In this episode of The Donna KAPP Show, Dona Kappmeyer sits down with Erin Callahan, Co-Founder & President of Elbow Room, to talk about entrepreneurship, business growth, innovation, and creating spaces that give people more freedom, flexibility, and independence.

Erin shares how a simple need for a personal art studio during COVID turned into Elbow Room, a growing business that has created more than 100 spaces for families, artists, entrepreneurs, and homeowners. She discusses the challenges of building a construction business, learning through the University of Hard Knocks, managing cash flow, adapting to changing regulations, and developing repeatable processes.

The conversation also explores the growing role of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), multi-generational living, backyard spaces, and new ways families can stay connected while maintaining independence.

Erin also explains why Elbow Room recently pivoted back toward smaller, more attainable spaces and how listening to customers can reveal new opportunities for a business.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Turning a personal problem into a business opportunity
• Building and scaling a construction business
• Entrepreneurship and learning from failure
• Business processes, cash flow, and growth
• Accessory dwelling units and backyard spaces
• Multi-generational living and family connection
• Finding new opportunities in changing markets
• Knowing when to pivot your business
• Building a brand with a long-term vision
• Creating freedom, flexibility, and independence through business

Dona Kappmeyer and Erin Callahan explore what happens when a simple idea grows into something much bigger, and how making more space can create a meaningful ripple effect for families and communities.

Connect with Erin Callahan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinleehi/

#TheDonaKAPPshow #ErinCallahan #ElbowRoom #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #ADU #AccessoryDwellingUnits #RealEstate #ConstructionBusiness #MultiGenerationalLiving #BusinessLeadership #DonaKappmeyer

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Please like, share, and subscribe so more business owners and leaders can discover the show.
— Dona and The Dona KAPP Show Podcast Team

Connect with Dona

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donakappmeyer
Website: https://donakapp.com/

Listen to The Dona KAPP Show

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033XgUlw2dBzh9QNyRzKFW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-dona-kapp-show/id6795499632
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5590e534-faeb-4afd-a5bc-35989833696f

The Dona KAPP Show features honest, engaging conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders about business, life, and the ripple effect created by the choices we make.
Hosted by business coach, consultant, speaker, author, and entrepreneur Dona Kappmeyer, each episode goes beyond job titles and accomplishments to explore the experiences that shaped her guests, the challenges that tested them, and the lessons they learned along the way.