Welcome to Small Business Strong!
On this channel, I sit down with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industries to uncover the real stories behind their businesses. We go beyond the products and services to talk about how they got started, the challenges they overcame, the problems they solve for their customers, and where they’re headed next.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories, you’ll find honest conversations packed with practical business lessons
Episode 32: From Hardship to Building an American-Made Hunting Gear Company | BullPath Gear | Drew Eyink
Bullpath Gear started with a competitors cheap-looking saddle, a $300 sewing machine, and a decision to build American-made hunting gear from scratch. Drew Eyink shares how a stolen tree stand, a “Made in China” tag on hunting gear, and a lack of mentors became part of the journey that led him to build a business around quality and American manufacturing. John Lane talks with Drew about the realities of starting a product business—from learning to sew and finding his first customers to adapting when business challenges arose. Drew also shares how organic social media helped introduce Bullpath Gear to hunters and why he stands behind his products with a lifetime warranty.They discuss:
How Drew went from landscaping to making hunting gear
Why saddle hunting sparked the idea for Bullpath Gear
How he got started with about $600 to $700
How posting his journey helped him find his first customers
The importance of networking, customer service, and learning as you go
The sacrifices and financial uncertainty involved in building a business
Drew also reflects on experiencing homelessness as a child with his father, and how those experiences shaped his perspective and drive. It’s an honest conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a company one step at a time.
Explore Drew’s company: bullpathgear.com (https://bullpathgear.com/)
14 Oct 2026
Episode 31: How to Start and Grow a Handyman Business with No Money | Ben Alexander
What are the two things every handyman needs to get right from the start?
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Ben Alexander to talk about his journey building Hanks Handyman, what led him to TradeworX, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Most of my interviews highlight entrepreneurs in the outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries. This episode is a little more personal. As I work to grow my own handyman business, Handiwork Home Solutions, it was an honor to interview Ben because of the work he’s done in this industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or working to grow an established handyman business, join us for a conversation about his story and two essentials to get right from day one.
7 Oct 2026
How to Become the Photographer Outdoor Brands Want to Hire | Matt Carey
How do you turn a love for hunting and photography into a business—and land your first paying client?
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with outdoor photographer Matt Carey to talk about his journey from pursuing music to creating content for brands in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industry.
Matt also shares how strategy shapes his work with clients, starting with a simple question: WHY do they want content created, and what do they want it to accomplish?
If you love the outdoors and want to explore photography as a business, this conversation covers practical first steps—even if you’re starting with a full-time job, a basic camera, and no industry contacts.
Subscribe to Small Business Strong for more conversations with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industry.
Small Business Strong — Where entrepreneurs meet the outdoor industry.
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