How small signs of disorder in your workplace can erode culture, safety, and customer trust, and how fixing them builds pride and small business success.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windows-theory/

In this episode Henry Lopez explores the Broken Windows Theory and its direct application to small business environments. Originating from research by Philip Zimbardo and popularized in The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, this theory shows how minor neglect - like graffiti, cluttered offices, or dirty restrooms - signals lowered standards and invites further disorder.

Henry shares examples from New York City’s subway transformation, the car wash industry, and restaurants to highlight how seemingly small details shape both customer perception and employee culture. A tidy and well-maintained workplace not only signals professionalism but also enhances safety, efficiency, and morale.

“Little things matter. When we ignore small signs of disorder in our business, we send the message that standards don’t count here.” – Henry Lopez

This episode challenges you to find and fix the “broken windows” in your small business, setting the tone for excellence.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-ethels-pot-pies/

Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel’s has sold over 75,000 units, secured placement in 100+ Wegmans stores, sold out on QVC in under six minutes, and earned features in The New York Times and How I Built This.

In this conversation, Sasha reveals the origin story of Aunt Ethel’s, including her family’s entrepreneurial influence, the pivotal pop-up that validated the concept, and her innovation of the first-ever two-part pot pie that solves soggy crusts and long cook times.

Sasha also discusses the challenges of packaging, co-packers, funding, navigating consultants, and ultimately landing major distribution.

“In the first three years, I think I cried every single day. But ultimately what keeps me focused is having that North star - you have to know why you started this company.” – Sasha Millstein

Listeners will gain valuable insights into perseverance, the realities of the CPG space, fundraising challenges, and why doing your research and knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs.

Sasha Millstein is the founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies, a Brooklyn-based frozen food company reinventing comfort food with innovation and hustle. Since launching in 2020, Sasha has scaled the brand into national retail and online channels, earning acclaim for her patented two-part pot pie design.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Four compelling reasons why mastering delegation is essential for every small business owner.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r355-4-reasons-to-delegate/

Henry Lopez shares why effective delegation is one of the most critical skills entrepreneurs must develop to grow and eventually step away from their business.

In this solo episode, Henry outlines four key reasons to delegate: to save time, leverage others’ skills, develop your team, and build a business you can sell. He highlights common challenges entrepreneurs face when letting go, including perfectionism and the belief that no one else can do it better.

“If you want to do great things and make a big impact, learn to delegate,” quotes John C. Maxwell, emphasizing the theme of the episode. With additional insights from past guests David Begin, Dan Sullivan, and Barbara Turley, Henry explains how to create systems and processes that make delegation successful.

He also introduces free resources, including the Delegation Worksheet and Four Reasons to Delegate summary download.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools and inspiration to start delegating tasks today, freeing themselves to focus on strategy, growth, and enjoying more balance in their entrepreneurial journey..

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com