Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Brian Lofrumento
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Aug 23, 2025 • 32min

1217: The CFO generating MORE revenue with LESS resources... and also building automations & AI workflows for small businesses w/ Mike Paradise

In this episode, Brian sits down with Mike Paradise—CFO of Chirocare of Florida and founder of Paradise Automation Solutions—to uncover how he’s helping small businesses scale smarter through automation and AI. With a finance background from PwC to Ryder, Mike blends strategic thinking with tech implementation in ways that increase revenue while decreasing headcount.Whether you're a solopreneur or managing a small team, this episode reveals how to rethink workflows, align expenses with outcomes, and future-proof your business operations.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business📊 Why "profit per employee" is one of the smartest metrics you should be tracking⚙️ How to eliminate entire roles and save thousands through automation🚦 The difference between automation and AI—and why most small businesses need automation first🧱 Why foundational data and documented processes are prerequisites for smart scaling💡 How to identify inefficiencies hiding in plain sight and turn them into opportunities💬 The mindset shift from hiring people to hiring automations💼 How Mike’s innovative pricing model aligns perfectly with client success and ROI📝 About the Guest Mike Paradise is a strategic finance leader turned automation expert. As the CFO of Chirocare of Florida, he’s helped scale operations from 6 to 10+ clinics—all while maintaining or reducing headcount. He’s also the founder of Paradise Automation Solutions, where he helps small businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and build automations that work harder than full-time employees. Mike’s unique mix of financial insight, operational savvy, and tech knowledge makes him a secret weapon for founders who want to do more with less.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Never stop learning.”💡 Key Takeaways from Mike's Advice: ✔️ The more you learn, the more you’ll see what’s possible in your own business ✔️ Every small business needs to start by fixing broken systems before layering on tech ✔️ Staying curious helps you spot inefficiencies and evolve with your business📢 Memorable Quotes “Profit per employee is one of the most important—and underutilized—metrics in small business.” – Mike Paradise “Never stop learning. Find what you’re interested in and dive deep.” – Mike Paradise “Automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them up to do more valuable work.” – Mike Paradise💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Start by documenting your internal processes—if it’s not defined, it can’t be automated ✅ Track “profit per employee” to spot inefficiencies and improvement opportunities ✅ Move from spreadsheets to tools like Airtable to better structure your business data ✅ Begin with automating simple, repetitive tasks before layering in AI ✅ Evaluate current roles—can any tasks be replaced with automations?🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Paradise Automation Solutions’ WebsiteVisit No Code MBA’s WebsiteConnect with Mike on LinkedInFollow Paradise Automation Solutions on LinkedIn
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Aug 22, 2025 • 33min

1216: Stop shipping CRAP! Here's how to build with QUALITY rather than hype w/ Megan Maloney

Tired of the "move fast and break things" mantra leading to broken products and unhappy customers? This episode is your antidote. We sit down with Megan Maloney, a 20+ year Quality Assurance (QA) veteran and founder of Maloney and Associates, who has built a career on making sure good products see the light of day. Megan unpacks why "quality" isn't a stuffy corporate term, but a vital business strategy for earning trust and scaling successfully. She reveals how her experience, from the military to major corporations, taught her the power of asking the questions everyone else is afraid to, and why your attitude is more valuable than your technical skills. This is a masterclass in building things right, leading with integrity, and developing the resilient mindset you need to thrive.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessHow to define "quality" for your own product or service and set a standard that actually works for your business.Why your willingness to ask the "obvious" or "stupid" questions in meetings is actually your entrepreneurial superpower.The truth about AI in business: How to leverage it as a powerful tool without letting it tank your quality by missing crucial business context.A simple framework (the Kanban board) that you can use today to visualize, prioritize, and conquer your business and personal projects.The #1 trait to look for when hiring your first employees that has nothing to do with their resume or experience.📝 About Megan Maloney Megan Maloney is the dynamic CEO and founder of Maloney and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in quality assurance, test automation, and engineering. Her journey began in the military as a developer, where she discovered her true passion wasn't writing code, but breaking it to find defects before they ever reached a customer. With over two decades of experience, Megan has become an expert in building robust quality strategies for organizations ranging from large banks to agile startups. Her unique perspective is built on a deep understanding of business processes, a belief in the power of human connection, and the courage to ask the hard questions that drive real progress.🎯 Megan’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Never give up... Celebrate the small wins... when you have a setback, take it and learn from it... get up the next day. Keep moving... and if you find something that works, work it more. And if you find something that doesn't work, let it go and let it go quick. I'm all about fail fast, fail fast."📢 Memorable Quotes"In order to be successful, the people that work with me have to be successful. And that means they have to trust me and they have to believe that I have their back.""Attitude is everything. Everything... never forget that we're humans and the human touch matters and the personality and your attitude matter more than sometimes your skills."💡 Actionable TakeawaysAdopt the "Fail Fast" mentality. This week, identify one strategy, task, or feature that isn't delivering results and make the decision to cut it loose.Define your "quality" standard. Write down 3-5 specific criteria that define a "high-quality" outcome for your product or service.Prioritize attitude in your next hire. When interviewing, ask questions that reveal a candidate's desire to learn, their resilience, and how they handle feedback—not just what’s on their resume.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Maloney and Associates’ WebsiteConnect with Megan on LinkedInFollow Maloney and Associates, LLC on LinkedIn
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Aug 21, 2025 • 34min

1215: From Flipping Homes to Flipping the Script on Repairs w/ Eric Schell

Eric Schell didn’t just flip homes—he flipped the script on how property repairs are handled. In this episode, you’ll meet the founder and CEO of OneTap, a smart repair request system designed to eliminate the bottlenecks and inefficiencies that plague maintenance workflows. With a background in construction and real estate, Eric brings a rare blend of hands-on experience and visionary thinking to tech entrepreneurship. Whether you're a solo founder or running a team, this conversation will inspire you to simplify, delegate, and scale smart.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to spot outdated systems in your industry and build scalable tech solutions 🧠 The mindset shift from DIY operator to CEO (and how to delegate for growth) 📱 Why “OneTap” is more than branding—it's a product design philosophy 💼 How Eric blended AI + real humans to streamline service-based businesses 🛠️ The secret to creating win-win pricing models for both service providers and clients 📊 How to whiteboard, organize, and launch a tech startup without a coding background 🌇 Why starting local (Nashville) was key to OneTap’s launch strategy📝 About the Guest Eric Schell is the Co-Founder and CEO of OneTap, a property repair matchmaking app that instantly connects users with qualified technicians. Drawing on over a decade in construction and home flipping, Eric experienced the inefficiencies of traditional repair workflows firsthand. Now based in Nashville, he’s focused on streamlining property repairs—removing bottlenecks and paperwork to make service as simple as one tap.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Go for it—and never look back.” Key takeaways from his advice: ✔ The fear of leaving your 9-to-5 is real—but action brings clarity ✔ Belief in yourself must outweigh external validation ✔ Side hustles are great, but full focus accelerates growth📢 Memorable Quotes “Being in construction taught me how to solve problems—and now I solve them with systems and people.” – Eric Schell “We whiteboard everything. If it’s not simple enough for OneTap, we haven’t figured it out yet.” – Eric Schell “I started logging my tasks every 15 minutes… and that’s how I learned what to delegate.” – Eric Schell💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Audit your weekly tasks and flag what to delegate using Eric’s 3-step method ✅ Design your product experience around simplicity—what would make it just “one tap”? ✅ Build a feedback loop from the field—observe real-world problems before you build ✅ Use AI to reduce time-heavy processes, but keep real humans for connection and clarity🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit OneTap’s WebsiteConnect with Eric on LinkedInFollow OneTap on LinkedIn
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Aug 20, 2025 • 32min

1214: These AI agents will FIND YOUR NEXT CLIENT exactly when they're ready to buy w/ Anish Chopra

What if AI could find your next customer before you even know they exist? That’s exactly what Anish Chopra is doing with Intently—an AI-powered platform that deploys personalized agents to crawl Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and more to detect real-time buying signals. In this episode, you’ll hear how Anish went from coder to founder and built a tool that’s changing the game for B2B sales, SMBs, and even local service providers.We explore the future of agentic AI, the death of cold outreach, and how smart businesses are already using tools like Intently to convert at rates 20x higher than traditional outreach.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🤖 How to use AI agents to find customers before they even hit your funnel🔥 Why cold outbound is dying—and what to do instead💬 The types of “buying signals” your business should be tracking online🚀 How a 1% cold email conversion turned into 20%+ using real-time context💡 The secret to authentic outreach that actually gets responses📈 Why Facebook groups, Reddit, and niche communities are untapped goldmines🛠 How to use AI as your behind-the-scenes business partner (not just for copy)📝 About the Guest Anish Chopra is the founder of Intently, a platform that uses AI agents to detect real-time buying signals across the internet so businesses can reach customers at exactly the right moment. A lifelong tech enthusiast and former AI engineer, Anish built Intently after experiencing firsthand how hard it is to get in front of the right people at the right time. Now based in the Bay Area, he’s on a mission to redefine how companies do sales and marketing in the age of AI.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Talk to your users. It’s the most important thing you can do—before, during, and after building anything.” – Anish ChopraKey Takeaways from Anish’s Advice: ✔ The best products come from solving urgent problems for real people ✔ Talking to your users saves time, money, and guesswork ✔ Feedback should guide every phase of product development—from idea to launch and beyond📢 Memorable Quotes “AI is becoming your always-on assistant—and that changes everything.” – Anish Chopra “We’re not about spamming. We’re about finding people who are already asking for what you do.” – Anish Chopra “I can’t imagine building a business today without AI. It’s like having an extra brain on your team.” – Anish Chopra💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Use AI agents to monitor Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook groups & more for buying signals ✅ Customize outreach messages to be contextual, helpful, and authentic—not salesy ✅ Look at your current customers’ pain points to build better outbound signals ✅ Don’t rely only on inbound—combine smart outbound with community participation ✅ Build with your users, not in a vacuum—feedback is your competitive edge🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Intently’s WebsiteConnect with Anish on LinkedInFollow Intently on LinkedIn
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Aug 19, 2025 • 37min

1213: The Sales Whisperer’s #1 Rule: Stop Selling and Start Building Trust w/ Wes Schaeffer

Tired of feeling like sales is a full-contact sport you’re losing? In this episode, Wes Schaeffer, aka "The Sales Whisperer," demystifies the art and science of selling. He reveals why the old-school "Always Be Closing" mantra is dead and why your success hinges on being trusted, not just liked. Wes explains that your role isn't to convince anyone, but to provide new information that helps prospects come to their own conclusions. This episode is packed with tactical advice on building trust, creating scripts that work, and developing the deep focus required to become a true professional in your field.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessThe new ABCs of selling: Why being Curious, Concise, and Courteous crushes "Always Be Closing."How to build unshakable trust by being consistent and doing exactly what you say you will.The power of "Should Ask Questions" that position you as an expert prospects can't ignore.Why scripts aren't a crutch but a tool for professionals, just like pilots and rockstars.How to differentiate yourself on value and diagnostic skill, not on price.The multi-touch, multi-media follow-up sequence that keeps you top-of-mind without being annoying.Why the key to sales is being trusted (98%), not just known and liked (2%).📝 About Wes Schaeffer Wes Schaeffer is a sales veteran, author, speaker, and host of The Sales Podcast, known worldwide as "The Sales Whisperer." With a background in the Air Force and years of getting his teeth kicked in by the world of high-tech sales, Wes developed a no-nonsense, trust-based approach to helping businesses grow. He's also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and an HOA president, proving he's not afraid to step in and fix things that are broken. Wes brings a unique perspective that sales is a profession to be mastered, not a necessary evil to be avoided.🎯 Wes’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "You've got to invest in coaching... you've got to drill down deep into one thing. Business success is not a charcuterie board."📢 Memorable Quotes“An amateur will do something until they get it right. A professional will do it until they can't get it wrong.” – Wes Schaeffer“We don't change our mind. We come to a new conclusion when we discover new information.” – Wes Schaeffer“Fish don't know that they're wet. We don't know that we're constantly being sold to. Once you recognize that, then I think you're a fool if you don't embrace sales.” – Wes Schaeffer💡 Actionable TakeawaysDevelop your "Should Ask Questions": Brainstorm 3-5 questions your prospects aren't thinking about but should be. Use these to establish your expertise early in a sales conversation.Implement a multi-touch follow-up plan: Create a simple, consistent follow-up sequence combining calls, emails, and social media engagement. In your messages, always state when you will follow up next, and then do it.Audit your "bedside manner": Record one of your sales calls. Do you listen more than you talk? Do you make the prospect feel heard and understood before offering a solution?🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Sales Podcast’s WebsiteCheck out The Sales Whisperer’s NewsletterConnect with Wes on LinkedIn
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Aug 18, 2025 • 34min

1212: She built 50 companies(!) after the age of 40... and here are the secrets to her success w/ Caroline Breeding

In this powerfully inspiring episode, Caroline Breeding shares how she went from being an occupational therapist to founding and scaling over 50 healthcare businesses across seven states. But this isn’t just a story about success—it’s a masterclass in servant leadership, adaptability, and creating real impact through entrepreneurship. Caroline’s ability to merge healthcare expertise with business savvy has helped her revolutionize post-acute care, and now she’s disrupting continuing education with her latest venture, Intuitive Learning Solutions.Whether you’re just getting started or scaling to the next level, Caroline’s story is packed with the wisdom, realness, and strategies every entrepreneur needs to hear.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 Why success can come after 40—and how to tap into your life experience to build something impactful 🧠 How to pivot from a clinical or service background into scalable entrepreneurship 🤝 Why building trust-based teams is the key to scaling your business 🎯 How servant leadership creates stronger teams and faster growth 💡 The mindset shift that turns challenges into creative fuel 📈 How to take dense, “boring” content and make it engaging, effective, and scalable 💬 What it takes to truly embody an abundance mindset in business📝 About the Guest Caroline Breeding is an experienced occupational therapist and co-founder of Intuitive Learning Solutions. With over 30 years in healthcare, she has founded and led more than 50 post-acute service companies across seven states, including home health, hospice, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation ventures. A serial entrepreneur and mentor, Caroline is passionate about guiding others through the challenges of launching and scaling healthcare businesses.🎯 Caroline’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Go with your passion. Don’t start a business just because it’s trending. And surround yourself with people who believe in you.”Key Takeaways from Her Advice: ✔ Don’t chase trends—build from what genuinely drives you ✔ The right support network can make or break your journey ✔ Passion builds resilience through the inevitable ups and downs📢 Memorable Quotes “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Most people only see it when they look back ten years later.” – Caroline Breeding “I’ve always believed in servant leadership—my job is to lift others up and bring them with me.” – Caroline Breeding “You don’t have to do it alone, but you do have to trust the people you invite into your business.” – Caroline Breeding💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Pause to reflect on small wins—they’re the key to long-term patience and momentum ✅ Think beyond PowerPoint—make learning experiences engaging, even in ‘boring’ industries ✅ If you’re scaling, prioritize building a trusted team you can delegate to ✅ Revisit your ‘why’ regularly—it’s your most powerful compass during tough moments ✅ Normalize starting later in life—your experience is an entrepreneurial advantage🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Intuitive Learning Solutions’ WebsiteConnect with Caroline on LinkedInFollow Intuitive Learning Solutions on LinkedIn
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Aug 17, 2025 • 35min

1211: Using STRENGTHS-BASED leadership to be the best YOU w/ Mike Vincent

Mike Vincent’s journey spans 20 years as a Marine officer to co-founding Kaleo Coaching, a leadership coaching company rooted in strengths-based development. In this episode, Mike shares how lessons from the military—like adaptability, feedback, and team-building—are directly applicable to entrepreneurship. He explains how the CliftonStrengths framework has been a game-changer for individuals and teams looking to lead with clarity and energy. You'll walk away with powerful insights on how to listen for your calling, adapt through adversity, and tap into your natural wiring for long-term success.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 Why self-awareness is the ultimate entrepreneurial superpower—and how to develop it💪 How to use strengths-based leadership to unlock team potential and retention🔍 What it really means to “listen to your calling” (and how to spot the signs)🔁 Why adaptability—not just resilience—is the key to surviving and thriving⚙️ How military principles like feedback and orientation drive better business decisions📊 Why soft skills are now “durable skills”—and how to build a strengths-driven culture🧩 How to avoid letting labels or diagnoses (like ADHD) limit your potential📝 About the Guest Mike Vincent is a retired Marine officer and co-founder of Kaleo Coaching, based in St. Charles, Missouri. After two decades of leading Marines globally, he returned home to help run his family’s HVAC business—and bring strengths-based leadership tools to small businesses and teams across industries. Together with his brother, Mike coaches individuals and organizations using the CliftonStrengths assessment to build self-awareness, improve team dynamics, and cultivate calling-driven leadership. His real-world experience spans military, family business, and coaching—making him a uniquely grounded and impactful leader.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Resilience isn’t just bouncing back—it’s your ability to adapt.” Key Takeaways: ✔️ Your ability to adapt is more powerful than trying to return to the way things were ✔️ Collaboration is essential—true transformation happens with others, not alone ✔️ Lean into your natural strengths to develop a resilient, energy-giving approach to business📢 Memorable Quotes “Circumstances change. You need something inside of you that doesn’t.” – Mike Vincent “These strengths aren’t labels. They’re clues to the best version of you.” – Mike Vincent “If you’re not hearing your calling, ask yourself: what’s preventing me from listening?” – Mike Vincent💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Take the CliftonStrengths assessment to uncover your top strengths ✅ Start journaling or reflecting on what gives you energy and meaning—those are clues ✅ Use your strengths lens to reframe your role, tasks, or even pivot opportunities ✅ Collaborate with teammates who complement your blind spots and fill in the full picture ✅ Practice adaptability, not just perseverance, especially in changing business climates🔗 Links & Resources Visit Kaleo Coaching’s WebsiteConnect with Mike on LinkedInFollow Kaleo Coaching on LinkedInFollow Kaleo Coaching on Facebook
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Aug 16, 2025 • 33min

1210: How this 19yo entrepreneur is CRUSHING paid ads + digital marketing w/ Andre Lokuszta

At just 19 years old, Andre Lokuszta has already built a digital marketing agency that’s helping businesses generate millions in revenue. In this episode, Andre shares how he got started at 17, the frameworks he uses to run wildly effective paid ad campaigns, and how he uses automation and AI to scale results without losing personalization.You’ll hear how Andre sees age as a strategic advantage, why most businesses are failing at paid ads, and how to build systems that optimize for what really matters—predictable client acquisition. Whether you’re new to ads or scaling your funnel, this episode is packed with gold.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 Why execution—not age—is the real currency in entrepreneurship 📉 The biggest mistake business owners make when they judge marketing based on cost per lead 🔁 How to build automated backend systems that qualify, nurture, and convert leads 🧠 Why ad fatigue happens—and how to keep your funnels performing 📲 The right way to use platforms like Meta, Google, and LinkedIn (based on YOUR customer) 📈 How to create messaging that connects directly with your ideal client profile (ICP) ⚙️ Why AI is leverage—not the product—and how to use it strategically in your business📝 About the Guest Andre Lokuszta is a 19-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Netcast Marketing, a digital marketing agency he launched at 17 while still in high school. Now a full-time student at UC San Diego, he has already helped clients generate millions in revenue through strategic paid advertising, lead generation, and client acquisition. Andre’s hands-on approach and passion for business have given him a sharp understanding of what drives real results. Balancing college and entrepreneurship, he continues to grow as a leader while sharing insights from building a business from the ground up.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Let your actions speak for who you want to become, not your words.” – Andre Lokuszta💬 Key takeaways from Andre’s advice: ✔ Talk less, do more—your daily actions define your identity and success ✔ If your calendar doesn’t reflect your goals, you’re not really pursuing them ✔ Set 3 non-negotiable priorities daily and schedule them📢 Memorable Quotes “Competence isn’t age-bound—it’s execution-bound.” – Andre Lokuszta “AI isn’t the product, it’s the leverage. Use it to simplify and scale.” – Andre Lokuszta “What you spend your time on is what you become.” – Andre Lokuszta💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Stop focusing on cost per lead—optimize for cost per acquisition ✅ Build nurture automations to keep leads warm and reduce drop-off ✅ Identify your ideal client profile (ICP) and tailor your messaging to speak directly to them ✅ Don’t fear ad fatigue—expect it, and be ready with new creatives ✅ Zoom out for true work-life balance: it’s about seasons, not daily perfection🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Netcast Marketing’s WebsiteConnect with Andre on LinkedInFollow Netcast Marketing on LinkedIn
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Aug 15, 2025 • 32min

1209: The AI Tool That Turns 40-Hour Proposals into 2-Day Wins w/ Shelley Simkins

Tired of spending endless hours on proposals that go nowhere? In this episode, multi-time entrepreneur Shelley Simkins shares how a ruined Christmas vacation spent grinding on an RFP was the breaking point that launched her AI company, Proquesto. Shelley breaks down the hidden costs and complexities of the traditional proposal process and reveals how AI is the great equalizer for small and mid-sized businesses. This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who wants to win more business, reclaim their time, and learn how to transform their own frustrations into a scalable, tech-driven solution.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessHow to implement a "Go/No-Go" framework to stop wasting time on the wrong RFPs.The secret to differentiating your proposals with authentic client stories instead of just competing on price.The strategy of building a co-founding team with diverse skills (sales, tech, operations) to create a well-rounded business.Why "drinking your own Kool-Aid" and using your own product is the ultimate tool for building credibility and refining your offer.How to turn your biggest professional pain point into a viable and scalable business idea.📝 About Shelley Simkins Shelley Simkins is a seasoned entrepreneur and former consulting executive who built a strategic health tech practice after years at firms like Huron Consulting, Accenture, and multiple startups. Motivated by firsthand frustrations with outdated RFP processes, she founded Proquesto to reimagine procurement workflows using AI. Drawing on deep experience in growth strategy and operational innovation, Shelley brings a forward-thinking, tech-enabled approach to solving entrenched industry inefficiencies. Her leadership emphasizes streamlining operations and maximizing client value through emerging technologies. Under her direction, Proquesto is redefining the RFP landscape with AI-powered solutions that raise the bar for efficiency and insight.🎯 Shelley’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"The more that you drink your own Kool-Aid of what you're selling, the better off you're going to resonate in the market because people trust people who utilize their own services and product."📢 Memorable Quotes"I sat in a hotel lobby, in a hotel room 12 hours a day pushing out RFP content... and at that point I said, never again. I have to give people back their work life balance and not be spending an entire Christmas vacation or sacrificing time with your family in order to respond to an RFP.""Our product really gets you first draft 75% complete so that you can spend your time... leveraging their critical thinking and creativity without getting bogged down." 💡 Actionable TakeawaysBefore starting your next proposal, hold a "Go/No-Go" meeting to decide if the opportunity truly aligns with your company's skillset and resources.Rewrite a section of your standard proposal template to include a compelling, real-life client story that demonstrates your value beyond a list of services.Audit your weekly tasks and identify one repetitive, back-office process you can streamline using an AI or automation tool like ClickUp.If you're looking for a business partner, make a list of the skills you lack and intentionally seek out individuals who excel in those areas.Explore an AI proposal tool to understand how it can help you respond to more opportunities and increase your revenue stream.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Proquesto’s WebsiteConnect with Shelley on LinkedInFollow Proquesto on LinkedIn
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Aug 14, 2025 • 35min

1208: Why your tech stack starts with the PEOPLE behind your business w/ Jack Murphy

In this episode, Jack Murphy, founder of Motion 3 Technology, shares his unorthodox path from the nonprofit camping industry to building a tech consulting business that puts humans first. Jack dives deep into why most tech solutions fail not because of bad technology, but because they ignore people and change management. He breaks down the difference between managed service providers and true strategic tech partners, and why being a facilitator, not a dictator, is the future of IT. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on business evolution, tech stack decisions, AI integration, and managing growth with patience and fun.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to evolve your business through multiple iterations while staying true to your strengths 🤖 Why most tech failures are really people failures — and how to avoid them 💡 How to audit and simplify your bloated tech stack for real productivity gains 🎯 The role of timing and beta testers in rolling out new tools and systems ⚙️ How to approach AI as a productivity tool (not a human replacement) 💰 Why understanding your client’s learning styles unlocks better change management 🎸 How injecting humor and fun makes difficult business conversations easier📝 About the GuestJack Murphy is the founder of Motion 3 Technology, where he helps small and medium businesses implement strategic technology solutions that actually fit their people, processes, and goals. With a background in education and leadership, Jack brings a unique facilitative approach that focuses less on selling tech and more on guiding businesses through meaningful change. His company focuses on fractional CIO and CTO services, with a mission to help businesses move forward—hence the name "Motion 3."🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Intelligence doesn’t build businesses — tenacity does."Key Takeaways from Jack’s Advice: ✔ Longevity in business comes from a willingness to keep going, no matter how hard it gets ✔ You don’t need to have all the answers or credentials to start—just the courage to begin ✔ Comfort zones kill growth—stay uncomfortable and keep iterating📢 Memorable Quotes "I’d rather be a leaf in a river than a leaf in a pond." — Jack Murphy "My job isn’t to have the answers—it’s to help you figure out the right questions." — Jack Murphy "AI should assist humans, not pretend to be them." — Jack Murphy💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Start your tech decisions with your people, not your tools ✅ Build an audit system to evaluate your tech stack’s actual productivity ✅ Use small beta test groups before company-wide tech rollouts ✅ Approach AI as a tool for efficiency and support, not a full replacement for human interaction ✅ Bring humor and lightness into your leadership—it makes even tough changes easier🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Motion 3 Technology’s WebsiteConnect with Jack on LinkedInFollow Motion 3 Technology on LinkedIn

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