The Unshakeables
The Unshakeables

<p>The Unshakeables podcast dives into inspiring stories from real small business owners across America who power their communities every day. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and co-host Kathleen Griffith as they hear from guests who share their make-or-break moments that changed everything. Produced in collaboration with iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio, The Unshakeables has won multiple awards, including Gold at the 2025 Signal Awards. The speakers&rsquo; opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase &amp; Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. &copy;2026 JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.</p>

Nubia Perez had a plan for her life — marry abroad, raise trilingual kids and build something global. But when her father fell ill, Gretna Machine Shop needed her more than her plans did. The family business was suddenly without direction, and Nubia stepped in to put out fires. But the business didn’t need a firefighter — it needed a leader. For a decade, both Nubia and the company muddled through what she calls the "dark ages," until one day, a children's movie gave her the answer she'd been looking for.  Join Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith as they talk to Nubia about stepping up unexpectedly, building an oil and gas business in Houston (it’s a good place for it!), and why flat leadership doesn’t mean leaderless. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Work doesn’t end when the workday does. Even after we close our laptops, our minds keep replaying awkward meetings, looming deadlines, and unfinished to-do lists. Over time, that “always on” mentality can quietly hijack our relationships, our health, and our happiness. Dr. Laurie sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Guy Winch (Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life) to explore the science of work stress — and why so many of us get stuck in fight-or-flight mode long after we’ve left the office.  Plus, Ben Walter, host of “The Unshakeables” and CEO of Chase for Business, shares what he’s learned from working with small business owners who don’t have the option to simply “clock out.” If you’ve ever felt like work is bleeding into everything, this episode offers science-based tools to help you take your life back. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life "Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement" "The Relationship Between Workplace Stressors and Mortality and Health Costs in the United States" "How Small Businesses Drive the American Economy" "Small Business Facts" “The Unshakeables” "Yerkes-Dodson Law Of Arousal And Performance" “The Use of Imagery to Manipulate Challenge and Threat Appraisal States in Athletes” “Rebuilding After a Blaze: Luna Gourmet Coffee & Tea”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are movies about how a dog can change your life — but for Dr. Laura Surovi and Michael Sivo, it actually happened. Laura had recently built a successful mobile vet practice, but the long drives were exhausting. Then in 2016, they met Chauncy, a rescue with serious injuries and no local rehab options. Watching him struggle they knew their community needed something better. So Laura built a veterinary rehab service herself and business took off. Then Michael pitched something bigger: a 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. It was a bold, risky and expensive move, but just what they needed to scale.  In this episode, Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith talk with Laura and Michael from Cleveland Veterinary Rehabilitation about going all-in when the market isn't quite ready, building for what's next and trusting your gut when no one else sees your vision yet. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Victor Van Berkel lost his father to lung cancer — the deadliest cancer in the U.S., in part because it’s so difficult to detect early. That loss inspired Breath Diagnostics, a start-up using breath samples and microchip technology to identify cancer. But groundbreaking science doesn’t always translate into a sustainable business. After years of stalled leadership and mounting debt, investor Ivan Lo stepped in — buying the debt, restructuring the company and becoming CEO. When a Mayo Clinic partnership revealed they needed to fix some technical issues first, they hit pause to get it right — even if it meant going it alone for a while.   In this episode, Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith speak with Victor and Ivan about making hard bets, the real costs and rewards of scientific startups and why leading with conviction sometimes matters more than consensus. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terry Iverson grew up in the family machine tool business, eventually becoming the third-generation CEO of Iverson & Company. But as American manufacturing declined, Terry knew the legacy he inherited wasn’t enough — he needed to create something new.     In this episode, Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith sit down with Terry to talk about what it means to walk away from a century-old business, and why he created CHAMPION Now! to rebuild interest in American manufacturing, using songwriting, youth outreach and hands-on education as tools for change. This one’s about legacy, reinvention and the long game of saving an industry. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ron and Kelly Moore started in the family business young — Ron in the warehouse, Kelly on the phones. They built careers expecting to take over one day. But when their father passed away, those plans unraveled. Their stepmother, now in control, shut them out. They went their separate ways until Ron called Kelly with an idea: start again, from scratch.  That call became Moore United Construction which allowed the siblings to rebuild what was taken and even fight new betrayals, including a project manager who quietly siphoned off clients. But they’re not interested in grudges. For Ron and Kelly, it’s about the work, the team and giving back — especially to veterans, a community they’re proud to serve. In this episode, Ben and Kathleen talk with Ron and Kelly about the reality of rebuilding a business, the complexity of family dynamics and the power of a shared mission. These are The UnshakeablesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the basketball court to the corporate boardrooms of the largest global sports brands in the world, to a locker-room–inspired idea that took off, first-time entrepreneur Jasmine Maietta’s Round21 was off to a stellar start. She’d made a quarter of a million dollars in seven days and was the first-ever Web3 company to pitch on Shark Tank—right at that moment, the NFT market bottomed out. Join Ben and Kathleen Griffith as they chat with Jasmine about her innovative approach to branding, sports sponsorship, and apparel; the future of fandom and the arts; scaling while maintaining identity; and the necessary evil of killing off parts of the business you love. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special episode, Ben sits with Tino McFarland, CEO of McFarland Construction, and Michelle Rockwell, Founding Member & Licensed Customs Broker of Sheltered International, for a roundtable discussion in Florida. They discuss the state of small business in America and, through the lens of commercial real estate and freight forwarding, share the realities of working through labor shortages and tariffs, as well as how inflation and policy changes affect crucial staffing, budgeting, and operational considerations. Listen in as they discuss how small business owners can become more unshakeable in the face of uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Nick Richitt, global co-head of Healthcare Services at J.P. Morgan, sits down with Michael Gao, co-founder of Smarter DX and president of Smarter Technologies, to explore how AI is revolutionizing healthcare. Together, they dive into the journey from digitization to true innovation, discussing how AI is transforming clinical reasoning, improving patient records and driving operational efficiency for hospitals and health systems. They also address the challenges of scaling AI responsibly, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and control. What is the future of intelligent healthcare, and how will it amplify the human experience?  This episode was recorded on October 30, 2025. This material was prepared by certain personnel of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide and not the firm’s research department. It is for informational purposes only, is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase, sale or tender of any financial instrument and does not constitute a commitment, undertaking, offer or solicitation by any JPMorgan Chase entity to extend or arrange credit or provide any other products or services to any person or entity. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Company. All rights reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emergency room doctors Kevin Biese and Daniel Arteaga saw a familiar pattern: when older adults were taken into emergency departments, more often than not, they were left waiting. On stretchers, in hallways, or in overcrowded waiting rooms. For many, the longer they waited, the more agitated they got, often leaving in worse condition than when they arrived. So the doctors decided to take on this issue and change the way we treat geriatric patients across the country in the process.   In this episode, Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith talk with Kevin and Daniel about rethinking emergency care, pitching investors (after forgetting to ask for money), and building trust within one of the most complex systems in the U.S. They share lessons on going deep versus wide, integrating AI into a human-first model, and the power of co-founder dynamics when the mission is personal. These are The Unshakeables.  For more on how technology is transforming healthcare, check out the newest episode of JPMorgan's Making Sense: “It’s not just innovation, it’s impact”: How AI is revolutionizing healthcareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imani Ellis has always believed community is a superpower. What began as a small gathering in her Harlem apartment grew into The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon — one of the largest conferences celebrating creators of color. But behind the highlight reels and celebrity speakers, Imani’s journey has been defined by burnout, bold leaps and learning when to pause.  In this episode, Ben and Kathleen sit down with Imani and explore what it takes to transform a passion project into a cultural movement. From balancing a demanding career at NBCUniversal with late-night CultureCon planning, to walking away from work at the height of burnout for a self-designed “creative residency” in Paris, Imani shares the realities of leadership, rest and why joy and community must stay at the center of her work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Samantha Snabes never set out to build a typical company. As co-founder of re:3D and a member of the Air Force National Guard, she launched an open-source 3D printing company that prioritizes access over exclusivity. But when back-to-back hurricanes hit both her team in Houston and her customers in Puerto Rico, it nearly brought the business to a halt. Then came COVID, and a vendor vanished without a trace.   In this episode, Ben Walter is joined by returning guest Ryan Pavel, CEO of the Warrior-Scholar Project, to talk with Samantha about building something bigger than profit, the messy realities of mission-driven entrepreneurship and the moment she hired an Uber driver to help her track down a missing supplier. Together, they unpack what it means to lead an open-source company through crisis, and why leadership sometimes requires breaking the rules. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Hurricane Katrina hit, Gary LeBlanc did what he knew best—he showed up to cook. But what he found on the ground was far from comforting. The food being served to survivors wasn't physically or spiritually nourishing. That moment sparked the idea for Mercy Chefs, a faith-based disaster relief organization committed to serving high-quality, home-cooked meals to people in crisis.   In this episode, Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith sit down with Gary to hear how he built Mercy Chefs from the ground up, often with no money in the bank and no backup plan. They'll also discuss the true price of answering a calling, and what it takes to serve others when the storms just keep coming. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can we do to cultivate more resilience at work? Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business and host of The Unshakeables podcast, thinks about this question a lot. In today’s mini episode, Ben joins Maya to talk about the unique challenges faced by America’s small business owners—and the insights he shares can help anyone who wants to improve their well-being at work. This episode was made in partnership with Chase for Business. Listen to Ben’s podcast, The Unshakeables, here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a sudden health crisis rocked his family, Patrick Hall made an unexpected move: he bought a flower shop. Elan Flowers wasn’t just a creative venture—it was a lifeline. For Patrick, becoming a small business owner was the only way he could guarantee healthcare, financial stability, and a sense of control in a moment that felt anything but secure.    In this episode, Ben Walter is joined by Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and host of “The Happiness Lab,” to talk about how stability, risk, and security shape our sense of wellbeing. They’re also joined by Dan Mendelson, CEO of Morgan Health, and Stacy Edgar, CEO and Co-Founder of Venteur, to explore the real-world challenges of accessing health insurance as a small business owner—and what it takes to navigate a system that often leaves entrepreneurs behind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aadeel Akhtar always knew he wanted to help people, but instead of following the traditional path through medicine, he took a detour that led to something a little more electric: building a bionic hand. He started his company Psyonic to merge engineering with compassion and transform the prosthetics industry, but it didn’t come easily. Dead batteries, buggy code, and even a missing patient nearly cost him his shot.    Join Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith as they sit down with Aadeel to talk about walking away from med school, betting on a vision, and building a business that could change life for millions. These are The Unshakeables.    To see the Ability Hand in action, check it out here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Benjamin Haugh was 19, he opened his business, All Nation Restoration—not because he wanted to, but because it was the only option he had. Born into challenging circumstances and overcoming adversity at a young age, Benjamin and All Nation Restoration have become a pillar of the Austin, TX community, helping people rebuild and pick up the pieces when disaster strikes. A terrible flood personally affected Benjamin, proving that even those in the restoration business aren’t immune to tragedy. However, when you spend your life helping others, they are there to support you when it’s needed most. Join Ben Walter and special guest Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and host of the podcast The Happiness Lab, as they chat with Benjamin about his unlikely journey from Texas teen to CEO, how he put everything he had into the business, and the incredible resilience that fueled his remarkable path to success. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transitioning your business isn’t something that happens overnight — it takes thoughtful planning to make sure everything goes smoothly. In this special episode of The Unshakeables, Ben sits with Adam Frank, Head of Wealth Planning and Advice, at JPMorgan Chase as they break down the steps every business owner should take to prepare for the future, whether passing a business on to a family member, a partner, or selling to a third party. Ben and Adam discuss the importance of setting up a solid succession plan while also managing the financial, legal, and emotional side of transition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Growing up in New York City's Chinatown, Cory Ng and his friends were entrepreneurial from an early age, selling items like T-shirts, ice cream, and bikes. For their next chapter, Cory’s group decided to open a restaurant called the Potluck Club. The paperwork, construction and approvals were overwhelming, even before a contractor ran off with $50,000 of Cory's money. Fortunately, his entrepreneurial drive, along with a little bit of luck, became his recipe for success.    Join Ben and Jessica Young, Head of Product for Chase Payment Solutions, as they chat with Cory about running a company with his best friends, his own legacy of family-run small businesses, and his hopes for the future of Chinatown. Jessica even has her own special connection to Chinatown. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Justin Richmond and Ben Walter, CEO of Chase For Business, for a special conversation about finding success in the music industry through non-traditional means. Ben shares his insights on balancing risk while scaling a business, as they talk about how the indie label XL Recordings built a sustainable business model by making unorthodox business decisions. He also shares how artists often have an edge in creating original business ideas like when music titans Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine built Beats by Dre and later sold it to Apple Music for $3 billion.  This episode was made in partnership with Chase for Business. Listen and subscribe to Ben Walter's podcast The Unshakeables here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You may know Sloane Stephens from her prowess on the tennis court. You should also know her for her business savvy. She launched the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013 to get rackets into the hands of the Compton Unified School District. Ten years later she was set to launch Doc & Glo, her self-funded skincare company, when a web designer noticed all of the product packaging she’d approved had been ripped off from another company. But Sloane never backs down from a challenge.    Join Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith as they chat with Sloane about a champion’s mindset toward business. Discover how to align a new company with an existing brand image and hear how Sloane moves through bad news with ease. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Don Hejny toured with big country artists, he had a sweaty problem: his glasses would not stay put on his nose. Annoyed at constantly having to adjust them, he took matters into his own hands. He found inspiration from a childhood tool - surf wax - and after three years of tinkering, NerdWax was born. He took his idea to Kickstarter, then to Shark Tank, then finally to Instagram, when he nearly lost all of his sales to an iOS Update.   Join Ben and Kathleen Griffith as they chat with Don about finding inspiration everywhere, how he was his own best product tester, and how he leveraged his appearance on Shark Tank even though he didn’t take the deal. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a previous episode of The Unshakeables, Ben spoke with Kilee Nickels of Nickel & Suede about a near $20,000 scam. In this bonus episode, Ben continues his conversation with Darius Kingsley, head of banking practices at JP Morgan Chase, to discuss the growing threats of fraud targeting businesses. Darius shares insights on evolving scam tactics and offers practical advice on how businesses can stay vigilant and protected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kilee Nickels never set out to be a CEO, but when her first pair of custom-made earrings became a huge hit, she knew she had to turn her passion into a business. From that moment, Nickel & Suede was born. But the journey hasn’t been without challenges — early on, Kilee faced everything from growing pains to a near $20K scam that could’ve ended everything. On today’s episode, Ben is joined in the co-host seat by Eunique Jones Gibson, founder of Because Of Them We Can and Culture Brands. Together, they sit down with Kilee to dive into the realities of scaling Nickel and Suede, exploring the power of vision, authentic leadership and staying true to your brand’s core values while growing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tim Harford is joined by Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business and the host of "The Unshakeables" podcast, to explore the story of the trailblazing Widow Clicquot. Her namesake brand Veuve Clicquot revolutionized the champagne industry in the 19th century. Tim and Ben look at how she defied expectations and built one of the most iconic businesses in history.  This episode is sponsored by Chase for Business. For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A few years ago, Zahra Hargens-Illiff discovered batteries light her up. She built her own battery prototype in her garage and hit the VC circuit. But after a series of disappointing rejections, she took matters into her own hands and bootstrapped her first few products. A decision that took a lot of courage but one that is paying off. Join Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith as they chat with Zahra about a clean energy future. Discover what it takes to actually build a battery prototype and hear about the grant that almost launched her company (but ended up costing her $17,000). Zahra also has one of the best entrepreneurial coping mechanisms Ben has ever heard. These are The Unshakeables. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George Esquivel started making shoes for himself and some friends, up-and-coming musicians in Southern California. Soon, Hollywood came calling. And it wasn’t just celebrities who took notice. A film financier did, too. He said he wanted to invest in the company, but George soon realized his intentions weren’t what they seemed.   Join Ben and special guest host Kathleen Griffith as they speak to George about the rise of Esquivel Designs. Hear what a meeting with Anna Wintour is really like, and what happens when you’re betrayed by someone inside your company. These are The Unshakeables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Unshakeables is back for Season 2 — and it’s kicking off with an episode you absolutely won’t want to miss. Listen in as Ben Walter sits with a very special guest: chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase, Jamie Dimon. One of the world’s most respected financial thought leaders, Jamie will connect the dots between the current challenges facing small business owners and the broader financial landscape. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an episode of The Unshakeables if Jamie didn’t share some of the pivotal moments that he overcame to forge ahead in his own career.    This season Ben will also be joined by some new co-hosts, all of whom are making waves in business and culture in their own right. In this first episode, you'll hear from Kathleen Griffith, founder of Grayce & Co. and author of Build Like a Woman.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to The Unshakeables, Season 2, featuring new interviews with small business owners who share their make-or-break moments and the resilience it took to persevere. Join CEO of Chase for Business and host Ben Walter, along with a special lineup of co-hosts, as they pull back the curtain with entrepreneurs who tell their unfiltered and inspiring stories. The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The idea for Fresh Bloom Bins struck Tia Johnson like lightning on a hot summer day. After struggling with a dirty trash can and a teenager reluctant to clean it, Tia was inspired to start her own trash can cleaning business. She hit the ground running, quickly landing a government pilot program.   In this episode, as we continue to celebrate business across the country, Ben heads to Ohio to talk with Tia Johnson of Fresh Bloom Bins and Desmond Bryant from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. They discuss how to navigate government contracts, clean up sticky situations, and keep your business growing through it all. The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Quanetta “Q” McNeal loves two things: people and logistics. When she had the chance to combine these interests and launch her own company with her employer's support, she jumped in feet first. But starting her logistics business came with surprises no one could anticipate, like packages mysteriously disappearing, traffic jams stretching for miles and delivery trucks veering off course and crashing into trees.  Join Ben as he chats with Quanetta, founder of Haus of Logistics, about her journey from small business coach to entrepreneur. With 35 trucks on the road, she knows firsthand that each vehicle presents a unique opportunity for things to go awry. Ben is also joined by Dr. Gia Wiggins, founder of Auditocity, to explore human resource issues that small business owners must face to ensure their success. These are The Unshakeables. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Craig Rupp left Iowa in the 80s, he never wanted to step foot on a farm again. A whirlwind career as an engineer took him to some of the biggest companies - Motorola, Apple, Samsung - but he always felt a strong connection to his roots. He had an idea he couldn’t shake - an opportunity to change farming forever. Introducing Sabanto and its best-in-class Autonomous Operator, Steward. On the day of their first big test, the tractor froze, stuck in a field in a blizzard - no planting, no company, no future. If Craig wanted this to work, he had to find a solution - and fast.  Ben is back with a series of episodes celebrating businesses from across America, starting with the great state of Iowa and Sabanto Agriculture. Joining Ben is Sachin Seghal Founder of Elevate Digital Marketing in Des Moines and Brian Lamb, Northeast segment head for Middle Market at JPMorgan Chase. Together they discuss the developments in Artificial Intelligence and its importance for small businesses while sharing insights on how small businesses can effectively transition to mid-sized enterprises and beyond.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transitioning to civilian life after years of military service can be daunting. Some veterans pursue higher education, while others explore business and entrepreneurship, each journey uniquely personal. What remains constant is the importance of ensuring service members are well-prepared for this transition.    In this special episode of The Unshakeables, Ben sits down with Ryan Pavel, a veteran and CEO of the national nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project, to discuss his transition from the military. Ryan shares how the discipline and determination he developed during his service helped him achieve his dream job: guiding and preparing other veterans for a fulfilling life after service.    Additionally, Ben is joined by Mark Elliott, Managing Director and Global Head of Military and Veterans Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, who offers his insights on why veterans often become exceptional leaders and passionate entrepreneurs   The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Unshakeables returns with a special episode. Join Ben as he sits with Jay Bailey, CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls, live from The Experience: Atlanta, an event presented by Chase for Business. They discuss the mindset that makes small business owners truly unshakeable. Both small business owners, Jay and Dr. Joy witness the grit and resilience of Atlanta's business community. So listen in as they delve into what it means to become Unshakeable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Desi Perkins launched her YouTube and Instagram profiles to focus on makeup-and people LOVED it. And when she launched a line of sunglasses with a major sunglass brand, people ate that up, too. But when it came time to renegotiate the contract with that brand… that didn’t go as planned. She and her husband Steven set out to do it on their own, knowing if the brand failed it was on them.    Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Desi and Steven about their daring real-life expansion of the online brand. Discover how they converted digital followers into real sales, demanding the best from their suppliers and refusing to settle for lackluster deal terms from a major company. These are The Unshakeables.     The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Starkman’s sophomore year was not a typical college experience. He spent most days chugging energy drinks and sweating over fabric dyes in his dorm room. It had all started a few months before, when Rob took on a new role as student manager of the men’s basketball team and it all almost ended when one of the largest companies in the world sent him a cease and desist letter.    Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Rob about the stroke of inspiration that started Rock ‘Em Socks in a dorm room, and the large legal team that went after the business. Discover how he fought back, overcoming obstacles from outside and inside—his company, and the hard-won lessons that put Rock’Em on the map.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 2008 Global Financial Crisis was hard for almost everyone. Fuquan Bilal remembers it like it was yesterday. As founder of NNG Capital Fund and a real estate investor, he came home to the news of the crash and the sharp realization that he lost $2 million overnight. That could have been the end and advisors told him to file for bankruptcy.   Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Fuquan about how he fought to keep his companies afloat. Discover how he brought his business back from the dead using his own gut instincts and investments to diversify his income.   Release date April 2, 2024   The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Denise Woodard found out her daughter Vivi had severe food allergies, she went into super mom mode. She looked for food that was nutritious and fun but what she found at the store was disappointing at best. So she took to the kitchen and started making her own snacks for Vivi, laying the foundation for Partake Foods, a Black-owned, female-led company offering allergy-friendly foods. As her snacks started to gain traction, Denise realized she needed more capital—and fast—if she wanted Partake to succeed.    Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Denise about Partakes-humble beginnings and near failure to launch. Discover her commitment to funding Partake, pawning her engagement ring and emptying her savings in the process, and a chance meeting in a trade show bathroom that unlocked new doors for the company. These are The Unshakeables.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It can be tough to start a business. And if you’re a young family on the brink of the birth of your first child, it can be even tougher. Yet George and Margarita Rivera did it anyway. When George came home and told Margarita he quit his job to start his own electric company, she had apprehensions. Could they keep their family afloat while starting this new company?    Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with the founders of Doc Watts Electric about those first rocky months. Discover how they built a company as they built their family, learned the tools of the trade while learning how to run a successful business— and avoided their competitor’s mistakes by looking to the future. These are The Unshakeables.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Melissa Gallardo’s childhood smelled like dark-roast coffee and lavender Fabulosa. As an adult, she found it difficult to find fragrances that made her feel at home, so she took it into her own hands and taught herself to make candles. It was a fun hobby side hustle until a 5,400 candle order almost sent her over the edge.    Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Melissa, founder of Bonita Fierce Candles, about taking her passion project from her side hustle to her full-time job. Discover how she started the company in her spare room while working 9-5 and finishing a graduate degree, built a relatable brand by focusing on her personal experience and how she landed her first big order. These are the Unshakeables.   The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMedia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alex Vega always loved cars. It started with a $500 car in high school and led to a custom detailing and modification business. Until one day, a business partner revealed his true colors and unceremoniously dumped Alex back to square one. But that wasn’t the first time that happened to Alex—and it wouldn’t be the last.   Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Alex, owner of The Auto Firm, about how even the biggest red lights in the world can't stop you when you know your brand, the importance of paperwork (especially when working with friends), and how finally finding a trusted advisor-led to his greatest growth yet. These are The Unshakeables.    The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In March 2020, while the entire world was shutting down, Doug and Jason Barrow, brothers and owners of Luna Gourmet Coffee & Tea, had other problems. One morning at the office, one of their employees said the building smelled like campfire. Now roasting coffee does get a little toasty—but never like this.   Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with the Barrow brothers about their business's phoenix-like comeback. Discover how they rebounded, securing fresh funding, finding unexpected allies, and building a dedicated support team that propelled them to greater heights. These are The Unshakeables.   The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
These are The Unshakeables, daring small business owners facing crisis points and sharing the stories of how they got through it. Hosted by Ben Walter and Tanya Nebo, The Unshakeables is brought to you by Chase for Business and Ruby Studio by iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.