MAC Moments

Tonya Ross had the idea for Southern Kitchen & Home more than 20 years before she opened the doors. The dream stayed with her through different careers, moves, raising children and major changes in her personal life. Then came the question: What’s next? In this episode of MAC Moments™, Tonya joins Melissa Chavez to talk about finally starting the business she had imagined for decades and everything she has learned since. They talk about learning the realities of business ownership, knowing your weaknesses, saying no to opportunities that do not fit your business, supporting other small businesses, finding the right community and showing up even when you are tired or unsure. Tonya also shares one of the biggest lessons from her journey: if there is something you genuinely want to build, start. You are never guaranteed the perfect time. Success does not have to happen on anyone else’s timeline. It begins when you finally decide what success means to you. MAC Growth Partners™: www.macgrowthpartners.com

What if the business you are building is not aligned with the life you actually want? In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Joe Martin, founder of Relentless Positivity, to discuss the connection between business ownership, health, and long-term success. From discipline and consistency to mindset and accountability, this conversation highlights how the same principles apply to both business and personal growth. If you are building something but feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or misaligned, this episode will challenge how you define success and what you are working toward.

In this week’s MAC Moments™, I sat down with Adam Chalmers, and what stood out most was not what he is building…it is how he is building it. Most people rush to launch. Most people feel pressure to prove something quickly. What we talked about instead is restraint. Taking the time to build something before announcing it. Making decisions without needing constant validation. Understanding that leadership is not about being liked…it is about being respected. If you try to do everything, you will dilute your impact. Focus is not about doing less. It is about doing what actually matters.

From the Yellow Pages to AI, marketing has changed dramatically over the last three decades. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa Chavez sits down with Bruce Olinger, co-owner of Big Three Marketing, to discuss the evolution of marketing, websites, search, branding, and customer service. Bruce shares lessons from more than 35 years in the marketing industry and explains why quality, responsiveness, and relationships remain the foundation of successful businesses. Whether you're building a website, growing a company, or adapting to new technology, this conversation offers practical insights for business owners navigating a rapidly changing marketplace. MAC Growth Partners™: www.macgrowthpartners.com Listen to MAC Moments™ on Spotify

There is no shortage of content today. The problem is that most of it looks exactly the same. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with brand strategist Crystal Dufour to discuss what is happening in marketing, design, and content creation in a world heavily influenced by AI. From overused templates to copy-and-paste messaging, they unpack why many brands are losing credibility and what it actually takes to stand out. If your brand feels diluted or forgettable, this conversation will challenge how you think about marketing. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

Building a business can feel isolating, even when you are surrounded by people. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Christy Dunn to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, from the loneliness that comes with growth to the importance of having the right support system in place. They discuss the value of coaching, collaboration, and community, as well as the level of commitment required to move forward when things get difficult. If you are trying to build something on your own, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to do it alone… but you do have to be all in. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

After months of conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders, Melissa Chavez noticed a pattern. While their businesses looked completely different, the lessons they shared were remarkably similar. In this solo episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa reflects on the recurring themes that surfaced throughout the season: Why relationships create opportunities How action builds confidence Why sustainable growth is rarely fast The importance of building value before scaling How connections compound over time If you've been waiting until you feel fully prepared to take the next step, this episode is a reminder that confidence often follows action, not the other way around. MAC Growth Partners™: www.macgrowthpartners.com

Some of the most valuable assets in business are not systems or strategies… they are relationships. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Glenn Bushell, joining from the UK, to discuss how relationships, passion, and experience shape long-term success. From traveling the world to working across cultures, Glenn shares how building strong connections has impacted his career and business. They also discuss the importance of accurate data, integrity, and the role of human connection in a world increasingly driven by technology. If you are building a business for the long term, this conversation is a reminder that relationships will always be at the center of it. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

Building a business is challenging. Building one as a couple adds an entirely different layer. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Ron and Sheena Hicks, franchise owners of Pool Scouts of Huntsville, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, partnership, and maintaining a strong relationship while growing a business. From defining roles to navigating stress, communication, and time management, this conversation highlights what it takes to build both a business and a life that work together. If you are building something with a partner or balancing business with family, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it takes to make it work.

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you feel like you do not have everything figured out. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Allie Pennington, founder of Pennington Design Studio, to discuss what it looks like to build a business from the ground up. From preparing behind the scenes to showing up consistently in the community, this conversation highlights the balance between planning and taking action. If you are starting something new or trying to build momentum, this episode will give you a clear perspective on what actually matters in the early stages of business. More at macgrowthpartners.com

Not everything in business is about growing fast… Sometimes it is about building it right. I had a great conversation with Trent Heard about what it really takes to build a business with intention… Focusing on value instead of just price Building a brand that stands out And taking growth one step at a time One of the biggest takeaways… If you rush the process or try to compete on price alone, it will cost you in the long run. Strong businesses are built with intention, not shortcuts. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

One of the hardest realities of business ownership is learning that you cannot control what people think, say, or believe about you. In this solo episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa Chavez discusses reputation, criticism, leadership, and the emotional challenge of managing opinions as your business grows. She explores how to evaluate criticism, when to learn from it, when to let it go, and why spending your energy defending yourself often comes at the expense of serving your clients and building your future. If you have ever struggled with criticism, gossip, or misunderstandings in business, this episode offers a grounded perspective on staying focused on what matters most. MAC Growth Partners™: www.macgrowthpartners.com

Most business owners are building. Very few are protecting what they have built. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Amanda Foster, CFP and founder of Practical Financial Solutions, to talk about the financial blind spots that quietly cost business owners more than they realize. Amanda has been a financial planner for nearly 30 years. Her approach is not about spreadsheets. It is about big-picture thinking, risk management, and helping business owners understand what they do not know they are missing. Three actionable takeaways from this conversation: 1. Pay yourself consistently and with intention. 2. Build at least one asset outside of your business. 3. Find an advisor who understands entrepreneurs. Clarity is the greatest return a financial advisor can give you. This episode will show you why. Continue the conversation at www.macgrowthpartners.com

It is easy to confuse activity with progress. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Julie Kuetemeyer, a real estate professional and team leader, to discuss the difference between being busy and actually building a business. From managing a growing team to implementing systems and setting boundaries, this conversation highlights what it takes to move beyond daily tasks and focus on what truly drives results. If you feel like you are constantly working but not seeing the progress you want, this episode will challenge how you approach your time, your priorities, and your growth. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

Many business owners are not lacking experience. They are limiting how they use it. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Bryan Clark to discuss how clarity, systems, and full utilization of skill sets impact business growth. From manufacturing and operations to marketing and strategy, this conversation highlights what happens when you stop isolating your expertise and start applying it more intentionally. If your business feels complex or inconsistent, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to simplify, evaluate, and move forward. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

Most business owners do not start their business to analyze financial statements… but avoiding them can cost more than you realize. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Veronica Cram, founder of Insight Strategic Solutions, to discuss how understanding your numbers can transform the way you run your business. From pricing and profitability to forecasting and hiring decisions, this conversation highlights how financial data can be used to guide smarter, more intentional decisions. If you are making decisions based on guesswork instead of data, this episode will challenge how you approach your business. This is the work behind the brands. More at www.macgrowthpartners.com

Starting a business is one thing. Sustaining and growing it is another. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Dylan Bishop, founder of Alabama Arbor, to discuss the realities of early-stage business ownership. From hiring a team to managing growth and making strategic decisions, this conversation highlights the difference between growing quickly and building something that is stable and sustainable. If you are in the early stages of your business or navigating growth, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to build with intention. www.macgrowthpartners.com

Every business starts somewhere… but not every business is built with intention. In this solo episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa Chavez shares the story behind MAC Global Promotions® and MAC Growth Partners™, and how both were built with a long-term vision in mind. From leaving corporate to entering a new market, this episode highlights the importance of relationships, strategy, and understanding the “why” behind every decision. If you are building something and feel stuck, this conversation will challenge how you think about structure, strategy, and intentional growth.

Most business owners focus on building. Very few focus on protecting what they have built. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Tanya Hendrix, estate planning attorney and business owner, to discuss the often-overlooked side of entrepreneurship: structure, protection, and long-term sustainability. From trademarks to succession planning and systems, this conversation highlights what can happen when foundational decisions are delayed. If you are building a business with intention, this is not a conversation to skip. Continue the conversation at www.macgrowthpartners.com

At some point in business, every owner faces the same realization: no one is coming to do the work for you. In this episode of MAC Moments™, Melissa sits down with Jason Fish to discuss accountability, ownership, and the decisions that shape long-term success. From franchise ownership to pivoting into new ventures, this conversation highlights what it takes to evaluate what is working, recognize what is not, and move forward with clarity. If you are building something and feeling stuck, this episode offers a direct and honest perspective on what it takes to keep going…or change direction. Continue the conversation at www.macgrowthpartners.com