The Inventive Journey

Every entrepreneur has a moment that changes everything — and for Trapper Roderick, that moment happened on a rooftop in high school, sheeting a house while his dad was out of town. That early taste of responsibility sparked a lifelong love of building… even if his path took a surprising detour along the way.In this episode, Trapper walks through his remarkable journey:

When Jacob Dean looks back on his career, the through-line isn't a straight path — it's a steady climb built on curiosity, discipline, and the courage to rethink what success should look like. Raised in Northeast Ohio in a family of educators, Jacob grew up with a traditional definition of stability: find a good job, work hard, and build a dependable life. Entrepreneurship wasn't part of the conversation. Yet over time, Jacob discovered that he was drawn to something bigger — the intersection of law, business, and strategy.After majoring in finance, Jacob chose law school at a time when the economy was uncertain and job prospects were slim. But that step opened the door to a series of defining opportunities: working in the tax department at Procter & Gamble, clerking for the U.S. Tax Court, completing an LLM at Georgetown, and gaining meaningful experience in both law firm and in-house roles. Each chapter gave him new layers of expertise — tax structure, corporate operations, nonprofit compliance, and business management.Despite the steady progression, something deeper was brewing. Jacob realized that what energized him most wasn't just the practice of law — it was understanding how businesses run, how decisions get made, and how structure shapes success. He enjoyed the legal work, but he felt most at home thinking like an operator and strategist.Then came a turning point: turning 40. Instead of seeing it as a crisis, Jacob treated it as a moment of reflection — a chance to pause long enough to ask, What do I want the next decade to look like? The answer was clear: it was time to build something of his own.With support from family and colleagues, Jacob made the leap into entrepreneurship and launched his own firm. Unlike many attorneys who see the business side as a distraction, Jacob embraces it. He believes law firms should operate like true businesses — strategic, structured, and growth-minded — rather than relying on outdated norms or reactive hiring. His combined experience in tax and corporate law gives him a unique ability to help founders avoid pitfalls and build with intention.In this episode of The Inventive Journey, Jacob shares the decisions that shaped him, the pressure he once felt to take opportunities out of fear, and the mindset shift that now guides his career. He talks openly about learning to trust himself, redefining what a “successful” legal career looks like, and why entrepreneurship still excites him every day.His advice for new founders is refreshingly simple: get good help. Whether you're forming a company, raising capital, managing risk, or planning for growth, trying to do everything alone can cost far more than it saves. Good advisors, good structure, and good decision-making create the runway that businesses need to thrive.Jacob's story isn't just about leaving a job — it's about stepping into a role he was already preparing for through every chapter of his career. It's a reminder that experience compounds, reflection matters, and it's never too late to build a business on your own terms.

Discover how entrepreneur Jon Stamell built a multimillion-dollar agency, consulted CEOs, and now leads AI innovation to uncover the motivations behind customer behavior. From Detroit to global trade shows to pioneering psychographic AI, Jon's journey is a masterclass in reinvention, curiosity, and strategic thinking.⭐ Learn the biggest mistakes he made, the insights he gained, and his best advice for today's founders.

In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devin Miller interviews Kristie Jones, a sales strategist who turned her early experiences in athletics, hospitality, and SaaS leadership into a consultancy helping startups build strong sales foundations.Kristie shares why waiting tables taught her more about sales than any corporate role, how she navigated multiple reorganizations, why startups mis-hire so often, and how AI is transforming go-to-market strategy forever.Perfect for founders, sales leaders, and anyone building a modern revenue engine.

✨ Creative Roots to Fractional CMO — Denine HarperIn this Inventive Journey episode, Devin Miller talks with Denine Harper about her unusual and inspiring career path. From early motherhood to 3D animation, Manhattan agency life, the .com boom and crash, and the shift into brand marketing and fractional CMO work — Denine's story is packed with lessons on resilience and reinvention.Great for founders, creatives, and anyone navigating a career pivot.

In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devin Miller talks withDarrin Wurz, a former high school science teacher who transitioned into the world of finance and became a trusted advisor to law firm owners.Darrin shares how his early passion for education and curiosity led him from teaching ninth-grade biology in Cincinnati, Ohio, to building a successful financial advisory business that serves attorneys nationwide. After years in the classroom, Darrin faced burnout and began seeking a new challenge—one that would allow him to help others, apply his analytical mind, and build something lasting.He went back to school, earned a degree in finance, and—without a client base—put a sign in his front yard. Through networking, marketing experimentation, and persistence, he slowly built a thriving practice. His firm grew through authentic relationships and strategic positioning, eventually niching down to serve law firms. Today, Darrin's clients rely on him not just for numbers but for insight, growth strategy, and financial mentorship.Darrin also discusses writing his first book, launching his own podcast, and the ongoing process of refining his business model to meet professional clients' needs. Listeners will gain valuable insights on career transitions, business growth, and the power of niching down.

Avy Schondorf's inventive journey is one of adaptability, insight, and purpose. From social services and nonprofit fundraising in Israel to founding a U.S.-based virtual assistant agency, Avy's story illustrates how resilience and systems thinking can turn disruption into innovation. After relocating from Israel to the U.S. just before COVID-19, Avy transformed uncertainty into opportunity by identifying a powerful niche: supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs through Alisto, her specialized virtual assistant agency. In this conversation, Avy unpacks lessons on leadership, adaptability, self-awareness, and how to build a business that serves a community's unique needs.Discover why structure is essential for creativity, how systems free people to focus on impact, and why charging for your value is non-negotiable. Whether you're a startup founder, service provider, or lifelong learner, this episode will change how you think about growth, neurodiversity, and business design.

Annie Davis' career began far from boardrooms and tech startups — it started at IKEA and McDonald's. In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devon Miller sits down with Annie to explore how her bold move from Reno to Utah on a whim evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial career.Annie shares how she learned to lead teams across borders, embrace remote collaboration long before it was mainstream, and grow from project manager to CEO in a digital development firm. Her story is one of fearless adaptability, pragmatic leadership, and turning challenges into streamlined systems — including her “one-touch” policy for productivity that helped her scale a web business efficiently.Listeners will gain insights into:Building business structure before burnout.Managing global teams remotely with empathy and precision.The art of balancing process and passion in startup life.Buying back your own company — and why doing so can be your smartest move.If you're a startup founder or small business owner ready to refine your operations and culture, Annie's practical journey will resonate.

Be motivated to truly understand what you're getting into, because in the beginning, all the focus will be on you. If it's something you're passionate about—something you genuinely care for and love doing—make sure you have a clear understanding of what that journey involves.

My single, non-negotiable rule is simple: listen more than you speak. Equally important for anyone entering business is to understand that government is typically not an ally. Speaking from years of experience buying and selling a wide range of businesses — car washes, gas stations, convenience stores, development and operating companies, trucking firms, woodworking shops, and more — I've found government involvement often creates friction for entrepreneurs. Its focus tends to be on compliance and oversight, not on fostering individual business success.

I've learned that businesses rise and fall with people, not spreadsheets. When I started with a couple of partners, those relationships proved invaluable—mentorships, the right connections, the right centers of influence. You can't figure it all out on your own. There's a saying: nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. That applies to both your internal team and external partners. If you want to build something lasting, you need to show genuine care—not just impress people with numbers or how smart you are.

Many startup CEOs and entrepreneurs often get stuck on their first idea, treating it like their baby. They hold onto it for too long, draining resources and relationships instead of adapting. The key is to listen to the market and your customers—they'll guide you in the right direction. Pivoting or iterating isn't failure, even if it feels that way at first. It's simply a shift in mindset toward growth.

Forget about having a traditional work-life balance. I've heard this echoed by many other startups and small business owners, and even a few well-known entrepreneurs. Personally, I set boundaries on only a handful of things—like my birthday and Christmas—but beyond that, most of my “social life” happens at conferences or networking events. I often work weekends, and it's not unusual for me to be up working until 3 a.m. The night-owl side of me, probably the astrophysicist in me, makes that routine feel almost natural.

A key rule of thumb is to test as much as possible before officially launching. Market research can be tricky—asking people “Would you come if I opened an Italian restaurant here?” doesn't always give reliable answers. But for certain types of businesses, especially low-cost ones like cleaning services, you can start small and validate demand right away. Go out, find a few clients, and talk directly to potential customers. Many businesses allow you to do this kind of groundwork, reducing risk before you fully commit to launching.

If you're starting a business for the first time, one of the most important steps is to carefully decide what kind of product or service you want to offer. Take the time to really think it through and brainstorm your ideas thoroughly.Many people see an opportunity and jump in right away without proper preparation. They often don't fully understand why they are selling a particular product or offering a certain service. This lack of clarity can lead to problems later on.That's why the most crucial step is to deeply consider what you're offering, why you're offering it, and how it will provide value to others before you move forward.

If you're just starting a startup or small business, the most important thing—based on my experience and those I've worked with—is to focus entirely on your product or service. Whether you're offering a service, selling a physical item, or building a SaaS platform, make sure it's something people genuinely want. Then, identify exactly who those people are. Spend 99% of your time refining your product or service and understanding your target audience.

My biggest advice to anyone starting out is to avoid setting expectations for how long it will take to experiment and find your footing. Unless you're following a franchise model, no one has done exactly what you're trying to do—so there's no set timeline. And since time is money, the more you can explore, test, and learn while working another job or having some financial support, the better. Giving yourself that buffer will allow you to figure things out before fully going to market, which can make a huge difference in your success.

Don't start coding, hiring, or building anything until you've sold the idea. Your first job is to talk to potential customers, deeply understand their problems, and validate that a real solution is needed. This is a lesson I've learned over multiple ventures—this being my third. In fact, we didn't write a single line of code until we had a signed contract in hand. That shift has fundamentally changed our company culture: we stay commercially focused, but always grounded in solving real problems. It's not about pushing my idea onto the world—it's about listening to the world and building what it actually needs. So, always sell first. Get proof that someone is willing to pay before you start creating.

One of my mentors shared something I always come back to — it comes down to three key things. First, self-motivation. You've got to have that inner drive to go after what you truly want. Second, prioritization. You need to know what matters most and what can wait. And third, mentorship. Find someone you trust, someone who can guide you. And along the way, don't forget to trust yourself too — if something feels off, listen to that instinct.

The rule of thumb I followed—and one I still believe in—is that it's perfectly fine to change direction, to explore different paths, or even juggle multiple interests at once. If you don't have everything figured out from the start, that's completely okay. What matters most is getting out there and gaining real experiences. Don't fear trying, and don't fear failing. Every attempt, every bit of exposure, teaches you something new—and it's that very exposure that will eventually lead you to your passion.

Keep trying—because you're going to hear a lot of "no's," and the key is to get comfortable with rejection. I even have a note taped to my desk that says, "Try to get rejected—to get over the fear of being rejected." As an entrepreneur, especially in the beginning, you'll face resistance and doubt, often from others and sometimes from yourself. But success comes from showing up over and over again, even when it feels like no one believes in you. Persistence is what separates those who make it from those who give up. You only truly fail when you stop trying—so keep going.

You know, it's different for everyone, but a good starting point would be reading the book Emotional Intelligence. It's a great introduction to understanding EQ. If you don't really know who you are — and many people don't, especially when starting a business in their 20s — take time to explore that. Talk to the people around you. Ask them how they perceive you. What do they think are your biggest weaknesses? It's not always easy to hear, but getting that honest feedback early on can save you a lot of trouble later.

Follow your heart and trust your instincts—they're often more powerful than you realize. I've always had a strong gut feeling about the things I pursue, a sense that tells me, “This needs to happen, this will work.” When I've shared my ideas with others, the response has been overwhelmingly positive—people are often surprised and inspired, saying they never thought of it that way. That kind of validation is encouraging, but it starts with knowing what truly drives and excites you. Figure out what you're passionate about, what you're naturally good at, and what energizes you. Then, surround yourself with the right people who believe in the vision and can help you bring it to life.

If there's one key piece of advice I'd give to anyone in business or entrepreneurship, it's to beware of the tyranny of the now—the intense pressure of immediate problems like a lost contract, a team member leaving, or an unexpected crisis. These challenges feel overwhelming in the moment, but they are temporary. Don't let short-term pain lead to emotional decisions that could harm your long-term vision. Instead, stay focused on why you started—your original dream, belief, and purpose. The present will pass, but your future is still in your hands. Handle the moment, but don't let it define you.

Stay liquid — hold on to as much cash as possible. If you're ready to go all in, be prepared to make serious lifestyle adjustments — even something as extreme as crashing on a friend's couch with just a sleeping bag. You need to fully grasp that whatever you're planning for your business — the launch, the execution, everything — will likely take longer, cost more, and face more uncertainty than you expect.Expect delays. Expect higher costs — for materials, labor, permits, and everything in between. The market is volatile, with unpredictable factors like tariffs, labor shortages, and regulatory slowdowns.Talk to someone who has been through exactly what you're about to do. Ask them how much additional risk they see in today's environment. Learn from their experience — and move forward with caution.

Get really good at listening to your own gut. You're going to receive a lot of advice—everyone will be convinced they know exactly what you should do next. Some of that advice might be valuable, but I always take everything with a grain of salt. What's more important is learning to pause and tune in to your own instincts.We're actually in one of those moments right now—a bit of a pivot, a shift in focus. And instead of speeding up or seeking even more input, what I really need to do is slow down, step back, reflect, and listen closely to myself. It's about thinking things through and making sure I feel truly confident about the direction we're taking.

I don't want to pretend like I know how every business works—because I don't. But in my experience, with my own business, I truly believe the most important thing is being fully present. You have to live in the business. I just don't see how this can be done remotely. Even if it could, I think there's so much value—in terms of company culture and team morale—in working alongside your people. If a truck shows up and there's a lot of work to do, you jump in and help unload. If there's trash on the floor, you pick it up. As a business owner, you lead by example.

I'd suggest ignoring the common advice in business culture that tells you to hack your time, boost productivity, or master time management. Instead, shift your focus to managing your energy. That change made a profound difference in my life. So many of us are walking around nearly depleted—burned out, overwhelmed, and under constant stress. The real antidote isn't doing more or achieving more, but figuring out how to stop the energy leaks and restore what fuels us.

There are two books I always recommend to entrepreneurs just starting out, and one of them is Profit First by Mike. The book is a game-changer. Coming from the corporate world, I had a traditional mindset about finances, but this book completely flipped that perspective. It taught me to prioritize profit from day one and helped me restructure how I manage cash flow and budgets in my business. The core takeaway for me was that if I'm running a business, the goal is to pay myself—not just cover expenses. It really drove home the importance of having a solid handle on your cash, because no matter how brilliant your idea is, if you run out of money, you're done.

I strongly advise anyone in business to pay close attention to both internal and external factors. Your internal state significantly impacts how you present yourself in business, from pricing discussions to interactions with team members, freelancers, and contractors. What I mean by this is simple—do the work. Invest in yourself by hiring a coach, whether it's a business coach, branding coach, or life coach. I've been fortunate to work with various coaches, and their guidance has directly shaped the way I show up and perform in my business.

Staying organized in your business is crucial—whether it's managing finances, streamlining operations, or preparing for future team growth. Keeping yourself structured ensures efficiency and clarity.At the same time, don't be afraid to experiment. However, it's essential to track the results of those experiments. For example, if you're investing $2,000 a month in marketing, regularly assess its effectiveness rather than assuming it's working. Similarly, don't blindly trust someone just because they claim to be an expert—verify their expertise.Many businesses, even large ones, fall into the trap of making assumptions. They assume strategies will work, that hires are competent, or that expenses are justified, without proper evaluation. Avoiding these assumptions and staying analytical can make a significant difference in your success.

Fail fast and learn quickly. Don't get attached to your idea—get attached to success. Focus on your customers, not just the idea itself, because ideas evolve. Who you are today won't be the same as who you'll become if you succeed.

Keep communicating—because no business thrives in isolation. You need customers, and they need to hear from you. You often rely on partners, whether they are employees, suppliers, or collaborators in government or other sectors. Your family and friends also play a crucial role in your journey. The key is to ensure alignment between your actions and their expectations. Miscommunication or misalignment is what leads to conflict. So, if there's one essential principle to follow, it's this: keep communicating.

Have as many conversations as possible and get comfortable doing so. The sooner you adopt this mindset and openly discuss your ideas, the more clarity you'll gain. Talking things through with others helps refine your thoughts, gather valuable feedback, and shape your plans effectively. Additionally, it increases visibility—people will recognize you, understand what you're working on, and spread the word. The earlier you embrace this approach, the better. Many get caught up in the building phase, assuming that simply creating something will attract attention. But in most cases, success requires proactive outreach and engagement.

Be extremely intentional when hiring and managing your team. Avoid compromising on talent just to fill positions quickly. It's tempting to think, We need more people because we're growing fast, but hiring the wrong people can be more detrimental than having fewer, highly capable individuals. A strong, lean team will always outperform a larger, less effective one. In fact, I believe that at IQ, we're achieving far more now with fewer people than we did in the past.

When starting a business today, it's essential to understand that people buy from people, and they love to buy. More than just products or services, they buy into stories. For someone to purchase from you, two things must be true: they need to know you and trust you. The best way to achieve this is by building a strong personal brand and crafting a compelling signature story. This not only helps you stand out but also differentiates you from the countless others offering the same thing.

Be flexible and open to learning. Many people step into the professional world expecting to lead right away, but success often starts with mastering the basics. If you're assigned a small task, give it your best effort—every job is an opportunity to grow. Developing the necessary skills and understanding the business takes time, so be patient and adaptable.Additionally, focus on building strong networks. As the saying goes, success isn't just about what you know, but who you know. The connections you make can open doors, and the way people speak about you when you're not around can shape your opportunities.

Be prepared to trust the process. When you start a business, you're filled with ambition, high hopes, and excitement about your idea. You imagine instant success, skyrocketing straight to the top. But in reality, for most people—including nearly everyone I've interviewed on my podcast—it doesn't work out that way. Mistakes happen, unexpected challenges arise, and many ideas don't pan out. There are countless unknowns, and the journey is rarely as smooth as you expect. No one wants to hear this in the beginning, and it's easy to believe you'll be the exception. But in truth, embracing the process is essential.

Stop overthinking and just start. Don't waste time crafting a perfect 300-page plan or making sure every little detail is in place. If you wait for perfection, you'll never launch your business. Take action now and refine things as you go. Step one—register an LLC. Not sure about the name? Pick one and file a DBA later if needed. Don't let small decisions hold you back.

Learn about exits early—think about them from day one. Even if you're just starting out, understanding what happens in a business sale is crucial. We learned this firsthand in our first business. Due diligence is a powerful tool for any entrepreneur. Most people only go through it once in their lives when selling a business, which is a mistake. In today's world, especially for young entrepreneurs juggling multiple careers and side hustles, knowing how due diligence works gives you insight into the buyer's perspective. More importantly, it helps you scale your business strategically. One of the fastest ways to grow is through acquisitions.

Make sure you have a strong idea—something valuable that people will want to buy, not just a cool technology you hope to sell later. Build the right team because even the best ideas fail without the right people, which is why many companies don't go far.

You must have a well-defined go-to-market strategy in place, because without a clear plan for driving sales growth, success will be out of reach.

What I'd say is that being a one-trick pony, whether in sports or startups, just isn't enough. In the startup world, you need to be versatile. You can't just be the "home run hitter" or the "heavy hitter" who relies on a single skill. You need a well-rounded set of capabilities. You have to master what you're good at, then build on that by adding complementary skills. At the same time, you need to identify areas where you're not the best and be smart about outsourcing those tasks. It's all about having a multi-tool approach and focusing your energy where it makes the most impact.

Value your time and yourself far more than you do now, because you don't truly realize how little respect you have for yourself until you reach a breaking point. You'll find yourself thinking, "Wow, it's 11 PM, and I haven't made any progress on my work. I've sat through a hundred meetings, yet none of my actual responsibilities are handled." Now, you're left with no choice but to pull an all-nighter, which only leads to burnout. If you don't respect your time or yourself in the process, you risk stretching yourself too thin and running out of energy. Burnout is a tricky thing—it's like a sickness that gets worse each time. The first burnout may only take a couple of days to recover from, but each subsequent burnout takes longer to bounce back from. Eventually, you may reach a point where you're so burned out that you lose the drive to do anything for a long time.

Engage in as many conversations as possible. It's easy to get caught up in your work, focusing solely on tasks and goals. However, networking is incredibly valuable, and it's not just about connecting with people from whom you want something. Every conversation holds potential—whether it's gaining insights into user experience, receiving valuable feedback, or discovering connections you never expected. Being open to conversations and staying approachable can lead to unexpected opportunities. While you shouldn't work for free, taking a few minutes for a quick chat, meeting someone at a conference, or inviting them for coffee is a great way to learn about their work and broaden your network. You'd be surprised how many new opportunities can arise, and how often you'll find connections through those "six degrees of separation."

Focus on something you're truly passionate about. Throughout our conversation today, we've touched on a lot of different aspects of marketing. For me, it all started with an interest in understanding how people think and communicate, which is at the heart of marketing. From there, I moved into advertising, which is a part of marketing, then digital marketing, adding another layer, and finally, analytics, which offers a different perspective. I've enjoyed diving into each of these areas because marketing is a passion of mine. Even when working on a business that might take longer to see results, as long as it's in a field I'm passionate about, the journey doesn't feel long because I'm still enjoying the process of learning. So, my advice is to ensure you're working in an area you genuinely care about, not just one that seems like a good business opportunity.