Small Business Confidential

Small Business Confidential

40+ year business owner, Mike Reilly, shares the dirty secrets of owning your own small business.

Episodes

May 12, 2025 35 mins

Brook, Mike, and A’marri discuss the productivity benefits of mid-day naps, workouts, and unplugging—plus how recharging can lead to better problem-solving in business and real estate.
1:00 Mike shares how business changes and legacy software led them to reimagine company systems—and why their new programmer is now required to nap.
3:30 Brook explains how his afternoon runs help reset his energy and problem-solve, often lea...

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Brook and Mike discuss the power of scripting and planning for quick Airbnb turnarounds and for selling properties.
2:00 Mike introduces the idea of scripting your day and how vital it is for managing real estate and small business operations effectively.
3:00 Brook breaks down how she handles violation lists—deciding what can be done in-house, what needs to be outsourced, and the importance of being proactive before a hous...

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March 27, 2025 42 mins

More of a general meeting between A'marri and Brook as they discuss the week, work they have, working with software developers, how to solve problems creatively, qualities needed to manage and lead and much more.
2:00 Mike and Brook discuss their love for the movie Heat and its deeper life lessons beyond crime.
4:20 Mike compares being an entrepreneur to a lifestyle rather than just a career choice.
5:00 Brook expl...

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In this episode of Small Business Confidential, A'marri and Brook have a laid-back chat about their week at work, covering time management, goal setting, and getting things done. Brook talks about balancing work with having a newborn and how routines help him stay productive. They also discuss the ups and downs of work life and share insights from Scott Galloway about focusing on mastering your skills instead of just following...

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February 21, 2025 25 mins

Mike and Brook get into the details of why young people, or people who are fixated with their passion, they've got a vision, they're going to be an artist, but they don't have anything back office. They don't have any concept of money or paying their bills, or just overly focused on that vision in front of them.
01:10 Mike introduces the topic of why artists struggle financially, questioning the "starvi...

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January 24, 2025 42 mins

Mike, Brook and A'marri discuss goal setting and strategic planning for your 
business. Your data should tell a story. Within that story are learning lessons that 
need to be applied to your new strategies. This goes for your business as well as your personal life. Some things are black and white and others are gray and nuanced. Be disciplined in your routine, but allow new ideas and creativity to process in the backgr...

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January 21, 2025 30 mins

In this episode of Small Business Confidential, hosts Mike and Brook Reilly explore the financial realities of running a business, focusing on managing cash flow, setting goals, and evaluating profitability. They share their experiences in contracting, rental properties, and overcoming financial hurdles. They highlight the importance of planning, monitoring key metrics, and addressing inefficiencies to avoid financial pitfalls. The...

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January 16, 2025 29 mins

In this episode of New Years and Setting Goal, hosts Brook Reilly and A'marri discuss effective goal-setting strategies for personal and professional growth. They explore the importance of reflecting on past goals, setting actionable and realistic objectives, and adapting plans to fit individual lifestyles. The conversation highlights overcoming challenges like lack of motivation and maintaining discipline, with examples from ...

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There is an art to managing. Most people dont know how to do it. But you'll never learn how to do it if you think you know everything already. You have to acknowledge what you dont know and put the work in to learn it.  The art of managing and more on the Cleveland Real Estate podcast.

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October 30, 2024 32 mins

Processes are essential for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and growth in business. While resistance to change may be common, understanding the benefits of streamlined processes can ultimately lead to success in both your business and personal life. Join Brook and Amarri as they discuss the importance of processes and how it can positively impact your personal life and goals.
2:11 A'marri and Brook started talking abou...

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October 25, 2024 28 mins

Being a Harvard graduate does not mean you will never make a mistake. Listen to Mike and Brook as they discuss the Cleveland Browns' mismanagement, particularly the impact of Harvard graduates Andrew Berry and Paul DePodesta. They discuss the Browns' leadership and coaching failures and mistakes. This includes how coaching involves confrontation as well as teaching. Be sure to listen to learn more.

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2:11 Mike talks with Brook and A'marri about what they have learned in managing the business for the past couple of years.
11:19 Mike talks about when things don't work out the way you expected. Are you blaming your customer, boss, or the person you hired, or are you questioning what went wrong, why did I make that mistake.
24:24 Mike on his final thought; if you want to start a business, do your homework, read ab...

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June 18, 2024 36 mins

If you are looking a summer job, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure that you find the right opportunity for you. In this episode, Mike discusses 5 things that you should keep in mind when looking for a summer job with Brook, A'marri, and Christina.
5:05 Mike discusses the importance of being proactive about learning.
11:14 Mike talks about learning from your elders.
20:40 Mike talks about learn...

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The success of a small business depends on efficient and effective processes, and continuous refining and optimizing these processes will ensure long-term success. Learn more about this topic in our latest episode. 
4:48 Mike, Brook, and A'marri discuss the importance of processes and how they apply to small businesses.
9:11 Mike emphasizes the need to have a process in place for anything you do, especially if it is re...

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March 15, 2024 23 mins

Mike and A’marri talk about getting into the zone, taking naps, scripting your day and being honest with yourself as an employee or business owner.
2:28 Mike and A'marri talk about how a power nap refreshes your mind and helps you solve problems, and gets more better ideas.
10.33 Mike discusses, getting into the zone means dedicating time to it.
19:57 Mike discusses why 90% of restaurants fail and why some people n...

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When you hear someone say "you don't know shit, if you haven't met a payroll," remember that they are speaking from experience. 
Running a business requires more than just book smarts and theoretical knowledge. It requires real-world experience and an understanding of what it takes to meet the financial obligations of a company. Among these obligations is meeting payroll - a vital responsibility that affects...

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October 11, 2023 35 mins

Don't just talk about your goal, do steps to make it happen. In this episode of the podcast, Mike and Alex talk about how people often talk endlessly about what they're going to do, but nothing ever gets done. Stop talking and start doing, make progress on something every single day. Also covered a few topics related to the Cleveland Heights housing problems.
2:48 Mike opens up about people endlessly talking about wha...

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September 1, 2023 31 mins

A large number of vacant houses in Cleveland Heights are a serious problem that needs to be addressed.  We can't ignore these hundreds of vacant homes, so we are creating Project Rath, a project aimed at tackling this issue and taking it a step further. Find out more about this project in our first podcast episode where we discuss it and explain it in more detail.
2:56 Mike Reilly explains what Project RATH is all about

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July 5, 2023 32 mins

As the world changes rapidly, the concept of work changes as well. Companies no longer focus solely on the tasks that need to be completed, but on the people doing the work - the workers. Mike Reilly and Mike Ferrante discuss this and more in this latest episode of Small Business Confidential.
2:13 Mike Reilly points out we don't need the work; we need the workers.
9:13 Mike Reilly discusses Amazon's success becau...

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Mike and Mike mix a rich stew of contrarian thinking.  Why go to college?  Why Sales classes are so important.  If you go to college, how should you approach that experience? Take a gap year?  Why not?
3:02 Mike and Mike talk about the common myth fallacy says that if you earn good grades in high school, you should go to college because if you don't, you are a loser.
13:13 Mike talks about the ability to fix your own f...

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