For more than 30 years, Thomas J. Ashenden has dedicated his career to representing injured people who have been the victims of negligence. Founded 24 years ago, Ashenden & Associates handles catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from negligence involving automobiles, premises liability, medical negligence, hotel and apartment security negligence, and Workers’ Compensation claims.

Mr. Ashenden was named to the Georgia Super Lawyers list for 10 consecutive years. He was also honored to become certified as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum based in Santa Cruz, CA, in 2000. Other honors include:

•	Named to Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in 
        America
•	The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, certified member
•	“Leading Plaintiff’s Lawyers in America, The Law Dragon 3000″, 
        Member Peoples Law School, Past Chairman
•	AV Rating
•	Named to Georgia Super Lawyers List, 2014 – 2023

Show Notes: 

In this episode, Super Lawyer, Vistage member, and SBM coaching client Tom Ashenden shares the secret to success as a business owner and founding partner in a personal injury law firm. Tom credits his 23 years in business to humility and a commitment to ethics and treating people right. As a result, referrals continue to be his firm’s largest new client generator. 

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:2:55]
• Entry into Personal Injury Law [0:04:05]
• A Typical Engagement [0:04:33]
• Secrets of Long Term Success [0:06:13]
• Role as Leader [0:07:19]
• Professional Training and Growth [0:10:17]
• Ethics as a Differentiator [0:12:10]
• Preparedness is Everything [0:13:23]
• Changes in the Past 30 Years [0:13:59]
• There are No Shortcuts [0:15:17]
• Advice for Young Attorneys [0:16:11]
• Working on Cases as the Owner [0:17:34]
• Standout Cases [0:18:28]
• Rapid Fire [0:22:51]
• Contact Information [0:24:18]
• Takeaways [0:24:58]
• SBM Announcements [0:26:07]

Growing Your Business by Treating People Right with Tom Ashenden

In this episode, branding expert Andy Suggs stops by to shed light on one of the small business owner’s most confusing areas of responsibility: marketing. Andy shares his expertise on defining and building your brand, understanding the 12 different brand archetypes, and common mistakes small businesses make. Tune in to learn how consumers digest information today, how Aaron Rents underwent a successful engagement that transformed their brand, and how a simple day of fishing turned into an epic tale. 

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:1:58]
• How It Began [0:02:46]
• Defining Your Brand [0:04:19]
• Examples of Great Branding [0:07:24]
• What a Brand Engagement Looks Like [0:09:47]
• Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make [0:15:58]
• About Reckon Branding [0:17:59]
• Leading Client Onboarding [0:19:28]
• What’s Different Today [0:20:34]
• Aaron Rents: Portrait of a Successful Brand Engagement [0:23:00]
• One Piece of Marketing Advice [0:27:44]
• Rapid Fire [0:30:13]
• Takeaways [0:35:00]
• Contact Information [0:35:55]
• SBM Announcements [0:37:33

The Power of Your Brand with Andy Suggs

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, entrepreneur, podcast host, and TV personality Richard Grove discusses his approach to managing growth, the pros and cons of running a family business, and strategies for making work engaging and enjoyable. The COO of Wall Control explains how he led the company to achieve over $100 million in lifetime retail sales by expanding its presence in the home improvement, commercial hardware, and industrial automation sectors. Richard also shares his experiences as the host of the Organization Conversation Radio Show & Podcast on Business RadioX, and as a regular contributor on the TV show "Renovation Hunters" on the Outdoor Channel.

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:3:10]
• How It Began [0:03:45]
• Leadership Roles [0:06:49]
• Employee Interaction [0:07:48]
• Benefits of a Peer Group [0:09:15]
• Competitive Advantages [0:11:40]
• Learning from Mistakes [0:13:52]
• Advice to Aspiring Business Owners [0:14:59]
• Experiencing the El Camino [0:16:08]
• Analogy Between Small Business and the El Camino [0:18:59]
• Rapid Fire [0:20:40]
• Contact Information [0:24:45]
• Takeaways [0:25:12]
• SBM Announcements [0:27:43]

Persistence, Passion, and Pilgrimage: A Journey with Scott Pate

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, entrepreneur, podcast host, and TV personality Richard Grove discusses his approach to managing growth, the pros and cons of running a family business, and strategies for making work engaging and enjoyable. The COO of Wall Control explains how he led the company to achieve over $100 million in lifetime retail sales by expanding its presence in the home improvement, commercial hardware, and industrial automation sectors. Richard also shares his experiences as the host of the Organization Conversation Radio Show & Podcast on Business RadioX, and as a regular contributor on the TV show "Renovation Hunters" on the Outdoor Channel.

Episode Highlights: 

• What Matters to Small Business [0:2:42]
• Finding Motivation [0:05:27]
• Learning to Let Go [0:07:25]
• Common Challenges for Small Businesses Owners [0:11:50]
• Pros & Cons of Family Businesses [0:13:20]
• Tactics for Work/Life Balance [0:15:41]
• Best & Worst Mistakes [0:17:27]
• Marketing Strategy for Growth [0:21:45]

A Blueprint for Growth and Having Fun at Work With Richard Grove

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, Dean Rosson joins Tim and Taylor for an eye-opening discussion about health and fitness, and their impact on small business. Specializing in transforming individuals, companies, and organizations to improve their profitability, Dean explains why establishing a wellness culture is also important for your company's health. The co-founder and president of Fit2Win Corporate Wellness also dispels several fitness myths, shares how to die young at a very old age, and describes how taking care of your employees ensures your customers are taken care of too. 

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:3:29]
• Implementing a Wellness Culture [0:05:14]
• Dean’s Story [0:10:23]
• Valuable Lessons Learned from a Dumbbell" [0:17:14]
• Programs for Small Business [0:22:42]
• Rapid Fire [0:26:20]
• Takeaways [0:32:19]
• Contact Information [0:33:46]
• SBM News [0:33:55]

Implementing a Wellness Culture with Dean Rosson

Longtime SBM friend Ryan Tabb recently joined Tim on the Small Business Matters Podcast. Ryan was an early graduate of the SBDC GrowSmart program (then called Fast Track) and a founding member of the SBM Mastermind Group. The Founder and CEO of Peachtree Junk Removal was working for a trash pickup company when he realized the demand for bulk item removal in metro Atlanta could support a small business. He created a business plan and launched Peachtree Junk Removal in 2009 with two employees. Fifteen years later, Peachtree has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and professionalism.

In this episode, Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey spanning 25 years in junk removal and recycling. He offers insights on maintaining a standard of professionalism, the importance of building strong internal and external relationships, and using digital marketing to grow your customer base. Join us to learn how to leverage Google in your marketing efforts, why CEOs need to prepare for both success and setbacks, and how Ryan outcoached Kirby Smart. 

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:2:45]
• Journey to Junk Removal [0:04:53]
• The Role of CEO [0:06:36]
• Learning from Good and Bad Mistakes [0:08:18]
• Generating and Retaining Customers [0:11:32]
• Advice to New Business Owners [0:14:10]
• Rapid Fire [0:15:51
• Takeaways [0:19:35]
• Contact Information [0:20:24]
• SBM News [0:20:50]

Preparing for Success & Setbacks with Ryan Tabb

What happens when a crisis hits your business? Would you be ready—or reactive?

In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Fulton sits down with Megan Paquin, founder and CEO of Paquin Public Relations, to explore the high-stakes world of crisis communications. With experience advising Fortune 100 brands, global institutions, and even litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court, Megan knows exactly how reputations are built—and how they can unravel in an instant.

She shares candid insights on:
•	What crisis communications really is (and what it’s not)
•	Why reputational equity is your best defense
•	The underrated power of asking for help as a business owner
•	How adopting an abundance mindset can reframe uncertainty and drive growth	
A seasoned strategist, accredited PR counselor, and entrepreneur, Megan also reflects on launching her own agency—and what she would’ve done differently if she could go back—she would have started sooner.

Whether you're navigating a challenge now or want to prepare for what’s ahead, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategy, and encouragement for small business leaders ready to grow with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• What Matters to Small Business [0:2:40]
• Becoming an Entrepreneur [0:03:38]
• What is a Crisis? [0:06:50]
• An Interesting Case [0:09:02]
• Preventing a Crisis [0:10:26]
• Fueling Growth [0:11:31]
• Role of the CEO [0:12:53]
• Advice for New Entrepreneurs [0:13:30]
• Learning from Mistakes [0:14:20]
• Dealing with Uncertainty [0:15:55]
• Rapid Fire [0:17:20]
• Takeaways [0:20:11]
• Contact Information [0:21:17]
• SBM News [0:21:25]

Ready for Anything: Crisis Communications with Megan Paquin

In this episode of the Small Business Matters podcast, Tim Fulton and his co-host, Taylor Fulton, welcome Brendan Martin, a Billboard-charting artist, songwriter, coach, and founder of Purpose Driven Entertainment. Brendan has collaborated with top names like Kendrick Lamar, T-Pain, and Mac Miller, while also helping over 1,000 artists land label deals, achieve a billion Spotify streams, and generate hundreds of millions of social media views.

Brendan shares his journey from freestyle battles in high school to opening for Mac Miller and Snoop Dogg, signing a restrictive record deal that stalled his career for a decade, and ultimately finding his calling in developing and marketing artists. His story highlights the resilience needed to pivot, adapt, and turn setbacks into opportunities.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:
•	Customer care is everything: Small businesses can differentiate themselves from larger competitors through exceptional client service and relationships.
•	Leadership responsibilities: As CEO, Brendan focuses on reputation, vendor relationships, negotiations, and exploring automations and AI to scale services.
•	Innovation in marketing: He’s experimenting with AI-generated influencers, social media strategies, and playlisting to help artists grow audiences.
•	The performer-to-mentor shift: Brendan explains why he thrives helping others succeed in music, offering insights shaped by both his creative experience and industry challenges.
•	Lessons from mistakes: Losing relationships has often opened new doors, while overextending himself across too many projects has been a costly misstep.
Brendan’s story blends the creativity of music with the discipline of business, offering inspiration to entrepreneurs navigating growth, uncertainty, and the balance between passion and sustainability.

Episode Highlights:
•	What Really Matters to Small Businesses? [02:46]
•	Starting in the Music Industry [03:52] 
•	Responsibilities as the CEO [06:58] 
•	Current Technology and Marketing Trend [09:15]
•	Transitioning from Performer to Producer [11:30] 
•	Experiencing and Enjoying the Power of AI [13:29]
•	The Best and Worst Mistakes [16:06]
•	Rapid Fire [19:05] 
•	Takeaways [24:47]
•	Contact Information [24:47]
•	SBM News [25:21]

From Billboard to Business: Brendan Martin on Music, Marketing & Mindset

What does it take to build a thriving company in a competitive industry—and keep it growing for more than a decade? In this episode of Small Business Matters, host Tim Fulton and co-host Taylor Fulton sit down with Zac Nicklas, President & CEO of The Pool Boys in League City, Texas. Zac shares how he turned a small family-run pool service into a trusted, 15-employee operation that’s earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Zac’s story is packed with insights about scaling smart, leading well, and finding balance between growth and personal priorities.

Episode Highlights:
•	What Matters to Small Business? [03:36]
•	Leading Like a CEO [06:32]
•	Sustaining a Long-term Business Partnership [10:53]
•	A Big Mistake Changes Everything [15:09]
•	Building a Loyal, Low-turnover Team [15:36]
•	Industry Involvement As a Growth Accelerator [18:37]
•	Hiring a Second-in-command [23:09]
•	Rapid-fire [25:55]
•	Takeaways [29:06]
•	Contact Information [30:58]
•	SBM News [31:15]

About the Guest
Zac Nicholas is the President & CEO of The Pool Boys, a full-service pool maintenance and repair company based in League City, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a respected local brand known for its commitment to customer care and continuous improvement. Zac’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, teamwork, and investing in people—principles that have helped him build a sustainable business with strong community roots. Tune in to hear how one small business owner built not just a company, but a culture of professionalism, trust, and purpose.

Reinventing Success: Growing a Service Business with Zac Nicklas

Struggling to convert marketing activity into predictable revenue? In this episode of Small Business Matters, Tim and Taylor Fulton welcome Keith Finger, founder and Chief Revenue Fixer of Revenue Insights. Keith breaks down why “more leads” is often a band-aid, how to hunt down the real breakdowns in the revenue journey, and why documenting processes and improving handoffs can outpace any new website or shiny tech tool.
 
If you run an SMB or a B2B shop and want practical, systems-first thinking, you can apply this week — from fixing churn to building a sales culture that empowers people — press play. Keith explains how to stop shoveling more prospects into a leaky funnel, diagnose root causes (process vs people), and prioritize changes that produce sustainable revenue growth.

Takeaways
•	Fix the root causes — not just the symptoms.
Many revenue problems look like marketing or sales issues, but the real breakdowns often come from unclear processes, poor handoffs, or misaligned expectations across teams. More leads won’t fix a leaky system.

•	Documented processes create freedom, not bureaucracy.
Keith emphasizes that clear, repeatable processes help teams deliver consistently, reduce confusion, and allow leaders to step out of daily chaos. If it’s not written down, it’s not scalable.

•	Technology can’t replace strategy.
New tools won’t solve foundational problems. Tech only accelerates what’s already working—or exposes what isn’t. Start with the workflow, not the software.

•	Sales leadership matters more than sales hacks.
The most successful teams have leaders who coach, ask questions, encourage critical thinking, and foster accountability. A strong sales culture consistently beats short-term tactics.

•	Revenue is a full-company responsibility.
The customer experience spans marketing, sales, product, and service. When each stage works in isolation, revenue suffers. When they’re aligned, growth becomes far more predictable.


Highlights
[03:22] What Matters Most to Small Businesses
[03:52] Symptomatic Fixes vs. Holistic, Process-driven Solutions
[05:40] Keith’s Journey
[07:59] Recognizing Common Patterns Across Different Clients
[09:58] How Rapid Tech Innovation Affects Revenue 
[12:00] Problems Occur 
[13:40] Identifying Good Customers
[16:01] Process Verses People Issues
[20:11] Attributes of a Successful Sales Leader
[21:59] Differences in Marketing Post-COVID 
[24:42] Rapid-fire 
[29:05] Contact Information
[29:55] Takeaways
[31:42] SBM News

About the Guest
Keith Finger is the founder and Chief Revenue Fixer at Revenue Insights. A Tulane alumnus, Keith has spent 20+ years helping B2B companies diagnose and fix revenue problems across marketing, sales, product, and customer success. He’s worked in over 20 countries, supporting sales teams and onboarding customers. Keith enjoys photography, hiking, traveling (over 60 countries and counting), exploring new cuisines, and brings a curiosity-driven, empathy-forward approach to revenue strategy. 

Contact Information
Website: getrevenueinsights.com
Phone: 770-309-5651
Email: keith@keithfinger.com

Fixing Leaks: A Holistic Approach to Growing Revenue with Keith Finger

With a passion for plants and horticulture, Josh Rutter launched Tropics North, a nursery farm in South Florida, with little experience in business. A couple decades later, Tropics North generated tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue with clients stretching across Florida and the Caribbean.

Josh sits down with small business matters to talk about how he started Tropics North, some of the challenges he faced and what business owners can learn from his mistakes. We also discuss Hurricane Andrew and how the devastating storm changed Tropics North and Josh as a business owner.

Josh Rutter is now a business consultant working with small to mid-size businesses in the Miami area. Listeners can reach Josh by email at jbr@thirdmaritime.com.

Tropics North, a Hurricane and the Miami Dolphins with Josh Rutter

The Small Business Matters Podcast features interviews and conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, small business owners and executives, and management gurus. Topics include business management, marketing, finance, and much more.