

The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast
Scott Ritzheimer
Scale Architects, founder, CEO and Secrets of The High Demand Coach podcast host Scott Ritzheimer has helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and launched and sold his own multimillion-dollar business after leading it through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.
He realized the biggest secret to success is that there is not one secret to success. There are key strategies, tactics, skills, and mindsets needed at each stage of the journey AND they are different in each stage.
He launched the Start, Scale & Succeed podcast to help you know what you need to do RIGHT NOW to create the success you want. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, owner, or CEO or even if you'd like to be. You'll find episodes guiding you to success in all seven stages of your journey from pre-launch to post-exit.
He realized the biggest secret to success is that there is not one secret to success. There are key strategies, tactics, skills, and mindsets needed at each stage of the journey AND they are different in each stage.
He launched the Start, Scale & Succeed podcast to help you know what you need to do RIGHT NOW to create the success you want. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, owner, or CEO or even if you'd like to be. You'll find episodes guiding you to success in all seven stages of your journey from pre-launch to post-exit.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
Your Baby is Ugly (Here's How to Fix It) with Justin Goodbread (stage 5) - Ep. 332
In this strategic episode, Justin Goodbread, CEO of Relentless Value Coaching, shares systems for building transferable businesses. If you struggle with low valuation or exit planning, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why systems reduce owner dependency for stage 5 exits- How to optimize eight key areas for higher valuation- What mindset shifts drive decamillionaire successThis 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/quizJustin Goodbread has spent the last 30 years building, growing, and selling businesses. His dedication landed him at decamillionaire status before the age of 40. He spends his time now helping business owners discover the proven system to make more money, grow their impact, and get their life back. Respected keynote speaker, bestselling author, and coach of high-performing financial advisors, Justin inspires advisors to rapidly scale their companies to 7, 8, or 9-figure transferable values. Apart from being a successful business coach, Justin is also a YouTube personality, top podcast host, serial entrepreneur, and dynamic business educator.Want to learn more about Justin Goodbread's work at Relentless Value Coaching? Check out his website at https://www.justingoodbread.com/. Listen to his podcast DecMillionaire Decoded at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decamillionaire-decoded/id1332958360 and grab a copy of his book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Your-Babys-Ugly-Maximize-Business/dp/1732059934/ref=sr_1_1Mentioned 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

Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
The Biggest Asset You Don’t Know You’re Missing with Nathalie Doremieux (stage 2) - Ep. 331
In this impactful episode, Nathalie Doremieux, CEO of The Membership Lab, shares strategies for building thriving online memberships. If you struggle with trading time for money or scaling solo, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why memberships create recurring revenue without expanding payroll- How to validate ideas by surveying your audience first- What AI tools like ChatGPT accelerate content and marketing
This episode is ideal for 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/quizNathalie Doremieux is an online program strategist and membership expert, and co-founder of New Software Marketing and The Membership Lab. She's been in business for 19 years, worked with quite a few coaches, and continues to do so. With her husband and her team, they help established business owners scale their expertise, make a bigger impact by assisting them to create online programs that their members won't want to leave. She uses the power of AI to accelerate clients' results and help them get unstuck.Want to learn more about Nathalie Doremieux's work at The Membership Lab? Check out her website at https://themembershiplab.com/gift and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliedoremieux/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

Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
Your Team in Perfect Harmony with Michael Brenner (stage 4) - Ep. 330
In this amenable episode, Michael Brenner, CEO of Right Chord Leadership, shares leadership strategies via music metaphors. If you struggle with team disillusionment or leadership transition, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why blending passions builds authentic leadership in stage 4- How to apply CHORDS model for team harmony- What trusting bold visions creates sustainable successThis 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/quizDr. Michael Brenner is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of “Strike The Right Chord”. With a background that blends corporate leadership and professional musicianship, he helps founders, executives, and leadership teams build high-performing cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and creativity. Michael’s clients range from early-stage entrepreneurs to global enterprise leaders. Whether coaching one-on-one or speaking from the stage, his mission is simple: help leaders show up fully, lead more effectively, and create a rhythm of success that’s both strategic and sustainable.Want to learn more about Michael Brenner's work at Right Chord Leadership? Check out his website at https://rightchordleadership.com/ and get a copy of his book Strike the Right Chord: The Emerging Leader’s Guide to Exceptional Performance on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Strike-Right-Chord-Exceptional-Performance-ebook/dp/B0DVDGZQTZMentioned 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 QuizTake 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

Sep 23, 2025 • 23min
Would You Be Happier as an Entrepreneur? with David Waldas (stage 1) - Ep. 329
In this coordinated episode, David Waldas, Founder of The Aligned Living, shares strategies for alignment and flow in life and business. If you struggle with disillusionment or lack of passion in leadership, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why passion drives sustainable success in stage 1 ventures- How to find your unique spark beneath fears- What aligned actions create fulfilling entrepreneurial freedomThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 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/quizDavid Waldas is the creator of the Aligned Living System. With a background in education, coaching, and entrepreneurship, he helps individuals achieve alignment and flow in both their personal and professional lives. David is also the author of Insight, Influence, and Flow: A Guide for Business Professionals, where he shares practical tools for achieving sustainable and lasting success. As an international speaker and coach, David’s work has positively impacted lives worldwide, helping individuals reach their highest potential.Want to learn more about David Waldas' work at The Aligned Living? Check out his website at https://www.davidwaldas.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

Sep 16, 2025 • 23min
Do You Feel like the CEO Your Business Card Says You Are? with Deborah Coviello (stage 4) - Ep. 328
In this empowering episode, Deborah Coviello, Founder of Drop In CEO, shares shares strategies for CEO leadership. If you struggle with chaos or burnout, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why prioritize peace of mind before pursuing results- How to define your purpose through self-reflection- How to evolve people processes to unleash potentialThis 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/quizKnown as The Drop-In CEO, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track” and “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.” Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple podcasts.Want to learn more about Deborah Coviello's work at Drop In CEO? Check out her website at https://dropinceo.com/ and get a free chapter of her book The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track at https://dropinceo.com/giftMentioned 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

Sep 16, 2025 • 20min
Fighting to Win With Your Team and Not Against Them with Tim Stout (stage 3) - Ep. 327
In this dynamic episode, Tim Stout, Team Leader of Tim Stout Group, GA, shares practical tactics for managing teams and scaling businesses. If you struggle with team management or overwhelming opportunities, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why leading by example builds a strong team culture in stage 3- How to prioritize high-value tasks to delegate effectively- What to say no to for focusing on great opportunitiesThis 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/quizWith over 35 years of experience in combat sports and 22 years in business, Tim Stout draws on his extensive experience to offer practical “fight to win” techniques for anyone ready to elevate their journey. He designed his insights on personal accountability, goal setting, and overcoming setbacks to help entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers transform their limitations into achievements.Want to learn more about Tim Stout's work at Tim Stout Group, GA? Check out his website at https://www.thetimstout.com/You can also check out his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/timmoab and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themoabstout/You can grab a copy of his book "Forged in Fire: 50 Fight-To-Win Tactics to Help Your Business Succeed" here: https://bit.ly/4f1BnOIMentioned 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

Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
The 5 Questions Founders Forget to Ask Until Its Too Late with Keren Eldad (stages 1,4) - Ep. 326
In this veritable episode, Keren Eldad, Founder of With Enthusiasm Coaching, shares insights on escaping the gilded cage of external success through inner purpose. If you feel dissatisfied in your job or disillusioned despite business growth, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why external achievements won't resolve inner dissatisfaction in stage 1- How to uncover authentic purpose via preference and passion questions for stage 4- What shifting to service mindset achieves true fulfillment and adaptabilityThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,4 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/quizA thought leader in the coaching world, Keren Eldad specializes in helping high achievers escape the futility of constant pursuit. Her coaching clients include Olympic athletes, politicians, Hollywood stars, supermodels, Special Forces operatives, and serial entrepreneurs, as well as renowned global organizations such as Estée Lauder, J.P. Morgan, and Nike. She is recognized as a Top Ten Executive Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Keren maintains gold-standard coaching credentials in addition to her advanced academic degrees from The London School of Economics and the University of Jerusalem.Want to learn more about Keren Eldad's work at With Enthusiasm Coaching? Check out her website at https://kereneldad.com/, connect with her on Instagram @coachkeren and get a copy of her book Gilded: Breaking Free from the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More at https://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Breaking-Ambition-Perfectionism-Relentless/dp/1684817579Mentioned 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

Sep 9, 2025 • 22min
The Dark Side of Servant Leadership Exposed with Nathan Jamail (stage 5) - Ep. 325
In this dynamic episode, Nathan Jamail, Owner of Jamail Development Group, shares strategies to empower middle managers. If you struggle with alignment or accountability, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why middle managers need coaching to align vision from top to bottom- How to coach down to make employees better, not just easier- How to foster belief in decisions to drive organizational commitmentThis 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/quizNathan Jamail is a best-selling author, speaker, and leadership expert with over 20 years of experience in coaching, cultural development, and sales leadership. His insights have impacted top industries, including financial services, tech, military, manufacturing, and hospitality. His real-world experience spans over 20 years as an Executive Director and includes successfully owning and operating seven businesses. Nathan doesn’t just teach leadership and sales—he lives it daily. His high-energy, no-fluff approach helps leaders and teams drive results, build strong cultures, and master the art of selling.Want to learn more about Nathan Jamail's work at Jamail Development Group? Check out his website at https://nathanjamail.com/KM: committed employees follow committed leaders. You can call his free AI Coach at 848-277-0867. And get a copy of Serve Up Coach Down: Mastering Both Sides of Leadership at https://www.amazon.com/Serve-Coach-Down-Nathan-Jamail/dp/1639015078/ref=sr_1_1Mentioned 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

Sep 2, 2025 • 21min
Surviving Your Sophomore Year as an Entrepreneur with Kareen Walsh (stage 3) - Ep. 324
In this streamlined episode, Kareen Walsh, CEO of Revampologist, LLC, shares strategies to scale your business beyond year one. If you struggle with sustainability or trust, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why 90% of businesses fail in years 2-5 without a clear long-term vision- How to identify your CEO role (Creator, Entrepreneur, Operator) to lead effectively- How to simplify growth by focusing on supply, demand, and cyclical evaluationThis 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/quizKareen Walsh is a visionary business and people strategist, author, podcaster, investor, and a 7-figure business-building entrepreneur, making her the ultimate Business Healer. With nearly two decades of experience optimizing performance in the health and wellness, e-commerce, technology, and finance industries and running top-performing teams in complex environments, Kareen has a proven track record of helping C-Suite executives turn their vision of impact into action. She has worked with trillion-dollar businesses, including BlackRock and Broadridge, to execute their strategic initiatives, as well as helping startups like Pure Vitality and Drip Hydration build growth strategies to scale.Want to learn more about Kareen Walsh's work at Revampologist, LLC? Check out her free AI coaching app at heykareen.com/ceo and connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareenwalsh/ or get a behind the scenes look on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kareenzwalshMentioned 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

Sep 2, 2025 • 26min
Is Your Problem Your People, Your Processes, or Your Past? with Steven Falk (stage 5) - Ep. 323
In this transformative episode, Steven Falk, Founder and CEO of SwitchbackOS, shares strategies to balance systems and relationships for leadership excellence. If you struggle with team dynamics or control, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to use metacognition to manage thoughts and lead effectively- Why balancing systems and relationships creates world-class leadership- How to rewire your brain to overcome bad habitsThis 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/quizSteven R. Falk is the CEO and Founder of Switchback Systems Corp, specializing in leadership and team performance in high-pressure environments. With over 20 years of experience in Marriage and Family Therapy, he brings deep insight into human behavior, communication, and resilience. His work centers on the concept of Human Agency—controlling thoughts and actions under pressure. Through his Switchback Foundation Training, he equips leaders with tools to break bad habits, build accountability, and enhance communication using engaging, practical methods. Steven is also a keynote speaker and author of The Switched-On CEO, supporting cultures of resilience and sustainable growth.Want to learn more about Steven Falk's work at SwitchbackOS? Check out his website at https://www.switchbackos.com and get a copy of his book, The Switched-On CEO on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Switched-CEO-Think-World-Class-Leader/dp/1775281302/ref=sr_1_1Mentioned 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


