The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

In this actionable episode, Shad Tidler, Sales and Leadership/Management at Lushin, Inc., shares how to build repeatable sales systems that scale without founder dependency. If you struggle with inconsistent revenue and every deal requiring your personal involvement in stage 3, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why founder-led selling creates an invisible ceiling that stalls predictable growth.

- How to document and systemize your winning sales process into trainable steps

- What simple scripts and cadences turn average reps into consistent closers fast

This episode...

In this transformative episode, Joe Patneaude, Owner of JP Coaching, shares how to break through the silent ceiling and scale without chaos in stage 2. If you struggle with growth stalling despite effort and feeling trapped doing everything yourself, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why founder heroics create invisible ceilings that block sustainable scaling.

- How to shift from operator to leader by building repeatable systems early.

- What mindset and structure changes turn daily firefighting into strategic freedom.

This episode is ideal for for...

In this uniform episode, Todd Schuchart, Founder of Razor Ridge Leads, shares how to master consistent lead generation and sales without burning out in stage 2. If you struggle with feast-or-famine revenue and relying on referrals alone, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to build repeatable outbound systems that fill your pipeline predictably

- Why consistent daily prospecting beats sporadic "big swings" every time

- What simple scripts and follow-up cadences turn cold outreach into warm conversations

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners...

In this Encouraging episode, Weronika Sobolak, Owner of Weronika Sobolak Consulting, shares how to evolve from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO in stage 5. If you struggle with constant firefighting, team dependency on you, and stalled personal freedom, you won't want to miss it

You will discover:

- Why over-involvement in operations kills strategic thinking and growth.

- How to systematically hand off day-to-day decisions to trusted leaders

- What mindset and structure shifts create true CEO-level leverage

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5...

In this eye-opening episode, Dylan Bost, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunny HQ LLC, shares how to break free from the disillusioned leader trap and reclaim personal profitability. If you struggle with growing revenue but shrinking take-home pay and constant burnout in stage 4, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why owner compensation often gets sacrificed first during scaling.

- How to structure pay so the business rewards you, not just employees.

- What mindset and systems shift profit from the company to your life.

This episode...

In this empowering episode, Daria Rudnik, Team Architect and Owner of Daria Rudnik Coaching & Consulting, shares how to shift from founder-led decisions to empowered team ownership in stage 4. If you struggle with being the bottleneck in leadership meetings and slow decisions, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why constant founder input kills team confidence and slows scaling.

- How to create psychological safety so your team speaks up first

- What structured questions train leaders to own outcomes independently

This episode is ideal for for...

In this transformative episode, Todd Polke, Owner of Todd Polke, shares how to escape post-exit mediocrity and design a legacy of fulfillment and wealth. If you struggle with feeling stuck after selling or craving deeper purpose at scale, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to redefine success beyond financials for lasting impact

- Why mindset shifts unlock exponential growth in life and business

- What daily habits build the clarity to avoid the "middle" trap

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and...

In this clarifying episode,Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why you must stop relying on individual advice and start following proven patterns. If you struggle with overwhelming noise, conflicting guidance, or outdated experience holding you back, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why patterns across stages filter out 90%+ of irrelevant advice

- How to use organizational and founder stages as your decision filter

- What focusing on high-probability patterns accelerates success at every level

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and...

In this forward-thinking episode, Wes Towers,Founder of Uplift 360, shares how to adapt lead generation when traditional channels dry up. If you struggle with inconsistent leads and outdated online tactics in stage 3, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why search engines alone no longer deliver reliable leads at scale

- How to implement "search everywhere optimization" across multiple channels

- What value-first content builds trust and attracts clients faster

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution...

In this this eye-opening episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why even great advice can actively hold you back if it's not stage-specific. If you struggle with applying well-meaning guidance that doesn't fit your current reality, you won't want to miss it

You will discover:

- Why advice from peers, coaches, authors, and successful founders is often wrong for your stage

- How to filter all advice through the lens of your current Founder's Evolution stage

- What judgment skill separates founders who thrive from those who stay stuck<...

In this unwavering episode, Jon Morris, Founder and Executive Director of The Professional Service Community, shares how you can master your financial numbers to cut through the fog of stage four and lead your business with unshakeable confidence. If you wrestle with unreliable reports, question every spend, and feel blindfolded in your growth, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to simplify your P&L into five key categories so you can instantly spot what's driving—or draining—your profits

- Why boosting gross margin through small-i innovation lets you...

In this paradigm-shifting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why your past success can trap you in the wrong stage. If you struggle with outdated playbooks, stalled growth, or repeating old patterns, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why experience that created your current success actively blocks the next stage

- What to filter past wins and failures through to adapt for your current stage

- How to use stage-specific frameworks to break free from what’s holding you back

This episode is id...

In this candid episode, Andrew Hulbert, Founder and Vice Chair of Pareto Facilities Management Ltd, shares lessons from building, exiting, and redefining purpose post-sale. If you struggle with post-exit identity voids and legacy planning, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why aligning business with personal purpose sustains fulfillment beyond exits

- How to structure companies for independence and multi-generational impact

- What mindset shifts empower everyday people to launch successfully

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 6 of The Founder's...

In this factual episode, Nicholas Loise, Founder of Sales Performance Team, shares how to build scalable sales teams and integrate marketing for growth. If you struggle with duct-tape sales processes and being stuck in selling, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to align sales and marketing to avoid silos and boost revenue.

- Why creating playbooks turns average reps into consistent performers.

- What avoiding "one" dependencies like single salespeople prevents risks

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4...

In this prictical episode, Sid Jashnani, Founder of Rekruuto, shares how to master delegation and scale using global talent to escape solo overload. If you struggle with doing everything yourself and fearing first hires, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to use the Delta Delegation Ladder for structured task handoff

- Why starting with low-risk tasks builds trust in delegation

- What global VAs provide for cost-effective team growth

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's...

In this empowering episode, Giuseppe Grammatico, Owner of GG The Franchise Guide, shares how franchising offers a proven, lower-risk path to business ownership from corporate jobs. If you struggle with feeling trapped in a dead-end job and fear starting from scratch, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why franchising provides systems and support missing in startups

- How to evaluate franchises that fit your lifestyle goals.

- What free resources like books and calls accelerate your transition

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners...

In this clarifying episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why goals exist to drive better decisions and actions toward your vision. If you struggle with misaligned goals or ineffective planning across any stage, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why goals primarily guide decisions and actions, not just achievement

- How to set goals aligned with your mission, vision, and values

- What reviewing goals teaches you to master the skill over time

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs...

In this motivational episode, William Milliken, President of Swoop Scoop, shares how to scale service businesses and overcome mindset barriers to hiring. If you struggle with doing everything alone and fearing your first hires, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to start taking action without waiting for perfection

- Why mindset blocks prevent scaling beyond solo operations

- What simple systems turn a simple service into millions

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not...

In this insightful episode, Joanna Zhang, CEO of The Operations Genius, shares how to master delegation and self-discovery to escape overwhelm. If you struggle with doing everything alone and hitting bottlenecks, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to start delegation by listing tasks and building trust

- Why respecting emotions unlocks better leadership decisions

- What self-reflection turns challenges into growth opportunities

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in...

In this insightful episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares how to discover and evolve your true organizational vision across all seven stages of the Founder's Evolution. If you struggle with unclear purpose, motivation dips, or building a team around something that doesn't truly matter, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why your organization should (or did) still matter 50 years from now

- What makes a vision compelling enough to fuel you through decades of sacrifice

- How to evolve your vision from short-term survival fuel → te...

In this empowering episode, Carrie Fabris, Founder of CareerFrame, shares how to elevate manager engagement for lasting profitability and legacy. If you struggle with a weak leadership bench eroding your gains, you won't want to miss it

You will discover:

- How to use Frame It for frequent, accountable leadership growth

- Why high engagement boosts profitability by 21% in top quartiles

- What ongoing practice turns insights into real behavioral change

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure...

In this perceptive episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why chasing arbitrary revenue goals traps founders and how to determine the right size for your organization based on your unique vision. If you feel stuck growing a business that no longer excites you or wonder if bigger is truly better, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why revenue numbers are a poor way to measure business size

- How to choose the smallest organization that fully achieves your vision

- Why bigger organizations scale problems...

In this strategic episode, Matt Ruttenberg, Co-Owner of Life, Inc. Retirement Services, shares how to customize retirement plans to slash taxes and favor founders. If you struggle with one-size-fits-all 401ks that hurt your bottom line, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to stack cash balance plans with 401ks for massive deductions

- Why founder-centric designs beat employee-focused defaults

- What deadlines let you backdate 2025 contributions until 2026

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure...

In this essential episode, Michael Swenson, Founder of CrisisTrak, shares how to build crisis plans that safeguard your enterprise from disasters. If you struggle with blind spots that could erase years of value, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to form a crisis team for rapid, organized response

- Why early planning protects customers, employees, and investors

- What Crisis Track automates to streamline your recovery

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure...

In this practical episode, Scott Ritzheimer, shares a simple exercise to reclaim control of your CEO schedule. If you struggle with endless pulls on your time and unclear priorities, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to rate current time use across key categories like planning and mentoring.

- Why envisioning your ideal schedule six months out reveals big shifts

- What setting goals for top movers turns insights into actionable change

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of...

In this actionable episode, Daniel Strohli, Founder of Profitsx.com, shares how to build scalable lead systems for contractors and service businesses. If you struggle with inconsistent pipelines and payroll pressures, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to create client-centric websites that generate high-quality leads

- Why consistent, focused work outperforms talent in marketing

- What simple automations boost visibility and conversions fast

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're...

In this practical episode episode, Jody K. Thelander, CEO of J. Thelander Consulting and Morgan Thelander, COO of J. Thelander Consulting, shares how how to fix messy compensation structures using market data. If you struggle with inconsistent pay and retention risks, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to use surveys for free, tailored market comp insights

- Why balancing cash and equity prevents talent flight

- What data-driven plans avoid emotional comp pitfalls


This episode is ideal for fo...

In this insightful episode, Andrew Poles, Founder and CEO of Andrew Poles Founder Growth Coaching, shares how to resolve co-founder tensions and evolve into a high-impact CEO without burnout. If you struggle with misaligned decisions and strained leadership partnerships, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to prioritize alignment over agreement to move forward faster

- Why fostering deep connections boosts team performance exponentially

- What neuroscience reveals about avoiding burnout in scaling

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4...

In this paradigm-shifting episode, Scott Ritzheimer shares why rejecting "foolish consistency" unlocks founder greatness across all stages. If you struggle with rigid processes killing innovation or chasing shiny objects derailing vision, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why foolish consistency is the hobgoblin stifling your breakthroughs

- What adaptive leadership separates great founders from the pack

- How continuity of vision beats rigid methods every time

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which...

In this profound episode, Cris Zimmermann, Co-Founder of Medici Global Ventures, shares Medici principles for transitioning from success to lasting significance. If you struggle with emptiness despite wealth and unclear legacy impact, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to foster multi-generational family and business continuity like the Medicis

- Why blending art, leadership, and strategy builds enduring influence

- What strategic planning secures your wealth and values for centuries

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage , of The Founder's...

In this invigorating episode, David Lorango, CEO and Founder of Startup Accelerators, shares how to reignite growth when marketing spend no longer moves the needle. If you struggle with flatlining revenue despite bigger budgets and a solid team, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why more ad spend alone kills ROI at scale

- How to shift from acquisition-only to full-funnel creativity

- What injecting fun and joy unlocks breakthrough campaigns

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The...

In this energizing episode, Alan McLaren, Co-Founder of STRATA Originals, shares how to build a powerful leadership brand that pulls opportunities to you instead of pushing uphill. If you struggle with team execution feeling heavy and growth stalling despite a strong C-suite, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why your personal visibility is the hidden multiplier for company momentum

- How to start building thought-leadership in just 15 minutes a week

- What authentic commenting on LinkedIn does that original posts alone can’t

This episode is...

In this game-changing episode, Tyler Wagner, Founder of Authors Unite, shares how to write, publish, and launch a bestselling book to skyrocket your credibility and revenue.

You will discover:

- How to turn your expertise into a book in under 90 days

- Why bestseller status is achievable today with the right strategy

- What referral partnerships scale your business without ads

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less...

In this liberating episode, Shae Bynes, Chief Fire Igniter of The Good Faith Group LLC, shares how to replace grind with grace for sustainable success and true freedom. If you struggle with burnout and the hidden costs of ambition, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to receive grace as a gift already available to you

- Why grace, not hustle, is the fuel for lasting results

- What grace-empowered leadership creates flourishing cultures

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in...

In this venturesome episode, Christopher Hnatko, Founder of Spartan Trading, shares how to master trading with institutional insights and avoid common pitfalls. If you struggle with financial leaks and poor risk decisions, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to define risk thresholds for scalable business choices

- Why institutional views reveal hidden market dynamics

- What real-time mentoring builds confident profitability

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find...

In thisempowering episode, Betsy Pepine, Owner of Pepine Realty, shares how to dismantle invisible boxes and embrace entrepreneurship. If you struggle with dissatisfaction and unseen expectations, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to identify confining boxes from family and society

- Why self-reflection reveals your true entrepreneurial path

- What mentors guide you from employee to founder

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in...

In this Streamlined episode, Mary Cravets, Founder and CEO of Simply Get Clients by Mary Cravets, shares how to simplify client generation and boost income without burnout. If you struggle with overwhelm and inconsistent revenue, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to simplify strategies to focus on high-impact actions

- Why defining "working" prevents wasted effort on tactics

- What intentional choices align business with your freedom

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not...

In this transformative episode, Gary Mitchell, Founder of OnTrac Coach, shares how to transition from star lawyer to effective firm leader. If you struggle with control and team management, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to build teams around your strengths for efficiency

- Why mindset shifts enable entrepreneurial risk-taking

- What delegating perfection frees for firm growth

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free...

In this clarifying episode, Rion Westfall, Founder of 537bd, shares how to hunt internal revenue patterns and scale without chaos. If you struggle with unclear messaging and profit erosion, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to answer “What do you do?” in seven seconds with power

- Why continual evaluation beats more processes for margin growth

- What deep questions unlock control over your revenue

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stag...

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Ritzheimer shares how to thrive in your current stage without forced growth. If you struggle with boredom and stage pressure, you won't want to miss it. You will discover:

You will discover:

- Why aligning your stage with your vision boosts fulfillment

- How to embrace mystery to sustain joy and success

- What thriving strategies keep you engaged in any stage

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in...