EP 146: How to Overcome the Loneliness of Running a Small Business with Jared Luegers and Kevin King

Owning a business can feel isolating. Entrepreneurs face daily challenges and tough decisions without others who truly understand their experience. A strong support network makes it easier to create long-term success and prepare for a smooth exit.

In this episode, Jared Luegers and Kevin King, co-founders of OWN Indiana, share how they’re helping business owners in Indiana create a supportive community and build lasting business value. They discuss the importance of overcoming the loneliness of entrepreneurship, the power of connecting with other operators, and how small businesses can leverage tools like AI to thrive.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how building a community of operators can support business growth

• Gain insights into the challenges of creating long-term business value

• Understand how leveraging AI can help small businesses become more efficient

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Jared Luegers & Kevin King

(02:41) What is OWN Indiana?

(06:34) The 600,000 small businesses at stake in Indiana

(17:37) Why business owners don't think strategically

(23:49) The loneliness of ownership

(32:08) What to expect at an OWN Indiana event

(45:32) How AI will save small businesses in America

(55:40) OWN Indiana's vision for the next 10 years

(42:47) One piece of advice to increase business value

Resources:
For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/

Follow Jared Luegers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredluegers/
Follow Kevin King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-king-tn/
Learn more about OWN Indiana: https://ownindiana.org/

Follow Ed:
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders