Eat Healthy Foods, Exercise and Get Good Sleep – Great Advice for Busy Small Business Owners

A Northern Michigan entrepreneur is showing how prioritizing health and well‑being can strengthen both leaders and the businesses they build.

On the latest episode of The Small Business Weekly Podcast 040126, Michael Rogers talks with Cheryl Tallman, CEO and founder of Fresh Baby in Petoskey – recently named a Michigan 50 Company to Watch for 2026. Founded in 2002, Fresh Baby focuses on providing nutrition education for public health agencies, with a mission rooted in helping families and communities make healthier choices.

During the conversation, Tallman shares simple but powerful guidance for small business owners looking to maintain energy, focus, and resilience. Her recommendations begin with nutrition. “Obviously, the focus is to avoid processed foods,” she says, emphasizing the value of eating real, whole foods as the foundation of better health.

Physical activity is another key pillar. Tallman notes that while finding time can be difficult for busy owners, movement doesn’t need to happen all at once. “The goal should be 60 minutes of activity,” she explains, adding that it can be broken into shorter increments throughout the day – whether that’s walking, getting up from a desk, or simply moving more intentionally.

Equally important, she says, is sleep. Getting enough rest helps reduce stress and supports long‑term performance, making it an essential – though often overlooked – part of success for business leaders juggling demanding schedules.

Listen to The Small Business Weekly Podcast – Episode 524 and hear the full conversation with Cheryl Tallman.

Visit SBAM’s Media Hub for past episodes of the Small Business Weekly Podcast.