The Turtlesmith Podcast

The Turtlesmith Podcast

by Turtlesmith

Business How To

Season 3

The Drone Ban

In this episode of Turtle Smith, hosts Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the recent FCC ban on Chinese-made drones and its massive impact on small businesses across America. With special guest Calvin joining the conversation, they explore the timeline of events, the security concerns driving the policy, and what it means for entrepreneurs who rely on affordable drone technology. Key Takeaways: DJI holds 70-80% of the US drone market and is now banned Replacement costs jump from $1,000 to $14,000+ for American alternatives Small businesses in construction, agriculture, and media are heavily impacted Opportunities exist for repair shops, 3D printing, and domestic manufacturing The ban raises questions about government overreach vs legitimate security concerns Connect with Turtle Smith: Website: turtlesmith.com Social Media: @TurtleSmithOK Live Q&A: Thursdays at 4:30 PM Central Business Plan Competition: $1,000 prize + expert mentorship

CES and AI in Business

This episode of the Turtle Smith podcast discusses the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and its implications for AI in business. Scott and John explore: CES Origins & History: CES began as an offshoot of the Chicago Music Show in 1967 Started with radios, stereos, and televisions in New York City Has evolved into a massive tech innovation showcase Personal CES Experience: John shares his experience attending CES in Las Vegas Discusses the challenge of obtaining tickets (must be in the electronics business) Highlights include Sony's prosumer music equipment booths and autonomous driving demonstrations The VHS Wars: Sony's Betamax vs. JVC's VHS in the 1970s VHS won despite Betamax's superior quality due to longer recording times The adult film industry's adoption of VHS may have been the deciding factor The AI Wars: Current CES showcases a new technological battle around artificial intelligence AMD introduced Ryzen AI processors for on-device AI computing Nvidia announced the Reen AI platform to reduce costs of large-scale AI This competition is about infrastructure control, not just products AI for Small Business: Practical applications: ChatGPT for writing, QuickBooks AI reconciliation, AI note-takers for meetings AI receptionists and customer service (John's experience with Walgreens) Industry-specific AI solutions (dental offices, medical field) Warning: Be cautious of AI "hucksters" promising quick fixes Infrastructure Challenges: Massive electricity demands from data centers Oklahoma facing potential rate increases due to new data centers Environmental and health concerns around data center expansion The Future of Work: Debate about job displacement vs. job creation Scott believes AI will take over more jobs than it creates John argues new industries will emerge (like gas stations after automobiles) Concerns about training the next generation without foundational work experience Discussion of universal basic income (UBI) as a potential solution Philosophical Questions: What is human creativity worth when AI can replicate it? Will humans value human interaction more as AI becomes ubiquitous? The existential question: Does it matter who created something if copies are identical?

The War for Warner Bros

In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton break down the high-stakes corporate battle for Warner Brothers Discovery, as Netflix and Paramount go head-to-head with multi-billion dollar offers. The hosts explore the implications of these potential mergers for the entertainment industry, including antitrust and national security concerns, the future of cable and streaming, and what these mega-deals mean for small business owners. With insights from industry experts and real-world lessons on partnerships, debt, and exit strategies, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the evolving media landscape. Tune in for a lively discussion on the future of Hollywood, the risks of consolidation, and how business owners can prepare for change.

End of Year Operations

In this episode, Scott Hess (Tax and Business Consultant) and John Barton (Small Business Owner) dive into the essential steps every business should take to wrap up the year successfully. They discuss the importance of updating business processes, conducting accurate year-end inventory, and preparing for tax season. The conversation covers common pitfalls, bad advice circulating on social media, and the value of building a strong support network. Scott and John also share practical tips for handling gift cards, managing staff burnout after the holiday rush, and ensuring all your vendor paperwork is in order for 1099s. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your business “glow up” for the new year. Plus, enjoy some fun banter, pop culture references, and a reminder to give others grace during the holiday season!

Managing Employee Burnout

In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the topic of employee burnout—what it is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to address and prevent it in your business. Drawing from their own experiences as a tax and business consultant and a small business owner, they discuss the unique challenges small businesses face, especially in high-stress environments like retail. The conversation covers the signs of burnout, the importance of open communication, strategies for flexible scheduling, the value of employee recognition, and practical ways to create a supportive workplace culture. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, you’ll find actionable insights to help foster a healthier, more resilient team.

Managing Seasonal Help

In this episode, Scott Hess (tax and business consultant) and John Barton (small business owner) dive into the challenges and strategies of managing seasonal employees. As the holiday season approaches, they discuss the importance of planning, recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding seasonal staff—whether you run a retail shop, a service business, or anything with peak periods. Scott and John share personal stories, practical tips, and a four-phase method to help small business owners forecast staffing needs, streamline hiring, train new team members, and retain top performers for future seasons. They also touch on the realities of seasonal work, from gig economy trends to the value of treating temporary staff with respect and providing growth opportunities. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy season or just want to improve your hiring process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your business thrive during high-demand periods.

Holiday Retail Inventory Management

In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the challenges and strategies of holiday inventory management for small businesses. From personal stories of inventory missteps to practical advice on forecasting, ordering, and cash flow, they cover essential systems like reorder points, vendor-managed inventory, and bulk buying. The hosts discuss the importance of early planning, omnichannel readiness, and post-holiday strategies, all while sharing real-world examples and actionable tips. Whether you're a seasoned retailer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the busiest shopping season and build a resilient business.

Holiday Retail Operations (How To Survive!)

In this episode of Turtle Smith, Scott and John kick off Season 3 with a deep dive into the 2025 holiday shopping season. They break down the latest forecasts, including a projected $253 billion in total spending, the rise of mobile shopping (now over half of all online sales), and the growing impact of “buy now, pay later” services. The hosts discuss how small businesses can stand out during the holidays—focusing on customer experience, expertise, community, and smarter advertising—while navigating the challenges of competing with big box retailers and the influence of AI-driven traffic. Tune in for practical tips, lively banter, and real-world stories to help entrepreneurs and small business owners make the most of the holiday rush.

Season 1

Put It All Together: End of Phase 2

In this episode of Turtle Smith, John and Scott wrap up phase two of their small business series by discussing how to put all the pieces together before launching your business. They share personal stories about home renovations, the challenges of mastering YouTube algorithms, and the importance of building a solid foundation for your business. The hosts walk through the final steps of preparation, including updating your business plan, securing funding, setting up legal and financial structures, and planning for growth. They offer practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls, managing personal and business finances, and staying flexible as your business evolves. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move confidently into the execution phase of your entrepreneurial journey.

What Business Structure Should I Choose?

In this episode of Turtle Smith, John Barton and Scott Hess dive deep into the crucial decision of choosing the right business structure for your new venture. They break down the differences between LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, partnerships, and nonprofits, explaining the legal and tax implications of each. With real-world examples and practical advice, John and Scott discuss why timing matters when forming your business, the pitfalls of rushing into an LLC, and the importance of separating personal and business finances. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to restructure your company, this episode will help you understand the pros and cons of each option so you can build a solid foundation for your business dreams. The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

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