Rising Tide Startups

Most businesses do not have a lead problem. They have a follow-up problem hiding in plain sight.For Aly Samaha, follow-up is not a desperate sales tactic. It is a system for recovering money that businesses have already earned but failed to capture. Over the last two years, his approach has helped bring in $2.37 million in cash from silent opportunities while working just one to two calls a day. His philosophy is simple: stop chasing more when there is already money sitting inside your pipeline.In this episode, Kevin sits down with Aly to break down the sales “hustle lie” and why high-ticket founders, coaches, and sales teams often overlook the warmest opportunities they already have. Aly explains how his background in startups, operations, and closing shaped his obsession with leaving zero stones unturned, and why smart follow-up begins before the call ever ends.Together, they unpack how to revive quiet prospects without sounding needy, pestering leads, or relying on aggressive sales tactics. Aly shares why good follow-up depends on clarity, proximity, and energy management, and how business owners can focus their attention on the few deals closest to the finish line instead of treating every prospect the same.The conversation is a practical reminder that sales is not just about more activity. It is about knowing where trust already exists, staying human in the follow-up, and building a system that turns neglected conversations into recovered revenue.Key TakeawaysReframe the Silence. A quiet lead is not always a lost deal. Sometimes the problem becomes urgent later, and the right follow-up keeps you close without pressuring the prospect.Work the Pipeline You Already Have. Before chasing new leads or increasing ad spend, look at the warm conversations, past calls, and stalled opportunities already sitting in your CRM. Follow Up Before the Call Ends. Strong follow-up starts by identifying the real objection on the sales call, so the next message feels relevant instead of random. Detach From the Outcome. When you focus on the process instead of forcing the close, you become more useful, less needy, and more trusted. Give Away Strategy, Sell Execution. Sharing frameworks, templates, and advice builds goodwill. The paid value comes from helping business owners implement the system. Prioritize the Closest Deals. Not every lead deserves the same energy. Focus your best attention on the prospects closest to the finish line, then use systems for the rest. Build Follow-Up Systems. Memory is not a revenue strategy. Clean pipelines, simple sequences, and consistent outreach keep warm leads from disappearing. Listen to the full conversation here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Aly SamahaFree 60-Min Pipeline Audit: http://alysamaha.com/kevin Website: alysamaha.comLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/samsonsamahaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/samsonsamaha/My guest Aly Samaha put his entire follow-up system in one place and made it free for you, every script and sequence behind $2.37M in recovered deals: https://alysamaha.com/kevinClosing Thought"Marry the process, but divorce yourself from the outcome. The best salespeople stay focused on what they can control, stay close without pressure, and build trust long before the deal is ready to close." — Aly SamahaSponsor ShoutoutsNaviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025!Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Rising Tide Members: Special thanks to our supporters and community members who make this show possible. Learn how to join at risingtidestartups.com.

A layoff isn't always a setback. Sometimes it's the boost you need! After being laid off from a strategic advisory firm, Madilyn pulled her existing LLC off the shelf and made the decision to stop climbing the corporate ladder. With a master's in marketing and years of experience working alongside business creators, she stepped into entrepreneurship with a clear focus: helping agency owners finally give their own brands the same strategic attention they give their clients. Today, Madilyn leads M & Co, a North Carolina brand strategy consultancy for marketing and creative agency owners. Acting as a “second brain,” she helps founders sharpen their positioning, clarify their messaging, and maintain a brand presence that reflects the quality of work they are already delivering for others. In this episode, Kevin sits down with Madilyn to unpack how she landed two clients within four months of launching, moved from theory-heavy business courses into real client work, worked through pricing imposter syndrome, and built a relationship-first outreach approach that feels more human than traditional cold calling. Key Takeaways Solve one problem exceptionally well. Clarity on your specific solution and niche beats trying to appeal to everyone. Relationships are your first marketing channel. Networks, testimonials, and case studies build credibility long before any formal campaign does. Treat the business like a business on day one. Real systems and a professional mindset early create momentum that compounds. Lead with value. Ungated resources and quick wins earn trust faster than pitching ever will. Comfort follows the scary decision, not the other way around. Clarity and confidence show up after you act, not before. Price for where you're going. Don't anchor your rates to an old corporate salary; build them around the business you're actually creating. Delegation is freedom. Clean SOPs get routine work off your plate so you can focus on growth. Listen to the Episode YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR  Website: https://risingtidestartups.com/ Connect with Madilyn Kent Website: https://mandco.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madilynkent/ Closing Thought "Take the jump. Take the leap. It is worth it. There will be struggles, but nothing in life comes without them. So do it." Sponsor Shoutouts Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

A layoff isn't always a setback. Sometimes it's the boost you need! After being laid off from a strategic advisory firm, Madilyn pulled her existing LLC off the shelf and made the decision to stop climbing the corporate ladder. With a master's in marketing and years of experience working alongside business creators, she stepped into entrepreneurship with a clear focus: helping agency owners finally give their own brands the same strategic attention they give their clients. Today, Madilyn leads M & Co, a North Carolina brand strategy consultancy for marketing and creative agency owners. Acting as a “second brain,” she helps founders sharpen their positioning, clarify their messaging, and maintain a brand presence that reflects the quality of work they are already delivering for others. In this episode, Kevin sits down with Madilyn to unpack how she landed two clients within four months of launching, moved from theory-heavy business courses into real client work, worked through pricing imposter syndrome, and built a relationship-first outreach approach that feels more human than traditional cold calling. Key Takeaways Solve one problem exceptionally well. Clarity on your specific solution and niche beats trying to appeal to everyone. Relationships are your first marketing channel. Networks, testimonials, and case studies build credibility long before any formal campaign does. Treat the business like a business on day one. Real systems and a professional mindset early create momentum that compounds. Lead with value. Ungated resources and quick wins earn trust faster than pitching ever will. Comfort follows the scary decision, not the other way around. Clarity and confidence show up after you act, not before. Price for where you're going. Don't anchor your rates to an old corporate salary; build them around the business you're actually creating. Delegation is freedom. Clean SOPs get routine work off your plate so you can focus on growth. Listen to the Episode YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Website: https://risingtidestartups.com/ Connect with Madilyn Kent Website: https://mandco.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madilynkent/ Closing Thought "Take the jump. Take the leap. It is worth it. There will be struggles, but nothing in life comes without them. So do it." Sponsor Shoutouts Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

What if your customers like your software, but don't have the time to use it? Farzad Rashidi learned this the hard way. Back in college, he cold emailed the founder of Visme, offered to work for free, and eventually became the company's first marketing hire. He helped grow the bootstrapped platform to eight figures and learned one major lesson along the way: backlinks could drive serious organic growth, but the outreach process was painfully time-consuming. That insight eventually led him to co-found Respona, an outreach platform built to make the process easier. At first, the software gained traction. But over time, Farzad and his team ran into a frustrating problem. Customers did not leave because the product was bad. They left because they did not have the bandwidth to actually use it. In this episode of The Rising Tide Startups, Farzad shares how one conversation with an Australian client helped them rethink the entire business. That moment pushed Responda from DIY software into a productized service, and helped unlock 5x revenue growth in just twelve months. Key Takeaways: Action Produces Information. Taking any step forward yields the critical data points required to make the right move. Focus on Outcomes. Customers care about tangible results and deliverables, not just being handed a toolset they have to manage themselves. Build a Surround Sound Strategy. Modern AI search visibility requires replicating citations across authoritative lookalike publications. Position Yourself to Get Lucky. Proactive, direct initiative throws enough spaghetti at the wall until something sticks. Productize Your Services. Scale manual workflows by turning human operations into a standardized, predictable assembly line. Lower the Bar to Execution. With minimal technical overhead required today, launching an early project beats staying trapped in the idea stage. Seize Exponential Shifts. Capitalizing on moments when technology and user behaviors fundamentally change creates an immediate competitive edge.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR  Connect with Farzad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzadrashidi/ Website: https://respona.com/ Closing Thought If you haven't started yet, that first project's goal is just to give you the data point to know what to do next. And so if you're going with that mindset of not being afraid of losing... what do you have to lose is a few hours of your time. — Farzad Rashidi Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

What if your customers like your software, but don't have the time to use it? Farzad Rashidi learned this the hard way. Back in college, he cold emailed the founder of Visme, offered to work for free, and eventually became the company's first marketing hire. He helped grow the bootstrapped platform to eight figures and learned one major lesson along the way: backlinks could drive serious organic growth, but the outreach process was painfully time-consuming. That insight eventually led him to co-found Respona, an outreach platform built to make the process easier. At first, the software gained traction. But over time, Farzad and his team ran into a frustrating problem. Customers did not leave because the product was bad. They left because they did not have the bandwidth to actually use it. In this episode of The Rising Tide Startups, Farzad shares how one conversation with an Australian client helped them rethink the entire business. That moment pushed Responda from DIY software into a productized service, and helped unlock 5x revenue growth in just twelve months. Key Takeaways: Action Produces Information. Taking any step forward yields the critical data points required to make the right move. Focus on Outcomes. Customers care about tangible results and deliverables, not just being handed a toolset they have to manage themselves. Build a Surround Sound Strategy. Modern AI search visibility requires replicating citations across authoritative lookalike publications. Position Yourself to Get Lucky. Proactive, direct initiative throws enough spaghetti at the wall until something sticks. Productize Your Services. Scale manual workflows by turning human operations into a standardized, predictable assembly line. Lower the Bar to Execution. With minimal technical overhead required today, launching an early project beats staying trapped in the idea stage. Seize Exponential Shifts. Capitalizing on moments when technology and user behaviors fundamentally change creates an immediate competitive edge.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR  Connect with Farzad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzadrashidi/ Website: https://respona.com/ Closing Thought If you haven't started yet, that first project's goal is just to give you the data point to know what to do next. And so if you're going with that mindset of not being afraid of losing... what do you have to lose is a few hours of your time. — Farzad Rashidi Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Escaping the cubicle starts with a simple shift: stop building someone else's dream and start building your own. Julia Hurley is a top real estate broker, investor, NIL and business consultant, and founder of Just Homes Group Brokerage. She helps professionals move beyond the 9-to-5 grind by building smarter systems, stronger operations, and businesses designed for real freedom. Her own leap into real estate began with a mentorship moment over a decade ago. Since then, she's become a multi-million-dollar producer with a clear belief: she's a maker of dreams, not a 9-to-5er. In this episode, Julia shares how to move from a cubicle mindset into entrepreneurial ownership. She talks about facing the fear of starting, building systems around your lifestyle, finding mentors who push you, and creating a brand built to last through market shifts. Tune in for a practical conversation about freedom, resilience, and building a business on your own terms. Key Takeaways: Redefine Your Professional Identity. Real career freedom starts when you stop thinking like an employee and start building like an owner. Find Mentors Who Stretch You. Growth moves faster when you learn from people operating at a higher level, especially when you bring value to the relationship first. Build for Profit, Not Just Revenue. A strong business needs smart backend systems that protect margins and support long-term growth. Look for Local Opportunities. Some of the best advantages come from community needs, local market gaps, and regulations others overlook. Move From Learning to Action. Breaking into a competitive industry takes more than research. At some point, you have to execute. Build Relationships That Last. Long-term success comes from real connections with local stakeholders, not short-term, transactional networking.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Julia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahurley/ Website: https://www.justhomesgroup.com/juliahurley/ Closing thought: "Approach every room with a giving mindset; that is how you earn an open door and a permanent seat at the table." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Escaping the cubicle starts with a simple shift: stop building someone else's dream and start building your own. Julia Hurley is a top real estate broker, investor, NIL and business consultant, and founder of Just Homes Group Brokerage. She helps professionals move beyond the 9-to-5 grind by building smarter systems, stronger operations, and businesses designed for real freedom. Her own leap into real estate began with a mentorship moment over a decade ago. Since then, she's become a multi-million-dollar producer with a clear belief: she's a maker of dreams, not a 9-to-5er. In this episode, Julia shares how to move from a cubicle mindset into entrepreneurial ownership. She talks about facing the fear of starting, building systems around your lifestyle, finding mentors who push you, and creating a brand built to last through market shifts. Tune in for a practical conversation about freedom, resilience, and building a business on your own terms. Key Takeaways: Redefine Your Professional Identity. Real career freedom starts when you stop thinking like an employee and start building like an owner. Find Mentors Who Stretch You. Growth moves faster when you learn from people operating at a higher level, especially when you bring value to the relationship first. Build for Profit, Not Just Revenue. A strong business needs smart backend systems that protect margins and support long-term growth. Look for Local Opportunities. Some of the best advantages come from community needs, local market gaps, and regulations others overlook. Move From Learning to Action. Breaking into a competitive industry takes more than research. At some point, you have to execute. Build Relationships That Last. Long-term success comes from real connections with local stakeholders, not short-term, transactional networking.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Julia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahurley/ Website: https://www.justhomesgroup.com/juliahurley/ Closing thought: "Approach every room with a giving mindset; that is how you earn an open door and a permanent seat at the table." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Building a successful business doesn't always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, the better path is choosing a proven operating model, like a franchise.   Giuseppe Grammatico, founder of GG the Franchise Guide, helps professionals move from employee to business owner through honest self-reflection and strategic franchise selection. He pushes past the usual fast-food stereotypes and guides candidates through a deeper process, one focused on personal motivation, time freedom, risk tolerance, and long-term asset ownership.   His approach helps entrepreneurs choose the right business model early, whether they want to run the business day to day or take a more semi-passive role. Giuseppe also focuses on flexible, low-overhead B2B opportunities that reduce startup risk and create room for sustainable growth. For him, real due diligence means going beyond sales materials and speaking directly with existing operators.   In this episode, Giuseppe breaks down how to define your “why” before looking at business ideas, how to evaluate franchise models without falling for industry assumptions, and how to validate an opportunity before investing. Key Takeaways Define Your Introspective Why. Map out your personal motivations, lifestyle desires, and boundaries before looking at actual business ideas. Systems Over Total Independence. Choosing a proven operational framework minimizes structural startup risks while still granting full asset ownership. Evaluate the Management Blueprint. Decide early whether to operate as a hands-on manager or a semi-passive owner overseeing an established team. Shatter Industry Stereotypes. Business replication models span far beyond traditional fast-food sectors into flexible, low-overhead, and B2B markets. Validate via Peer Networks. Perform ultimate due diligence by interviewing existing operators to cross-reference corporate claims with real-world realities. Prioritize Future Exit Strategies. Build your business with clean data and seamless scalability so it remains profitable and independent of you. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Giuseppe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico/ Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com Closing thought: "Freedom favors the bold. Those bold enough to take action on their goals are the ones who realize the freedom boldness can deliver." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Let Podbrand Media do it for you - podbrandmedia.com!

Building a successful business doesn't always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, the better path is choosing a proven operating model, like a franchise.   Giuseppe Grammatico, founder of GG the Franchise Guide, helps professionals move from employee to business owner through honest self-reflection and strategic franchise selection. He pushes past the usual fast-food stereotypes and guides candidates through a deeper process, one focused on personal motivation, time freedom, risk tolerance, and long-term asset ownership.   His approach helps entrepreneurs choose the right business model early, whether they want to run the business day to day or take a more semi-passive role. Giuseppe also focuses on flexible, low-overhead B2B opportunities that reduce startup risk and create room for sustainable growth. For him, real due diligence means going beyond sales materials and speaking directly with existing operators.   In this episode, Giuseppe breaks down how to define your “why” before looking at business ideas, how to evaluate franchise models without falling for industry assumptions, and how to validate an opportunity before investing. Key Takeaways Define Your Introspective Why. Map out your personal motivations, lifestyle desires, and boundaries before looking at actual business ideas. Systems Over Total Independence. Choosing a proven operational framework minimizes structural startup risks while still granting full asset ownership. Evaluate the Management Blueprint. Decide early whether to operate as a hands-on manager or a semi-passive owner overseeing an established team. Shatter Industry Stereotypes. Business replication models span far beyond traditional fast-food sectors into flexible, low-overhead, and B2B markets. Validate via Peer Networks. Perform ultimate due diligence by interviewing existing operators to cross-reference corporate claims with real-world realities. Prioritize Future Exit Strategies. Build your business with clean data and seamless scalability so it remains profitable and independent of you. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Giuseppe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico/ Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com Closing thought: "Freedom favors the bold. Those bold enough to take action on their goals are the ones who realize the freedom boldness can deliver." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Let Podbrand Media do it for you - podbrandmedia.com!

If your pipeline feels stuck, you don't need more leads. You need to stop the bleeding first. Apryl Syed is the CEO of ApertureCodex and a fractional marketing executive known as the "messaging maven." She specializes in transforming underperforming revenue engines for B2B SaaS companies, pinpointing the leaks and breaks in their customer journey that quietly kill growth. In the past she's worked with brands like Xero, Calm, and LiquidIV. What makes Apryl's approach different? She's an award-winning choreographer and certified NLP practitioner turned marketing strategist, a combination that gives her an edge in crafting high-converting messages that are both precise and deeply human. By auditing your processes, systems, and people, she uncovers revenue hiding right where you least expect it, starting with quick wins through strategic LinkedIn social selling before scaling into larger plays. In this episode, we get into the tactical side of B2B growth: how to simplify your core message, why an outside perspective is often the only way to spot friction, and why fixing your current customer journey almost always outperforms throwing money at ads. You'll leave knowing exactly where to audit your pipeline first and how to turn stuck leads into consistent revenue, without touching your ad budget.   Key Takeaways: Prioritize Clarity Over Cleverness. Ensure your core value proposition can be explained in just a few simple words that your target audience immediately understands. Audit Your Customer Journey. Identify specific friction points where potential leads drop off to uncover revenue opportunities hiding in plain sight. Seek External Strategic Perspectives. Utilize outside experts to spot internal process gaps that those working within the business are often too close to see. Leverage Psychology in Messaging. Apply behavioral insights and neuro-linguistic principles to create marketing communications that resonate more deeply with human decision-making. Focus on Practical Implementation. Avoid theoretical marketing strategies in favor of tangible fixes that address current system, process, or people-related bottlenecks. Secure Quick Value Wins. Aim for immediate improvements that prove value and generate a pipeline before attempting to scale more complex, long-term strategies. Solve Problems Before Scaling. Fix existing operational and conversion issues within your current engine rather than trying to outspend them with new advertising. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with April Syed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprylsyed/  ApetureCodex:  https://www.apeturecodex.com/    Closing thought: "I think we all need an outside perspective... we're often too close to the problem to see the solution that's right in front of us." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

If your pipeline feels stuck, you don't need more leads. You need to stop the bleeding first. Apryl Syed is the CEO of ApertureCodex and a fractional marketing executive known as the "messaging maven." She specializes in transforming underperforming revenue engines for B2B SaaS companies, pinpointing the leaks and breaks in their customer journey that quietly kill growth. In the past she's worked with brands like Xero, Calm, and LiquidIV. What makes Apryl's approach different? She's an award-winning choreographer and certified NLP practitioner turned marketing strategist, a combination that gives her an edge in crafting high-converting messages that are both precise and deeply human. By auditing your processes, systems, and people, she uncovers revenue hiding right where you least expect it, starting with quick wins through strategic LinkedIn social selling before scaling into larger plays. In this episode, we get into the tactical side of B2B growth: how to simplify your core message, why an outside perspective is often the only way to spot friction, and why fixing your current customer journey almost always outperforms throwing money at ads. You'll leave knowing exactly where to audit your pipeline first and how to turn stuck leads into consistent revenue, without touching your ad budget.   Key Takeaways: Prioritize Clarity Over Cleverness. Ensure your core value proposition can be explained in just a few simple words that your target audience immediately understands. Audit Your Customer Journey. Identify specific friction points where potential leads drop off to uncover revenue opportunities hiding in plain sight. Seek External Strategic Perspectives. Utilize outside experts to spot internal process gaps that those working within the business are often too close to see. Leverage Psychology in Messaging. Apply behavioral insights and neuro-linguistic principles to create marketing communications that resonate more deeply with human decision-making. Focus on Practical Implementation. Avoid theoretical marketing strategies in favor of tangible fixes that address current system, process, or people-related bottlenecks. Secure Quick Value Wins. Aim for immediate improvements that prove value and generate a pipeline before attempting to scale more complex, long-term strategies. Solve Problems Before Scaling. Fix existing operational and conversion issues within your current engine rather than trying to outspend them with new advertising. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with April Syed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprylsyed/  ApetureCodex:  https://www.apeturecodex.com/    Closing thought: "I think we all need an outside perspective... we're often too close to the problem to see the solution that's right in front of us." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

What if the most effective content system isn't more AI, but just one human conversation? Gal Ko is a seasoned marketing expert who serves as a marketing lecturer at Google AI Tech School and is the founder of BoldPMM and Podstar. His mission is to help founders escape the "content hamster wheel" of generic, AI-generated posts by leveraging strategic podcast guesting. By moving away from automated outreach and focusing on high-ROI human conversations, Gal helps leaders become respected industry voices who reach their ideal audience's ears directly. His journey began at age 14, entering the business world early to support his family during a health crisis. This baptism by fire led him through years of product marketing for B2B tech companies, where he noticed a recurring problem: brilliant founders were exhausted by the pressure to produce daily content that failed to drive results. To solve this, he developed the REACH framework—a systematic, research-heavy approach to guesting that prioritizes deep connection and professional preparation over mass-messaging "numbers games." In this episode, we explore how to turn a single podcast appearance into a permanent content generation system. Gal breaks down how to overcome the fear of the microphone and why you don't need a massive following to establish authority. Listeners will walk away with a clear roadmap for landing high-value guest spots that build genuine trust and long-term brand equity without the burnout of traditional social media marketing.   Key Takeaways: Stop the Content Hamster Wheel. Prioritize high-impact human conversations over the exhaustion of producing generic, automated social media posts. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity. Reaching an audience is about the specificity of your targeting, not the sheer volume of your outreach. Leverage Your Unique Transformation. You don't need a massive following to be an industry voice; you only need a compelling lesson to share. Research Before Every Outreach. Save time and resources by deeply researching a platform's themes and audience before initiating any contact. Personalize Your Initial Connection. Increase success rates by mentioning a "personal win" from a prospect's recent work to show genuine engagement. Utilize Professional Networking Platforms. Use sites like LinkedIn to bypass crowded email inboxes and build warmth through established professional profiles. Systematize Your Follow-Up Process. Ensure growth by maintaining a disciplined system for follow-ups so potential opportunities never fall through the cracks.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Gal Ko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gal-ko/  Skool community:  https://www.skool.com/podstar  Website: https://podstar.me/   Closing thought: "All you have to have is a story, a lesson, a transformation to share with your audience, a message that helps your people."   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

What if the most effective content system isn't more AI, but just one human conversation? Gal Ko is a seasoned marketing expert who serves as a marketing lecturer at Google AI Tech School and is the founder of BoldPMM and Podstar. His mission is to help founders escape the "content hamster wheel" of generic, AI-generated posts by leveraging strategic podcast guesting. By moving away from automated outreach and focusing on high-ROI human conversations, Gal helps leaders become respected industry voices who reach their ideal audience's ears directly. His journey began at age 14, entering the business world early to support his family during a health crisis. This baptism by fire led him through years of product marketing for B2B tech companies, where he noticed a recurring problem: brilliant founders were exhausted by the pressure to produce daily content that failed to drive results. To solve this, he developed the REACH framework—a systematic, research-heavy approach to guesting that prioritizes deep connection and professional preparation over mass-messaging "numbers games." In this episode, we explore how to turn a single podcast appearance into a permanent content generation system. Gal breaks down how to overcome the fear of the microphone and why you don't need a massive following to establish authority. Listeners will walk away with a clear roadmap for landing high-value guest spots that build genuine trust and long-term brand equity without the burnout of traditional social media marketing.   Key Takeaways: Stop the Content Hamster Wheel. Prioritize high-impact human conversations over the exhaustion of producing generic, automated social media posts. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity. Reaching an audience is about the specificity of your targeting, not the sheer volume of your outreach. Leverage Your Unique Transformation. You don't need a massive following to be an industry voice; you only need a compelling lesson to share. Research Before Every Outreach. Save time and resources by deeply researching a platform's themes and audience before initiating any contact. Personalize Your Initial Connection. Increase success rates by mentioning a "personal win" from a prospect's recent work to show genuine engagement. Utilize Professional Networking Platforms. Use sites like LinkedIn to bypass crowded email inboxes and build warmth through established professional profiles. Systematize Your Follow-Up Process. Ensure growth by maintaining a disciplined system for follow-ups so potential opportunities never fall through the cracks.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Gal Ko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gal-ko/  Skool community:  https://www.skool.com/podstar  Website: https://podstar.me/   Closing thought: "All you have to have is a story, a lesson, a transformation to share with your audience, a message that helps your people."   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

Sometimes an AI can out-reason a senior analyst in the time it takes to brew coffee. Giuseppe Sette is President and Co-Founder of Reflexivity, an AI-driven investment platform built to bring institutional-grade reasoning to every investor. After managing billions as Co-CIO of Global Macro at Lombard Odier and holding senior roles at Brevan Howard and Davidson Kempner, he saw a structural problem in modern finance: even the most talented analysts were overwhelmed by the scale and speed of market data. That realization led him to build around a core principle he calls Reflexivity, the idea that intelligence must examine its own reasoning. Instead of simply retrieving or summarizing information, the system audits assumptions, models feedback loops, and pressure-tests conclusions before delivering insight. The goal is not just faster answers, but structured reasoning under uncertainty. In this episode, we explore the shift from search tools to true reasoning agents, what it means to build AI that thinks through its own logic, and why personal experience and conviction matter when launching a company in the middle of rapid technological change. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Personal Experience. Build around a problem you have personally faced and understand deeply. Embrace Technological Leverage. Use automation and advanced tools to offload low-level tasks, allowing you to focus on strategy and decision-making. Iterate Through Practical Use. Validate by watching how people use your product in real-world settings, not just in theory. Implement Self-Reflective Systems. Add double-checks and self-audits so efficiency never sacrifices accuracy. Define Clear Methodologies. Technology creates real impact when guided by a clear human framework. Recognize Exponential Shifts. Stay alert to moments when technology fundamentally changes your industry. Those shifts create opportunity. Bridge Generational Approaches. Blend proven traditional methods with modern tools to create an edge. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR  Connect with Giuseppe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/togglegs/  Reflexivity Website: https://reflexivity.com/en   Closing thought: Experiencing a problem firsthand and solving it goes a long way to help you create a venture that succeeds. If you have a professional experience where you felt the pain, that is the best place to start.  Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - We specialize in hosting a podcast for your company or brand.    Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation! Go to podbrandmedia.com for more info. 

Sometimes an AI can out-reason a senior analyst in the time it takes to brew coffee. Giuseppe Sette is President and Co-Founder of Reflexivity, an AI-driven investment platform built to bring institutional-grade reasoning to every investor. After managing billions as Co-CIO of Global Macro at Lombard Odier and holding senior roles at Brevan Howard and Davidson Kempner, he saw a structural problem in modern finance: even the most talented analysts were overwhelmed by the scale and speed of market data. That realization led him to build around a core principle he calls Reflexivity, the idea that intelligence must examine its own reasoning. Instead of simply retrieving or summarizing information, the system audits assumptions, models feedback loops, and pressure-tests conclusions before delivering insight. The goal is not just faster answers, but structured reasoning under uncertainty. In this episode, we explore the shift from search tools to true reasoning agents, what it means to build AI that thinks through its own logic, and why personal experience and conviction matter when launching a company in the middle of rapid technological change. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Personal Experience. Build around a problem you have personally faced and understand deeply. Embrace Technological Leverage. Use automation and advanced tools to offload low-level tasks, allowing you to focus on strategy and decision-making. Iterate Through Practical Use. Validate by watching how people use your product in real-world settings, not just in theory. Implement Self-Reflective Systems. Add double-checks and self-audits so efficiency never sacrifices accuracy. Define Clear Methodologies. Technology creates real impact when guided by a clear human framework. Recognize Exponential Shifts. Stay alert to moments when technology fundamentally changes your industry. Those shifts create opportunity. Bridge Generational Approaches. Blend proven traditional methods with modern tools to create an edge. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR  Connect with Giuseppe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/togglegs/  Reflexivity Website: https://reflexivity.com/en   Closing thought: Experiencing a problem firsthand and solving it goes a long way to help you create a venture that succeeds. If you have a professional experience where you felt the pain, that is the best place to start.  Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - We specialize in hosting a podcast for your company or brand.    Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation! Go to podbrandmedia.com for more info. 

What happens when the longtime hosts steps into the spotlight himself? Kevin Prewett is the host of the Rising Tide Startups podcast and the founder of Podbrand Media. After nearly a decade behind the microphone interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs, he is stepping into a new chapter. What once lived alongside a long career in nonprofit leadership is now becoming his primary focus, helping founders and businesses use podcasting to build trust and tell real stories. Kevin's path into podcasting began unexpectedly in January 2018. While working in the nonprofit sector and living across four countries on three continents, he started a podcast simply to stay close to the startup world and ask better questions. That curiosity grew into a viable business when a guest asked him to host their company podcast. Now, as he transitions out of nonprofit leadership, Kevin is doubling down on the work that never stopped pulling him in. In this episode, the roles reverse as guest host Steve Collins steps in as Kevin takes the hot seat. They reflect on Kevin's transition from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from years of founder conversations, and the patterns that separate those who push through the dips from those who fade.   Key Takeaways: Conversation Beats Scripts. The strongest insights surface when curiosity leads the conversation and follow-up questions replace rigid lists. Consistency Wins Long-Term. Most efforts fade early, but discipline over time is what carries ideas past the initial excitement. Relatability Builds Trust. Lessons land harder when they come from people still close enough to the struggle to feel real. Ideas Need Execution. Creativity only matters when paired with consistent ollow-through and the willingness to iterate. Discipline Outlasts Market Shifts. Long-term success comes less from timing and more from personal discipline. Mentorship Requires Honesty. The most valuable mentors have lived the work and are willing to tell you the truth. Character Scales. Trust, integrity, and reliability quietly shape reputations that grow alongside the business. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-prewett  Podbrand Media: Podbrandmedia.com   Closing thought: "You can be consistently disciplined with a bad idea and it won't work. But if you have an idea that has a market and potential, discipline is everything." - Kevin Prewett​   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What happens when the longtime hosts steps into the spotlight himself? Kevin Prewett is the host of the Rising Tide Startups podcast and the founder of Podbrand Media. After nearly a decade behind the microphone interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs, he is stepping into a new chapter. What once lived alongside a long career in nonprofit leadership is now becoming his primary focus, helping founders and businesses use podcasting to build trust and tell real stories. Kevin's path into podcasting began unexpectedly in January 2018. While working in the nonprofit sector and living across four countries on three continents, he started a podcast simply to stay close to the startup world and ask better questions. That curiosity grew into a viable business when a guest asked him to host their company podcast. Now, as he transitions out of nonprofit leadership, Kevin is doubling down on the work that never stopped pulling him in. In this episode, the roles reverse as guest host Steve Collins steps in as Kevin takes the hot seat. They reflect on Kevin's transition from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from years of founder conversations, and the patterns that separate those who push through the dips from those who fade.   Key Takeaways: Conversation Beats Scripts. The strongest insights surface when curiosity leads the conversation and follow-up questions replace rigid lists. Consistency Wins Long-Term. Most efforts fade early, but discipline over time is what carries ideas past the initial excitement. Relatability Builds Trust. Lessons land harder when they come from people still close enough to the struggle to feel real. Ideas Need Execution. Creativity only matters when paired with consistent ollow-through and the willingness to iterate. Discipline Outlasts Market Shifts. Long-term success comes less from timing and more from personal discipline. Mentorship Requires Honesty. The most valuable mentors have lived the work and are willing to tell you the truth. Character Scales. Trust, integrity, and reliability quietly shape reputations that grow alongside the business. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-prewett  Podbrand Media: Podbrandmedia.com   Closing thought: "You can be consistently disciplined with a bad idea and it won't work. But if you have an idea that has a market and potential, discipline is everything." - Kevin Prewett​   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Explore https://naviqus.com now to get your business off to a strong start in 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own company or brand podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Consistency is Key.   Most people spend weeks overthinking their first LinkedIn post, waiting for the perfect idea or brand. Jessie Van Bruegel believes that the approach is backwards. As a content strategist and creator who's posted daily on LinkedIn for nearly four years, he's built a business helping experts productize their knowledge into scalable info offerings, backed by purple-branded visuals that are hard to miss. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, host Kevin Prewett talks with Jessie about quitting a tech unicorn job in Amsterdam during the pandemic and becoming one of LinkedIn's most recognizable voices. After struggling to monetize on Twitter despite building 10,000 followers, Jessie committed to a 30-day LinkedIn streak in April 2022. He's still going, and that consistency has helped drive millions in revenue for his clients. Jessie breaks down why the hook matters most, how he separates ideation from creation to keep content sustainable, and why “the things only you can say” will be the differentiator in 2026. He also shares his Monday scheduling routine, his authority-content formula, and what's behind his lead magnet posts, including how 40% now hit 1,000+ comments. Plus, why he calls himself the “ultimate guinea pig,” testing AI workflows and YouTube growth before teaching what works. Key Takeaways: Say the Things Only You Can Say. Generic content is a commodity. Specificity, personal experience, and a unique perspective create markets where you have no competition. Focus on Inputs, Not Outputs. You can't control views, likes, or shares. You can control how often you post, how deeply you research, and how consistently you show up. Separate Ideation From Creation. Use different parts of your brain for different tasks. Collect ideas continuously, then schedule dedicated time to write and produce. The Hook Is Everything. If the first two lines don't create a curiosity gap, nobody reads the rest. Spend 80% of your effort on the hook and visual. Build Systems, Not Habits. Entrepreneurs aren't content creators—they're business owners. Marketing should be a scheduled task, not an all-day activity. Volume Negates Luck. Compress six months of work into three weeks. Post more, learn faster, and identify what works through rapid iteration. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Jessie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessievanbreugel/  Authority Figures: https://authority-figures.com/    Closing thought: "In 2026, if there's one content lesson I want to give everyone: say the things only you can say. If you remove your name and profile picture from a post and someone else can copy it word-for-word, it's not specific enough." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!  

Consistency is Key.   Most people spend weeks overthinking their first LinkedIn post, waiting for the perfect idea or brand. Jessie Van Bruegel believes that the approach is backwards. As a content strategist and creator who's posted daily on LinkedIn for nearly four years, he's built a business helping experts productize their knowledge into scalable info offerings, backed by purple-branded visuals that are hard to miss. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, host Kevin Prewett talks with Jessie about quitting a tech unicorn job in Amsterdam during the pandemic and becoming one of LinkedIn's most recognizable voices. After struggling to monetize on Twitter despite building 10,000 followers, Jessie committed to a 30-day LinkedIn streak in April 2022. He's still going, and that consistency has helped drive millions in revenue for his clients. Jessie breaks down why the hook matters most, how he separates ideation from creation to keep content sustainable, and why “the things only you can say” will be the differentiator in 2026. He also shares his Monday scheduling routine, his authority-content formula, and what's behind his lead magnet posts, including how 40% now hit 1,000+ comments. Plus, why he calls himself the “ultimate guinea pig,” testing AI workflows and YouTube growth before teaching what works. Key Takeaways: Say the Things Only You Can Say. Generic content is a commodity. Specificity, personal experience, and a unique perspective create markets where you have no competition. Focus on Inputs, Not Outputs. You can't control views, likes, or shares. You can control how often you post, how deeply you research, and how consistently you show up. Separate Ideation From Creation. Use different parts of your brain for different tasks. Collect ideas continuously, then schedule dedicated time to write and produce. The Hook Is Everything. If the first two lines don't create a curiosity gap, nobody reads the rest. Spend 80% of your effort on the hook and visual. Build Systems, Not Habits. Entrepreneurs aren't content creators—they're business owners. Marketing should be a scheduled task, not an all-day activity. Volume Negates Luck. Compress six months of work into three weeks. Post more, learn faster, and identify what works through rapid iteration. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Jessie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessievanbreugel/  Authority Figures: https://authority-figures.com/    Closing thought: "In 2026, if there's one content lesson I want to give everyone: say the things only you can say. If you remove your name and profile picture from a post and someone else can copy it word-for-word, it's not specific enough." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!  

Most employees talk about leaving the corporate world someday. Amber Goetz didn't just talk about it, she actually did it. Her path there was anything but typical. Before building her SEO agency, she spent years as a programmer, TV host, and stunt driver, racing cars and motorcycles for commercials and television. Later, she walked away from a secure marketing job to rebuild her own agency on her own terms. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Amber shares why the slow pace and red tape of corporate life finally pushed her back into entrepreneurship. She runs The Active Media, an SEO and web development agency that helps businesses jump from being buried in search results to showing up where customers actually click and call. She explains how AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have changed how people search, why keyword-based pricing no longer works, and how she now builds campaigns around effort, aggressiveness, and real outcomes.​ Amber talks about how local service businesses can win against bigger brands by treating their Google Business Profile like a true storefront, and why clear communication and strong boundaries with clients keep her business from feeling like a job again. She also shares what living in southern Utah has taught her about people who actually act on big ideas, and her dream of launching a podcast featuring her clients and writing a book to help women grow their authority online.   Key Takeaways: Get clear on what you do best. Naming your core skill and obsessing over it is the first step out of the golden handcuffs.​ Update how you price SEO. Flat keyword packages no longer match how people search, so build offers around time, intensity, and results.​ Let data lead your decisions. Test, measure, and adjust campaigns based on performance instead of guessing what should work.​ Treat Google Business Profile like your storefront. Local businesses that keep it active and complete can outrank much bigger companies.​ Protect your boundaries. Saying no to clients who ignore your time and process keeps entrepreneurship from feeling like another corporate job.​ Define your ideal client early. Knowing exactly who you want on the other end of the phone shapes your messaging, pricing, and red flags.  Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Amber: The Active Media: theactivemedia.com Goetz Go: goetzgo.com   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Most employees talk about leaving the corporate world someday. Amber Goetz didn't just talk about it, she actually did it. Her path there was anything but typical. Before building her SEO agency, she spent years as a programmer, TV host, and stunt driver, racing cars and motorcycles for commercials and television. Later, she walked away from a secure marketing job to rebuild her own agency on her own terms. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Amber shares why the slow pace and red tape of corporate life finally pushed her back into entrepreneurship. She runs The Active Media, an SEO and web development agency that helps businesses jump from being buried in search results to showing up where customers actually click and call. She explains how AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have changed how people search, why keyword-based pricing no longer works, and how she now builds campaigns around effort, aggressiveness, and real outcomes.​ Amber talks about how local service businesses can win against bigger brands by treating their Google Business Profile like a true storefront, and why clear communication and strong boundaries with clients keep her business from feeling like a job again. She also shares what living in southern Utah has taught her about people who actually act on big ideas, and her dream of launching a podcast featuring her clients and writing a book to help women grow their authority online.   Key Takeaways: Get clear on what you do best. Naming your core skill and obsessing over it is the first step out of the golden handcuffs.​ Update how you price SEO. Flat keyword packages no longer match how people search, so build offers around time, intensity, and results.​ Let data lead your decisions. Test, measure, and adjust campaigns based on performance instead of guessing what should work.​ Treat Google Business Profile like your storefront. Local businesses that keep it active and complete can outrank much bigger companies.​ Protect your boundaries. Saying no to clients who ignore your time and process keeps entrepreneurship from feeling like another corporate job.​ Define your ideal client early. Knowing exactly who you want on the other end of the phone shapes your messaging, pricing, and red flags.  Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Amber: The Active Media: theactivemedia.com Goetz Go: goetzgo.com   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Most 20-somethings are still figuring out their first job. Noah Tidwell dropped out of college, bought a moving company, ran it for five years, sold it, and launched a new business helping home service owners automate their operations. All before most people finish grad school. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Noah shares how he discovered his real passion wasn't running a moving company but solving the operational headaches that kept him up at night. The inefficiencies, the manual processes, the time sucks that every blue collar business owner deals with but doesn't have time to fix. So he sold his company and built Solo Operator to do exactly that. Now he's helping small home service businesses get their time back by implementing systems, automations, and processes that actually work. Noah talks about the discipline it takes to focus on high leverage activities, why he hires fast and fires fast in the home service space, and his vision for Solo Operator Labs where he takes equity stakes in businesses instead of charging monthly retainers. He also shares lessons from his dad (who was a previous guest on this podcast), why nobody will ever care about your business as much as you do, and his dream of backpacking through Europe once he builds a business that runs without him. Key Takeaways: Focus on signal, not noise. Identify your highest leverage tasks each day and complete them before anything else. Do what you actually love. If you're dreading most of your work, it's time to pivot toward what energizes you, even if it means starting over. Nobody will care as much as you. You can't expect employees to have the same drive as a founder. Accept that and set realistic expectations. Partner for ownership, not just payment. Taking a piece of the business instead of charging fees aligns incentives and opens doors when cash is limited. Small businesses need systems to survive. Whether you want to grow or exit, having documented processes and automation in place isn't optional anymore. Build a business that runs without you. True freedom means being able to step away and know everything still works. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Noah: Solooperator: solooperator.co  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-tidwell-18645b2a2/ Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Most 20-somethings are still figuring out their first job. Noah Tidwell dropped out of college, bought a moving company, ran it for five years, sold it, and launched a new business helping home service owners automate their operations. All before most people finish grad school. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Noah shares how he discovered his real passion wasn't running a moving company but solving the operational headaches that kept him up at night. The inefficiencies, the manual processes, the time sucks that every blue collar business owner deals with but doesn't have time to fix. So he sold his company and built Solo Operator to do exactly that. Now he's helping small home service businesses get their time back by implementing systems, automations, and processes that actually work. Noah talks about the discipline it takes to focus on high leverage activities, why he hires fast and fires fast in the home service space, and his vision for Solo Operator Labs where he takes equity stakes in businesses instead of charging monthly retainers. He also shares lessons from his dad (who was a previous guest on this podcast), why nobody will ever care about your business as much as you do, and his dream of backpacking through Europe once he builds a business that runs without him. Key Takeaways: Focus on signal, not noise. Identify your highest leverage tasks each day and complete them before anything else. Do what you actually love. If you're dreading most of your work, it's time to pivot toward what energizes you, even if it means starting over. Nobody will care as much as you. You can't expect employees to have the same drive as a founder. Accept that and set realistic expectations. Partner for ownership, not just payment. Taking a piece of the business instead of charging fees aligns incentives and opens doors when cash is limited. Small businesses need systems to survive. Whether you want to grow or exit, having documented processes and automation in place isn't optional anymore. Build a business that runs without you. True freedom means being able to step away and know everything still works. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Noah: Solooperator: solooperator.co  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-tidwell-18645b2a2/ Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

What if equity could move as fast as code? Most founders spend thousands on lawyers, cap table management, and outdated infrastructure just to raise money and distribute equity. Joris Delanoue thinks that's ridiculous. As co-founder and CEO of Fairmint, he's building the rails to move private equity onto the blockchain, turning cap tables into smart contracts and making ownership as easy to transfer as sending an email. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Joris shares his journey from being a serial entrepreneur in France to a blockchain pioneer in Silicon Valley. After selling multiple companies and experiencing the pain of locked-up investments and cap tables that were impossible to manage, he moved to the US with one goal: to fix capitalism. What started as an idea for a startup exchange using SPVs evolved into Fairmint, a platform that's already moved over $1 billion in equity onto the blockchain. Joris breaks down why blockchain is the superior technology for securities, how Fairmint is deintermediating traditional finance without sacrificing compliance, and why privacy features like zero-knowledge proofs are unlocking trillions of dollars in institutional capital. He also discusses the shift from infrastructure as CapEx to OpEx, and how transfer agents are suddenly the most sought-after role in finance. Additionally, he shares his belief that entrepreneurship changes the world faster than politics ever will. Key Takeaways: Blockchain is a superior infrastructure for equity. Just like cloud computing replaced private servers, blockchain will replace traditional financial rails because it's faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Cap tables should be smart contracts. Moving equity onto the blockchain eliminates intermediaries, reduces costs, and makes ownership programmable and liquid. Compliance is a feature, not a bug. Being an SEC-registered transfer agent means investors don't lose their assets if they lose their private keys. You can always recover securities with proper ID. Infrastructure can become a profit center. With the right tokenomics, what used to be operational expenses can now generate revenue instead of costing money. Equity should be accessible to everyone. Employees, contractors, partners, and community members who contribute value should be able to participate in the financial upside. Entrepreneurship beats politics. As a founder, you can impact billions of people through what you build, the values you embed, and the vision you execute.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Joris: Fairmint: https://www.fairmint.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delanoue/ Closing thought: "The worst thing you can do is not know what to do and start chasing rabbits. Sometimes it's just better to do nothing." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

What if equity could move as fast as code? Most founders spend thousands on lawyers, cap table management, and outdated infrastructure just to raise money and distribute equity. Joris Delanoue thinks that's ridiculous. As co-founder and CEO of Fairmint, he's building the rails to move private equity onto the blockchain, turning cap tables into smart contracts and making ownership as easy to transfer as sending an email. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Joris shares his journey from being a serial entrepreneur in France to a blockchain pioneer in Silicon Valley. After selling multiple companies and experiencing the pain of locked-up investments and cap tables that were impossible to manage, he moved to the US with one goal: to fix capitalism. What started as an idea for a startup exchange using SPVs evolved into Fairmint, a platform that's already moved over $1 billion in equity onto the blockchain. Joris breaks down why blockchain is the superior technology for securities, how Fairmint is deintermediating traditional finance without sacrificing compliance, and why privacy features like zero-knowledge proofs are unlocking trillions of dollars in institutional capital. He also discusses the shift from infrastructure as CapEx to OpEx, and how transfer agents are suddenly the most sought-after role in finance. Additionally, he shares his belief that entrepreneurship changes the world faster than politics ever will. Key Takeaways: Blockchain is a superior infrastructure for equity. Just like cloud computing replaced private servers, blockchain will replace traditional financial rails because it's faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Cap tables should be smart contracts. Moving equity onto the blockchain eliminates intermediaries, reduces costs, and makes ownership programmable and liquid. Compliance is a feature, not a bug. Being an SEC-registered transfer agent means investors don't lose their assets if they lose their private keys. You can always recover securities with proper ID. Infrastructure can become a profit center. With the right tokenomics, what used to be operational expenses can now generate revenue instead of costing money. Equity should be accessible to everyone. Employees, contractors, partners, and community members who contribute value should be able to participate in the financial upside. Entrepreneurship beats politics. As a founder, you can impact billions of people through what you build, the values you embed, and the vision you execute.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Joris: Fairmint: https://www.fairmint.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delanoue/ Closing thought: "The worst thing you can do is not know what to do and start chasing rabbits. Sometimes it's just better to do nothing." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

Sometimes a setback does more than stop you; it reroutes you. Petra Zink is a Brand & Business Growth Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Author who helps executives and founders turn their reputation into scalable revenue. She's the founder of impaCCCt and The360Talent.Co, host of the Trusted Authority™ Podcast, and author of Trusted Authority: From Unknown to Known. Originally from Austria, Petra has been living in Australia for 16 years after coming for a six-month stay. Her journey started after being put on a performance improvement plan instead of getting the promotion she expected. Petra developed the impaCCCt framework based on a simple observation: when she asked recruitment candidates what they wanted, they all said "I want to make an impact," but few could explain what that actually looked like. Petra turned that insight into a challenge: how do you turn something so abstract into a process anyone can follow? The result was her impaCCCt framework, built around three pillars—Clarify, Communicate, and Commercialize. Petra also shares why foundation work is essential, how she condensed her program into an intensive full-day immersion, and why working out loud with experiments beats playing it safe.  Key Takeaways: Your Beliefs Plus Your Behavior Build Your Brand. If you don't believe you're good enough, you won't take the actions to reshape how you're seen. Get Reps In Before Seeking Perfection. Start with small experiments rather than waiting for the perfect business model. The Three O's of Credibility Matter.  Build your own credibility. Tap into other people's credibility through association. Create on-the-go credibility by working out loud. Foundation Work Is Unsexy But Essential. Positioning yourself takes time and isn't visible, but without it, your marketing assets mean nothing. Speed Creates Better Results. The faster you get assets out there, the quicker you get feedback to refine what works. Work Out Loud With Stretch Goals. Set ambitious experiments and document the journey publicly so people can help you. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Petra: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/petrazink impaCCCt: https://www.impaccct.com/ Trusted Authority™ Podcast: https://www.impaccct.com/trusted-authority-the-podcast Closing thought: "People often think they have to have the perfect idea or the perfect business model to get started. You'll never start perfect, because there's always something new to learn." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Every company or brand needs its own podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Sometimes a setback does more than stop you; it reroutes you. Petra Zink is a Brand & Business Growth Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Author who helps executives and founders turn their reputation into scalable revenue. She's the founder of impaCCCt and The360Talent.Co, host of the Trusted Authority™ Podcast, and author of Trusted Authority: From Unknown to Known. Originally from Austria, Petra has been living in Australia for 16 years after coming for a six-month stay. Her journey started after being put on a performance improvement plan instead of getting the promotion she expected. Petra developed the impaCCCt framework based on a simple observation: when she asked recruitment candidates what they wanted, they all said "I want to make an impact," but few could explain what that actually looked like. Petra turned that insight into a challenge: how do you turn something so abstract into a process anyone can follow? The result was her impaCCCt framework, built around three pillars—Clarify, Communicate, and Commercialize. Petra also shares why foundation work is essential, how she condensed her program into an intensive full-day immersion, and why working out loud with experiments beats playing it safe.  Key Takeaways: Your Beliefs Plus Your Behavior Build Your Brand. If you don't believe you're good enough, you won't take the actions to reshape how you're seen. Get Reps In Before Seeking Perfection. Start with small experiments rather than waiting for the perfect business model. The Three O's of Credibility Matter.  Build your own credibility. Tap into other people's credibility through association. Create on-the-go credibility by working out loud. Foundation Work Is Unsexy But Essential. Positioning yourself takes time and isn't visible, but without it, your marketing assets mean nothing. Speed Creates Better Results. The faster you get assets out there, the quicker you get feedback to refine what works. Work Out Loud With Stretch Goals. Set ambitious experiments and document the journey publicly so people can help you. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Petra: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/petrazink impaCCCt: https://www.impaccct.com/ Trusted Authority™ Podcast: https://www.impaccct.com/trusted-authority-the-podcast Closing thought: "People often think they have to have the perfect idea or the perfect business model to get started. You'll never start perfect, because there's always something new to learn." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Every company or brand needs its own podcast? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

What if one random podcast episode on a Tuesday completely changed your career trajectory? Agne Maria Moa is a content strategist at Notus, one of Europe's leading personal branding agencies, where she helps founders build their LinkedIn presence. Her journey started when she accidentally listened to a podcast by Rory Vaden about how personal brands impact sales. The next day, she posted her first piece of content. While still a university student in Lithuania, Agne worked unpaid for six months at an early-stage agency while her peers worked as baristas. Agne takes a different approach that goes beyond chasing virality. She's learned that breakthrough comes from pushing through when you have zero engagement and nobody's responding. She starts with deep interviews to understand clients' backgrounds and goals before creating anything. Rather than copying what works for others, she helps founders figure out what makes them unique and builds strategies around their personal experiences. This conversation gets into building a personal brand from scratch. Agne shares how she dealt with impostor syndrome as a student with no experience, why she did things differently when everyone questioned her, and how focusing on value attracted opportunities.  Key Takeaways: Do Something Different to Build Success. Building an extraordinary life means doing what others aren't doing, even when it feels uncomfortable. Push Through the Uncomfortable Period. Breakthrough happens after you gain momentum, but you have to keep posting when nobody's engaging. Strategy Before Content. Understand your goals, target audience, and what makes you unique before creating posts or chasing engagement. Personal Stories Beat Tactical Advice. Content that ties personal experience to insights performs significantly better than generic how-to posts. Don't Chase Virality at the Expense of Positioning. High engagement doesn't matter if it positions you wrong or attracts people who won't become clients. Test Different Content Pillars. Mix tactical advice, personal stories, industry insights, and aspirational content to find what resonates. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Agne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnemokrikaite/ Calendly: https://calendly.com/agne-mokrikaite/30min   Closing thought: "In order to be successful in life, you need to do something completely different to what other people are doing." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!  

What if one random podcast episode on a Tuesday completely changed your career trajectory? Agne Maria Moa is a content strategist at Notus, one of Europe's leading personal branding agencies, where she helps founders build their LinkedIn presence. Her journey started when she accidentally listened to a podcast by Rory Vaden about how personal brands impact sales. The next day, she posted her first piece of content. While still a university student in Lithuania, Agne worked unpaid for six months at an early-stage agency while her peers worked as baristas. Agne takes a different approach that goes beyond chasing virality. She's learned that breakthrough comes from pushing through when you have zero engagement and nobody's responding. She starts with deep interviews to understand clients' backgrounds and goals before creating anything. Rather than copying what works for others, she helps founders figure out what makes them unique and builds strategies around their personal experiences. This conversation gets into building a personal brand from scratch. Agne shares how she dealt with impostor syndrome as a student with no experience, why she did things differently when everyone questioned her, and how focusing on value attracted opportunities.  Key Takeaways: Do Something Different to Build Success. Building an extraordinary life means doing what others aren't doing, even when it feels uncomfortable. Push Through the Uncomfortable Period. Breakthrough happens after you gain momentum, but you have to keep posting when nobody's engaging. Strategy Before Content. Understand your goals, target audience, and what makes you unique before creating posts or chasing engagement. Personal Stories Beat Tactical Advice. Content that ties personal experience to insights performs significantly better than generic how-to posts. Don't Chase Virality at the Expense of Positioning. High engagement doesn't matter if it positions you wrong or attracts people who won't become clients. Test Different Content Pillars. Mix tactical advice, personal stories, industry insights, and aspirational content to find what resonates. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Agne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnemokrikaite/ Calendly: https://calendly.com/agne-mokrikaite/30min   Closing thought: "In order to be successful in life, you need to do something completely different to what other people are doing." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!  

What if getting laid off was actually the push you needed to build the life you wanted? Lauren Gibson is a writer and email marketing strategist who helps founders, agency owners, and coaches grow through newsletters and community-building. She's worked across human rights, tech, and entrepreneurship, including the co-founder of Ethereum on a DeFi project. After traveling to 44 countries, earning her MBA at Georgetown, and getting laid off from the NFT market in 2023, Lauren turned what could have been devastating into the catalyst she needed to build her own business. This episode is packed with unique insights on the psychological challenges of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, especially for highly educated professionals. She's discovered that people with advanced degrees often struggle more because they've been trained to value their worth through employer validation. Her journey from relief at being laid off to building a profitable business in under a year shows that sometimes the scariest moments become the biggest opportunities. Lauren also shares how she overcame analysis paralysis, dropped her ego to take on pro bono work, and built her business through organic marketing. Her insights on the future of work, email lists versus social media, and why consistency beats passion offer practical wisdom for anyone considering the entrepreneurial leap   Key Takeaways: Higher Education Can Make Entrepreneurship Harder. Advanced degree holders often struggle more because they're conditioned to seek employer validation. You Can't Connect the Dots Looking Forward. Planning everything perfectly leads to paralysis; start doing and figure it out as you go. Drop Your Ego and Do Free Work Initially. Pro bono clients help you build testimonials and transition from employee to business owner mindset. Consistency Beats Passion in Business. Passion fades regularly, but consistent daily actions keep you moving through tough times. Email Lists Are 42x More Valuable Than Social Media. Focus on building your email list since subscribers are more likely to convert. Connections Drive the Future of Work. As AI automates tasks, human connections become the primary differentiator and value creator. Structure Your Day Like a Company Would. Without a boss setting your schedule, create your own daily routines and stick to them.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkwithlauren/ Letter Launched: https://letterlaunched.com/ Website: https://laurenrosegibson.com/   Closing thought: You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards."  Steve Jobs Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What if getting laid off was actually the push you needed to build the life you wanted? Lauren Gibson is a writer and email marketing strategist who helps founders, agency owners, and coaches grow through newsletters and community-building. She's worked across human rights, tech, and entrepreneurship, including the co-founder of Ethereum on a DeFi project. After traveling to 44 countries, earning her MBA at Georgetown, and getting laid off from the NFT market in 2023, Lauren turned what could have been devastating into the catalyst she needed to build her own business. This episode is packed with unique insights on the psychological challenges of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, especially for highly educated professionals. She's discovered that people with advanced degrees often struggle more because they've been trained to value their worth through employer validation. Her journey from relief at being laid off to building a profitable business in under a year shows that sometimes the scariest moments become the biggest opportunities. Lauren also shares how she overcame analysis paralysis, dropped her ego to take on pro bono work, and built her business through organic marketing. Her insights on the future of work, email lists versus social media, and why consistency beats passion offer practical wisdom for anyone considering the entrepreneurial leap   Key Takeaways: Higher Education Can Make Entrepreneurship Harder. Advanced degree holders often struggle more because they're conditioned to seek employer validation. You Can't Connect the Dots Looking Forward. Planning everything perfectly leads to paralysis; start doing and figure it out as you go. Drop Your Ego and Do Free Work Initially. Pro bono clients help you build testimonials and transition from employee to business owner mindset. Consistency Beats Passion in Business. Passion fades regularly, but consistent daily actions keep you moving through tough times. Email Lists Are 42x More Valuable Than Social Media. Focus on building your email list since subscribers are more likely to convert. Connections Drive the Future of Work. As AI automates tasks, human connections become the primary differentiator and value creator. Structure Your Day Like a Company Would. Without a boss setting your schedule, create your own daily routines and stick to them.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkwithlauren/ Letter Launched: https://letterlaunched.com/ Website: https://laurenrosegibson.com/   Closing thought: You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards."  Steve Jobs Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What if the problem isn't finding talent, but that we're all looking for it in the wrong places? Nick Petros is a serial entrepreneur who's appeared on Rising Tide Startups three times now, and for good reason. He's got that restless entrepreneurial itch that sees better ways to do things everywhere he looks, even when it's been "extremely expensive to operate this way." Nick's latest venture is Freely, a platform that's trying to replace the resume and revolutionize how companies find fractional talent. But this isn't his first rodeo. He previously built MyDash, a data integration service, and PinchForth, which started as a growth marketing agency before evolving into something much larger. What sets Nick apart is his experience watching the agency space become "toxic really fast." He's seen how the race to the bottom pricing and endless competition for the same clients create a system where nobody really wins. His experience building Pinchforth taught him that founders don't need agencies to just "do it for them," they need specific expertise delivered by people who are genuinely skilled at what they do. This insight led him to realize that the real problem isn't a lack of talent, it's that we're stuck in outdated hiring models that focus on resumes instead of actual skills. Key Takeaways: Skills Matter More Than Resumes. The most successful professionals are evaluated on performance and abilities, not educational backgrounds or credentials. Fractional Work Is the Future. Remote work is creating opportunities for people to build careers serving multiple clients instead of one employer. Marketplaces Create Race-to-the-Bottom Pricing. Traditional platforms like Fiverr commoditize services and force providers to compete on price rather than value. Pre-Qualified Leads Change Everything. When providers pay to connect with businesses, both sides are more serious about creating value. Most Agencies Got Lucky, Not Smart. The biggest agencies succeeded by riding the wave with amazing brands rather than driving their growth. Businesses Want Line of Sight, Not Options. Companies prefer choosing from three qualified providers over sorting through 600 random applicants. Community-Driven Expertise Builds Trust. Platforms work better when users establish expertise by helping others rather than just promoting themselves.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpetros/ My Dash: https://www.mydash.ai/ HireFreely: https://www.hirefreely.co/ Closing thought: "Work the way you want to work." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What if the problem isn't finding talent, but that we're all looking for it in the wrong places? Nick Petros is a serial entrepreneur who's appeared on Rising Tide Startups three times now, and for good reason. He's got that restless entrepreneurial itch that sees better ways to do things everywhere he looks, even when it's been "extremely expensive to operate this way." Nick's latest venture is Freely, a platform that's trying to replace the resume and revolutionize how companies find fractional talent. But this isn't his first rodeo. He previously built MyDash, a data integration service, and PinchForth, which started as a growth marketing agency before evolving into something much larger. What sets Nick apart is his experience watching the agency space become "toxic really fast." He's seen how the race to the bottom pricing and endless competition for the same clients create a system where nobody really wins. His experience building Pinchforth taught him that founders don't need agencies to just "do it for them," they need specific expertise delivered by people who are genuinely skilled at what they do. This insight led him to realize that the real problem isn't a lack of talent, it's that we're stuck in outdated hiring models that focus on resumes instead of actual skills. Key Takeaways: Skills Matter More Than Resumes. The most successful professionals are evaluated on performance and abilities, not educational backgrounds or credentials. Fractional Work Is the Future. Remote work is creating opportunities for people to build careers serving multiple clients instead of one employer. Marketplaces Create Race-to-the-Bottom Pricing. Traditional platforms like Fiverr commoditize services and force providers to compete on price rather than value. Pre-Qualified Leads Change Everything. When providers pay to connect with businesses, both sides are more serious about creating value. Most Agencies Got Lucky, Not Smart. The biggest agencies succeeded by riding the wave with amazing brands rather than driving their growth. Businesses Want Line of Sight, Not Options. Companies prefer choosing from three qualified providers over sorting through 600 random applicants. Community-Driven Expertise Builds Trust. Platforms work better when users establish expertise by helping others rather than just promoting themselves.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpetros/ My Dash: https://www.mydash.ai/ HireFreely: https://www.hirefreely.co/ Closing thought: "Work the way you want to work." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

Sometimes the best lessons come from someone who's just one step ahead. After 300+ episodes and founders from over 30 countries, Kevin Prewett is hitting the reset button on Rising Tide Startups. Not starting over, just getting refocused on what matters most: that leap from cubicle to startup. In this episode, Kevin explains why he's shifting direction. He's learned that while successful founders have amazing stories, sometimes their lessons are harder to apply when you're just starting. Instead, he wants to focus on people just slightly ahead in the journey. Still working day jobs, still building nights and weekends, still figuring it out. Kevin embodies this approach. He keeps his full-time job while building side ventures that all trace back to his original podcast - Rising Tide Startups. His story proves you don't need to quit everything to start building something meaningful. This reset focuses on the transition moment that most people can actually relate to. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: Find mentors who are just slightly ahead of you. Learning from someone 10 steps ahead is inspiring, but someone 2-3 steps ahead gives you a roadmap you can actually follow. You don't have to choose between stability and building something. Kevin has monetized multiple side ventures while keeping his day job, proving you can have both. Free content builds everything else. Start by giving value, and everything else follows. Narrowing your focus creates deeper connections. After featuring all types of founders, Kevin is zeroing in on the cubicle-to-startup transition because that's where people need the most help. Consistency wins over intensity. Two episodes per month keeps the momentum without burning out. The leap is the story that matters most. That moment when someone stops dreaming and starts building is where real inspiration lives.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-prewett/  Website: https://www.podbrandmedia.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbrandmedia/    Closing thought:"Sometimes the most powerful move isn't jumping off the cliff—it's building your wings while you're still on solid ground." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation.  Let Podbrand create a podcast that “makes you money!”

Sometimes the best lessons come from someone who's just one step ahead. After 300+ episodes and founders from over 30 countries, Kevin Prewett is hitting the reset button on Rising Tide Startups. Not starting over, just getting refocused on what matters most: that leap from cubicle to startup. In this episode, Kevin explains why he's shifting direction. He's learned that while successful founders have amazing stories, sometimes their lessons are harder to apply when you're just starting. Instead, he wants to focus on people just slightly ahead in the journey. Still working day jobs, still building nights and weekends, still figuring it out. Kevin embodies this approach. He keeps his full-time job while building side ventures that all trace back to his original podcast - Rising Tide Startups. His story proves you don't need to quit everything to start building something meaningful. This reset focuses on the transition moment that most people can actually relate to. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: Find mentors who are just slightly ahead of you. Learning from someone 10 steps ahead is inspiring, but someone 2-3 steps ahead gives you a roadmap you can actually follow. You don't have to choose between stability and building something. Kevin has monetized multiple side ventures while keeping his day job, proving you can have both. Free content builds everything else. Start by giving value, and everything else follows. Narrowing your focus creates deeper connections. After featuring all types of founders, Kevin is zeroing in on the cubicle-to-startup transition because that's where people need the most help. Consistency wins over intensity. Two episodes per month keeps the momentum without burning out. The leap is the story that matters most. That moment when someone stops dreaming and starts building is where real inspiration lives.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-prewett/  Website: https://www.podbrandmedia.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbrandmedia/    Closing thought:"Sometimes the most powerful move isn't jumping off the cliff—it's building your wings while you're still on solid ground." Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation.  Let Podbrand create a podcast that “makes you money!”

Most people avoid cold calls. Gabe Lullo built a multi-million dollar company on them. Gabe Lullo didn't take a traditional route to the top. He started in the trenches, working the phones as an SDR, and built his way up to CEO of Alleyoop, a global sales development firm making over 11 million cold calls a year. Along the way, he juggled rejection, resilience, and yes—actual juggling. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, host Kevin Prewett sits down with Gabe to unpack the real story behind scaling a sales-driven company from scratch. With a degree from the Barney School of Business and more than a decade running his own sales, marketing, and training firm, Gabe brought deep experience in recruiting and leadership before ever stepping into the CEO seat. He shares how those early roles, from executive search to culture-building, shaped how he leads today. Gabe also unpacks why sales development should be treated as its function, why cold calling still works, and how product-market fit makes or breaks a sales strategy. Beyond tactics, the conversation explores leadership, culture, and building teams that scale. Gabe shares why every hire interviews with him personally, how he empowers leaders to own decisions, and the mindset that's carried him from startup days to leading a 100+ person team. His story is grounded in grit, but it's also filled with systems and structure that anyone can learn from. Key Takeaways: Cold Calling Isn't Dead—It Just Needs a Human Touch. Despite spam filters and caller ID, phone calls are still the fastest way to book meetings when done correctly. Leadership can be earned from the ground up. Experience at every level of a company builds the kind of perspective and empathy that drives strong, effective leadership. Sales Is About Grit, Not Just Technique.  Red Apples, Green Apples, Rotten Apples. This is a powerful metaphor for: 10% are “red apples”—ready to buy. 10% are “rotten apples”—never going to convert. 80% are “green apples”—undecided, and this is where great salespeople shine. Success in sales comes from nurturing the green apples through timing, perspective-shifting, and persistence. Rejection builds resilience. Facing consistent “no's” in business teaches adaptability, sharpens communication, and strengthens long-term confidence. Don't scale without product-market fit. No amount of leads or marketing can fix a poor offering. Sustainable growth starts with a clear value proposition and a validated market need. If you're not excited to sell it, neither will your team be. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Gabe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lullo/  Alleyoop's: https://alleyoop.io/  Closing thought: “You can start at the bottom, take every hit, and still build something extraordinary—if you stay hungry and never stop showing up.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  We create podcasts that actually make you money!   

Most people avoid cold calls. Gabe Lullo built a multi-million dollar company on them. Gabe Lullo didn't take a traditional route to the top. He started in the trenches, working the phones as an SDR, and built his way up to CEO of Alleyoop, a global sales development firm making over 11 million cold calls a year. Along the way, he juggled rejection, resilience, and yes—actual juggling. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, host Kevin Prewett sits down with Gabe to unpack the real story behind scaling a sales-driven company from scratch. With a degree from the Barney School of Business and more than a decade running his own sales, marketing, and training firm, Gabe brought deep experience in recruiting and leadership before ever stepping into the CEO seat. He shares how those early roles, from executive search to culture-building, shaped how he leads today. Gabe also unpacks why sales development should be treated as its function, why cold calling still works, and how product-market fit makes or breaks a sales strategy. Beyond tactics, the conversation explores leadership, culture, and building teams that scale. Gabe shares why every hire interviews with him personally, how he empowers leaders to own decisions, and the mindset that's carried him from startup days to leading a 100+ person team. His story is grounded in grit, but it's also filled with systems and structure that anyone can learn from. Key Takeaways: Cold Calling Isn't Dead—It Just Needs a Human Touch. Despite spam filters and caller ID, phone calls are still the fastest way to book meetings when done correctly. Leadership can be earned from the ground up. Experience at every level of a company builds the kind of perspective and empathy that drives strong, effective leadership. Sales Is About Grit, Not Just Technique.  Red Apples, Green Apples, Rotten Apples. This is a powerful metaphor for: 10% are “red apples”—ready to buy. 10% are “rotten apples”—never going to convert. 80% are “green apples”—undecided, and this is where great salespeople shine. Success in sales comes from nurturing the green apples through timing, perspective-shifting, and persistence. Rejection builds resilience. Facing consistent “no's” in business teaches adaptability, sharpens communication, and strengthens long-term confidence. Don't scale without product-market fit. No amount of leads or marketing can fix a poor offering. Sustainable growth starts with a clear value proposition and a validated market need. If you're not excited to sell it, neither will your team be. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Gabe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lullo/  Alleyoop's: https://alleyoop.io/  Closing thought: “You can start at the bottom, take every hit, and still build something extraordinary—if you stay hungry and never stop showing up.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  We create podcasts that actually make you money!   

What can the “Indiana Jones of Entrepreneurship” tell us about how AI is shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs? Evan Kubicek, also known as Coach K, is a social entrepreneur, educator, and business coach dedicated to helping people, businesses, and communities grow. As a senior faculty member at Eastern Illinois University, he shares strategies that drive transformation in his students, their companies, and their communities. Beyond the classroom, Evan is the Executive Director of the Business Incubator Elevate, a Fractional Chief Impact Officer, and a business advisor with multiple organizations. His experience spans retail, humanitarian aid, international startups, and consulting across numerous countries. In this episode, Evan shares his insights on AI's role in business education, how students perceive authenticity in digital content, and why adaptability is the key to success. He also discusses the shifting expectations of graduates entering the workforce, from flexible work environments to the evolving definition of career stability. Through his experiences as an entrepreneur and educator, Evan highlights the need for resilience, continuous learning, and strategic thinking in today's fast-changing world. Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or a business leader, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the intersection of AI, education, and career growth. Key Takeaways: AI is reshaping how students learn and work, but many still struggle with trusting its authenticity. Learning how to use AI for market research, automation, and creative projects is becoming essential. Young entrepreneurs must balance technology with human connection and emotional intelligence. The job market is changing—flexibility, purpose, and meaningful work are becoming top priorities for graduates. Entrepreneurs and job seekers alike need to understand how to add measurable value to stand out. Success isn't just about financial growth—it's about building strong relationships, solving real problems, and staying engaged in meaningful work. Entrepreneurs need to focus on solving meaningful problems, not just making money—without purpose, success feels empty. If your business is just moving files and emails, AI will replace you.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Evan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankubicek/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evankubicek/  Elevate CCIC, Inc.: https://elevate217.org/  Closing thought: “Entrepreneurship is about building something bigger than yourself, not just escaping a job or chasing wealth.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What can the “Indiana Jones of Entrepreneurship” tell us about how AI is shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs? Evan Kubicek, also known as Coach K, is a social entrepreneur, educator, and business coach dedicated to helping people, businesses, and communities grow. As a senior faculty member at Eastern Illinois University, he shares strategies that drive transformation in his students, their companies, and their communities. Beyond the classroom, Evan is the Executive Director of the Business Incubator Elevate, a Fractional Chief Impact Officer, and a business advisor with multiple organizations. His experience spans retail, humanitarian aid, international startups, and consulting across numerous countries. In this episode, Evan shares his insights on AI's role in business education, how students perceive authenticity in digital content, and why adaptability is the key to success. He also discusses the shifting expectations of graduates entering the workforce, from flexible work environments to the evolving definition of career stability. Through his experiences as an entrepreneur and educator, Evan highlights the need for resilience, continuous learning, and strategic thinking in today's fast-changing world. Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or a business leader, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the intersection of AI, education, and career growth. Key Takeaways: AI is reshaping how students learn and work, but many still struggle with trusting its authenticity. Learning how to use AI for market research, automation, and creative projects is becoming essential. Young entrepreneurs must balance technology with human connection and emotional intelligence. The job market is changing—flexibility, purpose, and meaningful work are becoming top priorities for graduates. Entrepreneurs and job seekers alike need to understand how to add measurable value to stand out. Success isn't just about financial growth—it's about building strong relationships, solving real problems, and staying engaged in meaningful work. Entrepreneurs need to focus on solving meaningful problems, not just making money—without purpose, success feels empty. If your business is just moving files and emails, AI will replace you.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Evan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankubicek/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evankubicek/  Elevate CCIC, Inc.: https://elevate217.org/  Closing thought: “Entrepreneurship is about building something bigger than yourself, not just escaping a job or chasing wealth.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

The business is growing. You're overwhelmed. Welcome to the small business black hole. For Alan Pence, founder of the Owner Institute, building a multi-million dollar company didn't come from working more hours or saying yes to everything. It came from realizing that what got him to $1M in revenue was exactly what was keeping him from going further. Like many founders, Alan hit the wall. The point where the systems broke down, burnout started creeping in. That wall? He calls it the “small business black hole.” In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, we sit down with Alan to unpack the patterns he's seen across hundreds of businesses. He explains why burnout, blurred vision, and stalled growth are symptoms of a deeper issue: the business is built around the founder instead of beyond them. Alan shares how to shift from being stuck in the day-to-day to building a company that scales sustainably—with clear systems, empowered leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you're hitting a revenue ceiling, burned out from doing everything yourself, or wondering if your business is building a life you want—this episode is for you. It's honest, practical, and filled with the kind of insights you'll wish you had five years ago. Key Takeaways: Founders often become the bottleneck. Many businesses stall because the owner is doing too much or holding on too tightly. Start with personal vision. You need to know what kind of life you want before you build a business to support it. You can't scale if you try to do everything. At each stage, the owner must shift roles, delegate, and level up skills. Hire for what drains you. Free up your time and energy by handing off tasks that wear you down. Understanding your numbers helps you grow without guessing or overspending. Common Barriers at Different Stages $1M Stage: Founder is doing too much. Needs to focus on sales and delegate everything else. $2–5M Stage: Growth requires key operational hires to handle increased complexity. $5–10M Stage: Need to build a real leadership team with specialized functions (sales, ops, HR, etc.). $10M+ Stage: Owner must extract themselves from what they're best at and structure scalable systems. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Alan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz/  Owner Institute: https://www.ownerinstitute.com/    Closing thought: “Small businesses stay small for a reason. That reason is the owner.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

The business is growing. You're overwhelmed. Welcome to the small business black hole. For Alan Pence, founder of the Owner Institute, building a multi-million dollar company didn't come from working more hours or saying yes to everything. It came from realizing that what got him to $1M in revenue was exactly what was keeping him from going further. Like many founders, Alan hit the wall. The point where the systems broke down, burnout started creeping in. That wall? He calls it the “small business black hole.” In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, we sit down with Alan to unpack the patterns he's seen across hundreds of businesses. He explains why burnout, blurred vision, and stalled growth are symptoms of a deeper issue: the business is built around the founder instead of beyond them. Alan shares how to shift from being stuck in the day-to-day to building a company that scales sustainably—with clear systems, empowered leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you're hitting a revenue ceiling, burned out from doing everything yourself, or wondering if your business is building a life you want—this episode is for you. It's honest, practical, and filled with the kind of insights you'll wish you had five years ago. Key Takeaways: Founders often become the bottleneck. Many businesses stall because the owner is doing too much or holding on too tightly. Start with personal vision. You need to know what kind of life you want before you build a business to support it. You can't scale if you try to do everything. At each stage, the owner must shift roles, delegate, and level up skills. Hire for what drains you. Free up your time and energy by handing off tasks that wear you down. Understanding your numbers helps you grow without guessing or overspending. Common Barriers at Different Stages $1M Stage: Founder is doing too much. Needs to focus on sales and delegate everything else. $2–5M Stage: Growth requires key operational hires to handle increased complexity. $5–10M Stage: Need to build a real leadership team with specialized functions (sales, ops, HR, etc.). $10M+ Stage: Owner must extract themselves from what they're best at and structure scalable systems. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Alan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz/  Owner Institute: https://www.ownerinstitute.com/    Closing thought: “Small businesses stay small for a reason. That reason is the owner.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What happens when you follow your gut, not a roadmap? For Heintze Malack—known to her friends and followers as Heinz—entrepreneurship didn't start with a business degree or a polished pitch deck. It started with paper boats and a big imagination. Now the founder of the fashion brand The Twentieth, Heinz has built a business from scratch by turning scrolls into sales and ideas into brands. Through smart content, bold storytelling, and Meta Ads that actually work, she's crafted a community-powered brand with viral moments and sold-out launches, all without following a script. In this new episode of The Rising Tide Startups, we sit down with Heinzte to talk about taking chances on things without guaranteeing they'll work. Heinz shares how faith, curiosity, and emotion have guided every leap, from a spontaneous three-month trip that turned into a permanent move to launching a brand without investors or industry connections. She talks TikTok virality, launching campaigns that convert, and the art of balancing remote work with her dream of opening a community bakery. This episode is full of laughter, life lessons, and honest reflections on impostor syndrome, grit, and staying creative even when things feel uncertain. Whether you're a founder, a dreamer, or somewhere in between, Heinz's story will remind you that it's okay to start before you feel ready and that purpose often shows up when you least expect it. Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurial spirit often shows up early. Childhood moments of creativity and initiative can reveal a future in business. Bold moves create momentum. Taking risks before you're fully ready often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. Career pivots start with curiosity. New passions emerge when you step into unfamiliar tasks and stay open to change. Authentic storytelling builds connection. People relate more to real, behind-the-scenes journeys than to polished marketing. The best products solve your problems. If you've felt the pain point, chances are others have too. Remote businesses rely on local trust. Strong, on-the-ground partnerships are key to sustainable operations.  "Start before you're ready and refine later. Waiting for perfect conditions can stall your progress. Action is what builds momentum.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Heintze: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hcvmalack/  The Twentieth: https://www.thetwentieth.co/  Closing thought: “Success isn't about having it all planned out—it's about showing up, staying curious, and letting your story lead the way.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What happens when you follow your gut, not a roadmap? For Heintze Malack—known to her friends and followers as Heinz—entrepreneurship didn't start with a business degree or a polished pitch deck. It started with paper boats and a big imagination. Now the founder of the fashion brand The Twentieth, Heinz has built a business from scratch by turning scrolls into sales and ideas into brands. Through smart content, bold storytelling, and Meta Ads that actually work, she's crafted a community-powered brand with viral moments and sold-out launches, all without following a script. In this new episode of The Rising Tide Startups, we sit down with Heinzte to talk about taking chances on things without guaranteeing they'll work. Heinz shares how faith, curiosity, and emotion have guided every leap, from a spontaneous three-month trip that turned into a permanent move to launching a brand without investors or industry connections. She talks TikTok virality, launching campaigns that convert, and the art of balancing remote work with her dream of opening a community bakery. This episode is full of laughter, life lessons, and honest reflections on impostor syndrome, grit, and staying creative even when things feel uncertain. Whether you're a founder, a dreamer, or somewhere in between, Heinz's story will remind you that it's okay to start before you feel ready and that purpose often shows up when you least expect it. Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurial spirit often shows up early. Childhood moments of creativity and initiative can reveal a future in business. Bold moves create momentum. Taking risks before you're fully ready often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. Career pivots start with curiosity. New passions emerge when you step into unfamiliar tasks and stay open to change. Authentic storytelling builds connection. People relate more to real, behind-the-scenes journeys than to polished marketing. The best products solve your problems. If you've felt the pain point, chances are others have too. Remote businesses rely on local trust. Strong, on-the-ground partnerships are key to sustainable operations. "Start before you're ready and refine later. Waiting for perfect conditions can stall your progress. Action is what builds momentum.   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Heintze: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hcvmalack/  The Twentieth: https://www.thetwentieth.co/  Closing thought: “Success isn't about having it all planned out—it's about showing up, staying curious, and letting your story lead the way.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!  

What if you could grow a business without ads or cold calls? That's exactly what Mike Faraci set out to prove and did. Now the Founder & CEO of Red Button Media, Mike helps brands rise above the noise with authentic, story-driven video content. But his path didn't start with a marketing budget or a polished campaign. It started with one camera, a clear message, and a commitment to post on LinkedIn for 500 days straight. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups, we talk with Mike about how he built a media company from scratch without spending a dime on ads or picking up the phone for cold outreach. Mike shares how he developed systems around strategic content, how to speak to a “Target Viewer Persona,” and why trust-building starts with showing up as yourself online. This isn't just a conversation about content strategy, it's about discipline, self-belief, and doing the unscalable work when no one's paying attention. Whether you're a solopreneur, startup founder, or just tired of growth tactics that feel fake, Mike's story is a reminder that showing up with purpose and consistency can still beat the algorithm. Key Takeaways: Consistency beats perfection. It's not about being flawless, it's about being there. Show up regularly and let the momentum build. Content replaces cold calls. Done right, consistent content creation brings in warm, inbound leads—no ads, no chasing. Trust is built through familiarity. Every scroll-by impression adds up. People trust faces they recognize. Be visible. The cost of silence is high. If you're not showing up, your competitors are. Inaction has a price. Put a face to the brand. Personal content outperforms faceless brands. Relatability wins. Capture attention instantly. You've got only 3–5 seconds to lead with value or lose the moment. If you're not creating content in 2025, you're already behind. Organic visibility isn't optional anymore, it's the baseline. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikefaraci  Red Button Media:: https://www.hittheredbutton.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefaraci/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mikefaraci  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mike.faraci  Closing thought: “If you're not building a founder-led brand, you're leaving trust, visibility, and opportunity on the table. Mike proves that showing up consistently isn't optional—it's the new competitive edge.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

What if you could grow a business without ads or cold calls? That's exactly what Mike Faraci set out to prove and did. Now the Founder & CEO of Red Button Media, Mike helps brands rise above the noise with authentic, story-driven video content. But his path didn't start with a marketing budget or a polished campaign. It started with one camera, a clear message, and a commitment to post on LinkedIn for 500 days straight. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups, we talk with Mike about how he built a media company from scratch without spending a dime on ads or picking up the phone for cold outreach. Mike shares how he developed systems around strategic content, how to speak to a “Target Viewer Persona,” and why trust-building starts with showing up as yourself online. This isn't just a conversation about content strategy, it's about discipline, self-belief, and doing the unscalable work when no one's paying attention. Whether you're a solopreneur, startup founder, or just tired of growth tactics that feel fake, Mike's story is a reminder that showing up with purpose and consistency can still beat the algorithm. Key Takeaways: Consistency beats perfection. It's not about being flawless, it's about being there. Show up regularly and let the momentum build. Content replaces cold calls. Done right, consistent content creation brings in warm, inbound leads—no ads, no chasing. Trust is built through familiarity. Every scroll-by impression adds up. People trust faces they recognize. Be visible. The cost of silence is high. If you're not showing up, your competitors are. Inaction has a price. Put a face to the brand. Personal content outperforms faceless brands. Relatability wins. Capture attention instantly. You've got only 3–5 seconds to lead with value or lose the moment. If you're not creating content in 2025, you're already behind. Organic visibility isn't optional anymore, it's the baseline. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikefaraci  Red Button Media:: https://www.hittheredbutton.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefaraci/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mikefaraci  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mike.faraci  Closing thought: “If you're not building a founder-led brand, you're leaving trust, visibility, and opportunity on the table. Mike proves that showing up consistently isn't optional—it's the new competitive edge.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Ken Mack doesn't follow the traditional path of entrepreneurship—he skips the startup phase entirely. Instead of building from scratch, he focuses on acquiring and scaling existing businesses, often using little to none of his own capital. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, we chat with Ken Mack, an investor, also known as “The Eccentric Entrepreneur” due to his unconventional approach to building wealth. Ken shares his strategy of acquiring established companies, from his beginnings in Glasgow to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses worldwide. Ken dives into the tactics that have helped him scale rapidly, focusing on the power of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and seller financing to minimize personal financial risk. He emphasizes the importance of tracking key metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) to ensure sustainable growth.  Beyond financial strategies, Ken discusses the mindset shifts required for success—embracing discomfort, thinking long-term, and continuously learning. He also highlights the importance of strategic networking for finding new opportunities. Ken's journey is a powerful reminder that wealth is built by seizing opportunities where others see obstacles and that the right mindset can turn even the most unconventional paths into success stories. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: Established businesses are safer bets. Proven cash flow and systems reduce the risk compared to starting from scratch. Leverage other people's money (OPM). Using LBOs (leveraging buyouts) and seller financing allows for business acquisitions without tying up personal capital. Target retiring business owners. Baby boomers represent a goldmine of acquisition opportunities. Cash flow is king. Focus on cash flow over profit margins for sustainable growth and debt management. Efficiency and remote management. Building reliable teams and systems enables managing multiple businesses from afar. Mindset is everything. Getting comfortable with risk and embracing the unknown is essential for success. Entrepreneurship is a ‘lifestyle,' not just a career choice. Success comes from discomfort and pushing limits. Buy businesses at 1x free cash flow, and sell at 2–3x EBITDA. This increases valuation before exiting. Start small, gain experience, and build networks. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Ken: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmackofficial  Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/KenMack/  Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/kenmack/  Website:: https://www.kenmack.com/    Closing thought: “You don't need to reinvent the wheel—buy an existing business and scale it.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Ken Mack doesn't follow the traditional path of entrepreneurship—he skips the startup phase entirely. Instead of building from scratch, he focuses on acquiring and scaling existing businesses, often using little to none of his own capital. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, we chat with Ken Mack, an investor, also known as “The Eccentric Entrepreneur” due to his unconventional approach to building wealth. Ken shares his strategy of acquiring established companies, from his beginnings in Glasgow to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses worldwide. Ken dives into the tactics that have helped him scale rapidly, focusing on the power of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and seller financing to minimize personal financial risk. He emphasizes the importance of tracking key metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) to ensure sustainable growth.  Beyond financial strategies, Ken discusses the mindset shifts required for success—embracing discomfort, thinking long-term, and continuously learning. He also highlights the importance of strategic networking for finding new opportunities. Ken's journey is a powerful reminder that wealth is built by seizing opportunities where others see obstacles and that the right mindset can turn even the most unconventional paths into success stories. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: Established businesses are safer bets. Proven cash flow and systems reduce the risk compared to starting from scratch. Leverage other people's money (OPM). Using LBOs (leveraging buyouts) and seller financing allows for business acquisitions without tying up personal capital. Target retiring business owners. Baby boomers represent a goldmine of acquisition opportunities. Cash flow is king. Focus on cash flow over profit margins for sustainable growth and debt management. Efficiency and remote management. Building reliable teams and systems enables managing multiple businesses from afar. Mindset is everything. Getting comfortable with risk and embracing the unknown is essential for success. Entrepreneurship is a ‘lifestyle,' not just a career choice. Success comes from discomfort and pushing limits. Buy businesses at 1x free cash flow, and sell at 2–3x EBITDA. This increases valuation before exiting. Start small, gain experience, and build networks.  Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Ken: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmackofficial  Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/KenMack/  Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/kenmack/  Website:: https://www.kenmack.com/    Closing thought: “You don't need to reinvent the wheel—buy an existing business and scale it.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

This Episode - Turning an Unlikely Business into a Multi-Million Dollar Success Meet Will Milliken, president of a fast-growing dog waste removal company and founder of the President of Swoop Scoop® and founder of Poop Scoop Millionaire™. What started as a small side hustle has become a booming business with multiple locations and a thriving online community for aspiring entrepreneurs. Will shares how he transitioned from digital marketing to home services, why the pet waste removal industry took off, and the key strategies that helped him scale. With a focus on exceptional service and customer care, Swoop Scoop® has grown into a leading company serving thousands of satisfied clients. We also cover the marketing strategies that work (and don't), building a standout brand, and the importance of fast customer response times. Plus, Will shares the surprising lessons he learned from a failed partnership with Pizza Hut and how he's preparing for national expansion. Key Takeaways: Standardized, flat-rate pricing works best: customers prefer knowing costs upfront. Fast response time is critical: answering inquiries quickly sets businesses apart in home services. Professional branding (uniforms, truck wraps, CRM systems) increases trust and allows for premium pricing. Scaling starts with predictable lead generation. The biggest bottleneck is acquiring customers consistently. Marketing experiments matter. Facebook ads, Google SEO, and wrapped trucks work best, while some partnerships (like pizza box ads) miss the mark. Standardized operations make scaling easier. A clear system for hiring, training, and customer acquisition makes franchising a real possibility. Track Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) vs. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV): understanding these numbers earlier could have cut growth time in half. Anticipate bottlenecks as you scale: hiring, vehicle acquisition, and equipment logistics become challenges as the business grows. If you don't know how to acquire customers, your business will struggle. If you're not willing to start a poop scooping business, you're probably not going to start any business. Will's journey proves that even the most unexpected businesses can be wildly profitable with the right systems and mindset. Ready to think outside the box (or the yard)? This episode will change the way you look at service businesses. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Will: Swoop Scoop: https://swoopscoop.com  Poop Scoop: https://www.skool.com/poop-scoop-millionaire  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-milliken Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start  Blog: https://scoopstart.com/    Closing thought: “Big opportunities come from solving everyday problems. Price smart, systemize, and scale—success will follow.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

This Episode - Turning an Unlikely Business into a Multi-Million Dollar Success Meet Will Milliken, president of a fast-growing dog waste removal company and founder of the President of Swoop Scoop® and founder of Poop Scoop Millionaire™. What started as a small side hustle has become a booming business with multiple locations and a thriving online community for aspiring entrepreneurs. Will shares how he transitioned from digital marketing to home services, why the pet waste removal industry took off, and the key strategies that helped him scale. With a focus on exceptional service and customer care, Swoop Scoop® has grown into a leading company serving thousands of satisfied clients. We also cover the marketing strategies that work (and don't), building a standout brand, and the importance of fast customer response times. Plus, Will shares the surprising lessons he learned from a failed partnership with Pizza Hut and how he's preparing for national expansion. Key Takeaways: Standardized, flat-rate pricing works best: customers prefer knowing costs upfront. Fast response time is critical: answering inquiries quickly sets businesses apart in home services. Professional branding (uniforms, truck wraps, CRM systems) increases trust and allows for premium pricing. Scaling starts with predictable lead generation. The biggest bottleneck is acquiring customers consistently. Marketing experiments matter. Facebook ads, Google SEO, and wrapped trucks work best, while some partnerships (like pizza box ads) miss the mark. Standardized operations make scaling easier. A clear system for hiring, training, and customer acquisition makes franchising a real possibility. Track Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) vs. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV): understanding these numbers earlier could have cut growth time in half. Anticipate bottlenecks as you scale: hiring, vehicle acquisition, and equipment logistics become challenges as the business grows. If you don't know how to acquire customers, your business will struggle. If you're not willing to start a poop scooping business, you're probably not going to start any business. Will's journey proves that even the most unexpected businesses can be wildly profitable with the right systems and mindset. Ready to think outside the box (or the yard)? This episode will change the way you look at service businesses. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Will: Swoop Scoop: https://swoopscoop.com  Poop Scoop: https://www.skool.com/poop-scoop-millionaire  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-milliken Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start  Blog: https://scoopstart.com/    Closing thought: “Big opportunities come from solving everyday problems. Price smart, systemize, and scale—success will follow.” Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

How Failing Forward can become a blueprint for entrepreneurial success! Mohamed "Mo"Ahmed, founder of the Boundless Founder community and author of The Inside Out Entrepreneur, shares his journey from a corporate career at Microsoft and AWS to navigating the unpredictable world of startups. After starting his first company in 2017, Mohamed faced tough challenges—including a failed acquisition—that pushed him to rethink his approach to leadership, resilience, and mindset. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Mohamed talks about how he handled setbacks, pivoted his business, and managed the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He also explains how his passion for helping others led him to build a community that supports technical founders with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Through his experiences, Mohamed has learned how to turn failures into opportunities to grow and build something meaningful. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this episode offers practical advice on staying resilient, finding your purpose, and making progress even when things get tough. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: The right mindset—resilience, balance, and adaptability—is the most valuable asset for an entrepreneur. A mental conditioning framework can help entrepreneurs understand their journey beyond business metrics, develop mental toughness, and maintain perspective during challenges. Calculating risks and clear thinking under pressure help to prevent mistakes stemming from overconfidence and fear-driven decision-making. Practical tools for resilience allow entrepreneurs to bounce back from setbacks and ensure long-term sustainability. Entrepreneurs must condition loved ones emotionally and financially prepared for challenges. Building and maintaining a strong support system is crucial, including balancing family life with business demands and finding the right mentors for guidance. Entrepreneurship is a balance of chasing success while fearing failure. These opposing forces drive innovation and personal growth. Entrepreneurs need a robust ecosystem—mentors, peers, and supportive families—to sustain them through challenges. Entrepreneurs should ensure their self-worth isn't entirely tied to their venture's success to avoid burnout and remain employable. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Mo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedfahmed/ Mohamed F Ahmed: http://mohamedfahmed.com/ X: http://www.twitter.com/MohamedFAhmed   Special Offer for Listeners FREE Rising Tide Exclusive Bundle ($147 value): The Mindset Guide Mental Robustness and Resiliency Workbook Special Chapter: "Recovery Strategies After Setbacks" Available at: www.boundlessfounder.co/risingtide-special 25% discount on Boundless Founder Community membership using code: RISINGTIDE25 Book Reader's Package: Access to monthly group coaching sessions Exclusive entrepreneurial resilience assessment tool Private community access Register at: www.boundlessfounder.co/risingtide-bonus   Closing thought: “Entrepreneurship is about building something bigger than yourself, not just escaping a job or chasing wealth.”   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

How Failing Forward can become a blueprint for entrepreneurial success! Mohamed "Mo"Ahmed, founder of the Boundless Founder community and author of The Inside Out Entrepreneur, shares his journey from a corporate career at Microsoft and AWS to navigating the unpredictable world of startups. After starting his first company in 2017, Mohamed faced tough challenges—including a failed acquisition—that pushed him to rethink his approach to leadership, resilience, and mindset. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Mohamed talks about how he handled setbacks, pivoted his business, and managed the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He also explains how his passion for helping others led him to build a community that supports technical founders with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Through his experiences, Mohamed has learned how to turn failures into opportunities to grow and build something meaningful. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this episode offers practical advice on staying resilient, finding your purpose, and making progress even when things get tough. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: The right mindset—resilience, balance, and adaptability—is the most valuable asset for an entrepreneur. A mental conditioning framework can help entrepreneurs understand their journey beyond business metrics, develop mental toughness, and maintain perspective during challenges. Calculating risks and clear thinking under pressure help to prevent mistakes stemming from overconfidence and fear-driven decision-making. Practical tools for resilience allow entrepreneurs to bounce back from setbacks and ensure long-term sustainability. Entrepreneurs must condition loved ones emotionally and financially prepared for challenges. Building and maintaining a strong support system is crucial, including balancing family life with business demands and finding the right mentors for guidance. Entrepreneurship is a balance of chasing success while fearing failure. These opposing forces drive innovation and personal growth. Entrepreneurs need a robust ecosystem—mentors, peers, and supportive families—to sustain them through challenges. Entrepreneurs should ensure their self-worth isn't entirely tied to their venture's success to avoid burnout and remain employable. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Mo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedfahmed/ Mohamed F Ahmed: http://mohamedfahmed.com/ X: http://www.twitter.com/MohamedFAhmed   Special Offer for Listeners FREE Rising Tide Exclusive Bundle ($147 value): The Mindset Guide Mental Robustness and Resiliency Workbook Special Chapter: "Recovery Strategies After Setbacks" Available at: www.boundlessfounder.co/risingtide-special 25% discount on Boundless Founder Community membership using code: RISINGTIDE25 Book Reader's Package: Access to monthly group coaching sessions Exclusive entrepreneurial resilience assessment tool Private community access Register at: www.boundlessfounder.co/risingtide-bonus   Closing thought: “Entrepreneurship is about building something bigger than yourself, not just escaping a job or chasing wealth.”   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024! Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.