21st Century Entrepreneurship

Anthony Nitsos is a former medical student who transitioned into manufacturing and eventually finance, and we spoke about how this unique path shapes his approach to solving financial problems for businesses. "I’m not a CFO as much as I am a doctor of money," he explains, using his medical training to diagnose financial health in companies just as a physician would for a patient. Anthony’s perspective is that CFOs need to do more than treat symptoms—they must get to the root cause of issues that plague businesses, particularly when it comes to cash flow and operational efficiency.Anthony draws striking parallels between the human body and financial systems. "A factory is no different than a human body. Where you have blood flow, we have cash flow. Where you have a nervous system, we have an IT system." His background in both medicine and manufacturing enables him to see the interconnectedness of operations and finance in a way that many traditional CFOs overlook. By focusing on optimizing the "central nervous system" of a business—its accounting and financial reporting system—Anthony helps companies not just survive but thrive.We also discussed the critical role of cash flow management. Anthony reveals that most of his time with clients is spent discussing cash, not profits: "I easily spend 80% to 90% of my time with clients talking about cash." He explains that focusing on cash flow forecasting is vital for ensuring a business can meet its operational needs and plan for the future. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, understanding how to manage cash effectively is key to sustainable growth.Finally, Anthony emphasizes the importance of building long-term value. Whether preparing a company for an exit or ensuring ongoing profitability, he underscores the role of a CFO in helping businesses maximize their worth. "What is the purpose of a corporation? To build shareholder wealth, period." From metrics like Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) to gross margins, Anthony breaks down how businesses can align their strategies to boost valuation and secure future success.A few takeaways from the discussion include:Fixing root causes in your financial systems leads to long-lasting improvements, not just temporary relief.Cash flow management is more important than focusing solely on profit, as it directly impacts a business's ability to operate and grow.A well-structured accounting system is the "spinal cord" of a business, providing the essential data needed for informed decision-making and value creation.Anthony’s approach is all about precision, whether he’s diagnosing financial symptoms or helping a company prepare for its next stage of growth. If you’re an entrepreneur struggling with cash flow, financial reporting, or planning an exit, this episode will provide actionable insights to optimize your business. As Anthony puts it, "Once you fix that root cause, it goes away forever."

Cameron Bawden is a seasoned entrepreneur who built the largest pest control company in Arizona, scaling it from a single truck to over 100 vehicles in less than 14 years. We spoke about his journey of creating and scaling multiple service-based businesses, the systems and processes that fueled his success, and his recent $60 million exit that transformed the trajectory of his career.One of the key highlights of Cameron’s approach is the importance of staying consistent and showing up every day: “That's the thing that I preach now—stay consistent. You got to show up every single day and do those little things that matter.” He emphasized how crucial it is for business owners to wear multiple hats in the beginning but to eventually delegate and build a strong leadership team. Cameron shared insights on the 'rule of seven,' explaining that no manager should have more than seven direct reports to ensure employees feel valued and appreciated.We also dove into his experience with mergers and acquisitions, where he revealed the steps entrepreneurs can take to maximize their company’s value: “I saw how important it was—how they wanted the books, the leadership team, the organization, the systems, the processes.” His transparency with employees about company goals, such as EBITDA margins, has been a game-changer in aligning his team with the company’s vision: "When I was fully transparent... I got so many ideas from people on the front line."Finally, Cameron discussed his personal philosophy on balance—financially, professionally, and personally. For him, giving back to the community through service work, like his annual food drive and helicopter ride giveaways, is a cornerstone of his balanced life.Key Takeaways:Systems and Processes: How establishing scalable systems and empowering the right people can help you scale faster and exit profitably.Consistent Growth: The importance of consistent effort and culture in overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship.Leadership and Delegation: Why building the right leadership team using the 'rule of seven' is key to business success.Customer Referrals: “We've generated over 25,000 customer referrals.” Learn why customer referrals are invaluable and how to drive them.Community Impact: How giving back through community service and personal involvement creates lasting fulfillment and reinforces company culture.This episode offers real-world insights into scaling service businesses and achieving massive exits while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Steven Montgomery is the Founder and CEO of ResiBrands, and we spoke about how he went from being a college dropout to leading one of the fastest-growing home service franchises in the nation. Together with Codie Sanchez, Steven is on a mission to build the greatest trades franchises in the U.S., all while bringing dignity back to blue-collar work.Throughout the conversation, Steven emphasized the shift in perspective around home service trades. As millennials reconsider the appeal of desk jobs, opportunities in blue-collar businesses, such as franchising, are gaining traction. He explains, “Being stuck behind the screen isn't as fulfilling as they thought it would be...there are amazing franchise opportunities like ours, and people are really starting to pay attention.”Steven shares how franchising offers a pathway to wealth and freedom for individuals, regardless of their experience in trades. “You don't have to know anything about paint...when you get into a franchise system, you get taught how to hire people who already know the work, and you're building a scalable business,” Steven explains, highlighting the potential for growth and steady cash flow in this field.One of the most significant insights Steven offers is the importance of thoughtfulness in home services. By going above and beyond for clients, businesses can create lasting impressions and drive powerful referral marketing. As Steven notes, “The secret to referral marketing is to give them a story to tell.” He shares how simple gestures, like offering extra services during a job, can turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic promoters.Inspired by the book The E Myth, Steven found that franchising not only allowed him to scale his business but also empowered others to become business owners. "Instead of building something just for yourself, you can empower other people to build legacy and wealth for themselves using your system," he says, pointing to the collaborative nature of franchising.Lastly, Steven emphasizes the critical role mindset plays in long-term success. He advises being mindful of the words we speak, as they can shape our reality: "If you start saying, 'Hey, this business is going to fail,' guess what? It's going to fail...but if you say, 'I'm going to get past it,' you will." His focus on grit and positive thinking offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs facing challenging times.Takeaways:Franchising in blue-collar industries is a growing opportunity for those seeking financial independence and steady cash flow.Providing thoughtful, unexpected services can dramatically increase client satisfaction and drive referrals.Your mindset and the way you speak about your goals play a critical role in your long-term success.This episode offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful in an often overlooked industry.

Mike Malloy is a seasoned entrepreneur, former Deloitte consultant, and the CEO of Malloy Industries, a company that helps business leaders regain control of their time and scale their businesses through fractional executive services. In this episode, we spoke about how entrepreneurs can effectively delegate tasks, break free from the day-to-day grind, and focus on the bigger picture. Mike candidly shares how a personal tragedy shifted his perspective, teaching him the importance of building systems that don’t rely solely on one person’s energy.Mike introduces the concept of fractional executives, part-time experts who bring decades of experience to growth-stage companies without the overhead of full-time salaries. "The future of work is fractional," Mike explains, emphasizing the flexibility and expertise that these professionals offer. Whether it's scaling a B2B sales operation from $1 million to $10 million or navigating a sudden crisis, fractional executives are the agile, cost-effective solution many companies need.One key insight from this conversation is the idea of solving business problems with "who, not how." Instead of asking, "How do I solve this?" entrepreneurs should be asking, "Who can solve this for me?" Mike walks us through how Malloy Industries quickly connects businesses with vetted fractional leaders who can step in and immediately provide results. "You've got a hair-on-fire problem," Mike says, "it's not going to wait six months." Fractional executives are the answer to those urgent, high-stakes challenges.Here are a few takeaways from our conversation with Mike:Delegate with confidence: Fractional executives can take ownership of entire business functions while you focus on growth.Buy back your time: You don’t need to be in the weeds every day. Let experts handle the areas that aren’t in your zone of genius.Tailored to your needs: With the Malloy Match process, you'll find a fractional executive who not only solves problems but fits seamlessly into your company's culture.Mike's deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment shines through as he shares, "I've built this whole business around my love of education, supporting entrepreneurs, and helping them build impact into the DNA of their companies."Learn more about how fractional executives can help you scale, delegate, and reclaim your freedom in this insightful conversation with Mike Malloy.

Dr. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist and renowned sleep specialist, best known as 'The Sleep Doctor.' We spoke about the overwhelming complexity of wellness today and explored how to simplify it by focusing on three core pillars: breathing, hydration, and sleep.Michael shares his insights on how the wellness industry often confuses people with countless new trends, stating, "I've got to be honest with you, it's confusing as hell. I don't know if I'm supposed to have a green drink, a sauna, or hydrate." Instead of chasing after every new fad, Michael emphasizes the importance of getting back to basics, starting with something as fundamental as proper breathing, "Many people are shallow breathers... I can teach you how to do that without necessarily having medications." He also explains how hydration and consistent sleep form the foundation of well-being.One of the most intriguing takeaways is Michael’s concept of ‘chronotypes,’ the genetic patterns that dictate whether you’re an early bird, night owl, or something in between. As Michael puts it, “It’s the ultimate cheat code for life... Once you know your chronotype, everything gets better and easier.” He further reveals how aligning your sleep schedule with your chronotype can lead to better performance and even allow you to sleep less while maintaining high energy.Another key insight is his 'napa latte' technique, which boosts productivity with a perfectly timed combination of coffee and a 20-minute nap. It's not just about wellness for Michael; he also draws parallels between sleep and entrepreneurship, likening consistent sleep habits to “compounding interest,” providing long-term benefits even in high-pressure situations.Key Takeaways:Master the basics: Breathing, hydration, and sleep form the essential foundation of wellness.Chronotypes matter: Understanding your genetic sleep pattern can help you optimize your day.Practical tools: Techniques like breath work and the 'napa latte' offer quick ways to improve focus and energy without complex routines.Sleep as an investment: Consistency in sleep builds long-term resilience, much like compounding interest in financial terms.Michael’s practical and engaging approach offers listeners valuable takeaways to simplify their wellness routines without spending money on gimmicks. He distills the chaos of wellness into actionable steps, proving that sometimes, less is more.

Larry Mietus is an experienced independent business consultant, speaker, author, and educator with nearly 20 years of consulting expertise. We spoke about the profound impact of ego on business leadership and success, the power of self-awareness, and how excuses often prevent entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential.One of the key themes Larry highlighted is the role ego plays in holding businesses back: “I always tell people there is a line in the sand, and I want people to get up to about a 16th of an inch away from the line… but never cross over that line to the arrogant side.” According to Larry, leaders often create their own obstacles by allowing arrogance to take root, limiting their capacity to learn, trust their team, and scale their businesses.We also explored the importance of understanding financial acumen and distinguishing real opportunities from distractions. Larry shared that many entrepreneurs struggle with their finances, admitting that, “A lot of them look at me and go, ‘I don’t know.’” This lack of financial literacy can lead to poor decision-making and missed opportunities.Takeaways from this episode include:Ego vs. Confidence: Confidence is crucial, but crossing into arrogance can isolate leaders and hinder growth.Excuses Sabotage Success: Entrepreneurs often rely on excuses, like “we tried that once,” instead of taking responsibility and finding solutions.Financial Literacy is Key: Understanding how your business makes money is fundamental to long-term success, and many entrepreneurs overlook this critical aspect.Real Opportunities vs. Distractions: Not every exciting idea is worth pursuing—Larry emphasizes the importance of evaluating ideas strategically.Larry’s candid advice offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to overcome internal barriers and lead their businesses with purpose and clarity.

Yoav Zimet, founder of Rythm, transformed a side project into a platform that reshaped how millions experience music together. What started in 2016 as a way for Yoav and his friends to share music while gaming evolved into a global phenomenon, reaching 30 million monthly users. “I built this app on Discord that would join our call, play music for all of us to listen together,” Yoav shares, highlighting the simplicity that drove the platform's growth.Rythm quickly gained traction, but in 2021, a notice from YouTube forced its shutdown, leaving its community without a solution. “An entire community of users was left without a good way to listen to music with their friends,” Yoav recalls. Determined not to let this be the end, Yoav and his team spent two years acquiring music licenses and rebuilding the platform. Now, in 2024, Rythm is back—stronger than ever, compensating artists for every stream and providing an enhanced user experience.In our conversation, Yoav emphasized the critical role the community played in Rythm's development. User feedback shaped the platform’s features, fostering loyalty and engagement. “I had millions of people helping me build it,” he explains. This collaborative approach created a sense of ownership and connection among users, a key factor in the platform’s enduring success.Yoav also shared the challenges of navigating the complex world of music licensing and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. “After a lengthy process, I secured deals with the top music companies,” he explains, underscoring the importance of persistence in turning Rythm into a legitimate business.Key takeaways:Community-driven innovation: Listening to user feedback helped Yoav shape Rythm into a platform that truly resonated with its audience.Overcoming setbacks: Despite facing major hurdles, including the shutdown of Rythm, Yoav’s determination and adaptability helped him rebuild and reimagine the platform.The future of digital connection: Rythm is leading the way in creating shared, authentic experiences in an increasingly digital world, making music a bridge for deeper connections.Tune in to hear Yoav’s inspiring journey and how he brought Rythm back, offering even more to its users and the music community.

Val Narodetsky is a serial entrepreneur who transformed a $7,000 loan into a seven-figure exit, and in this episode, we spoke about how his journey shaped the purpose-driven mission of Hire Odesa. Drawing from his own struggles with hiring top talent, Val launched Hire Odesa to help U.S. businesses connect with the highly skilled, but often overlooked, tech talent in Ukraine. His personal connection to Odesa and his desire to create impact beyond profits are the driving forces behind his venture.Val shared the lessons he learned while navigating the tough early days of entrepreneurship: "I didn’t have a fancy business plan, just the drive to make something work." This drive led him to master digital marketing, product positioning, and web development. "I became obsessed with learning... those skills became game-changers for me," Val recalled. His story emphasizes the power of persistence, small daily wins, and building strong partnerships that opened doors to new opportunities.We also discussed the unique advantages of Ukrainian tech talent. Val explained, "Some of the best people I’ve worked with were from Ukraine... they care about the results they bring to the company." He highlighted the region’s strong education system and self-learning culture, which produces "highly skilled engineers who stay on top of the latest technologies." Val believes that Ukraine’s developers, with their deep technical expertise and accountability, offer a "cost-to-quality ratio" that can’t be matched in other markets.A recurring theme in our conversation was the power of relationships in business. "Being open to learning from others and creating those connections was huge for me," Val noted. This focus on relationships extends to Hire Odesa’s process: they thoroughly vet candidates, ensuring clients are only presented with the top 1% of talent. "We handle the screening ourselves, so by the time our clients see candidates, they’re already top contenders," Val shared, underscoring how Hire Odesa helps businesses avoid the usual hiring headaches.When it comes to remote work, Val is optimistic about the future: "We’re seeing a continued shift towards companies hiring globally by default." He talked about the rise of specialized remote teams and how businesses are moving away from the traditional 9-to-5 model, instead focusing on results. "Deep work without a pre-set schedule is gaining momentum," he explained, allowing talent from across the world to collaborate without time zone constraints.Takeaways:Access to top-tier talent: "We connect U.S. businesses with the top 1% of talent, vetted and ready to deliver results."Ukrainian tech teams’ competitive edge: "Their work ethic and attention to detail set them apart, offering a cost-to-quality ratio that’s hard to beat."Remote work trends: "Deep work without a pre-set schedule is gaining momentum," allowing teams to work flexibly and deliver high productivity.Building relationships and trust: "It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about helping companies grow and creating long-term partnerships."Leadership in remote environments: "I believe in hiring great talent and giving them the space to excel," balanced with clear expectations and accountability.If you're ready to scale your business with specialized remote tech teams, Hire Odesa can be your trusted partner in finding the right talent to grow efficiently.

Dr. Camilla Moore is a certified clinical instructor for the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program, a diplomate at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and a chiropractor with nearly two decades of experience treating stress-related disorders. We spoke about one of the most common mistakes people make when managing stress, burnout, and imposter syndrome—jumping to treatment without a proper assessment of the root causes.Camilla shared a personal story of how her drive to work one day revealed the depth of her own exhaustion, saying, “What if I just turned around? I didn’t want to quit, I just needed a break.” This moment led her to reassess how burnout builds up and what people often overlook when treating it. She emphasized that many jump to solutions like exercise or better sleep without evaluating what’s really causing the stress.Key topics we discussed include:Root Causes of Burnout: Camilla explained how, like medical conditions, stress and burnout require a proper evaluation before treatment. “We know that chronic stress impacts our physical health... yet we have so little resources to quantify where our stress is coming from.”The Inner Critic and Imposter Syndrome: One critical factor that exacerbates burnout is the inner critic, which fuels imposter syndrome. Camilla shared her personal battle with the thought, “They’re going to think you’re a fraud,” and how she used her five-step process to reframe these thoughts.Energy Management and Focus: Camilla introduced the concept of the “energy battery,” an exercise that quantifies where your energy is going and what you’re getting back. She stressed the importance of allocating energy wisely, saying, “What we’ve been giving, we haven’t been getting back.”Takeaways from this conversation include the importance of identifying the root causes of stress before seeking solutions, learning to manage imposter syndrome by reframing negative thoughts, and finding balance through conscious energy management. As Camilla pointed out, “Once I identified those key components, my whole world opened up.”This episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by burnout, imposter syndrome, or stress.

Jim Sabellico is a heart-centered entrepreneur who redefined success after a powerful wake-up moment—standing in front of a half-eaten birthday cake, realizing he had missed his son's celebration. In our conversation, we explored his journey from an 8-year-old mowing lawns to a business leader who no longer grinds 18-hour days. Jim opened up about the struggle many entrepreneurs face—chasing financial success at the cost of their personal lives—and how he flipped that dynamic to build both a thriving career and a joyful family life.We spoke about the concept of “No Half Cakes,” a personal philosophy Jim created in response to that pivotal moment with his son: “I wasn't going to accept less. I wanted the whole thing.” This approach extends beyond just work-life balance; it’s about building harmony where your personal and professional worlds aren’t in conflict but in sync.Jim emphasized the importance of authenticity, explaining that true success stems from aligning with your core values. “When you operate as your authentic self, it resolves a whole lot of problems for you. You understand what's right and wrong, and you don’t waste time deliberating.” This mindset has allowed him to step back from the hustle and still achieve more success, both professionally and personally.Here are three key takeaways from Jim's insights:Redefine Success: Financial milestones mean little if they come at the expense of personal happiness. Jim’s realization—"I've done all the things that people want to do, but if you come home and you don’t even recognize yourself, that’s not success"—captures the essence of redefining what achievement really means.Harmony Over Balance: Jim challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, proposing instead a model of harmony where your personal and professional lives support one another, allowing you to show up authentically in both areas.The Power of Mentorship and Alignment: Finding someone slightly ahead of you on the journey, whether it’s a coach or a trusted friend, can accelerate your growth. Jim credits his transformation to leaning on others who had faced similar struggles, offering an invaluable resource for reflection and action.This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling to balance their ambitions with their personal life. Jim’s story serves as a reminder that success isn't just about what you achieve—it's about how you live.