Main Street Business Insights

The State of Main Street Businesses - Insights from the Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey

In this episode, host Matt Wagner is joined by Michael Powe, Senior Director of Research at Main Street America, to discuss the findings from Main Street America's recent Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey.
Matt and Mike explore the definition of Main Street businesses, and discuss current economic concerns cited by survey respondents, including rising costs and decreasing customer spending, and the overall confidence of small business owners.
Takeaways:
• The average confidence score dropped to 6.7 out of 10, the lowest since tracking began in 2022. Only 40% of respondents now rate their confidence as 8 or higher, compared to 59% in Fall 2022.
• Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported a decline in profits over the past three months. Only 15% saw any profit increase.
• 65% of respondents said their household depends on their business’s profitability. Alarmingly, 43% said their income from the business is insufficient to meet basic living expenses. • Major concerns include the rising cost of supplies and equipment (72%), declining customer spending (68%), and the impact of new tariffs (50%).
Episode Links: 
- Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey
- Watch the video episode
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 

Back to the Pivot - Navigating Your Small Business in a Challenging Economy

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation on the current economic challenges facing small businesses and the strategies and innovative pivots that can help better navigate these turbulent headwinds.
In this episode, we dive deep into: 
- Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Consumer confidence is at its lowest in 12 years.
- Strategies for Customer Retention: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.
- Maximizing Value and ROI: Regularly auditing pricing structures is essential for profitability.
- Adapting Marketing Strategies: Marketing strategies should adapt to changing consumer behaviors and exploring new markets can open up opportunities for growth.
- Innovative Business Pivots and Community Building: Small businesses should leverage their unique identity and strengths to stand out.
Connect: 
Check out Made on Main
Episode Links: 
- Watch video podcast
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

A Recipe for Resiliency with Roberto Melendez, Pórticos 1606

In this episode, host Matt Wagner visits San Germán, Puerto Rico, for a discussion with Roberto Melendez, owner of the local restaurant Pórticos 1606. Their conversation explores natural disaster preparedness and the resiliency required to guide a business through unforeseen global events.
Discussion topics include: 
The unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a business in Puerto Rico
Why building community connections is vital for adapting to unforeseen events 
Disaster preparedness and recovery
Episode Links: 
- Watch video episode 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 

Selling Your Small Business with Dottie Lange and Dottie McQuade, The Monogram Shoppe

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dottie Lange and Dottie McQuade of The Monogram Shoppe in Woodbury, New Jersey to discuss the process and considerations that come with selling a small business.  
Discussion topics include: 
The Decision to Sell: Timing and Considerations 
Navigating the Sale Process 
Finding the Right Fit: Interviewing Potential Buyers 
What is the Silver Tsunami? 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video episode 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 

12 Tips for Navigating Tariffs: A Guide for Main Street Businesses

In this episode, host Matt Wagner provides practical guidance for small business owners facing the challenges of new and potential international tariffs. With current 10% tariffs on Chinese products and ongoing negotiations affecting trade with Mexico, Canada, and potentially the European Union, Main Street businesses need strategies to maintain resilience and adapt their operations.  
Episode Links:
- Read Matt's companion blog
- Listen to Matt's 2025 Predictions episode
- Watch video episode
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Subscribe for updates 

Small Business Predictions for 2025

In this episode, Matt Wagner breaks down seven key predictions that will impact Main Street businesses and entrepreneurs in 2025. 
You'll discover: 
How retail sales are expected to slow and the challenges facing small businesses 
The potential "Ozempic Ripple Effect" and its implications for various industries 
The emerging "Phygital" world and how technology is transforming shopping experiences 
AI's growing impact on non-profit data collection and reporting 
Why businesses should focus on curation over endless choices 
How the "Silver Tsunami" will reshape markets and consumer behaviors 
The role of Main Streets in addressing the loneliness epidemic 
 
Episode Links: 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 

Crowdfunding for Small Businesses, Maine Downtown Conference Panel

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at the Maine Downtown Conference in November 2024 in Biddeford, Maine, host Matt Wagner explores the world of crowdfunding as a financing alternative for small businesses, featuring a crowdfunding expert and two Maine entrepreneurs who successfully used community crowdfunding. This episode’s featured guests are: 
Mary Chapman-Sissle: Owner of Sissle & Daughters, a cheese shop based in Portland, Maine 
John Stirratt: Owner of Otyokwa, a vacation rental facility in Bremen, Maine 
Ross Chanowski: Co-founder of NuMarket, a community crowdfunding platform 
This episode builds on an earlier episode featuring a conversation with NuMarket’s Ross Chanowski – listen to the episode here. 
In this conversation, we dive deep into: 
- The State of Crowdfunding: A comprehensive overview of crowdfunding, exploring its different types (donation-based, equity, and rewards-based), historical context, and current landscape. Ross explains how crowdfunding has evolved since the Jobs Act, highlighting its potential as a financing tool for small businesses, particularly those deeply connected to their local communities. 
- Business Stories: Mary explained how she used crowdfunding to expand her cheese shop, while John explored potential funding for his seasonal hospitality business. Both stories illuminate the challenges of traditional financing and the benefits of community-based funding. 
- Key Learnings from Crowdfunding Campaigns: The group discussed insights into running successful crowdfunding campaigns, including the importance of consistent communication, understanding nuanced messaging, and engaging directly with the community. Mary emphasized the need to be persistent, clear about the campaign's purpose, and actively involve potential contributors. The discussion reveals that successful campaigns are less about the number of followers and more about genuine community connections. 
- Audience Q&A: In an interactive session where audience members asked questions about the crowdfunding process, the group discussed topics such as business vetting, municipal support, campaign strategies, and the potential of crowdfunding as a financing tool. The discussion provides practical insights into how small businesses can leverage community support and alternative funding methods. 
Connect: 
Check out Sissle & Daughters’ website 
Check out NuMarket’s website 
Check out Otyokwa’s website 
Listen to our last interview with Ross 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
 

Finding Passion & Following Intuition with James Langteaux, Trû North Café

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with James Langteaux , owner of Trû North Café in Livingston, Montana. In this episode, Matt and James explore the unique journey of starting a business during the pandemic, the challenges of running a small-town cafe, and the importance of community connection. 
In this episode, we dive deep into: 
- Journey to Ownership: James unexpectedly moved to Livingston, Montana during the pandemic after a spiritual moment in Hollywood, taking over a small cafe with no prior restaurant experience. He approached the business by carefully listening to local community needs and preferences, transforming an existing cafe into a thriving local destination. 
- Community-Focused Business Strategy: James actively promotes other local businesses, even competitors, and creates unique experiences through creative storytelling and playful customer interactions. He focuses on building genuine connections with customers and locals, making Tru North Cafe more than just a restaurant, but a community gathering space. 
- Business Challenges: James struggles with housing shortages that significantly impact workforce recruitment, navigates the complex dynamics of seasonal tourism, and deals with the challenges of online reviews and evolving customer expectations. These obstacles require constant innovation and adaptation. 
- Entrepreneurial Insights: James emphasizes the critical importance of passion in business, believing that when entrepreneurs find their true purpose, they can create something truly special. He advocates for trying new approaches, even if they might not succeed, and remains committed to serving the local community through both prosperous and challenging times. 
Connect: 
Check out Tru North’s website 
Follow Tru North on Facebook 
Follow Tru North on Instagram 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Crafting a Creative Business Journey with Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, elSage Designs

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with husband-and-wife duo, Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, co-owners of elSage Designs in Mount Vernon, Washington. Phoebe and Jonathan share their journey from teachers and parents to working artists then thriving business owners. 
Key Takeaways: 
Journey to Business Ownership: Started with block printing as a creative side project, gradually scaling from home-based operations to farmers markets, mobile vending, and eventually a downtown storefront. 
Innovative Funding Strategy: Successfully used Kickstarter not just for funding equipment, but as a powerful community-building and brand awareness tool that created a sense of ownership among supporters 
Adaptive Business Model: Continuously pivoted and experimented with different revenue streams, including mobile vending, e-commerce, wholesale, and hyper-personalization options to stay responsive to market needs. 
Community-Centered Approach: Created collaborative opportunities by hosting pop-up events, supporting local artisans, and bringing other small businesses into their space to create a supportive ecosystem 
Brand Philosophy: Developed a distinctive brand identity around positive, meaningful designs that feature hand-carved block prints with an intentionally authentic, "gritty" aesthetic that resonates with customers. 
Connect: 
Visit elSage website 
Follow elSage on Facebook 
Follow elSage on Instagram 
Follow elSage on TikTok 
 
Episode Links: 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Revitalizing a Legacy Business with Dale Sexton, Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co.

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dale Sexton, owner of the legendary Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. in Livingston, Montana. Dale shares his journey of taking over the iconic outdoor retail business and navigating the evolving outdoor industry and customer landscape. 
Key Takeaways: 
Journey to Business Ownership: Dale discusses his process of transitioning ownership of Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. from his father, integrating new ideas while preserving the business's long-standing reputation and traditions. 
Adapting to Industry Change: He explores how the outdoor retail sector has transformed, from the rise of e-commerce to shifting consumer preferences, and how Dan Bailey's has adapted its in-store experience and product mix in response. 
Cultivating Community: As a Main Street business, Dale emphasizes Dan Bailey's critical role in the Livingston community. He shares strategies for engaging locals and tourists through events, partnerships, and more. 
Weathering Challenges: Dale reflects on navigating challenges like supply chain disruptions and the pandemic, offering advice on maintaining resilience as a small business owner. 
Vision for the Future: Dale outlines his plans to further strengthen Dan Bailey's position as a premier outdoor outfitter while preserving the business's authentic character and local roots. 
Connect: 
Visit Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. website 
Follow Dan Bailey's on Facebook 
Follow Dan Bailey's on Instagram 
 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business.