ...

In this episode of American Operator, we sit down with Jeff and Jason Driskel — brothers, quarterbacks, and now business partners. While Jeff continues his NFL career, Jason has stepped into the full-time operator role as they grow a portfolio of service-based businesses that prioritize freedom, fundamentals, and long-term value.

Their first acquisition? An accounting firm. Since then, it’s been all-in on ownership — no ve...

What do mortgage rates, job security, and building houses have in common? Schuyler Williamson, founder of Mission Homes in Austin, joins JC to break down what’s really keeping people from buying — and why small business ownership might be the antidote to a shaky job market.

In this episode, they cover:

• The myth of “bad timing” when it comes to buying a home
• Why a stable job doesn’t always mean stable income
• How owning your own busi...

Stop spiraling over every decision.

In this video, JC breaks down a practical 4-bucket system used in the military for fast, confident decision-making — so you can stop overthinking and start operating. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to send that one text, this framework will change how you show up.

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This episode of American Operator follows the founder of Noble Joe’s, a coffee trailer born out of curiosity, hustle, and a few too many unknowns. From struggling to source espresso machines to the first time firing up the trailer, it’s a candid look at what actually happens when you build a business without experience.

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What does it really take to build a business in the trenches — one plate at a time?

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Robert Strong, Iraq veteran, chef and founder of Pretty Thai in Austin, TX. From late nights in a food truck to scaling a sauce brand through big name retailers, Robert breaks down the grit, risk, and resilience behind building something through his grief.

This isn't just another f...

Should you buy a business right now — or wait it out?

In this episode of American Operator, JC and Mainshares Founder, William Fry get honest about what it takes to operate during uncertain times. From interest rate pressure to market chaos, this one’s for every scrappy buyer, solo founder, or operator trying to make smart moves without burning out.

He breaks down:

• The myth of “perfect timing”
• Why some owners are quietly winning bi...

Escape the 9 to 5. Build a Legacy. | American Operator 🇺🇸🛠️

What drives someone to walk away from the “safe” path — the steady paycheck, the 401(k), the corporate ladder — to chase something harder… and more meaningful?

In this episode of American Operator, host Joseph Cabrera breaks down the 5 real reasons people leave traditional jobs to become small business owners. It’s not just about money.

If you...

Ever thought about buying a small business? James Jackson Leach has bought more than a few—and learned some hard lessons along the way.

In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, James shares the unfiltered reality of owning and operating small businesses, from a neighborhood butcher shop to a downtown bar. He opens up about the challenges no one talks about—like managing unpredictable employees, dealing with govern...

Buying a business is one thing—running it is another.

In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, TJ Brogan, owner of Washaroo Car Wash in Austin, Texas, shares his unexpected journey from tech sales to small business ownership. From turning around a struggling car wash, dealing with employee chaos, and learning what really matters when buying a business, TJ opens up about the realities of being an operator.

 In this episode, y...

What does it really take to run a plumbing business?

In this solo episode of The American Operator Podcast, Joseph Cabrera shares his experience spending a day in the field with Blue Ribbon Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Instead of talking with the owner, JC gets a firsthand look at the reality of the trades, riding along with veteran plumber Chris as he makes service calls, handles tough jobs, and delivers top-tier customer servic...

Building a business isn’t for the faint of heart.

In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, Brent Looby, founder of Desert Door Sotol, shares his raw and unfiltered journey of launching a distillery with no prior industry experience. From navigating the complexities of the spirits business to the mental toll of entrepreneurship, Brent gets real about what it takes to build something from the ground up.

 In this episode, you’l...

Patrick Courtney took an unconventional path—leaving a career in law to build and operate small businesses. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, host Joseph Cabrera dives into Patrick’s journey from the courtroom to pest control and moving companies. They discuss the power of business partnerships, the challenges of scaling, and why trust is the real currency in business. Whether you’re thinking about acquiring a busin...

In this episode, JC sits down with Riley Siddoway, the ultimate "operator's operator," at the headquarters of Uphill Pursuits in Bozeman, Montana. From his early days exploring mountain peaks to a decade as a mountain guide, Riley shares the lessons learned in leadership, grit, and decision-making at high altitudes—both literal and figurative. 🏔️

Riley dives into his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights on buil...