From Barriers to Bridges: The Story Behind Small Business Radio Detroit

When you hear the words “small business” what comes to mind?

For many, it's grit. Late nights. Unpaid invoices. Dreams that never seem to scale. But for us at Small Business Radio Detroit, it’s something more: transformation, resilience, and the power of real community.

This podcast wasn’t born from convenience. It was born from struggle, strategy, and spirit—the very essence of what it means to be a small business owner trying to beat the odds.

Small Business Radio Detroit Vision: A Platform Built on Purpose

Three years ago, I—Marlowe Boyd, CEO of The Crafted Pen—was homeless and broken. I had ideas but no direction. Passion but no platform.

But what I did have was faith, favor, and the kind of resilience that can’t be taught in a textbook.

Today, I’m managing federal grant funds for the City of Detroit, providing technical assistance to small businesses in Pontiac, and running a full-scale consulting firm that helps nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and community leaders turn their vision into results.

And now, I’ve launched a podcast to pull others into the same kind of breakthrough I experienced.

The Powerhouse Partnership: The Crafted Pen x Small Business Nation

Here’s where the story gets even deeper!

I went from being mentored by J.R. McNair, founder of Small Business Nation, to now partnering with him on this movement.

J.R.'s story is nothing short of remarkable—starting his first business cutting lawns at just 11 years old in Atlanta, he defied expectations and built an entrepreneurial empire that’s helped over 47,000 businesses start, grow, and succeed.

He’s been featured on NBC, Fox, Business Radio X, Yahoo Finance, and beyond. And his commitment to underserved entrepreneurs? Unmatched.

Together, our stories represent two ends of the same bridge:

• One built from struggle to strategy.

• The other from youthful hustle to national impact.

  
  

Now, we’re fusing our expertise to help entrepreneurs just like you.

The Mission: Turning Barriers into Bridges

Small Business Radio Detroit is more than a podcast. It’s a movement.

We’re tackling the real issues entrepreneurs face:

✔️ Burnout

✔️ Lack of funding

✔️ Isolation

✔️ Underpricing

✔️ Systems that weren’t built with us in mind

Each episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with small business owners who are building from the ground up. We share strategies. We connect visionaries. We amplify voices that deserve the spotlight.

We don’t just want you to start a business—we want you to build a business that makes money and changes lives.

Why This Matters Now

In a world flooded with cookie-cutter business advice and highlight reels, we’re telling the truth. And we’re bringing together a tribe of leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are done waiting for permission to succeed.

This podcast is the room you’ve been looking for. And yes—it’s completely free to listen, learn, and grow with us.

Be Part of the Movement

If you’re ready to grow, connect, and heal your business in ways that are financially sound and spiritually grounded—this podcast is for you.

👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: Small Business Radio Detroit on YouTube🎧 Be the first to hear new episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive offers.

Want to be a guest and share your story? Visit www.thecraftedpen.com/sbradio to apply.

Together, we’re not just making noise—we’re making history. Let’s turn your barriers into bridges.