By Small Business Miracles Podcast | Published on May 1, 2026
We’ve been doing the Small Business Miracles Podcast for 100 episodes! And yes, it’s about time we had EAG President & CEO Michele Markham on the show. That’s the thing about EAG. It’s not about a single person, and it’s never about ego. It’s about the hustle for entrepreneurs every day. On this episode, we sit down with the leader behind the culture that makes us all this way: Michele Markham! Michele’s origin story isn’t just inspirational — it’s filled with lessons for small business owners and a perfect conversation for our 100th episode.
Episode Highlights
The Story Behind EAG
Michele looks back at the path that brought her to EAG, from her early agency career and relationship with founder Paul Weber to joining the company and helping build what EAG is today. Along the way, she shares why serving entrepreneurs and small businesses became such an important part of that journey.
The Ripple Effect of Small Business
Recent recognition for EAG leads to a bigger conversation about impact. Michele reflects on working with more than 650 businesses since 2003 and how helping a business grow can affect its owners, employees, families, customers, vendors and the community around it.
Building a Culture Around People
Michele shares what EAG culture means to her and why great culture is about more than perks or slogans. It’s about supporting and challenging people, giving them room to learn, building trust and creating an environment where high standards and humanity can exist together.
AI Is a Tool, Not the Strategy
Looking toward the future, Michele shares how small business owners can approach AI by starting with friction in their business rather than chasing tools. AI can organize information, identify patterns and sharpen thinking, but it doesn’t replace strategy, positioning, customer knowledge, creativity or human judgment.
Take the Drive: A Kansas City Lightning Round
The lightning round closes with a distinctly Kansas City feel, from favorite comfort foods and some impossible questions to Michele turning the tables on Jeff for a marketing discussion. The episode comes full circle with Michele’s invitation to “take the drive” into downtown Kansas City, experience the view past Union Station and come see EAG for yourself.