Ever wondered how to turn a struggling startup into a retail empire? Join us in Episode 45 as we sit down with Rick Blase, the mastermind behind Rick’s Boot Factory! Starting with just 72 pairs of boots and 500 empty boxes in Youngstown, Ohio, Rick faced crushing lows—like selling everything but his house to survive the rise of online shopping. Yet, through grit, teamwork, and a bold pivot to manufacturing, he built a thriving business with 8 locations from Nashville to Las Vegas! What You’ll Learn: The #1 secret to surviving business ups and downs: “Success isn’t linear!” Why valuing and paying your team MORE can save your business. How Rick’s “never say I” philosophy turned employees into loyal teammates. Insider tips for picking winning locations in tourist hotspots like Pigeon Forge and Orlando. The power of giving back—how Rick supports Youngstown State and the Boys and Girls Club. Why Watch? Rick’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and community impact. From nearly going broke to owning a Nashville landmark, his journey will inspire entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers alike. Plus, hear his take on the Cleveland Browns’ glory days and why teamwork makes the dream work—on and off the field! Subscribe for more inspiring stories of teamwork and triumph! Hit the Bell to never miss an episode of It’s All About the Team! Comment Below: What’s YOUR biggest business lesson? Share your story! 00:00:00 - Intro: Welcome to It’s All About the Team00:00:31 - Rick Blaze’s Entrepreneurial Journey Begins00:03:09 - Early Struggles and First Lessons00:04:00 - Facing the Internet Threat00:05:27 - The Manufacturing Pivot That Saved the Business00:06:24 - Building a Team-First Culture00:08:33 - Valuing Employees: The Key to Retention00:09:57 - Expanding to Tourist Hotspots00:11:34 - Hiring the Right Team Members00:14:31 - Paying More to Build a Loyal Workforce00:15:57 - Workforce Challenges in Ohio00:19:19 - Empowering Young Employees00:21:13 - Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork00:22:12 - The Courage to Persevere00:25:15 - Strategic Location Choices: Nashville and Beyond00:29:14 - Building Teams Across Regions00:32:24 - Leadership and Learning from Mistakes00:34:50 - Sports and Teamwork: Cleveland Cavaliers Insights00:36:49 - Cleveland Browns Nostalgia00:40:27 - Giving Back: Youngstown State Foundation00:42:45 - Community Impact Beyond Business00:45:06 - Key Takeaways: Value and Compensate Your Team00:46:05 - Outro: Rick’s Legacy and Community Impact

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