Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Adriana Brusi, founder of Crowds Now, takes us through her entrepreneurial journey from restaurants and a chocolate franchise to creating an innovative app with over 500K users. Crowds Now empowers everyday people to earn as brand ambassadors, redefining influencer marketing while helping businesses grow and communities thrive. In this episode, Adriana shares her insights on resilience, scaling ventures, and building lasting impact through innovation and people-first leadership. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. She explained that even one toxic hire can destabilize a company, making recruitment, culture protection, and team management the most challenging aspects of scaling successfully. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Adriana Brusi shared that her favorite business book, which has helped her the most, is Unreasonable Hospitality. She recommends it even for those outside the hospitality industry, as it offers powerful lessons on service, leadership, and creating exceptional customer experiences. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that one of the great podcasts she recommends for professional development is Diary of a CEO. She values its diverse topics and practical insights, noting that it provides a wide range of perspectives useful for entrepreneurs looking to grow a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that a key tool she recommends for growing a small business is a CRM system. She emphasized that it doesn't need to be complex – platforms like Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor, or Mailchimp are enough – as long as they help maintain data integrity, manage customer relationships, and drive growth effectively. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Adriana Brusi shared that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to "just keep going." She explained that the journey will be hard and messy, with moments of doubt and setbacks, but persistence and resilience are what ultimately lead to success. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Hire the person, not the resume – skills can be taught, values cannot – Adriana Brusi In business, resilience turns obstacles into stepping stones – Adriana Brusi Your people are your greatest asset—or your biggest liability – Adriana Brusi

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Nathan Baws, founder of NumberFied, joins the Grow a Small Business podcast to share his incredible journey from launching his first "business" at age six to building 15 diverse ventures across industries. He opens up about scaling his catering company after Shark Tank success and transforming failures into seven-figure wins. Nathan explains how Number Five grew from one VA to a global team of 80 across five countries, providing affordable growth solutions for small businesses. He dives deep into the power of mindset, creative lead generation, and embracing AI to accelerate growth. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, marketing, and scaling with purpose from a true serial entrepreneur. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Nathan Baws shared that the hardest part of growing a small business is having the right skill set in growth and marketing, and trying to navigate it while being on your own. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nathan Baws shared that his favorite business book is "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss, which deeply influenced him through its powerful negotiation strategies and practical takeaways. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Nathan Baws shared that he's a big fan of Alex Hormozi's content and often uses YouTube to dive into whatever business topic he's focused on at the time. He also mentioned that he uses AI tools as a kind of "mentor," asking questions and generating solutions on the go. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nathan Baws shared that one of the most valuable tools to grow a small business is automation software, especially for lead generation. He mentioned using tools like Instantly to automate outreach, book more appointments, and scale sales efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Nathan Baws shared that the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is: "Learn lead generation and marketing early – spend most of your day finding ways to generate more sales." Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Sales fix almost everything – focus on generating leads every single day — Nathan Baws Creative marketing and consistent lead generation are the true lifelines of any small business — Nathan Baws If you're not actively growing your business, you're already falling behind — Nathan Baws

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones speaks with Troy Trewin, Founder of Grow a Small Business, shares powerful recruitment strategies to help business owners hire A-players and build high-performing teams. He discusses mastering cultural fit, improving retention, and creating a smooth onboarding process. Troy highlights common hiring mistakes and how to avoid costly mis-hires. With practical tips and real-life success stories, he shows how smart recruitment drives growth. Tune in to learn how to transform your hiring approach for long-term success. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Recruitment Is the Most Important Role of a Manager: Troy emphasizes that people are a small business's greatest asset, and hiring the right team members is critical to long-term growth and success. Always Be Building Your Bench: Small business owners should constantly network and connect with potential A-players before roles open up, ensuring top talent is ready when needed. Treat Job Ads as Marketing Tools: A job ad should reflect your company's culture and values, attracting candidates by showcasing what makes your business an exciting place to work. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Focus on Cultural Fit and Behavioral Questions: Hiring isn't just about skills — behavioral interview questions and cultural alignment help identify candidates who will thrive in your team. Invest Time in a Structured Recruitment Process: Rushing hiring decisions often leads to costly mis-hires. Troy shares how taking extra time upfront saves time, money, and frustration later. Retention Starts with Onboarding and Management: A dedicated 90-day onboarding plan and consistent one-on-one management are key to retaining top talent and keeping your team engaged. One action small business owners can take: According to Troy Trewin, one action small business owners can take is to create a structured 90-day onboarding plan for every new hire. This simple yet powerful step builds trust, sets clear expectations, improves retention, and helps team members quickly become productive and engaged. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Hiring A-players is the single most powerful move a small business can make for long-term growth – Troy Trewin Retention starts on day one with a strong onboarding experience – Troy Trewin Your people are your greatest asset, and recruitment is your greatest responsibility – Troy Trewin

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Sharon Francisco, founder of SharonFrancisco.com, shares her inspiring journey from joining her sister-in-law's small bookkeeping business in 2013 and scaling it to a 12-person team within six years, to launching her own coaching business in 2019. Despite facing a divorce after 26 years of marriage and battling serious health issues, Sharon transformed her challenges into strength, now coaching bookkeepers and accountants worldwide. She emphasizes confidence, financial freedom for women, and the importance of building habits like a default diary. Sharon also highlights investing in mentors, creating authentic team culture, and balancing work with personal life. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and empowering others to achieve lasting success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Sharon Francisco, the hardest thing in growing a small business is not overthinking and trying to get everything perfect. She believes many owners get stuck in second-guessing, when the real key is to take action and keep moving forward. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sharon Francisco's favorite business book that has helped her the most is "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. She values it because it teaches the importance of narrowing focus, avoiding distractions, and going deep into one area to get real results. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sharon Francisco believes that one of the best ways to grow as a small business owner is through continuous learning, especially from books and structured programs. She personally prefers reading and listening to Audible, as she values the ability to access decades of someone's experience in just a few hours. Sharon has invested heavily in online business programs such as Thought Leaders Business School, Key Person of Influence, and Taki Moore's Black Belt, along with Tina Tower's Her Empire Builder. While she doesn't listen to many podcasts herself, she emphasizes that books and high-quality programs can transform your business mindset and skills. Her advice: keep investing in your personal and professional development – it pays off many times over. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Sharon Francisco, the most valuable "tool" for growing a small business is outsourcing. She recommends not wasting time trying to master tasks you're not good at, but instead focusing on your strengths and hiring experts for the rest. For example, she outsources her social media management for about $2,200 a month, which allows her to stay focused on coaching and client work. Sharon believes this mindset shift—treating outsourcing as a growth tool—helps business owners scale faster, avoid burnout, and concentrate on the areas where they add the most value. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sharon Francisco says that if she could give herself advice on day one of starting out in business, it would be to borrow the money to get a mentor and follow their guidance 100%. She believes investing in the right mentor early on saves years of trial and error, builds confidence faster, and provides the structure needed to grow with less stress. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business isn't about doing it all yourself—it's about knowing when to outsource – Sharon Francisco Investing in mentors will save you years of mistakes and fast-track your success – Sharon Francisco True success is having the choice to create a life and business you love – Sharon Francisco

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Jordan Berry, founder of Laundromat Resource, who transformed his journey from pastor to entrepreneur in the laundromat industry. Despite early failures, he persevered and now oversees multiple sites generating over $50K in monthly sales with strong 45% margins, netting about $22K profit. Alongside running laundromats, Jordan built a thriving membership model, courses, and a podcast to guide others entering the business. With a team of seven, he focuses on customer experience, community impact, and sustainable growth. His story reflects how resilience, learning from setbacks, and smart scaling can lead to remarkable success in both business and life. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Jordan Berry shared that the hardest part of growing a small business has been managing the emotional ups and downs. The highs can be exhilarating, but the lows can be tough, and staying steady without quitting has been his biggest challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jordan Berry shared that his favorite business book is Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. It helped him shift his mindset to focus only on the work he should personally do while delegating the rest. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jordan Berry shared that he learns a lot from podcasts and online resources like Alex Hormozi, Lewis Howes, and Ed Mylett. He also recommends the Marketing School Podcast by Neil Patel and Eric Siu for quick, practical marketing insights. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jordan Berry shared that one of the most valuable resources for business growth is solid bookkeeping. He recommends tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks, and ideally working with a CPA, to keep finances clear and under control. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jordan Berry shared that if he could go back, he would "borrow someone else's 10,000 hours." Learning from experienced people before starting would have saved him a lot of money, mistakes, and emotional strain. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Customer experience is everything; people remember how you made them feel – Jordan Berry Success isn't just about money – it's about creating space to design the life you want – Jordan Berry Borrow someone else's 10,000 hours before you start—it will save you years of pain – Jordan Berry

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey speaks with Mitch McPherson, Founder of Stay ChatTY, who turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission. Mitch shares how he built a thriving, purpose-driven organization while breaking down mental health stigma in workplaces and communities. He reveals the biggest challenges small business owners face with mental health, why vulnerability builds stronger teams, and how finding your "why" can fuel resilience and success. This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical strategies, and a powerful reminder that business growth and wellbeing go hand in hand. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential crisis support 24/7. If you're outside Australia, please reach out to local crisis services in your area, or dial your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Turning Tragedy into Purpose – Mitch transformed the devastating loss of his brother into the foundation of Stay ChatTY, creating impact through advocacy and education. Mental Health in Business Matters – Small business owners must prioritize their own wellbeing and actively support their teams to avoid burnout and crisis. Vulnerability Builds Trust – Open, honest conversations from leaders create stronger connections, trust, and healthier workplace culture. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Watch for Signs of Change – Mental health struggles aren't always negative behaviors; any noticeable change in team members can be a signal to check in. Boundaries Prevent Burnout – Saying "no," balancing work with personal life, and focusing on physical health are crucial for long-term success. Lead by Example – Employees follow what they see, not just what they hear—owners must live their values to truly influence their teams. One action small business owners can take: According to Mitch McPherson, one action small business owners can take is to lead by example – genuinely living and breathing the values they promote, especially around mental health – so their team sees consistency between words and actions. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Change in a person's behavior, whether positive or negative, is always a signal worth noticing — Mitch McPherson Never lose sight of your 'why'; it's the compass that keeps you steady through burnout and stress — Mitch McPherson Vulnerability in leaders builds trust and connection stronger than any policy ever could — Mitch McPherson

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Renita Wolf, founder of Poe Wolf Partners, who transitioned from a Fortune 50 CFO career to helping small and mid-sized business owners prepare for successful exits. Renita shares her insights on why nearly 90% of businesses listed for sale never sell, and how she guides owners to align their business with personal goals while increasing value and reducing owner dependency. She discusses the emotional challenges of letting go, the importance of being organized and consistent, and her holistic approach to exit planning. Renita also reveals how she bootstrapped her firm, leveraged mentors, and embraced learning as part of her entrepreneurial journey. This inspiring conversation highlights the critical steps entrepreneurs must take to protect their legacy and maximize success when planning their exit. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Renita Wolf said the hardest thing in growing a small business is staying confident when you don't know everything and are running everything yourself, often with just a small team. She explained that uncertainty can shake confidence, but she overcomes it by being comfortable learning new things and accepting that she might be bad at them at first, knowing she will improve over time What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Renita Wolf shared that her favorite business books are "Key Person of Influence" and "Oversubscribed" by Daniel Priestley, which she always goes back to. She also values the work of Blair Enns, especially his books on Winning Without Pitching, since sales was not her forte and these resources helped her approach clients more effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Renita Wolf recommended Donald Miller's Business Made Simple and the StoryBrand podcast as excellent resources for small business owners. She explained that they cut through the noise in the marketplace and provide a clear, actionable framework that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to stay focused and grow their businesses. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Renita Wolf recommended that every small business owner should have a simple KPI dashboard with around five key metrics. She explained that tracking these helps owners think strategically, measure consistency, and monitor progress—whether it's content strategy, social engagement, or other business drivers—making it a powerful tool for sustainable growth What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Renita Wolf's advice to herself on day one of starting her business would be: "Don't wait for perfect — just start." She emphasized that taking action early is more important than waiting until everything feels ready. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Being organized and consistent is the foundation of small business success – Renita Wolf Your business is more than financials — it's your legacy for family, community, and employees – Renita Wolf Focus on who you serve, how you help, and what makes you different from the competition – Renita Wolf

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Joe Zentmyer, Founder of Snaggletooth Goby, shares his entrepreneurial journey from leaving corporate life at Kraft Foods to co-founding First Ascent Rock Climbing, which grew to seven gyms before being sold in 2021. He explains how his passion for aquariums led him to purchase and expand a local store into a growing business, adding recurring revenue streams and online sales. Joe reflects on the challenges of scaling during COVID, including managing hundreds of employees and navigating shutdowns. He highlights the importance of numbers, people management, and hiring the right team for growth. Finally, he offers advice on resilience, balance, and building a strong culture while scaling a small business. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is the pace of decision-making and filtering feedback. He explains that entrepreneurs often hear only the extremes—overly positive or overly negative voices—while the real insights usually lie in the middle. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Joe Zentmyer told that one of the most impactful books for him is "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon, which focuses on motivating people, getting them aligned, and building positive momentum within a team. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that he listens widely to many business podcasts and online resources, cycling through different voices to absorb as much knowledge as possible. He believes entrepreneurs should avoid sticking to just one source and instead learn from a wide range of perspectives. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Joe Zentmyer shares that small business owners should not hesitate to invest in simple online apps and tools that save time on repetitive tasks. Even spending $20–$50 a month on the right software can free up valuable hours, making efficiency a key growth resource. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Joe Zentmyer shares that if he could go back, he would tell himself to believe in the journey and enjoy the ride. Building a business is full of challenges and surprises, but embracing the process with confidence makes it worthwhile. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in small business happens when the sum of the team is greater than the whole – Joe Zentmyer The right people are easier to find than trying to fix the wrong ones – Joe Zentmyer If you think as a leader you can force people to do what they don't want, you're sorely mistaken – Joe Zentmyer

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron speaks with Jeffrey Klubeck, founder of The Integrity Game, dives into how soft skills and accountability drive leadership growth and team engagement. He explains his 10-point Integrity Game framework, designed to make self-reflection easy and impactful for business owners. Jeffrey shares how understanding emotional patterns and aligning daily actions with long-term goals leads to real transformation. He also touches on helping businesses prepare for exit by focusing on internal clarity and strategic structure. Packed with insights and humor, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Soft Skills Drive Strong Leadership: Mastering communication, empathy, and self-awareness creates better leaders, stronger teams, and healthier work cultures. Accountability Starts Within: Before holding others accountable, business owners must develop self-accountability and align their actions with their values and goals. Engagement Requires Understanding: To truly engage teams, take the time to understand who your people really are and what they genuinely want—not just what the business needs. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Behavioral Blocks Limit Growth: Often, underperformance isn't about lack of skills—it's about fear, habits, or emotional blocks. Leaders must learn to identify and remove these. The Integrity Game 10-Point Model: Jeffrey's framework helps individuals and teams align purpose, potential, and performance – building businesses with strong structural integrity. Plan Your Exit Early: Start with the end in mind. Know your exit strategy, build systems that support it, and identify trusted advisors who can guide the transition. One action small business owners can take: According to Jeffrey Klubeck, one action small business owners can take is to start identifying and building relationships with trusted advisors early, so they're prepared for future growth, challenges, and eventual exit planning. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Soft skills aren't optional—they're the foundation of strong leadership – Jeffrey Klubeck Accountability feels like an attack until you're ready to take responsibility – Jeffrey Klubeck Structural integrity isn't just for buildings—your business needs it to survive pressure too – Jeffrey Klubeck

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Tessa Thomas, co-founder of Pipeline Solutions, a Toronto-based SaaS platform helping boutique fitness studios streamline operations, automate workflows, and unlock data-driven insights. Tessa shares how the business launched in 2019, navigated the chaos of COVID-19, and still achieved 300%+ annual growth post-pandemic. Now operating globally with clients across North America, Australia, and beyond, Pipeline's success is rooted in deep industry knowledge, user-centric design, and a strong remote team. Tessa discusses the importance of personal development, transparency in leadership, and obsessing over metrics like churn to drive real impact. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Tessa Thomas believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is that it's a daily effort—you have to consistently show up and ensure everything works as expected. She highlights how even the biggest businesses operate day-to-day, and for small business owners, there's no room for autopilot. From team absences to tech issues, she emphasizes that running a business requires constant attention, problem-solving, and staying close to the people you're serving, which can be both challenging and crucial. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tessa Thomas's favorite business books that have helped her the most are 10x Is Easier Than 2x and Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. She says these books have really stuck with her—not just for business growth, but also for gaining personal clarity and direction. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tessa Thomas recommends The Startup CEO Show by Mark MacLeod as a great podcast for small business growth. Mark, a former CFO at Shopify and now a coach for startup CEOs, shares deep insights and interviews with founders, especially within the Canadian ecosystem. Tessa appreciates the practical advice and founder-focused conversations that help navigate the challenges of scaling a business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tessa Thomas recommends Slack as a key tool to help grow a small business. While it may seem simple, she emphasizes that strong, clear communication is critical—especially for remote teams. Slack keeps everyone connected, aligned on goals, and engaged with the company's purpose, making it essential for maintaining momentum and team cohesion during growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tessa Thomas says the advice she would give herself on day one of starting her business is simple but powerful: "It's worth it." She'd remind herself that despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, the journey, growth, and impact make it all worthwhile. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: The business will never outgrow the founder—your mindset sets the ceiling – Tessa Thomas Harmony, not balance, is the key to sustaining life and business together – Tessa Thomas Success isn't a destination; it's a commitment to keep showing up every day – Tessa Thomas