Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/

In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Joshua Talbert, co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, about his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned in building and scaling startups.

Joshua shares how his engineering background provided the problem-solving skills that have guided his ventures, including the successful growth and sale of his first med tech company.

Joshua highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships, adaptability, and customer feedback, as well as the realities of startup life, where motivation and persistence are essential for the long run.

Reflecting on MySherpas.ai, he explains how their platform transforms commercial lending by streamlining collaboration and communication between lending and borrowing teams, enabling faster go-lives and better borrower experiences.

“It’s about breaking down complex challenges into manageable parts,” Joshua explains, “and listening to market feedback so you can adapt and keep moving forward.”

Joshua shares insights on raising funding, developing MVPs, shifting go-to-market strategies, and building a strong company culture rooted in radical candor and continuous improvement.

Joshua Talbert is the co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, an AI-powered platform improving efficiency in commercial lending. With a background in electrical engineering and a track record of launching and growing successful startups, Joshua brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision.

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

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