American Operator
Hosted by Joseph Cabrera, American Operator dives into the world of business ownership through conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who have built and sustained successful businesses. This podcast offers real talk on the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from the frontlines of entrepreneurship. Whether you're considering buying a business, running one, or looking for inspiration, you'll find valuable insights and advice here. We're unapologetically pro-American and pro small business, celebrating the people who keep our communities thriving. Join us to learn, grow and take control of your entrepreneurial journey.
Episodes
16 episodes
Small Business in a Shaky Economy: Threat or Opportunity?
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 intere...
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29:36
5 Signs You're Ready for Entrepreneurship
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 ep...
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12:39
How to Lose Sleep, Make Money, and Still Love Owning a Business
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 o...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:01:28
How I Bought a Failing Car Wash & Turned It Into a Profitable Business
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 tec...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:01:44
I spent the entire day with a plumber and learned the good, bad and risks of being in the trades.
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 & El...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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15:39
You Only Lose When You Quit—Business Wisdom from The Desert Door
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 w...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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42:01
From Lawyer to Small Business Operator | Patrick Courtney on American Operator Podcast
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 c...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:08:46
From Peaks to Profits: Lessons in Leadership and Risk with Riley Siddoway
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 le...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:11:51
Travis McAshan - Designing Success Through Beauty, Results, and Resilience
n this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Travis McAshan, founder and visionary leader of Glide Design, a trailblazing marketing and design firm based in Austin, Texas. Travis shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leaving the co...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:02:36
Judd Goodrich - Advice from an expert who's helped hundreds of searchers
In this special team room session of The American Operator, JC goes behind the curtain with Judd Goodrich, Head of Capital Markets, to explore the world of small business ownership, investment, and operations. Whether you're an aspirin...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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44:59
Evan Ransome - Building Businesses with Heart
In this episode of The American Operator, we sit down with Evan Ransome, a serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in consulting, startups, and leadership. From his unique childhood split between Ohio and Tokyo to his journey through th...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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58:00
Cameron Sorsby - Learn By Doing, Developing the Next Generation of Owner-Operators
In this special American Operator episode, JC goes behind the scenes with Cameron Scoresby, head of Operator Development at Mainshares. They discuss the journey Cameron’s taken from New Jersey to Texas, his early experiences with alter...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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29:11
Dr. Daniel Brinchman - Optometric Associates of Texas
In this episode, JC sits down with Dr. Daniel Brinchman, owner of Optometric Associates of Texas, for an in-depth discussion on the balance between leadership and management in business ownership. Dr. Brinchman shares the importance of valuing ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:04:57
Tom Hough - Owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Richardson TX
In this episode, JC sits down with Tom Hough, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Richardson, TX, to dive into what it really takes to start your own business. Tom shares his journey, revealing how tough life experiences can actually give you a comp...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:05:12
Patrick Pullan - Owner of Blue Ribbon Plumbing, A/C, Electrical
In this episode of American Operator, JC talks with Patrick Pullan, owner of Blue Ribbon Plumbing, A/C, and Electrical, about his unique journey from college student to dropping out and pursuing a career in plumbing. Patrick shares how he acqui...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:00:02
William Fry - Founder of Mainshares
In this debut episode of American Operator, JC sits down with William Fry, founder of Mainshares, to discuss the mission behind Mainshares and the Operator Network. They explore why keeping businesses in the hands of local owners benefits commu...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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59:51