Main Street Matters

What does it really take to build a billion-dollar business—and why do global entrepreneurs still choose America to do it?

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with serial entrepreneur Chad Zani, whose journey spans continents, industries, and multiple high-growth ventures. From buying his first home at 19 to scaling a company to a $1 billion exit, Chad shares the hard-earned lessons behind building, scaling, and reinventing businesses across Australia and the United States.

Chad offers a unique, unfiltered perspective on:

• The key differences between doing business in Australia vs. America

• How pro-growth policies, tax cuts, and deregulation fuel entrepreneurship

• Why the U.S. remains the best country in the world to start and scale a business

• The cultural mindset shift that separates thriving entrepreneurs from the rest

• His move from California to Florida—and what it reveals about business climates in America

• The future of entrepreneurship, including the rise of functional beverages and health-driven innovation

Plus, Chad shares insights from his latest venture, Avarna, and why the next wave of business success will come from reimagining everyday products in healthier, smarter ways.

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or anyone passionate about economic freedom and opportunity, this episode is packed with real-world insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

👉 Subscribe to Main Street Matters for more conversations amplifying America’s small business voice.

What if small businesses could offer better healthcare than big corporations—at a fraction of the cost? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Chad Savage, founder of Choice Direct Care, to break down the fast-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement and why it’s becoming a game-changer for entrepreneurs and working families.

Dr. Savage explains why the traditional employer-based system is overloaded with bureaucracy and “middlemen,” driving up prices while shrinking the doctor-patient relationship. He walks through how DPC works as a simple monthly membership (often $49–$99/month) that includes unlimited primary care visits, longer appointments, and faster access—without the inflated costs and delays of the insurance-driven model.

You’ll also hear real-world examples of how transparent, cash-based pricing can slash costs dramatically—plus how small business owners can pair DPC with catastrophic coverage to protect employees while lowering premiums. Elaine and Dr. Savage dive into how HSAs can support DPC membership, the role of ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) for employers, and why giving workers more control over healthcare dollars can improve affordability and outcomes.

If you’re a small business owner tired of sky-high premiums—or an employee who wants better care without the runaround—this episode is your roadmap.

Housing affordability is collapsing for America’s middle class—and small businesses are feeling the impact.

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with real estate developer Michael Burkentine to break down the growing U.S. housing crisis and what it means for working families, entrepreneurs, and first-time homebuyers.

With the U.S. facing an estimated 5 million home shortage, Burkentine explains how rising costs, restrictive zoning laws, labor shortages, and institutional homebuyers have turned America into a “renter nation.”

They also dive into the proposed “Trump Homes” initiative—a bold plan to build up to 1 million entry-level homes through private-sector partnerships, deregulation, and innovative rent-to-own pathways designed to help Americans achieve homeownership again.

In this episode:

Why the U.S. is millions of homes short—and how we got here

How housing impacts small businesses and Main Street growth

The real reason starter homes disappeared

The role of Wall Street investors in driving up home prices

How zoning reform and deregulation could unlock supply 

The feasibility of building 1 million new homes

Why trade jobs and workforce training are critical to solving the crisis

As policymakers debate solutions ahead of key elections, this conversation highlights what must change to restore the American Dream of homeownership.

January’s jobs report just shattered expectations—and it could signal a major turning point for the U.S. economy.

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Mike Palicz, Tax Policy Director at Americans for Tax Reform and former Trump administration official, to break down the latest economic data. With 130,000 jobs added, rising wages, and a shrinking federal workforce, the numbers point to renewed private sector strength and growing economic momentum.

 They dive into how pro-growth tax policies are driving investment, boosting worker productivity, and increasing take-home pay for American families. Plus, what role AI is playing in reshaping the workforce, why construction jobs are surging, and how falling interest rates and rising wages are improving affordability.

Elaine and Mike also tackle the political messaging battle ahead of the midterms—why many Americans still don’t feel the full impact of tax relief, and how conservatives can better connect policy wins to real-life stories from small businesses and workers.

Healthcare was supposed to protect families and small businesses—not bankrupt them.

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Firouz Daneshgari, a former surgeon-scientist and hospital board member at major health systems including Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, who became a whistleblower after witnessing firsthand how financial incentives began outweighing patient outcomes.

With U.S. healthcare spending topping $5.6 trillion annually, Dr. Daneshgari explains:

Why over half of healthcare spending may be waste How hospitals evolved into revenue-driven “sick care” systems

Why employer-sponsored insurance distorted the doctor-patient relationship

The hidden cost drivers behind rising premiums and medical debt How direct primary care and health “guardianship” models restore transparency and trust 

Why cash-pay pricing dramatically lowers specialty and surgical costs How small businesses can cut healthcare expenses without sacrificing quality

What President Trump’s HSA subsidy proposal could mean for consumers Dr. Daneshgari shares how his BowTie Health Guardianship model combines subscription-based primary care, proactive chronic disease prevention, and upfront pricing to deliver affordable, high-quality care nationwide—without waiting for Congress to act.

For small business owners struggling with rising premiums and unpredictable costs, this episode offers a real-world alternative that puts patients—not hospital systems—back in control.

Corporate America didn’t “go woke” overnight—it was pushed there through ESG and DEI mandates driven by powerful asset managers, proxy advisors, and activist investors.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network is joined by Allen Mendenhall, Senior Advisor for the Free Enterprise Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.

Mendenhall breaks down what ESG and DEI really mean, how the shift from shareholder capitalism to stakeholder governance reshaped corporate decision-making, and why non-financial political standards began overriding profit, performance, and fiduciary duty. The conversation explores how large asset managers and proxy firms exert massive influence over corporate boards—often pushing companies into cultural battles that alienate customers and hurt long-term value.

The episode also dives into Heritage’s groundbreaking strategy to flip the script—using the same shareholder tools once weaponized by ESG activists to restore corporate neutrality, protect investors, and refocus companies on profitability and lawful governance. Mendenhall explains how shareholder engagement, proposal withdrawals, and behind-the-scenes negotiations are already changing corporate behavior across major brands.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with economist Peter St. Onge for a clear-eyed look at the economic pressures facing small businesses and working families. They break down how persistent inflation and high interest rates are impacting Main Street, why Federal Reserve policy decisions matter more than ever, and what today’s economic data often misses about real-world financial stress.

The conversation also explores the concept of Trump accounts and their potential role in strengthening long-term financial security for American families. Parker and St. Onge discuss the growing disconnect between official economic indicators and public perception, highlighting the urgent need for better communication and smarter policies that actually support small businesses and restore economic confidence.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert Mark J. Quann to break down how Trump-era tax cuts and the Buy, Borrow, Die strategy can help everyday Americans legally keep more of what they earn.

Mark explains the critical difference between good debt and bad debt, why traditional saving alone often falls short, and how strategic borrowing and investing can accelerate long-term wealth—especially for small business owners and middle-class families. The conversation also highlights the urgent need for better financial literacy in America and why recent tax reforms have been especially beneficial for Main Street, not Wall Street.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply looking for smarter ways to build wealth, this episode offers practical insights into using the tax code to your advantage—legally and effectively.

Purchase Mark's Book HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Be-Smart-Pay-Zero-Taxes/dp/163006310X

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer for an in-depth conversation on small business, conservative governance, and economic recovery. Mayor Singer shares his journey from entrepreneur to public servant, explaining how a pro-business mindset shaped his leadership at the local level. 

The discussion covers cutting red tape, streamlining regulations, and navigating the economic fallout of COVID-19, along with the policies needed to support job creators and stabilize inflation. Mayor Singer also explains why he’s running for Congress—and why strong conservative leadership at the local and national level is critical to rebuilding the economy and empowering Main Street businesses.

Learn more about Scott Singer HERE: https://www.scottsingerusa.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker interviews Robert Netzly, founder and CEO of Inspire Impact Group, discussing the principles of Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Robert shares his journey from a traditional financial planner to advocating for investments aligned with biblical values. The conversation explores the growing awareness among investors about the moral implications of their investments, the impact of corporate decisions on societal values, and the importance of small businesses in promoting conservative principles. Robert emphasizes the need for transparency in investing and the role of the Inspire Impact Score in guiding investors towards companies that align with their values.

Learn more about Robert HERE | https://www.inspireadvisors.com/author/robert-netzly

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of today’s economic growth: deregulation. While tax cuts and energy policy often dominate economic headlines, Antoni explains why deregulation has quietly powered hiring, profitability, and expansion—especially for small businesses that lack the resources to navigate burdensome federal rules. Drawing on real-world examples from the Trump administration, Antoni details how rolling back environmental and labor regulations reduced costs, increased flexibility, and unlocked economic activity across Main Street America.

The conversation explores why overregulation disproportionately harms entrepreneurs, how regulatory rollbacks helped fuel stronger-than-expected growth, and what future deregulation efforts could mean for jobs, wages, and consumer prices. If you want to understand what’s really driving economic momentum—and why small businesses are at the center of it—this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing demand for parental empowerment, flexibility, and individualized learning. Holly shares her personal homeschooling journey, explaining how tailored education can better meet children’s academic needs while also supporting emotional well-being.

The discussion also addresses the mental health challenges facing today’s students, the pressures placed on families by conventional school systems, and why choice in education is critical for long-term success. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and the value of creating learning environments that prioritize both academic growth and personal development. 

Purchase Holly's Book 'Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children' HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Grow-Glow-Connections/dp/1950476723

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of the Freedom Chamber, including its new Health Guardianship Plan designed to give entrepreneurs and their employees more affordable, flexible healthcare options.

They also explore how current legislation and regulatory pressures impact small business owners, why transparency and trust are critical in today’s economy, and how a pro-American business network can help level the playing field against corporate and government overreach. From navigating healthcare choices to building a resilient business community, this conversation delivers practical insights for anyone invested in the future of Main Street. 

Learn more about Freedom Chamber | https://freedomchamber.net/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon. They examine how progressive policies, high taxes, and burdensome regulations are impacting small businesses, fueling homelessness, and driving residents out of major cities.

The conversation explores the deeper ideological divide between individualism and collectivism, the role of education in shaping political beliefs, and what critics call a failure of leadership to confront reality. Kneale also previews insights from his forthcoming book, Ore-Goners, drawing striking parallels between Oregon’s trajectory and the potential future of New York City if current policies continue.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Brian Reisinger to examine how U.S. trade policies are impacting family farmers across the country. They break down the long-term effects of NAFTA, the reality of modern trade barriers, and why many farmers are “land rich, cash poor” despite owning valuable property. Reisinger explains why one-size-fits-all trade agreements often leave small and mid-sized farms behind, and what smarter, targeted trade policies could do to protect food security, strengthen rural economies, and preserve economic diversity in American agriculture.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jonathan Williams discuss the latest Rich States, Poor States report, highlighting the economic successes of states like Utah and the challenges faced by states at the bottom of the rankings. They delve into the importance of fiscal responsibility, the need for pension reform, and the impact of government spending on state economies. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for states to compete for businesses and jobs while addressing the criticisms of their rankings and the broader implications of federal spending policies.

Check and see how your state performed HERE: https://www.richstatespoorstates.org/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Guy Berkebile, founder of Guy Chemical Company, about the significant impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on small businesses. They discuss Berkebile's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and how tax policies have enabled him to invest in his company and community. The conversation also touches on the importance of retaining youth in small towns, the implications of tariffs and trade policies, and the future of American manufacturing.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Jeremiah Poff of the Washington Examiner discuss the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z in achieving home ownership and building wealth. They explore the economic shifts from a production-driven economy to a consumption-driven one, the impact of inflation on housing prices, and the role of student debt in economic mobility. The conversation highlights the importance of local economic drivers and corporate responsibility in creating sustainable communities. They also address the need for effective messaging of economic policies to connect with everyday Americans.

Read Jeremiah's work at the Washington Examiner

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Michele Steeb, founder of the Free Up Foundation, about the ongoing homeless crisis in America. They discuss the impact of homelessness on communities, the failures of past policies, and the importance of a human-first approach to addressing the issue. Michele shares insights from her experience running a shelter for homeless women and children and emphasizes the need for mental health and addiction treatment as part of a comprehensive solution. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of homelessness and the role of community involvement in creating effective solutions.

Learn more about Michele & Purchase her book HERE | https://www.michelesteeb.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help students recover from COVID-era learning loss. They discuss innovative teaching methods, the role of educators in an AI-driven classroom, and practical solutions to close learning gaps.

Learn more about AFPI | https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/