Podcast Series. Listen Below. Learn More.
Survive and Thrive
Practical Strategies for Small Businesses is a national podcast series from Core Business Solutions being broadcast as part of the Quality Hub podcast. Designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers, industry advisors, and business owners navigate an unprecedented time of change—tariffs, reshoring, supply-chain risks, regulatory shifts, and more—each 15–20 minute episode is packed with real-world advice from trusted experts.
Series Host: Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions and Xavier Francis, Quality Hub Podcast Host
Survive & Thrive Kickoff
In the kickoff episode of the Survive and Thrive series on The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, introduce a timely new podcast focused on helping small businesses navigate today’s economic uncertainty. With insights drawn from real-world challenges—like shifting federal policies, supply chain issues, and market disruptions—the series offers practical, bite-sized strategies from experts in MEPs, Apex Accelerators, and beyond. Designed for business owners, managers, and contractors alike, each episode delivers actionable steps to help organizations stay resilient, make smart decisions, and thrive in a time of rapid change.
Special Guest: Dennis Gilbert, President, IMC Pennsylvania MEP
Risk-Based Decision Making in a Time of Uncertainty
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Dennis Gilbert, President of IMC Pennsylvania MEP, about applying risk-based thinking in times of uncertainty. They explore how small businesses can navigate disruption through agile strategic planning, open team engagement, and reframing risk as opportunity. Drawing on real-world insights and lessons from past crises like COVID-19, the conversation offers practical tools such as SWOT analysis and heat mapping, and emphasizes the importance of short-term actions, inclusive dialogue, and the courage to pivot quickly in a changing landscape.
Special Guest: Jeanne Perron, Technical Specialist, IMEC
Understanding Cost Structures + Index-Based Negotiation
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson of Core Business Solutions and Jeanne Perron of IMEC to explore how small manufacturers can regain control of their cost structures and supplier strategies. Jeanne introduces the concept of the “silent slide,” where suppliers fail to pass on cost savings, and emphasizes the importance of using commodity price indices to negotiate fair pricing and avoid overpaying. The conversation covers practical steps for identifying key suppliers, preparing data-driven negotiations, planning for tariff volatility, and leveraging resources like IMEC and the nationwide MEP network to build resilient, informed supplier relationships.
Special Guest: John Mattox, Partner and Government Contracts Attorney, Schoonover & Moriarty
Federal Contracting: Legal & Strategic Survival Tactics
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and John Mattox, Partner at Schoonover and Moriarty, to unpack the evolving landscape of federal contracting for small businesses. They explore the impact of executive orders, contract cancellations, and the FAR rewrite on contractors, while offering strategic guidance on navigating disruptions. From understanding stop work orders to leveraging the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program and proactively participating in rulemaking, the conversation equips business leaders with legal insights and tactical tools to stay competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing environment.
Special Guest: Staci Miller, Director of Operations West Virginia University Industrial Extension
Survive & Thrive: Resilient Leadership
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Staci Miller, Director of Operations at WVU Industrial Extension, to explore how leaders can foster resilience during uncertain times. The conversation centers on practical strategies for navigating organizational risk, including the use of the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks and maintain focus, the importance of transparent communication, and leading with vulnerability and authenticity. Staci shares insights on staying grounded, supporting teams through emotional challenges, and empowering informal leaders to strengthen organizational stability, offering a thoughtful roadmap for small business leaders facing turbulent change.
Special Guests: Drew Markley, VP of Sales of Core, and Stephanie Alexander CEO of BOOST
Survive & Thrive: Government Contract Turbulence
In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis hosts a discussion with Scott Dawson, Drew Markley from Core Business Solutions, and Stephanie Alexander, CEO of BOOST, on the turbulent landscape of government contracting in 2025. Key issues include stalled contract awards, reduced government staffing, and heightened competition, which are leading many small businesses to freeze operations due to uncertainty. Stephanie urges businesses to take action, streamline operations, reassess their budgets, and invest in critical certifications, such as CMMC. Subcontracting and strategic partnerships are emphasized over priming, with networking and careful partner selection being crucial. With limited cash flow, many are turning to fractional support for compliance needs. The overarching message: don’t wait—act decisively to adapt and thrive.
Special Guest: Sara Hanks, Executive Director of NWIRC
Survive & Thrive: Data-Driven Decisions during Uncertainty
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis sits down with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Sara Hanks, Executive Director of NWIRC, to explore how small businesses can make smart, data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty. Together, they unpack the dangers of emotion-led choices, the importance of data quality, and practical ways to leverage sales and operational metrics for strategic planning. From aligning teams around transparent decision-making to managing supply chain disruptions and cost volatility, this episode offers actionable insights for business leaders striving to stay resilient, agile, and effective—no matter what challenges arise.
Special Guest: Doug Petillo, Managing Partner at Navigant Ventures
Survive & Thrive: Becoming a Supplier of Choice in a Disrupted Economy
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Doug Petillo, Managing Partner at Navigant Ventures, for a compelling discussion on how small businesses can become the supplier of choice in today’s disrupted economy. As part of the Survive and Thrive series, the conversation explores the importance of building trust through consistent delivery, avoiding overpromising, managing operational risk, and leveraging certifications like ISO to signal reliability. Doug shares real-world insights on playing both offense and defense in times of uncertainty, highlighting tactics such as strengthening existing customer relationships and securing referrals to open new doors. Whether navigating economic turbulence or seeking sustainable growth, this episode delivers practical strategies for small business leaders to stay resilient and competitive.
Special Guest: Michael LeJeune, host of the Game Changers for Government Contractors podcast
Survive & Thrive: Government Contracting in Crisis Survive Now, Win Later
In this episode of the Survive & Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Michael LeJeune, host of the Game Changers for Government Contractors podcast, to explore how small businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of government contracting during times of crisis. The conversation covers market volatility, the importance of diversification, rising use of GSA schedules, and the implications of CMMC compliance. Michael shares actionable strategies for businesses in distress, outlines three key contractor mindsets, and emphasizes the critical role of relationships and proactive pipeline development in navigating market shifts. With a blend of humor, optimism, and seasoned advice, this episode equips listeners with the clarity and tools needed to survive now and win later.
Special Guest: Stephen Williams, Business Advisor at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center
Survive & Thrive: Small Businesses — You are Not Alone
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Stephen Williams, Business Advisor at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Together, they explore how small businesses can navigate disruption and uncertainty by building resilient relationships and tapping into available resources. From real-world turnaround stories involving supply shortages and economic downturns to practical insights on advisory networks and strategic vendor partnerships, Stephen shares the value of open communication, systems checks, and community collaboration. Tune in for expert advice on leveraging free support systems like SBDCs, Chambers of Commerce, and Apex Accelerators—and learn why, in business, you’re never truly alone.
Special Guest: Jutta Bangs, Counselor with the Tennessee APEX Accelerators, and Kevin Cooper, Strategic Advisor with Tennessee MEP
Survive & Thrive: Shoring up Your Supply Chain
In this episode of The Quality Hub’s Survive & Thrive series, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, Jutta Bangs, Counselor with the Tennessee APEX Accelerators, and Kevin Cooper, Strategic Advisor with Tennessee MEP. Together, they discuss how small businesses can shore up their supply chains and build resilience against future disruptions. From supply chain mapping to supplier relationship management, the conversation is packed with practical strategies and real-world insights. Learn how APEX Accelerators and MEPs offer no-cost resources to help small manufacturers navigate supply chain risks and strengthen operations for long-term success.
The Quality Hub podcast is where we chat with ISO experts about “all things Quality.” Our goal is to share the knowledge we’ve gained by working with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ISO standards, and other business best practices with our podcast listeners. We want you to be encouraged by our education and experiences. Visit the ISO 9001 Podcast page to learn more and listen to more podcasts.
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