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Steve Carroll started as an SBA searcher before pivoting to a PE-backed roll-up. It's gone better than he ever expected.Register for the webinars: How to Run the SBA Deal Race - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/3Xh3WQbHow to Invest In SMBs (Without Buying One Yourself) - Dec 9th - https://bit.ly/44Gylv1Topics in Steve's interview:Experience working for WalMart corporateSearching while working full timeMyth of passive incomeLarge dead deal costs from a failed acquisitionPartnering with his childhood friendUnderestimating working capital needs100-hour weeks away from his familyRapidly scaling through M&ABeware owners who leave quicklyAchieving $1 billion in revenue in 5 yearsReferences and how to contact Steve:LinkedInKelso IndustriesDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
When a team member quoted the host's own content back to him—"focus on one thing, use one metric"—it would have actually been counterproductive. This episode clarifies a critical nuance that changes everything: yes, focus on ONE constraint (the biggest problem blocking your business), but measure it with at least TWO competing metrics. Why? Because single metrics get gamed, even unintentionally. Focus only on close rate? Sales reps start disqualifying opportunities. Only track appointments set? You get garbage meetings with terrible show rates. Only measure YouTube followers? You end up with 100,000 subscribers and 3 views per video. Learn how to identify your true constraint, why diluting efforts across multiple initiatives kills velocity, and how to set up balanced metrics that actually move your business forward instead of just moving numbers on a dashboard.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
In Episode 146 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks retail IT industry trends and leadership with Gilbert Bailey, the President of Genius Retail and Small Business for Global Payments. Among the topics discussed are AI, enterprise tools filtering to SMB, providing solutions beyond the POS, and that leaders “action always beats inaction.” “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org. The RSPA is North America's largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, and grocery verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.
Watching his wife spend weeks building custom Christmas decorations from scratch—with zero blueprint and no clear plan beyond a color theme—revealed a powerful business truth. We glorify the Bezos-style crystal clear vision, thinking that's what you need to succeed. But the reality? Most wildly successful entrepreneurs will tell you their business took on a life of its own. Building a business is more art than science—more Steve Jobs ("you can only connect the dots in hindsight") than detailed master plan. This episode explores why loving the process matters more than having perfect clarity, how the process itself reveals options you couldn't have predicted, and why energy to push through inevitable frustrations comes from one of two sources: either a vision so clear it pulls you through, or genuine love for the creative journey itself.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Ray Green shares why he eliminated call minimums when he took over his first sales team - and how revenue per sale doubled as a result. Most sales managers crack the whip on volume and activity metrics, but Ray argues this comes at the expense of optimizing for what you actually want: results. In this episode, he breaks down the policy change he implemented, the cultural shift required to make it work, and how he recruited differently to build a team that took ownership of outcomes instead of just checking boxes on activity. Ray introduces the Laffer Curve framework for understanding when increased volume starts decreasing results, shares how his team went on to hit their numbers for 10 consecutive years, and explains why this approach is more critical than ever as AI threatens to replace volume-based sales roles. This isn't about having no standards - it's about having the right standards on the things that actually matter.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jake Bittner bought an unprofitable carve-out doing $3m. A key pivot grew revenue to $20m and got the attention of PE.Register for the webinar: How to Run the SBA Deal Race - Dec 4th - https://bit.ly/44whqv6Topics in Jake's interview:Building a nest egg before leaving his jobFallout from his father's failed businessesCalculating the value of a business losing moneyDisliking the bureaucracy of large companiesJoining his friend to run a distressed companyEmployee war storiesChanging the service they offeredAchieving 60% margins Boosting customer retentionSelling the company for 11x earningsReferences and how to contact Jake:LinkedInMission Support PartnersGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
SummaryIn this week's episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sat down with Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder of LIVSN Designs, a Bentonville-based outdoor apparel company with a mission to create high-quality, versatile clothing for outdoor enthusiasts who value experiences over possessions. Andrew's vision for LIVSN is clear: make products that last, fit into multiple situations, and help customers "own less, live more."Andrew traced the company's roots back to a personal journey focused on simplifying life, which ultimately inspired LIVSN's commitment to durability and versatility. The business was initially jump-started via Kickstarter, leveraging community support to raise production funds and validate market fit. Andrew emphasized how in-person events and local connections, like pop-ups and startup crawls, have been vital for the tactile nature of their apparel.Sustainability and community drive every aspect of LIVSN, from rigorous dedication to responsible sourcing and transparency in the supply chain, to innovative repair and resale programs. Andrew explained that true sustainability goes beyond labels; it's about continual improvement and extending product life cycles. The company's recent B Corp certification stands as a testament to its holistic approach, valuing people, planet, and profit equally.LIVSN's story is also one of community ownership, with hundreds of customers investing through campaigns like WeFunder. With intentional product expansion and ongoing partnerships, Andrew's team is proving that responsible business practices and building trust can compete head-to-head with industry giants. Tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(02:59) LIVSN's Kickstarter Experience (07:18) Designing by a Set of Principles(12:25) Holistically Building a Business(15:05) Sustainability Through Product Longevity(16:54) Community-Owned Business Vision(21:30) Intentional Growth and Expansion(26:11) 2025 Achievements: B Corp Certification & New Store Opening(28:35) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeAndrew Gibbs-DabneyLIVSN Designs
Can a team be made up entirely of aggressive, play-to-win people? Or do you need the balance of risk-conscious players who pump the brakes? This episode breaks down a fascinating leadership question: the fundamental difference between people who play to win versus those who play not to lose—and why it matters for building your team. Discover the critical distinction between two types of "play not to lose" people: Type 1 who intelligently mitigate risk with confidence versus Type 2 who operate from fear and low self-esteem. Learn why the best CEO partnerships involve a play-to-win leader paired with a Type 1 risk calculator (like the CFO who fought like cats and dogs but made the organization stronger), and why Type 2 players create toxic opportunity cost that kills long-term growth.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Kunal Bhasin, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 1WestSmall businesses in the US now have more choice in financing but closing the lending gap comes at a price. Small loans don't make economic sense to the banks, At the same time bank loans are still taking too long to arrange. Addressing both those issues allows alternative lenders to carve out a profitable niche and provides SMBs with solutions to their funding needs. Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence talks to Kunal Bhasin, Founder and CEO of platform provider 1West.
Scrappy targeting, small segments, and extreme empathy for the audience sit at the center of this conversation on Scrappy ABM. Host Mason Cosby sits down with Tyler Lessard, CMO at Technology Advice, to move from a broad “B2B marketing leaders or demand gen leaders” ICP to focused clusters of accounts where the team can win day after day.ㅤTyler walks through breaking a market into specific industry subsegments like cybersecurity software vendors and HR tech vendors, backing those choices with win rates, average deal size, and field-level sales feedback. The discussion follows how in-person activations at industry conferences, niche newsletters, and original buyer insights research become “reasons to reach out” for sales and SDR teams. Along the way, Mason and Tyler highlight small, specific ABM programs with one rep and a handful of target accounts, measuring success by whether the right people at the right accounts show up, engage, ask questions, and move into real conversations.ㅤ
When a team member fed me pure ChatGPT fluff instead of their actual expertise, it was time to draw a line. As an early adopter and power user of AI, this episode reveals the exact guidelines now required for using AI in the business—from protecting proprietary knowledge on closed systems to owning every output you submit, even if AI generated it. Learn when AI is brilliant (research, refining messages, automating tasks) versus when it's a road to mediocrity (outsourcing your thinking). The uncomfortable truth: AI has all the information but doesn't really know anything, and lazy AI habits are causing thought atrophy in otherwise smart people. These framework guidelines will help you leverage AI's strengths while protecting what actually makes you valuable.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
After hiring hundreds of people across 20 years—from reversing a decade-long sales decline at the US Chamber of Commerce to leading executive turnarounds—here's the uncomfortable truth nobody admits: hiring isn't just science, it's feeling. Sure, use scorecards and screening processes to get to your final candidates, but when you're looking at five people who all score between 80-85, what separates the good from the absolute killers? This episode shares the real stories: the purple-haired sales guy HR said not to hire who became the top performer, the economics grad hired without a role who helped Moneyball a 45-year-old company, and the bar conversation that led to a hire so good it changed where the host lives today. Learn why gut decisions produce outliers and how to strengthen your hiring intuition.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Welcome back to our Engineering the SMB Capital Stack, sponsored by our friends at Fundbox. In this four-part series, we're exploring small businesses, small business lending, and the forces shaping how small businesses access capital. I'm joined by Prashant Fuloria, CEO of Fundbox, as cohost. In Episode 4 (our finale!), we turn to the role of banks (and how they fit into an increasingly unbundled lending ecosystem), and what collaboration between banks and fintechs really looks like in 2025. To unpack it all, we're joined by Jackie Reses, CEO of Lead Bank (and former Head of Square Capital, a pioneer in embedded capital for SMBs, particularly for B2C SMBs). Highlights include: How Square Capital redefined micro-lending, serving millions of U.S. businesses under traditional bank thresholds Why embedding loans in software (not branches) rewrote the risk model for SMB credit The rise of unbundled lending: fintechs, balance-sheet partners, and the capital markets “maturity curve” How banks like Lead are re-bundling infrastructure to power fintech lending safely and at scale The regulatory horizon (from agentic commerce to stablecoins and the next wave of small-business oversight) From unserved salon owners to national infrastructure shifts, Jackie reminds us why access to capital is still deeply human, and why technology wins when it's built with empathy for the entrepreneur. If you want to understand where banks truly fit in the future of SMB lending, this finale is essential listening. This episode was brought to you by Fundbox. As a leading capital infrastructure provider behind the digital SMB economy, Fundbox is focused on enabling platforms to embed financial tools directly into their user experiences. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuloria/ Follow Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-reses-938b7850/Learn more about Fundbox here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG
Feeling stretched thin trying to do everything in your business? You're not alone. Many MSP owners ask how to remove themselves from sales, but that's the wrong question. Sales is the oxygen your business needs—you never fully step away from it. The real question is: how do you get your time back while keeping sales flowing? This episode breaks down the exact phases of promoting yourself through your sales organization, from doing everything yourself, to hiring your first SDR, to building a team where you operate as a true sales leader. Learn why each role funds the next, why abdication kills results, and how to build a self-sustaining sales machine without losing control of your company's lifeline.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Dave Gilbert spent 2 years fixing the model and customer concentration of the $750k SDE family business he bought with SBA debt.Topics in Dave's interview:Leaving tech to buy a white collar businessMeeting with 120 owners while searchingBuying a business he initially passed onRisks of family members as employeesFinancial surprises after the transitionLosing 23% of revenue when clients leftAccountants do not like changeRecruiting top talentImportance of listening to employeesTransferring his zero-to-one skillsReferences and how to contact Dave:ProvenLinkedInGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Richard Clarke is the chief insurance officer at Colonial Surety. With more than three decades of experience, he leads insurance strategy and operations for the expansion of Colonial Surety's SMB-focused product suite, building out the online platform into a one-stop shop for America's SMBs.In this episode, Eric and Richard “Dick” Clarke discuss:Understanding ERISA safeguardsDistinguishing required and optional coverageReviewing and strengthening insurance layersCollaborating and acting proactivelyKey Takeaways:ERISA governs all employee benefit plans and requires fidelity bonds for protection. Coverage must equal ten percent of plan assets with specific federal limits in place. Knowing these basics sets the foundation for every other insurance decision.With the baseline set, organizations must separate required bonds from optional insurance. Fiduciary liability coverage protects decision makers from personal responsibility. Understanding both layers prevents blind spots in compliance and leadership risk.Once the insurance types are clear, each policy must be examined for sufficiency. Adequate limits, full inclusion of parties, and clear cyber provisions are essential. This careful review ensures protection keeps pace with evolving responsibilities.These evaluations work best when risk teams, counsel, and providers move together. Shared tools and coordinated reviews uncover gaps that one group might miss. Since no single formula applies, proactive teamwork becomes the safest path forward.“The specific answer to the question on the fidelity is that it is absolutely required. You have to have it. The brutal truth is, if you don't have it as an employer, you are in technical violation of federal law, because ERISA is a federal law.” - Richard ClarkeConnect with Richard Clarke:Website: https://www.colonialsurety.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-clarke-cpcu-cic-rplu-605b13a/ Connect with Eric Dyson: Website: https://90northllc.com/Phone: 940-248-4800Email: contact@90northllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to changeIt is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.
That voice in your head telling you to do better, work harder, be more—should you silence it or lean into it? Society says constant self-criticism is unhealthy, that you should learn to be content and accept yourself as you are. But what if that relentless inner critic is actually your superpower? This deeply personal episode explores how embracing (not fighting) the inner critic helped jump literal generations of family trajectory—from broken homes and instability to building the life most people only dream about. Learn the two critical mindset shifts that turn self-criticism from exhausting battle into rocket fuel, including the crucial distinction between "my actions can improve" versus "I'm not enough as a person."//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I learned this lesson early in my management career and have lived it every day since: a great team will always outperform a group of individual stars, no matter how talented those individuals are. A real team isn't just people doing their jobs—it's a system where everyone is aligned on the same goal, willing to collaborate, share best practices, sacrifice their own time, and do whatever it takes to help the team win. In this episode, I break down why teams outperform individuals and share a powerful two-minute clip from Tom Brady about the difference between champions and stars. Brady says it perfectly: "Champions do what stars aren't willing to do." I've seen this firsthand—we had a "no prima donnas" rule on my team, and for ten years straight, we never missed a single goal. If you're hiring or building a team, stop looking for the best players and start looking for the best people. That mindset shift will change everything.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Welcome back to our Engineering the SMB Capital Stack, sponsored by our friends at Fundbox. In this four-part series, we're exploring small businesses, small business lending, and the forces shaping how small businesses access capital. I'm joined by Prashant Fuloria, CEO of Fundbox, as cohost. In Episodes 1 and 2, we explored the state of small business lending and how capital actually reaches small businesses. In Episode 3, we move to the heart of the SMB lending stack: underwriting (the core of how lenders evaluate and manage risk). Joining us is longtime SMB lending leader, Bernardo Martinez, currently at SoFi. Bernardo is the executive leading SoFi's SMB efforts (in addition to other initiatives like SoFi at Work, which is an employer-branded program to help companies support their talent through financial products). Highlights include: Why analog ops and missing data have always constrained SMB underwriting, and how overdue digitization and vSaaS are finally changing the picture. What a true 360 degree view looks like when you blend bank transactions, payment processing, invoicing, and ledger data all together (and even flavor with non-financial signals like repeat visits, foot traffic, and even satellite imagery). Where machine learning and generative AI actually belong in SMB lending, from stitching together CRM, accounting, banking, and marketing data to delivering CFO-style guidance that saves owners time (and lowers probability of default). The next decade in small business finance isn't about originating loans more quickly. The real unlock will be how well you feed the data back into the business itself (the better that business runs, the safer the loan becomes). That means translating raw signals into value added services that help owners strategize growth, spot risks early, and above all, save time! Our data and tools are finally catching up to the needs of SMBs, which makes this an exciting moment for anyone building products for them. Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes and insights! This episode was brought to you by Fundbox. As a leading capital infrastructure provider behind the digital SMB economy, Fundbox is focused on enabling platforms to embed financial tools directly into their user experiences. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuloria/ Follow Bernardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-martinez-639293/ Learn more about Fundbox here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG
Taylor Mattingly found high-quality revenue in an unusual and sizable B2C business that he happened to be a customer of.Topics in Taylor's interview:Being Co-CEO with his best friendBuying a business he was a customer ofAcquiring a business in his hometownConfusing, deregulated Texas energy marketHow Energy Ogre differs from a typical brokerKeeping his call center in Texas“Set it and forget it” model“Listening tour” in the first 100 daysAdopting the EOS modelHigher leverage deal structureReferences and how to contact Taylor:LinkedInEnergy OgreGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
SummaryIn this week's episode of Startup Junkies, host Daniel Koonce sits down with Tyler Flagg, founder and CEO of Flying Company, to discuss his mission to transform private aviation and put Bentonville, Arkansas, on the map as an emerging aviation tech hub.Tyler shares his unique journey from failed child actor to fourteen-year Air Force pilot and squadron commander, and ultimately, tech entrepreneur. After leaving the military, Tyler found himself managing a private business jet and was shocked at the pain points in finding and hiring contract pilots. The process, relying on Facebook posts, word-of-mouth, and reams of paperwork, was inefficient and outdated. Sensing a gap in the market, he created the Flying Company, a streamlined platform that connects pilots and operators, handles credentials, agreements and payments, and even helps operators and pilots save valuable time and money.The conversation dives into the realities of startup life, the surprising lack of digital innovation in aviation, and Tyler's long-term vision: a one-stop career and staffing system for pilots from student certification through retirement. He also touches on his hopes for Bentonville to grow into an aviation tech hub and the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs.Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:10) Building a Marketplace for Aviation(09:54) Addressing Pilot Frustrations: Communication & Payment(14:57) Employing Quiet Professionalism over Ego(17:31) Making Bentonville an Aviation Hub(22:35) Next Steps: Aviation Career Progression Platform(27:31) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeTyler FlaggFlying Company
Serving SMB mid-market customers is one thing, but when you go upstream to enterprise sales, everything changes: go-to-market strategy, the sales process, how you structure deals, even how you define customer value. Today's guest, Andrew Casey, has helped scale four SaaS companies: ServiceNow, WalkMe, Lacework, and his current company, Amplitude. At ServiceNow, he worked closely with Snowflake's Mike Scarpelli and Coatue's David Schneider, and he was instrumental in establishing the company's deal desk to support its sales motion. As an operationally focused CFO, he shares a wealth of knowledge on the importance of staying close to the customer, structuring deals that work for both sides, establishing transparency in usage-based pricing, aligning incentives and strategy in sales, the pros and cons of multi-year deals, the problem with auto-renewals and what to do instead, and how to adapt your go-to-market strategy when moving from SMB mid-market to enterprise.—SPONSORS:Metronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.—Andrew Casey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-casey-6b14875/Amplitude: https://amplitude.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:An Operationally-Focused CFO's Guide to Scaling From SMB to Enterprise: Lessons From ServiceNowhttps://youtu.be/iUpMAQ14YpM—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:03:27 Sponsors – Metronome, Mercury, RightRev00:07:08 Andrew joins the podcast00:08:10 Becoming an operational CFO00:09:25 Early customer-empathy beginnings at Sun00:11:34 How customer-empathy shaped Andrew's career00:14:08 Navigating HP's troubled EDS contracts00:16:05 Sponsors – Tipalti, Aleph, Fidelity Private Shares00:19:37 Returning from ads – running toward hard markets00:20:13 Scaling ServiceNow's sales operations00:23:27 Breaking into the trusted circle after the Q1 miss00:25:26 Building and scaling the ServiceNow deal desk00:28:11 Principles of transparent, value-aligned pricing00:30:17 Rethinking metering models and usage alignment00:33:01 Diagnosing budget constraints vs. cash timing00:36:14 Incentives, comp plans, and high-trust selling00:39:21 Training enterprise reps for long-term value00:40:17 Multi-year deals and when they actually work00:43:05 Overselling, discount levers, and ZIRP contract bloat00:45:58 How enterprise scale transforms go-to-market00:51:03 Pipeline coverage and maturity modeling00:54:02 Not all pipeline dollars are created equal00:57:05 Career-risk mindset in enterprise selling01:00:02 Defining enterprise and moving upmarket01:01:00 A business-first approach to the CFO role01:03:10 Getting hired at ServiceNow01:06:37 Building GTM finance, deal desk, and a 400-person org01:08:00 Lightning round – biggest mistakes and IR lesson01:11:10 Advice to his younger self and leading through change01:13:34 Defining customers, ARR accuracy, and hierarchy pitfalls01:15:12 The wildest expense attempt ever submitted#RunTheNumbersPodcast #SaaSFinance #EnterpriseSelling #GTMStrategy #CFOInsights This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com
I just saved an MSP owner from six months of pain, tens of thousands of wasted dollars, and zero results—all in about two minutes on a coaching call. He was trying to hire a commission-only sales rep with a $40K "guarantee" and couldn't figure out why he wasn't getting candidates. The problems were massive: he expected them to close deals in 90 days when his sales cycle was 90 days, meaning they'd need three qualified opportunities on day one just to have a chance at hitting quota. Commission-only structures attract less experienced reps, create mercenary behavior, and signal to good salespeople that you either don't have money or aren't willing to invest in the role. In this episode, I break down why this approach fails, the real math behind sales ramp time (hint: it's your sales cycle times two), and what you should actually be hiring for—lead generation, closing, or both. If you're a business owner thinking about hiring sales, this will save you a fortune in mistakes.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Struggling to convert marketing activity into predictable revenue? In this episode of Small Business Matters, Tim and Taylor Fulton welcome Keith Finger, founder and Chief Revenue Fixer of Revenue Insights. Keith breaks down why “more leads” is often a band-aid, how to hunt down the real breakdowns in the revenue journey, and why documenting processes and improving handoffs can outpace any new website or shiny tech tool. If you run an SMB or a B2B shop and want practical, systems-first thinking, you can apply this week — from fixing churn to building a sales culture that empowers people — press play. Keith explains how to stop shoveling more prospects into a leaky funnel, diagnose root causes (process vs people), and prioritize changes that produce sustainable revenue growth. Takeaways • Fix the root causes — not just the symptoms. Many revenue problems look like marketing or sales issues, but the real breakdowns often come from unclear processes, poor handoffs, or misaligned expectations across teams. More leads won't fix a leaky system. • Documented processes create freedom, not bureaucracy. Keith emphasizes that clear, repeatable processes help teams deliver consistently, reduce confusion, and allow leaders to step out of daily chaos. If it's not written down, it's not scalable. • Technology can't replace strategy. New tools won't solve foundational problems. Tech only accelerates what's already working—or exposes what isn't. Start with the workflow, not the software. • Sales leadership matters more than sales hacks. The most successful teams have leaders who coach, ask questions, encourage critical thinking, and foster accountability. A strong sales culture consistently beats short-term tactics. • Revenue is a full-company responsibility. The customer experience spans marketing, sales, product, and service. When each stage works in isolation, revenue suffers. When they're aligned, growth becomes far more predictable. Highlights [03:22] What Matters Most to Small Businesses [03:52] Symptomatic Fixes vs. Holistic, Process-driven Solutions [05:40] Keith's Journey [07:59] Recognizing Common Patterns Across Different Clients [09:58] How Rapid Tech Innovation Affects Revenue [12:00] Problems Occur [13:40] Identifying Good Customers [16:01] Process Verses People Issues [20:11] Attributes of a Successful Sales Leader [21:59] Differences in Marketing Post-COVID [24:42] Rapid-fire [29:05] Contact Information [29:55] Takeaways [31:42] SBM News About the Guest Keith Finger is the founder and Chief Revenue Fixer at Revenue Insights. A Tulane alumnus, Keith has spent 20+ years helping B2B companies diagnose and fix revenue problems across marketing, sales, product, and customer success. He's worked in over 20 countries, supporting sales teams and onboarding customers. Keith enjoys photography, hiking, traveling (over 60 countries and counting), exploring new cuisines, and brings a curiosity-driven, empathy-forward approach to revenue strategy. Contact Information Website: getrevenueinsights.com Phone: 770-309-5651 Email: keith@keithfinger.com
Break-fix calls can be goldmines for MSP growth—if you handle them right. The mistake most providers make? They solve the immediate problem, then try to upsell managed services when the client feels relieved and satisfied. That's like asking someone to order their next meal right after they've finished a T-bone steak. This episode reveals a simple process tweak that creates natural leverage for managed services conversations: how to bundle an assessment or diagnostic discussion into every break-fix visit, so you can uncover latent pain points and present real findings instead of relying on the client to see the value on their own.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
After a conversation with a friend who built a $200 million gym franchise empire, this episode explores the age-old debate about hard work in entrepreneurship. Is it all about grinding 80 hours a week, or can you meditate your way to success with just a few hours of deep work? The answer lies in a powerful surfing metaphor: business success isn't about choosing one approach—it's about recognizing which season you're in. Learn how to identify whether you're in a paddling phase or a wave-riding phase, and why trying to do both at the wrong time can actually sabotage your results.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
In this deeply personal tribute episode of Business Coaching Secrets, Karl Bryan and Rode Dog reflect on the legacy and lessons of Adrian Ulsh, Karl's business partner and "big brother" of 17 years, who recently passed away. They discuss the principles, temperament, and business philosophies that defined Adrian's impact on their company, their clients, and the entire coaching industry. Karl shares invaluable insights into the operating system Adrian helped create, actionable strategies for growing and coaching small businesses, and practical approaches to prospecting and retention—all inspired by Adrian's stoic focus and unwavering dedication. Key Topics Covered The Legacy and Principles of Adrian Ulsh Karl Bryan shares heartfelt stories about Adrian Ulsh's influence, describing Adrian as the true "man, myth, legend" and the stabilizing force behind their partnership. Family first: Adrian's definition encompassed team members, clients, and the broader community. Wild loyalty, consistency, and frugality as core values that drove business and personal success. Building and Installing a Business Operating System The "Jumpstart 12" framework: Twelve core areas for incremental business improvement and profit acceleration. How small, strategic changes (2-5% gains in multiple areas) compound to produce powerful growth. The importance of standards over goals and repeating proven stories for impact. Real-World Example: Coaching a Landscaping Business Step-by-step, Karl details how Adrian would apply the Jumpstart 12: controlling costs, defining a market-dominating position, bundling services, creating compelling offers, joint ventures, upselling, and cross-selling. Emphasis on practical, low-friction implementation—no magic pills, expensive hires, or complicated training. The Magic of Incremental and Compounding Growth Why professionals focus on what could go wrong, systematize improvements, and avoid "hopium." Operating by numbers: using math and real metrics, not emotions or wishful thinking, to guide decisions. Client Prospecting and Scripting Mastery Adrian's approach to outreach: short, personalized, authority-driven messages sent consistently. Leveraging connections (Chamber, BNI, local hangouts), offering value, and asking for opinions to initiate real conversations. The importance of sending multiple messages daily, not expecting instant results, and using results—not emotions—as a barometer. Notable Quotes "He didn't have goals. He had standards. Create standards for yourself." — Karl Bryan "You want to build a great company, you want to build a great product—consistency and focus over talent all day long and twice on Sunday." — Karl Bryan "Don't get too up. Don't get too down… Warren Buffett doesn't walk into a boardroom all hopped up on hopium." — Karl Bryan "Send it out 50 times a day. If you want results, don't just do it once." — Karl Bryan (on outreach) Actionable Takeaways Focus on Incremental Improvements: Apply the Jumpstart 12 framework and aim for small (2-5%) gains across multiple business areas to produce exponential results. Systematize Everything: Build clear standards, document your operating process, and repeat proven stories and tactics for better client outcomes. Be Relentlessly Consistent: Don't chase perfection or get lost behind the screen—take steady, focused action daily on outreach and client delivery. Eliminate Distractions: Legendary business success comes from eliminating everything except your one core focus—whether it's live events, lead generation, or client retention. Outreach with Authority and Value: Use short, confident messages that reference known connections or groups. Focus on ideas and feedback to open doors. Let Results Be the Guide: Track progress by cash in the bank, referrals, and new clients—not emotions or subjective feedback. Serve the Fat Middle: Target the mass market of SMB "newbies," not just the 4% of $1M+ businesses, for scalable growth and reduced risk. Resources Mentioned Profit Acceleration Software™ (by Karl Bryan): Core tool to implement the Jumpstart 12 and Deep Dive 40 operating systems, delivering instant value to small business clients. Focus.com: Business coaching platform and software hub. Networking Groups: BNI, local Chambers of Commerce, Yacht Club, Golf Club—where coaches can build authority and prospect for clients. Group Coaching Software: For scaling to more clients with higher efficiency. Six Figure Coach Magazine: Free coaching industry resource: Get it here If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, share with fellow coaches, and rate the show! Join our thriving community and level up your coaching business at Focused.com. Ready to implement these strategies? Get a demo of Profit Acceleration Software™: https://go.focused.com/profit-acceleration
Dharshan Rangegowda, founder of ScaleGrid, left a decade-long engineering career at Microsoft to solve a painful database operations problem he had lived firsthand. After early missteps selling to enterprises, he shifted to helping developers manage MongoDB, Redis, and Postgres on the cloud, bootstrapping the business from scratch. ScaleGrid grew steadily through product depth, technical support, and Dharshan's mastery of SEO—becoming the top organic result for many key searches. The company expanded into multiple database engines, added a distributed engineering team, and reached 20 employees by 2021, serving both SMB developers and some enterprise teams. Dharshan sold a majority stake to Spotlight Equity Partners during the pandemic after receiving an unsolicited offer, later stepping out of day-to-day operations while remaining on the board. In this conversation, Dharshan shares hard-earned lessons about product-led growth, support as strategy, SEO as a long-game advantage, and how bootstrapped founders can build meaningful outcomes in massive markets. Key Takeaways SEO Power: SEO remains a long-term growth engine for bootstrappers because big VC-backed companies rarely have the patience to compound it. Support as Strategy: Deep, responsive technical support became ScaleGrid's differentiator and directly informed product innovation and content. Start at the Edges: Enterprises won't buy from a one-person startup, but edge users with urgent problems will — and they become your early beachhead. Bootstrap Constraints: Founder over-frugality can limit growth; strategic delegation and early team building prevent burnout and plateauing. This Interview Is Perfect For Bootstrap SaaS founders Technical founders selling to developers Founders stuck in early traction or slow growth Anyone considering a PE exit or multi-year acquisition process Quote from Darshan Rangegowda, founder of ScaleGrid "You can't take random people and make them an entrepreneur. You have to want to be an entrepreneur and want to be on your own. You have to enjoy the freedom and the risk and the upside that comes with it and the unmitigated downside as well. You have to accept and be comfortable with it. "You want to be on your own so you can try things. You are constantly looking at problems and new solutions. You want to be around people who like that sort of process: Here's a new problem and here's a new solution. "But the most important thing you have to do as an entrepreneur is you have to add value to your customers. And most people forget that." Links Dharshan Rangegowda on LinkedIn ScaleGrid on LinkedIn ScaleGrid website Spotlight Equity Partners (acquirer) Allied Advisers (M&A advisor) AngelPad Accelerator Podcast Sponsor – Designli This podcast is sponsored by Designli, a digital product studio that helps entrepreneurs and startups turn their software ideas into reality. From strategy and design to full-scale development, Designli guides you through every step of building custom web and mobile apps. Learn more at designli.co/practical. The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com. Practical Founders CEO Peer Groups Be part of a committed and confidential group of practical founders creating valuable software companies without big VC funding. A Practical Founders Peer Group is a committed and confidential group of founders/CEOs who want to help you succeed on your terms. Each Practical Founders Peer Group is personally curated and moderated by Greg Head.
Think your job in sales is to talk to people who are ready to buy? That's just order-taking, and there's not much commission in that. In this episode, I break down the three categories every MSP prospect falls into: the red zone (won't buy no matter what), the green zone (ready to buy regardless), and the yellow zone where you actually make your money. The yellow zone is where real sales happen. These prospects could say yes or no, and your job is to close the gap between where they are and where they need to be to buy. When you understand this, objections and pushback become part of the job instead of frustrations. This mindset shift will transform both your results and your experience in sales.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
From the acquisition of a tiny refrigeration business, Linh Tran has built an enterprise that earns millions annually.Register for the webinar: What a Good Investor Pitch Looks Like -TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/3LYM4H2Topics in Linh's interview:The "Three Rs" search criteriaBeing an undercover owner for 18 monthsEliminating 70-hour workweeks for his techsStruggling with work-life balanceImplementing value-based pricing80% rule for delegationWhy he doesn't want to exitFostering deep employee loyaltyCorporate philanthropy and legacyWhat money can't buyReferences and how to contact Linh:info@apexfundgroup.comLinkedInApex Fund GroupLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
New episode! Excited to have Dean Lyulkin, Co-CEO of Cardiff who gives us insights on marketing a fintech and what’s holding back SMB lending. Also some interesting takes on the economy and the uses of AI this week on the Fintech Newscast https://cardiff.co Click Subscribe to keep up to date on the world of fintech! Reach us … Continue reading Ep 268- Cardiff Co-CEO Dean Lyulkin
Mindbodygreen has built a global reputation as a go-to destination for wellness — combining expert content, functional nutrition supplements, and a thriving community to help millions live healthier, more balanced lives. But behind the scenes, this SMB is also leaning into the future of technology.In this episode of The Future Of Wellness, Powered by Gen AI , Tim Glenister shares how Mindbodygreen is moving Generative AI into production to streamline content creation, personalize customer experiences, and scale their mission in entirely new ways. We dig into the why, the how, and the lessons learned — plus what the future of AI means for the wellness industry and other SMBs looking to innovate.If you're curious about the intersection of wellness, media, and AI, or looking for practical inspiration on how smaller businesses can punch above their weight with Gen AI, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.Visit Mindbodygreen : https://tc.netlify.mindbodygreen.com/AWS Hosts: Malini Chatterjee & Priyanka SadhuEmail Your Feedback: rethinkpodcast@amazon.com
Canada is very well known for its coalition loyalty programs and proprietary programs that expand earn and redemption opportunities through strong partnerships. RMG Loyalty, nearing its 25th year, specializes in small business loyalty solutions and manages partnerships that link SMBs to major rewards programs. Specifically, they have managed SMB programs for the AIR MILES rewards program and More Rewards, which has extended the earning opportunities for members of these programs.Kate Booth is the President of RMG Loyalty and she has been instrumental in creating successful customer programs, consumer and small business, for RMG Loyalty's clients. We will get her perspective on the value of B2B/SMB loyalty programs and how consumer programs can benefit from an integrated strategy that considers both consumers and small business owners.Hosted by Aaron DauphineeShow notes:1) Kate Booth2) RMG Loyalty3) AIR MILES rewards program4) More Rewards5) Book recommendations: The Science of Scaling
Discover why your outbound efforts aren't generating the results you expect. This episode breaks down the critical mistake most MSPs make—only targeting the 3% of prospects ready to buy right now—and reveals two powerful systems that successful MSPs use to capture the other 97% of the market. Learn how to implement an intel-gathering system that turns every outbound call into future opportunities, and create a top-of-mind strategy that positions you perfectly when prospects are finally ready to switch providers. Real client case study included: how one MSP went from 3-4 appointments per month to 20+ using these exact strategies.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
professorjrod@gmail.comThe everyday internet feels effortless, but behind every click lives a maze of services quietly doing the heavy lifting. I pull back the curtain on the systems that make your workday possible—file shares that just appear on your desktop, printers that hum along until a 200‑page PDF wrecks the queue, and the alphabet soup of protocols that move data safely and fast.We start with the essentials: SMB and Samba for file and print, why SFTP on port 22 beats FTP for modern transfers, and how relational databases differ from NoSQL when your needs shift from consistent records to massive logs. From there we head to the browser, unpacking HTTPS, TLS, and certificates so you know what that lock icon actually guarantees. Email gets its due too: SMTP for sending, IMAP for syncing, and the trio of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC that keeps phishing at bay.Security and scale meet in the middle with proxy servers, spam gateways, and Unified Threat Management devices that filter, inspect, and sandbox threats before users ever see them. Then we look at load balancers that keep portals alive at peak times, plus the messy reality of legacy systems that refuse to retire. We don't ignore the industrial world—embedded devices, ICS, and SCADA that run utilities and factories—where one misstep can ripple beyond a single office.Troubleshooting ties it all together. I share real stories and checklists for wired faults, slow networks, Wi‑Fi ghosts caused by microwave ovens, and VoIP glitches fixed with QoS and VLANs. You'll leave with practical ways to spot the root cause fast, confidence with ports and protocols, and a clearer map of the services that keep everything running.If you learned something useful, follow the show, share this episode with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Got a strange network mystery you solved? Send it my way and we'll feature the best ones next time.Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showArt By Sarah/DesmondMusic by Joakim KarudLittle chacha ProductionsJuan Rodriguez can be reached atTikTok @ProfessorJrodProfessorJRod@gmail.com@Prof_JRodInstagram ProfessorJRod
Greg Geronemus bought a highly-profitable travel business at favorable terms, helping to ensure a great return on exit.Register for the webinar: What a Good Investor Pitch Looks Like - Nov 20th - https://bit.ly/47YbVXjTopics in Greg's interview:Challenges of searching in New YorkCobbling together a search fund in earlier days of searchStrategy of cold email outreachAcquiring at age 26Partnering with a friendSignificant challenges of running a tour operatorDigital marketing did not move the needleDirect mail was the silver bulletPartnering with universities and religious groupsExiting after 4 yearsReferences and how to contact Greg:LinkedInFootbridge PartnersKatherine & Rahul on Acquiring Minds: Why Choose Ownership Over Being a CEOWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
SummaryIn this episode of the Fuel Podcast, Grace Gill sits down with Amit Hasak, CEO of Transship Corp, to dive into the challenges and innovations reshaping the logistics and supply chain industry. As a seasoned supply chain logistics professional, Amit recounts his two-decade journey running a cold storage warehouse in Chicago. His deep involvement with exporters of perishable goods gave him firsthand insight into the chaos and inefficiency plaguing traditional shipping. After fielding endless complaints from clients about the unpredictable and costly shipping process, Amit saw the need for change, prompting the birth of Transship in 2020.Transship's mission is simple: empower shippers. By leveraging API connectivity, AI, and robust data analytics, Transship streamlines bookings, provides competitive rates, and delivers real-time shipment visibility down to temperature and tampering alerts, something the industry desperately lacks. But as Amit emphasizes, technology alone isn't enough; the human element in customer service remains crucial.The conversation also touches on the entrepreneurial realities of bootstrapping a startup. Amit candidly shares the stresses, risks, and ultimate rewards of maintaining control of his company, offering practical advice for founders navigating similar paths. Listeners get a glimpse of why he is excited about Bentonville, Arkansas, and how participation in the Fuel Accelerator is fueling Transship's global growth. The episode is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the ongoing importance of human connection in a tech-forward world!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:30) Shipment Tracking Beyond Devices(08:41) Bootstrapping: Vision, Struggles, and Rewards(11:27) Transship's Global Expansion(14:12) Freight Tech Solutions and SupportLinksGrace GillFuel AcceleratorAmit HasakTransship Corp
The recent partnership between OpenAI and Search Kings, a digital marketing firm, aims to provide ChatGPT services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), particularly in the home services sector. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into SMB operations, addressing the challenges these businesses face in adapting to AI technologies. The initiative highlights a shift in focus towards rapid AI adoption, which may lead to operational instability if not managed properly, as it lacks clear governance and standards.Supporting data from the 2026 State of IT report indicates that IT budgets are projected to increase by 11% year-on-year, with 55% of organizations planning to allocate more funds to IT, primarily driven by a heightened focus on cybersecurity. Despite this growth, over half of IT leaders report insufficient internal resources to address issues effectively or foster innovation. The report also reveals that 60% of organizations are now relying on managed service providers (MSPs) to oversee their data infrastructure, reflecting a significant shift in how businesses are approaching their IT needs.Additionally, the server virtualization market is experiencing disruption following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, prompting many customers to seek alternatives and develop exit strategies from their current vendors. This situation presents an opportunity for MSPs to engage in broader discussions about modernization and technical debt reduction, rather than merely facilitating migrations. The tablet market is also stabilizing, with a notable decline in shipments, indicating a shift towards predictable refresh cycles rather than explosive growth.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of positioning themselves as strategic partners in their clients' digital transformations. As organizations grapple with the complexities of AI integration and modernization, there is a clear opportunity for MSPs to lead in governance and operational efficiency. By stepping into roles that facilitate organizational capacity and strategic alignment, MSPs can capture the growing budgets and demand for innovative IT solutions.Four things to know today 00:00 Rising Budgets, Overwhelmed IT Teams, and Sovereignty Demands Signal a Market Shift Toward Modernization — and a Strategic Opening for MSPs06:07 Surging Tech Hiring, Massive Workforce Reconfiguration, and Undefined AI Ownership Point to a Single Trend: Organizations Need Structure, Not Just Tools09:57 VMware Upheaval and Tablet Market Slowdown Both Point to One Trend: IT Providers Must Shift From Tools to Transformation13:20 OpenAI's SearchKings Deal Shows AI Entering SMBs Through Marketing, Exposing Governance Gaps and Creating Opportunity for IT Providers This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://try.auvik.com/dave-switchhttps://scalepad.com/dave/
In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green interviews Lyle Pratt, Founder & CEO of Vida.io, following the company's announcement of a $4 million Series A funding round—a major milestone marking rapid growth, platform maturity, and expanding traction across MSPs, SaaS vendors, and business software providers. Pratt explains that Vida.io is an AI Agent Operating System for business, designed to help companies deploy, manage, monitor, and scale AI agents that perform real work across voice, SMS, email, and web chat. While many products offer a chatbot or voice agent, Vida.io delivers the full operational backbone required for real-world use: observability, SOC 2/HIPAA compliance, billing-as-a-service, UI components, and detailed interaction scoring. Since the last podcast, Vida.io has grown dramatically, surpassing 100 million AI agent interactions and onboarding a rapidly expanding network of partners. Initially focused on MSPs, the platform is now widely adopted by SaaS companies that embed AI agent capabilities directly into their vertical applications—roofing, moving, and other SMB-focused sectors—bringing instant scale to Vida.io's distribution. A key breakthrough discussed in the interview is Vida.io's ability to deliver low-latency, high-intelligence voice agents that reliably meet real-world customer experience expectations. “If latency is off even slightly, users get frustrated. We had to solve that,” Pratt notes. The result: AI agents that in many cases outperform humans, including one customer reporting 40% more meetings booked compared to human-based calling teams. Vida.io's partner program remains the company's primary growth engine. MSPs are now using AI agents to capture revenue from call flows they previously handed off to outsourced call centers—often redirecting hundreds of thousands of monthly minutes back into their own billing. The platform also supports direct SIP registration, enabling AI agents to function as standard PBX extensions across NetSapiens, Broadsoft, Metaswitch, and other systems widely deployed by MSPs. Pratt emphasizes that the AI revolution is fundamentally redefining UCaaS and business communications: “When the price of intelligence approaches zero, the entire enterprise software ecosystem transforms.” Even if LLM progress froze today, he argues, the impact on communications and business automation would still be historic. As the industry approaches 2026, Pratt sees a major new revenue frontier for MSPs—one that doesn't require deep AI expertise but does require timely action. Vida.io provides the tools to make AI agent deployment fast, repeatable, and profitable. To learn more or join the partner program, visit https://vida.io/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data
While Target, Kroger, and Walmart and other bit stores create their own retail media networks, Paypal plans to one-up them all by democratizing things. Corey & Gordon offer their thoughts on Paypal's plan to facilitate ad placement on millions of SMB websites, sending ad revenue to those small businesses. The episode features an interview with the executive heading it up -- Dr. Mark Grether, SVP and General Manager of Paypal Ads. The hosts conclusion: Hmmm, this might actually work. Stay in the loop with all things Borrell when you join our Research Alert Lists. As always, thank you for listening. If you like the episode, leave us a review! Want to join the conversation? Share your comments at borrellassociates.com/podcast.
In this episode of the Need to Know Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of learning in the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, with a spotlight on the SMB market. From the latest in Microsoft 365 Copilot innovations to critical cybersecurity updates and the end of CIAOPS Academy, this episode delivers essential insights for IT professionals and business leaders navigating the modern digital workplace. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/ Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/ CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email Announcements Flight School: Mastering Copilot for IT Pros – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/14/flight-school-mastering-copilot-for-it-pros/ Disabling Office Macros via ASR to Meet Essential Eight Requirements – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/13/disabling-office-macros-via-asr-to-meet-essential-eight-requirements/ ASD OWA settings check script – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/13/asd-owa-settings-check-script/ ASD Mailflow settings check script – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/12/asd-mailflow-settings-check-sript/ CIAOPS Academy deprecation notification – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/10/ciaops-academy-deprecation-notification/ Show Notes The next chapter of the Microsoft–OpenAI partnership – https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/10/28/the-next-chapter-of-the-microsoft-openai-partnership/ Automate with Workflows Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot (Frontier) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvk1ScZT-lo Introducing Researcher with Computer Use in Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-researcher-with-comput… Build apps in minutes with App Builder agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot (Frontier) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v27H_R1ltB0 Microsoft 365 Copilot now enables you to build apps and workflows – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/28/microsoft-365-copilot-now-enables-you Introducing Teams Mode for Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-teams-mode-for-microso… Introducing MAI-Image-1, debuting in the top 10 on LMArena – https://microsoft.ai/news/introducing-mai-image-1-debuting-in-the-top-10-on-lmarena/ Building human-centric security skills for AI – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/building-human-centric-security-skills-… GenAI vs Cyber Threats: Why GenAI Powered Unified SecOps Wins – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/genai-vs-cyber-threats-why-genai-p… What's new in Microsoft 365 Copilot | October 2025 – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365CopilotBlog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-36… The 5 generative AI security threats you need to know about detailed in new e-book – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/30/the-5-generative-ai-security-threats-you-n… SharePoint Showcase highlights: Smarter Copilot responses using metadata with the Knowledge Agent – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/sharepoint-showcase-highlights-sma… Work smarter with Copilot in the People, Files, and Calendar apps – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/work-smarter-with-copilot-in-the-p… The weakest link: Stolen staff passwords now the biggest cyber threat to workplaces – https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-weakest-link-stolen-staff-passwords-now-the-biggest-cyb… Cyber security priorities for boards of directors 2025-26 – https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/protecting-business-leaders/cyber-security-for-busines… Secure external attachments with Purview encryption – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurepurviewblog/secure-external-attachments-with-purview-… What's New in Microsoft Intune: October 2025 – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-intune… Custom detections are now the unified experience for creating detections in Microsoft Defender – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/custom-detections-are-now-th… 10 ways Microsoft Intune supports a smooth upgrade to Windows 11 – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/10-ways-microsoft-intune-supports-a-sm… How Windows 11 and AI are transforming the future of work – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/how-windows-11-and-ai-are-transforming-… Security Copilot Agents: The New Era of AI, Driven Cyber Defense – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/security-copilot-agents-the-new-er… 6 truths about migrating Microsoft Sentinel to the Defender portal – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/6-truths-about-migrating-microsoft-s… Microsoft named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SIEM – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/16/microsoft-named-a-leader-in-the-2025-gartn… Extortion and ransomware drive over half of cyberattacks – https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/10/16/mddr-2025/ Microsoft 365 Insider Round-Up: October 2025 – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/microsoft-365-insider-round-up-october-2025-microsoft-365-insider-ub… Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC – https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/10/16/making-every-windows-11-pc-an-ai-pc/ Microsoft raises the bar: A smarter way to measure AI for cybersecurity – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/14/microsoft-raises-the-bar-a-smarter-way-to-… Building a lasting security culture at Microsoft – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/13/building-a-lasting-security-culture-at-mic… Satya – My annual letter: Thinking in decades, executing in quarters – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-annual-letter-thinking-decades-executing-quarters-satya-nadella-7…
A viral tweet calling entrepreneurship "just a lottery" hit my feed last week, and I had to respond. The author claimed successful entrepreneurs are lucky players who pretend their success was skill, and thousands of people ate it up. In this episode, I share my original reaction, but more importantly, I break down a powerful story from Alex Hormozi's $100 Million Leads about "The Many-Sided Die" that reframes the entire conversation. Yes, luck exists—some people roll green faster than others. But the real insight is this: you win by continuing to play. Every roll improves your odds, builds your skills, and gets you closer to success. The only guaranteed way to lose is to quit and blame your failure on everyone else getting lucky.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gail Azodo discovered a method of buying audiology practices with 100% financing. She's moving quickly to buy and build.Register for the webinar:Financing Your Deal: SBA vs. Non-SBA - TODAY - https://bit.ly/4p4J2Q7Topics in Gail's interview:Managing brands at Proctor and GambleHer vision to run her own companyLife changing power of hearing aidsSwitching her search from Vision to AudiologyConsequences of untreated hearing lossFinancing through hearing aid manufacturersCross-licensing her providers in multiple statesAddressing the Audiologist shortageIntentionally acquiring where she does not live Find what “brings the flies to the honey”References and how to contact Gail:LinkedInReal Hearing USABruce Vann on Acquiring Minds: How to Grow a Manufacturing BusinessDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Send us a textMeet Rapid7's Deral Heiland—a self-described “visual historian” who balances high-tech research with hands-on artifacts from Roman coins to Civil War relics
The fastest way to win more ISO and agent deals isn't adding more vendors; it's sharpening the story. We sit down with John Barrett and Andie Hill from Payroc to unpack how a focused core product strategy transformed recruiting conversations, accelerated close rates, and unlocked real wins in the SMB space. This is the third and final episode in our three-part series titled: Focus. Build. Win.John breaks down the four-part recruiting pitch that sets expectations and gets to fit fast: who Payroc is as a full-service acquirer, what the core solutions do, how infrastructure and culture support partners as customer number one, and where international expansion opens future lanes. Andie takes us into the field results: near sellouts of their terminal twice in a year, a step-change in win rates, and tangible gains when SMBs finally get pay by text, lightweight invoicing, and a polished countertop experience without enterprise POS cost or complexity. Service verticals like auto repair and landscaping benefit from simple scheduling, mobile-friendly payments, and fewer keyed transactions -practical improvements that agents can demo and merchants adopt quickly.We also walk through a vertical ISO case study that shifted to sending 95 percent of its business to Payroc after repeatable onboarding, underwriting alignment, and responsive support outperformed legacy processors. Throughout the conversation, feedback loops drive the roadmap: trade show questions, CRM win-loss data, and partner demos surfaced the need for features like scheduling, which moved from request to release. The core message is clear; focus doesn't mean fixed. The stack evolves, but the promise stays consistent: fewer products, better execution, stronger support, and a go-to-market that respects the time of the people closest to the merchant.
After chafing under the constraints of being a CEO, Katherine Butler-Dines & Rahul Desai bought a business of their own.Register for the webinar:Financing Your Deal: SBA vs. Non-SBA - Nov 13th - https://bit.ly/47OQpUATopics in Katherine and Rahul's interview:Katherine's early CEO experienceBoard conflicts pushed her toward majority ownershipAcquiring without a traditional bank loanConvincing the seller to do a seller notePaying the seller note with float from advance bookingsRahul built custom software to increase marginsSearching nights and weekends while at their W-2sAffordability of living in the midwestVision of acquiring and integrating more travel businessesLearning to delegate and enjoying free timeReferences and how to contact Katherine and Rahul:Katherine's LinkedInRahul's LinkedInAffinity Travel Co.Shell Zhang on Acquiring Minds: Buying a Not Boring Business with $600k SDEJared Benoff on Acquiring Minds: Why Buy a Travel Agency (Because They Can Crush It)Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
SummaryIn this week's episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Patrick Pulliam and Thomas Burkholder, founders of the NWA Patio Community, to explore the power of building meaningful connections through local social events.The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into both Patrick and Thomas's origin stories—unconventional journeys into real estate and entrepreneurship that led them to Northwest Arkansas. Both found that authentic networking opportunities were in short supply, especially outside of the typical business settings. As a result, founded four years ago, NWA Patio Community's Patio Socials offer a fun, relaxed space for professionals and newcomers alike to meet, connect, and support each other. The free monthly events have grown rapidly, attracting crowds of over two hundred attendees and gaining nearly four thousand followers on Instagram.The episode highlights how NWA Patio Community thrives on collaboration, local sponsorships, and a community-driven approach. Patrick and Thomas share that most sponsors are event attendees first, ensuring genuine buy-in and engagement, and giveaways spark excitement and increase participation, while innovative merchandise creates a sense of belonging.Listeners get an inside look at the challenges and rewards of scaling a for-profit community-focused business, balancing fun with intentional networking, and making real, lasting impact. If you're searching for inspiration to build community or grow your business, tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(04:41) Patio Socials: Community & Networking(09:10) The Growth of Patio Socials(14:35) Remembering Faces Without Names(20:35) Strategies for Engaging Sponsors(23:37) Navigating Business and Community Goals(29:34) How Opportunities Shape Our Lives(30:15) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubePatrick PulliamThomas BurkholderNWA Patio Community
Clayton Collins acquired HousingWire with a big vision for the small media business. 9 years later, it has come to life.Register for the webinar:Overcoming Risks from a Lender's Perspective - TODAY! - https://bit.ly/3WxDKAsTopics in Clayton's interview:Hire for your skill gapsFlying around the country to meet investorsAsking for warm introductionsSelling investors on his strategic visionWhat to look for in a media companyDirect relationships with advertisers vs. programmatic adsRebuilding the sales team over and overRiding the wave of the mortgage industryMaintaining the magic of annual eventsSelling print ads differs from selling digital adsReferences and how to contact Clayton:LinkedInHousingWireNathan Gregory on Acquiring Minds: Business-Buyer Fit in a 42-Year-Old Media BizGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Although every company is becoming a fintech now, Wix didn't set out to do so – the firm's entry into financial services started from observing what millions of small business owners actually needed when building their online presence. For Amit Sagiv and Volodymyr Tsukur, co-heads of payments at Wix, the path to serving these SMB customers well was paved through financial products: Wix had to take the payment infrastructure it had built for itself and transform it into tools that could help merchants manage their businesses. The foundation was already there. Wix had developed sophisticated billing systems to support its freemium model, accumulating deep expertise in payment routing, risk management, and global processing. "We built tremendous payment capabilities," Sagiv explained. "The billing manager of Wix wanted to take that offering and build a service for our users." What started as a small project evolved into a comprehensive financial platform serving businesses across the globe. The company now processes over $3 billion per quarter with a team of 160 people, covering payments, checking accounts, and capital lending. Listen to the podcast to hear how a chance collaboration between Wix's billing team and gateway developers turned into a fintech operation processing billions quarterly. Sagiv and Tsukur discuss why they deliberately avoided becoming a full-fledged bank, and how website data reveals creditworthiness before transaction history does. It's a conversation that dives deep into what it means to be serving SMB customers digitally and how firms can do embedded finance right.
Both buyer Jared Lenner and seller Dave Serwitz share their perspectives on the acquisition of a 20-year-old business.Register for the webinars: Investor-Backed Search and SBA: Buy Bigger, Keep Control - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4qABMgnOvercoming Risks from a Lender's Perspective - Thu Nov 6th - https://bit.ly/4qDoJdVTopics in Jared & Dave's interview:Jared buying Dave's tutoring businessDave's motivation to sellChoosing to work with Search Fund AcceleratorTheir agreement to “assume positive intent”Why Dave didn't sell to private equityHow the in-person business survived CovidBookkeeper quit right after transition“Other people's money is scarier than a PG”Competing with AI in the futureHow it feels to sell your companyReferences and how to contact Jared & Dave:Dave Serwitz LinkedInJared Lenner LinkedInGrade Potential TutoringMarc Anderegg on Acquiring Minds: So Much Fun: The Buyer of Choice in a Fragmented IndustryGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
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