From Burned-Out Lawyer to Seven Figure CEO: Building a Business to Last

In this episode, Dustin Riechmann sits down with attorney-turned-entrepreneur Sam Vander Wielen to explore how she built a multi-seven-figure business by keeping things radically simple. Sam shares her journey from a burned-out corporate lawyer to launching a health coaching side hustle, and eventually creating a streamlined legal business that now serves over 4,500 entrepreneurs. She opens up about the pivotal airplane incident that sparked her transformation, the role of curiosity and creativity in building happiness, and the systems behind her signature Ultimate Bundle. Listeners will learn the essential legal protections every six- and seven-figure business owner must have, plus Sam’s proven strategies for scaling through email, podcast guesting, and her smart Instagram funnel. This is an inspiring and practical conversation for leaders who want to grow their business while protecting their peace and fulfillment.# Chapters:

Chapters

- 00:00:00 – Opening and the “boring expertise” question

- 00:00:22 – How Dustin met Sam at Craft + Commerce

- 00:01:19 – Sam’s origin story: miserable attorney to plane incident and first side business

- 00:03:35 – Choosing agency over blame after the doctor’s “that’s your choice” moment

- 00:06:00 – From health coaching to serving creators with legal help

- 00:07:02 – Trauma, grief, and redefining success and happiness now

- 00:11:26 – What actually makes us happy: contentment over endless achievement

- 00:13:52 – Broadening creativity and making art off-stage

- 00:16:48 – The simple business model: two offers only

- 00:20:08 – Building the Ultimate Bundle and an evergreen webinar that scales

- 00:23:00 – Organic traffic, podcast guesting, and partner trainings

- 00:25:23 – Paid ads, live launches, and VIP affiliates

- 00:27:22 – Small, mighty team and operations

- 00:28:50 – Instagram that actually builds the list (B‑roll + ManyChat to email)

- 00:33:34 – Legal foundations: LLC, solid contracts, insurance

- 00:36:42 – Protecting IP: copyright registration + terms of use + trademarks

- 00:42:28 – Live workshop invite and Sam’s Sidebar

• Live Training with Sam to Protect Your Business
• Website: samvanderwielen.com
• Instagram: @samvanderwielen
• LinkedIn: Sam Vander Wielen
• YouTube: Sam Vander Wielen
• Podcast: **https://open.spotify.com/show/54rD5CEydcpUITq65RcM9M**
• Book: **https://www.amazon.com/When-Start-Business-Happy-Entrepreneurship/dp/1538767384**