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
28 episodes
Blue Bell's Former CEO Shares The Sweetness In Taking On Life One Scoop At A Time I Ricky Dickson I AO 28
How do you lead a legacy brand without losing yourself in the process? Ricky Dickson spent 43 years at Blue Bell, working his way from the first day on the job to the CEO seat — and never forgot where he came from.In this episode of Ame...
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1:08:20
Building a Successful Chiropractor Business After Getting Fired I Dr. Nick Fedele I AO 27
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 rev...
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1:05:11
Everyday Heroes Doing The Right Thing, Because They Don't Have To Ask I AO 26
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 na...
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12:42
First 30 Days Pt. 3: Observe & Innovate I AO 25
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 ...
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7:17
First 30 Days Pt. 2: How to Measure Business Health I AO 24
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 me...
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4:40
First 30 Days Pt. 1 – How to Build Trust in Acquisitions I AO 23
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 owne...
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6:04
Why Small Business Is Patriotic: 4th of July Special I AO 22
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...
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8:37
Football Quarterbacks Run Small Business Plays I Jeff Driskel & Jason Driskel I AO 21 Clip
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 ...
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1:03:21
West Point, Pro Baseball, Iraq - Road To Ownership I Schuyler Williamson I AO 20
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 a...
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1:07:57
Military Secrets for Decision Making - Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating FOREVER I AO 19
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 tea...
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11:13
The Coffee Shop That Found Success Through Philanthropy I Dane Kenney & Bryce Oldham I AO 18
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 candi...
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1:05:41
From Food Truck To Food Network: A Veteran On The Battlefield Of War, Life & Business I AO 17
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....
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1:10:40
Small Business in a Shaky Economy: Threat or Opportunity? I AO 16
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 I AO 15
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 I AO 14
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 I AO 13
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 I AO 12
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 I AO 11
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 I AO 10
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
Community Keeps This Independent Ski Shop Ahead Of The Competition I Riley Siddoway - Uphill Pursuits I AO 9
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
Building A Company Where Beauty And Utility Meet I Travis McAshan I AO 8
In 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 c...
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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 I AO 7
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
Building A Team That You Would Trust To Take Care Of Your Home I Evan Ransome - Golden Home Management I AO 6
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 I AO 5
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
Doctor And An Owner, What It Takes To Run Multiple Vision Clinics I Dr. Daniel Brinchman I AO 4
In this episode, JC talks with Dr. Daniel Brinchman, owner of Optometric Associates of Texas, about what it means to step into someone else’s legacy — and make it your own. After acquiring an established practice, Dr. Brinchman had to learn qui...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:04:57