The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

In this insightful episode, Tanya Akimenko shares strategies to prepare for IRS audits and simplify business finances. If you fear audits or lack financial clarity, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why proactive financial prep prevents audit stress and boosts decisions.- How to choose a trusted tax pro for audit support.- What to do when you receive an IRS audit notice.This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizTanya Akimenko is a business finance expert and founder of Golden Apple Agency Inc., dedicated to helping entrepreneurs understand the heartbeat of their business—finances. With nearly 20 years of experience, she simplifies complex financial topics, empowering business owners to make smarter decisions, stay audit-ready, and drive profitability. Known for her straightforward approach, Tanya ensures that business owners aren’t just compliant but confident in their finances, using accounting as a tool for growth. Her passion lies in breaking down barriers to financial clarity, making accounting an asset rather than an obstacle.Want to learn more about Tanya Akimenko's work at Golden Apple Agency Inc? Check out her website at https://www.goldenappleagencyinc.com?Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this actionable episode, Devin Sizemore, Owner of Devin Sizemore Consulting, shares a system for building a predictable referral strategy. If you struggle with inconsistent client leads, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why referrals outperform other business development strategies- How to change your ask to unlock network potential- What many-to-many relationships do for sustainable growthThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 2,3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizDevin Sizemore pursues meaningful personal and professional experiences with passion. He has spent his career building and growing businesses that align with his values. Devin launched his first marketing agency right out of college and went on to create innovative consulting practices and a cat cafe, all driven by his commitment to "adding value" and making a positive impact. He believes in the power of connections and dedicates himself to helping others succeed by building relationships. He now focuses on fostering a community where one million connections create lasting, transformative change.Want to learn more about Devin Sizemore's work at Devin Sizemore Consulting? Check out his website at connectionexpansion.com and get a copy of his book at https://www.amazon.com/Connection-Expansion-Massive-Success-Business/dp/196391158X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this enlightening episode, Yosi Kossowsky, Co-Owner of K-Tor Consulting Services LTD, shares insights on leading high-performing executive teams. If you struggle with coaching executives or fostering collaboration, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why your behavior sets the tone for your executive team- How to communicate clear expectations to drive performance- What observations foster growth over critical feedbackThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizYosi Kossowsky is a seasoned executive coach with over 17 years of experience and a background as a Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Talent Management. Yosi specializes in leadership development, personal growth, and effective communication, leveraging neuroscience and organizational development principles. He’s helped global leaders navigate complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and drive meaningful change. Get ready to learn actionable strategies to enhance your leadership skills and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.Want to learn more about Yosi Kossowsky's work? Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykossowsky/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this game-changing episode, Michael Neal, Founder of Build My Team, shares strategies to hire high-performing team members. If you struggle with finding great talent, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why focusing on strengths over experience attracts top talent- How to create roles that let employees be authentic- What outsourcing hiring can do to lighten your loadThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizDr. Michael Neal is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Build My Team. He is a practicing Optometrist in a private practice in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Micheal founded Build My Team to solve his hiring struggles in his practice by modeling how companies like Disney and the Four Seasons hire. The process worked so well that he expanded it to help friends, and now Build My Team services clients in over 40 states and Canada.Want to learn more about Michael Neal's work at Build My Team? Check out his website at https://www.buildmyteam.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this profound episode, Matt Gerlach, Owner of mattgerlach.com, shares steps to align your business with your true aspirations. If you struggle with burnout or unfulfilling success, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why assessing your current situation clarifies your true motivations- How to set aspirations that align with your desired lifestyle- What barriers from your past may block your fulfillment
This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizMatt Gerlach is a trusted guru for entrepreneurs, with a proven track record of helping dozens of startups scale to 7, 8, and 9 figures over the past 15 years. A deep understanding of many entrepreneurs' struggles complements his expertise. After launching his first business, Matt encountered debilitating anxiety and depression. He emerged as a beacon of transformation by investing over $200k and 10,000 hours in personal healing and growth. Confronting and healing his past gave Matt the confidence and strength to scale his business, earning himself an impressive $1M/year.Want to learn more about Matt Gerlach's work at mattgerlach.com? Check out his website at https://mattgerlach.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this transformative episode, Philippa Gamse, Owner of Websites That Win International, shares strategies to optimize your website’s performance through analytics. If you struggle with unclear website goals or wasted marketing spend, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why benchmarking against competitors can mislead your website strategy.- How to set clear, actionable goals for your website’s customer journey.- What notional values reveal about your marketing tactics’ true impact.This episode is ideal for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizPhilippa Gamse has clocked over 25 years in digital marketing strategy and analytics, consulted with nearly 500 clients, and worked with websites that have generated hundreds of millions of dollars. Owners and marketing executives hire Philippa to find hidden insights in their web analytics that will grow their business and cut wasted spending because many are missing those “hidden gems.” Philippa is the author of “42 Rules for a Website That Wins”, endorsed by Guy Kawasaki, and has taught at three international business schools.Want to learn more about Philippa Gamse's work at Websites That Win International? Check out her website at https://www.websitesthatwin.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippagamse/To learn more about Scott, visit https://www.scattritzheimer.com.To get help scaling your own business or nonprofit, visit https://www.scalearchitects.comMentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this insightful episode, Liz Steblay, Founder & Chief Advocate of Professional Independent Consultants of America, shares practical wisdom for starting your consulting journey as a solopreneur. If you fear uncertainty or doubt about launching your own business, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why clarity on your purpose drives your success as a solopreneur.- How to build confidence to overcome fear and uncertainty.- What key business skills you need to thrive independently.Liz Steblay became a solopreneur before the word was even invented. Upon being laid off, she called a former colleague, and a week later, she had her first consulting contract. Five years later, she founded the ProKo Agency, representing independent consultants on projects with Fortune 500 clients. As a result of growing ProKo into a national business, Liz has become known as the person to call if you have questions about self-employment. In 2018 she launched Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA), an educational organization and community that helps people start and grow their solo businesses.Want to learn more about Liz Steblay's work at Professional Independent Consultants of America? Check out her blog and website at picanetwork.org/whyor get a copy of her book, Succeeding as a Soloprenuer, at sixkeys.infoMentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this inspiring episode, John Dwyer, Owner of The Institute Of Wow, shares how you can break through revenue plateaus with bold, ‘wow’ marketing experiences that attract leads and drive massive sales growth. If you’re struggling to scale your revenue despite early wins, or if you feel stuck managing every detail of your business, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- How to think bigger with incentives to break your revenue stall- What five-step formula attracts leads fast without daily grind- Why collecting customer data scales sales without extra workloadThis episode is ideal for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz
With over 30 years of experience, John Dwyer helped businesses of all sizes achieve remarkable success by focusing on creating unforgettable “WOW” moments. John is passionate about showing business owners how to cut through the noise with bold, results-driven campaigns that lead to measurable growth. He aims to teach others how to craft marketing that genuinely surprises and delights customers, ensuring long-term profitability and brand loyalty. John offers resources, coaching, and insights at The Institute of WOW to help entrepreneurs differentiate their businesses and create powerful customer experiences that turn heads and drive results.Want to learn more about John Dwyer's work at The Institute Of Wow? Check out his website at https://theinstituteofwow.com/To learn more about Scott, visit https://www.scattritzheimer.com.To get help scaling your own business or nonprofit, visit https://www.scalearchitects.comMentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this transformative episode, Jason Moss shares how you can scale your startup to seven figures while working less with his CEO Freedom Formula. If you’re struggling with burnout from doing it all, or if you feel overwhelmed by inconsistent revenue, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why shifting to a CEO identity helps you escape the daily grind- How to eliminate low-value tasks to free up your time- What value ladder strategy lets you focus on high-impact workThis episode is ideal for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizJason Moss is a multi-six-figure business coach and leader of a thriving global community of online business owners. His journey began in 2016 with his first online business, which generated just $4,728 in its first year. Determined to crack the code on consistent leads and clients, Jason spent years refining his strategies. Once he discovered what truly worked, everything changed. He scaled his business to over $500,000 annually and built a vibrant community filled with incredible clients. Today, Jason wakes up every day passionate about transforming lives by sharing the proven marketing strategies that fueled his success.Want to learn more about Jason Moss's work at jasonmoss.com? Check out his website at https://jasonmoss.com/ and get a copy of his free 7-Figure Scaling Guide.To learn more about Scott, visit https://www.scattritzheimer.com.To get help scaling your own business or nonprofit, visit https://www.scalearchitects.comMentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

In this eye-opening episode, Angela Fowler shares how you can tap into a $2.1 trillion market by making your startup accessible to the disability community. If you’re struggling to stand out with limited resources, or if you’re worried about excluding potential customers, you won’t want to miss it.You will discover:- Why accessibility gives you a competitive edge to attract more customers- How to test your website’s keyboard accessibility to ensure inclusivity- What customer service adjustments make your business welcoming to everyone
This episode is ideal for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizAngela Fowler is a popular coach, consultant, and speaker who shows organizations how to increase their bottom line by leveraging the power of accessibility to tap into the $2.1 trillion buying power of people with disabilities. Her philosophy is that most people want to do the right thing; they just don’t know the right thing. With humor and straight talk tempered with patience, she shows organizations how to make the necessary adjustments, often with much less effort than they think. Angela’s courses offer common-sense, cost-effective solutions to help businesses make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities and more user-friendly for everyone.Want to learn more about Angela Fowler's work at Real Life Access? Check out her website at http://www.reallifeaccess.com/To learn more about Scott, visit https://www.scattritzheimer.com.To get help scaling your own business or nonprofit, visit https://www.scalearchitects.comMentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz