Small Business Origins Host John Kelley Calls for Votes in 2026 Top Host Competition

November 02, 2026•3 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOMBALL, Texas, November 2, 2026 — John Kelley, known as John The Marketer and host of Small Business Origins, is competing in the 2026 Top Host competition and asking listeners, small business owners and community supporters to cast their votes at his official Top Host contestant page.

Giving small business owners a place to be heard

Through Small Business Origins, Kelley has made space for entrepreneurs to tell the stories behind their businesses: how they started, the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. The podcast's catalog includes 143 full episodes and a trailer, bringing together founders from Houston-area businesses and national brands.

That work gives business owners a platform beyond a product pitch. Listeners can hear the decisions, setbacks and persistence behind a company, while guests have room to explain why their work matters. The archive includes conversations with Shane Nobles of Tomball-based Pain Train Salsa, productivity coach Alexis Haselberger, and Walter Crosby of Helix Sales Development. Together, these interviews make entrepreneurial experience and practical perspectives available to other owners and aspiring founders.

Explore the episodes and the businesses Kelley has helped put in the spotlight at Beefy Marketing's Small Business Origins archive.

Kelley's Top Host campaign brings that experience in listening and storytelling to a new competition. The winner's prize package includes $25,000, a six-episode podcast produced by iHeartRadio and a guest appearance on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, subject to the official rules.

Kelley says Small Business Origins currently has no sponsor and can only continue with a $2,500-per-month sponsor or by winning Top Host. He is seeking sponsorship support to keep sharing entrepreneurs' stories. Competition donations do not fund the podcast; they support the separate charitable fundraising campaign described below.

How to vote

Supporters can visit John Kelley's official Top Host page and select the free voting option. Eligible voters receive one free vote every 24 hours after verification. No donation is required. Supporters can also share the contestant page and return to vote when eligible.

Optional donation-based voting is available to eligible adults age 18 or older. Readers should review the official competition rules before participating and check Kelley's contestant page for current round information.

The purpose behind the competition

Top Host is operated by Colossal Management, LLC as a fundraising campaign for Action Initiative Team (AIT), a public charity. The designated grantee is the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, whose Seacrest Studios in pediatric hospitals give patients creative opportunities to explore radio, television and new media.

Donation-based votes go to AIT, not directly to the foundation. Under the official rules, AIT grants funds to the designated grantee after competition fees and variable costs. Free voting and optional fundraising are separate ways to participate.

Kelley encourages supporters to learn about the cause as well as cast a vote. Read the competition's fundraising terms and learn more about the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

About John The Marketer

John Kelley is a marketing consultant and podcast host based in the Tomball, Texas community. As host of Small Business Origins, he interviews entrepreneurs about the people and experiences behind their businesses. Learn more at the John The Marketer website.

Vote and share: https://tophost.org/2026/john-kelley

John The Marketer

John Kelley, better known as John The Marketer, is a firefighter/paramedic, marketing strategist, and maker who helps small business owners turn real‑life grit into growth. From running calls in Tomball, Texas to building brands, e‑commerce funnels, and content that actually converts, he blends hands‑on blue‑collar experience with sharp digital strategy. When he’s not on shift or behind a mic, you’ll find him designing, laser engraving, or building systems that let entrepreneurs spend less time guessing and more time growing.

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