Test. Optimize. Scale.

In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale, we sit down with Jack Krevitt, co-founder of Zen Rock and principal at 50T, to break down why waiting for perfect conditions is one of the fastest ways founders lose momentum.

Jack shares how his background in traditional finance shaped his view of timing, execution, and decision-making, and why speed often matters more than polish. We talk through real examples from Zen Rock, including launching products before the market window closed, shipping on a Friday when conventional wisdom said not to, and how listening closely to demand led to outsized...

Most founders wait too long to make the hardest decision.
Brian Mac Mahon explains why delay is often more dangerous than failure.

In Episode 222 of Test. Optimize. Scale: Jason Fishman sits down with Brian Mac Mahon, founder of Expert Dojo, to unpack the decisions founders avoid and the consequences of doing so. Drawing from 300+ startup investments, Brian breaks down how companies actually scale, when persistence turns into self-sabotage, and why customers, not investors, are the ultimate source of truth.

This conversation spans founder ego, growth loops, venture math, and the moment when a startup...

In this episode, host Jason Fishman sits down with John Andrade, entrepreneur, author, and founder of GO4CEO, to reveal the hard truths behind why so many businesses struggle to reach their potential.

With over 25 years of experience leading management, sales, and strategy for organizations and his own ventures, John shares real-world lessons from building businesses with top-line revenues over $3.5 million and working in high-level roles within banking and financial services. He has seen the pitfalls that trip up even the most ambitious founders, and he is here to help you avoid them.

What you'll...

In this episode of Test, Optimize, and Scale, host Jason Fishman interviews Alan Collier, CEO of SofPulse and Innovo Therapeutics, to discuss pain management, the opioid crisis, and a non-invasive medical device aiming to change how recovery is approached.

SofPulse is an FDA-cleared device designed to reduce post-operative pain and inflammation using pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology. Alan shares insights into how the device is being explored across different medical settings and what the company is working toward as part of its mission to provide alternatives in post-op care.

Topics covered:

Alan's background...

Too many marketing plans die before they ever get off the ground. Episode 220 dives into how fear slows down creators and founders, and how to build momentum by taking bolder, faster action.

You'll hear how to identify a niche that actually works, how to turn a community into a real audience engine, and how to develop a personal brand people remember. We also explore the mindset shifts that help you stop overthinking, avoid shiny distractions, and double down on what actually moves the needle.

This conversation matters now more than ever because crowded feeds reward...

Most founders underestimate how much strategy, preparation, and marketing it actually takes to run a successful Reg CF or Reg A+ crowdfunding campaign. Legal compliance matters — but according to attorney Marty Tate, one of the most respected experts in regulated investment crowdfunding, momentum and marketing ultimately determine whether your raise succeeds or fails.

In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale., Marty breaks down the real mechanics behind Reg CF, Reg D, and Reg A+; the timelines founders should expect; what derails campaigns; and why only a small percentage of issuers ever hit seven figures.

Whether yo...

Most founders think Regulation Crowdfunding is a quick way to raise capital — but it's far more strategic.

In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale, Jason Fishman sits down with Brian Korn, Head of FinTech & Blockchain at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, and board member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association, to unpack how Reg CF and Reg A+ really work.

🎙 You'll learn:

The history and purpose of the JOBS Act
How Reg CF evolved from early skepticism to mainstream adoption
What separates successful issuers from the rest
Legal pitfalls founders often overlook
How t...

Discover what makes or breaks a high-performance sales team in this enlightening episode featuring Chris Sanchez, a veteran sales leader who has built multiple seven and eight-figure teams across agencies, coaching programs, and consulting businesses.

Chris shares his journey from being a busboy to managing nine-figure sales organizations, explaining how customer service, relationship-building, and conviction laid the foundation for his success. This episode covers:

✅ How to diagnose why most sales teams fail — and the simple fixes that work
✅ The power of discovery: understanding a prospect's frustrations, fears, and goals before selling
✅ Why automation and pre...

Why do many equity crowdfunding campaigns fail to meet long-term success despite strong fundraising? In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale., Jason Fishman interviews Greg Burke, a seasoned researcher focused on private capital markets and startup investing trends. The discussion centers on a key compliance issue in Regulation Crowdfunding: failure to file Form C-AR, the required annual report under Reg CF.

Greg brings expertise in early-stage investing, investor behavior, and capital market regulations, drawing from years of research and analysis in the crowdfunding and venture ecosystems. His work focuses on how regulatory compliance affects investor trust, founder...

Dr. Canaan Van Williams is a nationally recognized leader in Social Impact Affordable Housing, known for turning distressed, undervalued real estate into vibrant communities that deliver both above-market returns and measurable impact. With over 25 years of experience and more than $36 million in repositioned assets, Dr. Van has proven that purpose-driven investing can be both transformative and profitable.

Raised in Section 8 housing in Berkeley, California, Dr. Van's mission is personal. That firsthand understanding of housing insecurity drives his relentless focus on dignity, opportunity, and stability for the underserved. Through The Proactive Realty Group LLC, he has created a...

Josh Cohn, Chief Commercial Officer of EndoSound, joins Test. Optimize. Scale. to share how his team is changing access to GI procedures through innovative medical technology and equity crowdfunding. With 17 years of experience in the medical device industry, Josh has built a track record of leading teams ranked #1 in revenue, percent to plan, and conversion dollars year after year.

In this episode, Josh explains why EndoSound is gaining national attention from investors, physicians, and surgical centers. He breaks down how their technology lowers costs for patients, expands access to care in underserved communities, and opens new opportunities...

Can AI-powered robots save farming? Clint Brauer, a former California tech executive turned Kansas farmer, believes they can. As Founder of Greenfield Robotics, Clint is leading the charge with autonomous robots that cut weeds, reduce herbicide use, and even apply nutrients—helping farmers grow healthier crops with less damage.

In this episode, we cover:
• How farming robots reduce herbicides and protect soil health
• Why tilling is like "a wrecking ball through your house"
• The real issue in America's food system: quality, not quantity
• How equity crowdfunding is connecting farmers, consumers, and investors

If you c...

In this episode, we talk with Jason Brents, founder of Phantastes Films and co-founder of OneDoor Studios and MyStreme.com. Jason shares his background in world literature, his experience in global film production, and his path from teaching in California to working in real estate development in Hawaii.

We discuss how Jason applied his business skills to the film industry, including raising over $3 million through equity crowdfunding and building partnerships to help OneDoor Studios grow. Jason also talks about his time living in China, his interest in literature, and his family life in Lake Tahoe.

...

This week's guest is Andrew Easton. Andrew is the founder and CEO of Mastermind, a Bitcoin mining and tokenization company bridging institutional capital with real-world assets. With a background that spans Northrop Grumman, EY, Amazon, Walmart Labs, and high-profile consulting projects for Fortune 500 companies, Andrew brings a rare blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial grit to Web3.

From breeding CryptoKitties in 2017 to launching a 100-machine Bitcoin mining operation and structuring SPVs that deliver tax-advantaged returns, Andrew has carved out a unique position in the market, serving DAOs, L1s, and institutional investors who want real yield and...

This week's guest is Adam Torkildson. Adam is a former SEO account manager turned entrepreneur who's transforming how agencies scale. After years in the trenches at SEO.com, Adam built the Tork Media Distribution Network to eliminate the biggest headaches in PR and marketing, securing guaranteed media placements, protecting content integrity, and scaling without increasing overhead. If you're a marketing or PR agency owner tired of pitching and chasing edits, this episode is your blueprint for working smarter.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torkildson/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/torkmedia/

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This week's guest is Doug Wilmore, the Co-Chair and CEO of World Tree, where he leads one of the most innovative models in regenerative agriculture and climate-focused investing. World Tree combines agroforestry and sustainable timber practices to sequester carbon, protect native ecosystems, and generate long-term returns for investors, all while scaling a $300M+ asset base through community-first capital raises.

Prior to World Tree, Doug drove the turnaround of a research pathology lab, increasing revenue by over 2,000% and leading it to a successful exit. His leadership spans both private and public sectors, including roles as City Manager for...

From Emmy-winning documentaries to rebuilding a 102-year-old schooner, Charles Kropke reveals how passion + Reg CF are powering a new wave of entrepreneurial growth. Discover what founders should TEST, how to OPTIMIZE broken models, and when to SCALE.

Kropke, CEO of Windjammer, shares lessons from restoring legacy cruise brands and leading successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're running a Reg A+, Reg D, or Reg CF raise, his stories are packed with insights for scaling brands with loyal communities.

📈 For founders, marketers & investors in equity crowdfunding, venture capital, and experiential startups.

Socials and website
Lin...

I'm joined by Michael Schreiber, an award-winning journalist and founder of MediaFeed. Michael began his career as an award-winning journalist, producing acclaimed documentaries and in-depth reporting on topics like the credit card industry. Today, he's at the forefront of helping businesses and individuals leverage content to grow their brands and connect with audiences.

Socials and website:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schreiber-5682821/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediafeed-llc/

Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights:

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Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency

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This week's guest is Daniel Kooman, founder of UnveilTV and director/producer at Unveil Studios. With 18+ years of experience, Daniel creates original content for global platforms like BBC and ABC. He's passionate about storytelling that inspires real-world impact through films, series, and documentaries. Alongside his brothers, he produces high-quality, purpose-driven stories that bring brands and missions to life.

Socials and Website:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkooman/

https://unveiltv.com/

Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights:

...

This week's guest is Devin Melnyk. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the cannabis industry and eight years steering operations in Canada's legal market, Devin Melnyk brings unmatched expertise and insight to HiNote AI. As a key player in building Pure Sunfarms, one of Canada's premier cannabis cultivators, Devin has a proven track record of scaling high-impact brands and navigating regulatory landscapes.

At HiNote AI, he's on a mission to revolutionize the cannabis experience. Under his leadership, the platform harnesses real-time, crowd-sourced reviews and AI-powered tools to empower consumers, surface credible quality signals, and elevate transparency ac...

This week's guest is Kevin Drolet, a business strategist, storyteller, and advocate focused on accelerating impact-driven innovation.

He's the Founder of Climate Hive, a collective of experts dedicated to supporting tech companies with the tools they need to scale, from marketing strategy and business development to fractional C-suite support. Kevin works alongside innovators across sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green building, and electrified transportation to:

His approach combines mission-driven...

My guest this week is Matthew Mead. Mattie Mead is a Sun Valley, Idaho based entrepreneur who has a passion for reenvisioning the materials used in construction and beyond. In 2016, he was a TEDx speaker on the topic of "Building a Better World."

As the CEO and Founder of Hempitecture, he is dedicated to seeing the use of sustainable, healthy building materials in our built environment. His work with Hempitecture awarded him a spot on the 2020 Forbes "30 under 30" list, alongside his cofounder Tommy Gibbons.

Outside of Hempitecture, Mattie served on the Bo...

My guest this week is Gene Massey. Gene Massey is the Chairman/CEO of MediaShares.com, a consulting firm that helps companies prepare their offerings for Crowdfunding platforms and brokerages. Using Regulation CF and Regulation A+, companies can raise capital from even non-accredited investors while simultaneously building recognition for its products and services andaccumulate thousands of users and followers. MediaShares specialises in introducing companies to attorneys, marketing firms, accountants, and overseeing the crowdfunding process.

Socials and website:

https://www.mediashares.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/genemassey

Fo...

My guest this week is Tim Martinez. Tim is known for being a true catalyst for change. As a sought-after thought leader and mentor, he has dedicated his career to helping the world's visionaries redefine what is possible. His transformative insights and no-limits mindset have aligned him with the top CEOs, executives, entertainers and global changemakers who are ready to step into their next level of success.

With a track record that spans continents and industries, Tim specializes in empowering leaders to break through their own ceilings, shatter outdated paradigms, and build legacies that matter to the w...

My guest this week is Adam Spector. The founder and CEO of Chore, a back office operations partner for founders handling HR, finance, compliance, and equity so startups can stay focused on what sets them apart. He is also the host of the Entrepreneurial Excellence podcast, where he dives deep with multi time founders to unpack the decisions, hires, and strategies that drive breakout success. As General Partner at the Autopilot Fund, Adam has invested in over 200 startups, 14 of which became unicorns, backing obsessed founders with a track record of pushing through walls.

With experience a...

My guest this week is Steven Schneider. The Co-Founder and CEO of TrioSEO, where he helps SaaS and B2B brands drive high-intent organic traffic with 100% human-written content. His team specializes in bottom-of-the-funnel blogs, sales pages, and SEO strategies that directly connect businesses with ideal customers. Before launching TrioSEO, Steven scaled a portfolio of 40 blogs to 7-figures in just three years using pure SEO, without relying on paid ads or social media.

Today, Steven is teaming up with entrepreneurs Connor Gillivan and Nathan Hirsch, known for building and exiting multiple 6, 7, and 8-figure businesses. After growing F...

My guest this week is Chris Van Dusen, a Senior Partner at Solyco Capital, a vertically integrated PE/VC firm providing capital and operational support to late-stage startups and growth companies. With over $20M in marketing leadership experience, he helped drive a $75M exit as Chief Growth Officer at Balanced Health Botanicals and has worked across high-growth sectors from CBD to CPG and spirits.

Chris also co-founded Surf City Still Works, raising $3.7M and scaling it into a 25,000 sq ft production facility—the first of its kind in Orange County. A former founder, operator, and mar...

My guest this week is Christopher Treloar, The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of PLNTBurger. Chris has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of.

My guest this week is Andrew Barrow! Andrew built his first website at just 12 years old, getting an early start in ad tech back in the late '90s. Since then, he's led major digital campaigns for brands like Verizon and The CW and driven key partnerships at companies including Penske Media Corporation and MediaMath. Today, as Founder and President of Revenue Arc, Andrew combines data-driven insights, emerging technology, and a collaborative approach to help brands and agencies grow—without the traditional fee structure. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife and two kids and volunteers with or...

My guest this week is Tom Winter, the Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder of SEOwind, an AI-powered writing tool that creates content that actually ranks on Google and drives organic traffic. With nearly a decade of experience as Co-founder at DevSkiller where he helped corporations like Tata Consultancy Services and General Motors streamline tech recruitment, Tom combines technical expertise with a no-nonsense marketing approach. His experience extends to roles as Managing Partner at GetFound.pl, an Inbound Marketing Agency, Advisor at Eye One, and Chief Growth Officer consultant at Reffine.

Tired of empty promises in t...

My guest this week is Christian Ray Flores. A high-performance coach, entrepreneur, international recording artist, and philanthropist with a story that spans continents and industries. From a childhood as a refugee in Chile to becoming a pop star in Eastern Europe, launching award-winning media ventures, and leading global philanthropy—his journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and impact.

With a master's in economics and fluency in four languages, Christian has built and advised startups, raised millions for businesses and missions, and coached top executives, founders, and creatives to sustained peak performance. He co-founded Third Dri...

My guest this week is Andrew Geisel. The Co-Founder and Head of Growth at Citizens, a hospitality brand redefining the modern café experience. With a deep passion for coffee and community, Andrew sharpened his expertise at one of Australia's premier coffee brands before channeling his skills into building Citizens into a fast-growing, investor-backed business. 

His background in architecture, construction, and commercial real estate gives him a unique edge in developing standout café spaces that seamlessly blend design, functionality, and brand identity. As Citizens expands across the U.S., Andrew's strategic vision and hands-on leadership are driv...

This week on Test. Optimize. Scale. My guest is Darren Marble, a pioneering force in democratizing investment opportunities through media and technology. As the Executive Producer of Going Public®, he's revolutionizing how viewers engage with business television – creating the first show where audiences can invest in featured companies while watching in real-time. The groundbreaking series is set to launch its third season exclusively on 𝕏 in Spring 2025.

Darren is also the CEO of Issuance, a leading SaaS investment platform that's facilitated over $300 million in securities investments. His entrepreneurial journey has attracted backing from some of the most respected names...

My guest this week is Jeff Carlton, a Certified Business & Executive Coach with FocalPoint who brings an extraordinary blend of military leadership and business expertise to the coaching world.

With over 30 years as a military officer and fighter pilot, Jeff has navigated both the skies and complex organizational challenges. His background includes serving as a USAF Inspector General, where he mastered the intricacies of compliance and auditing systems.

Jeff's unique perspective combines his aerospace engineering education and Master's studies in aviation business with hands-on experience in strategic planning and continuous process im...

My guest this week is Simon Penson. Having started his career in journalism, he quickly became captivated by the power of audience building across all platforms. His expertise grew to encompass digital marketing, business leadership, strategy, and growth.

His natural enthusiasm for innovation led him to establish, grow, and successfully sell two digital businesses, while continuing to pursue opportunities aligned with emerging consumer behavior trends.

Throughout his journey, he gained valuable insights into building and scaling digital businesses effectively, mastering the complexities of M&A to maximize exit value. This experience fo...

My guest this week is Jenny Kassan, Jenny is an attorney, coach, and ecosystem builder focused on capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Jenny earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley.

She is the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without selling Your Soul.

Jenny co-founded the Sustainable Economies Law Center, the Force for Good Fund, and Opportunity Main Street.

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in...

My guest this week is Eddie Tobler, a seasoned expert in corporate governance and shareholder relations with over 15 years of industry experience. Currently serving as the Managing General Partner at West Coast Stock Transfer Corp, Eddie has established himself as a trusted advisor in the Community and Regional Banking sector, particularly specializing in guiding banks through public market transitions and M&A processes.

Prior to his current role, Eddie spent a decade as the Director of Shareholder Services at Issuer Direct Corporation, where he honed his expertise in corporate actions and shareholder communications. His commitment to community...

My guest this week is Karl Dakin. Karl is a seasoned entrepreneur and capital strategist with over four decades of experience in transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses. As the founder of Dakin Capital LLC and an adjunct professor at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business, Karl has pioneered the "Motivated Money Method," a unique approach to capital raising that focuses on aligning investor goals with entrepreneurial visions.

His expertise spans multiple industries, from wellness and air disinfection technology to sustainable workforce housing. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Splish Naturals, Karl continues...

My guest is Brian Belley, Brian is the Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd and a prolific angel investor who has backed over 220 private startups through equity crowdfunding and private syndicates. As the founder of Crowdwise.org and VentureWallet.co (acquired by KingsCrowd in 2021), Brian has established himself as a leading voice in the democratization of private investing.

Beyond his investing activities, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for the Crowdfunding Professional Association and NE FIRST, where he helps shape the future of retail investing and robotics education. A self-taught developer and experienced engineering leader, he...

My guest is Ryan Schwartz, Ryan is a life-long storyteller with a passion for products that enrich the lives of consumers. Previously, Ryan brought his collaborative spirit to film production as a writer/producer/director and lead a full-service interactive marketing agency specializing in web designs, branded creative content, viral marketing, and print/marketing collateral.

Today, Ryan brings his voice and passion to RYCA's mission to improve lives through better oral care. Leading with gratitude and heart, Ryan has assembled a world class team at RYCA because he knows great people can make great things.

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