James is back from Houston to kick off 2026 with some "real talk." We start by pulling back the curtain on our own 2025. What worked, what broke, and the numbers behind our business.

Then, we dive into the "K-Shaped Economy." The middle class "impulse buy" is disappearing, and the gap between survival and luxury is getting wider. If you sell handmade goods, this isn't just theory, it's your new operating system. We break down what this economic shift means for makers and why 2026 is the year you either pivot or get run over. No fluff, just survival.

In this episode, I sit down with Alison Todd from GS2 Awards for an inside look at their award-making business, the story behind it, and how they bring recognition to life through custom designs. We also discuss their role as a wholesale blanks supplier, the educational classes they offer for makers, and their position as official distributors for Trotec Laser USA and IkonicsImaging. https://gs2awards.com/

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Maker/Laser Business Plan Template—section by section—and showing you how to actually use it to shape your business, not just fill in the blanks.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure about your next move, this is your roadmap. No expensive course. Just a clear, tactical breakdown of the plan every maker needs—especially if you want to stop spinning your wheels and start building with purpose.

We’ll walk through: ✔ Why each section matters (and what most makers skip) ✔ How this plan helps you price better, market smarter, and operate cleaner ✔ What to include if you’re pitching to a client or applying for funding ✔ Why clarity beats complexity every time

Whether you’re starting from scratch or tightening up your current operation, this episode gives you the foundation to run your shop like a business—not just a hobby.