Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Ever wonder how someone can go from being kicked out of college to leading transformative projects at Nike? Ryan Long, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of OnPurpose Studio, joins us to share his extraordinary journey. From his initial setbacks to becoming a talented figure in the business world, Ryan's story is a testament to resilience and the power of continuous learning. We delve into his multifaceted identity, exploring his personal passions and values that drive his entrepreneurial spirit.What does it take to build trust and inspire transformation within a team? Ryan sheds light on his experiences both in small business leadership and at Nike, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual strengths and fostering a supportive environment. He shares how asking the right questions can reveal authentic insights and how vulnerability and open communication create a culture of empowerment. Ryan's unique approach offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to inspire their team and drive meaningful change.Get ready to uncover the magic behind using real-life user data to create impactful products. Ryan discusses the importance of simplifying business processes and focusing on projects that truly matter. He takes us through the discovery process at OnPurpose Studio, stressing the critical filtering of ideas and collaboration with good people. Ryan's experience and wisdom provide a roadmap for maintaining focus and effectiveness, proving that sometimes, less really is more. Tune in for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, trust-building, and the art of creating lovable experiences.ABOUT RYANRyan Long is the Chief Product Officer and co-founder of OnPurpose Studio, a digital creative studio dedicated to supporting inspired people and transforming great ideas into lovable, people-centric digital solutions.Most recently He worked at Nike in Tech Innovation and Strategic Planning where he managed multiple $100M+ businesses and helped lead Nike's digital transformation through the creation of digital solutions that allowed Nike to better serve consumers by getting the right product to the right place at the right time.Ryan has a deep connection to entrepreneurship and small business. He serves as a mentor to multiple startup accelerators and is a multiple-time founder. Notably, in 2016 he founded an e-commerce brand that paired a personalized shopping experience with athletic wear and also served as COO of a regional specialty retailer.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit OnPurpose Studio’s WebsiteConnect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of out-of-home (OOH) advertising with Heather Waisanen, the visionary behind Coastal Maverick. In this episode, you'll gain unparalleled insights from Heather's journey—transitioning from TV and radio advertising to becoming a force in the OOH industry with Outfront Media. After transforming a layoff into an entrepreneurial leap, Heather now empowers clients to achieve maximum visibility through strategic OOH placements. Tune in to hear invaluable lessons from her diverse roles on the vendor, client, and agency sides.Heather reveals everything on the meticulous process of crafting effective billboard campaigns. Discover how she deciphers client goals, navigates market selection, and maximizes budgets to create compelling OOH strategies. From negotiating with media partners to ensuring post-campaign success, Heather shares her expert approach to making billboards stand out, even in competitive markets like Los Angeles and New York. Her stories about innovative formats and the critical role of visuals and frequency will leave you inspired to rethink your advertising tactics.Explore the cutting-edge world of OOH advertising as Heather illustrates its impact at various stages of the marketing funnel. Learn how digital kiosks in New York and strategically placed billboards can drive both brand awareness and direct consumer actions. Heather also unveils the creative possibilities with 3D digital capabilities and scent-enabled campaigns, offering fresh ideas for capturing attention in challenging markets. Drawing on her experience as a competitive gymnast, Heather highlights the resilience needed in entrepreneurship, offering a compelling narrative for anyone looking to expand beyond digital marketing platforms.ABOUT HEATHER Heather Waisanen is the founder of Coastal Maverick, a boutique out-of-home consulting company. Heather has a wealth of experience spanning the vendor, client, and agency sides, and has cultivated a profound passion for Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising.Throughout her career, she's had the privilege of working with a diverse range of brands, each with its unique story and vision. Her role has always been to amplify these narratives through strategic OOH placements, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Coastal Maverick’s WebsiteConnect with Heather on LinkedIn

How do you transform a chaotic startup into a scalable, efficient business that supports the entrepreneur's desired lifestyle? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Brad Eisenberg, a seasoned scalability consultant with a unique approach to business growth. From organizing community events as a child to co-founding the first stationless bike-sharing program in the U.S., Brad’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His perspective on sustainable growth emphasizes creating businesses that align with personal aspirations, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone navigating the tumultuous stages of entrepreneurship.Brad breaks down the journey of business growth into manageable phases, focusing on transitions from early-stage chaos to establishing a robust infrastructure. We dissect his four-phase framework—traction, profitability, capacity, and innovation—while highlighting the delicate balance between volume and complexity. Learn why saying yes strategically in the beginning is crucial for gathering essential data and understanding market demand, and how to pivot towards optimization and efficiency once the foundation is set.Effective systems are the backbone of scalable success, but when should you introduce them? Brad debunks the myth that good ideas and hard work are enough, emphasizing the importance of smart systems and metrics. We discuss integrating non-scalable personal touches into a scalable model, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and the power of targeted efforts. Brad’s personalized approach to consulting and his passion for challenging assumptions offer invaluable takeaways, guiding you in transforming your startup into a well-oiled machine. Don't miss out on Brad’s expert advice on mastering business metrics and systems to achieve scalable success.ABOUT BRAD Brad Eisenberg is a scalability consultant with over 15 years of experience as a Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Consultant. He’s the go-to expert for growing businesses that have hit the point where everything that used to be fun and simple has become messy and complex. Brad helps business owners streamline processes, increase profitability, scale up capacity, and elevate their operations to run like a well-oiled machine. Driven by a deep belief that business can be a powerful force for good, Brad brings a unique blend of operations, technology, finance, and strategy to every client he works with. Through his company, BE Lean, he’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs get out of the weeds, regain their freedom, and build something that lasts.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Be Lean’s WebsiteConnect with Brad on LinkedIn

Join us as we pay tribute to AJ Mihrzad, a remarkable entrepreneur and W2E friend whose journey from immigrant roots to thriving business leader have inspired people all over the world. AJ was more than just a guest on Episode 363 of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast; he was a beacon of positivity and perseverance. In this poignant episode, our host, Brian Lofrumento, reflects on the profound impact AJ had on his life and the entrepreneurial community. Through friendship and his uplifting social media presence, AJ taught us all that anything is possible with determination and a positive mindset.As we remember AJ's contributions, we explore the enduring lessons he left behind. His words challenge us to elevate our personal and professional lives, reminding us of the pervasive impact of our work. Brian shares insights from AJ's thoughtful approach to life and the importance of surrounding ourselves with genuine appreciation. As we move toward 2025, let's strive for personal growth and become the best versions of ourselves, inspired by AJ's legacy.

Unlock the secret to supercharging your productivity as our host, Brian Lofrumento, guides you through the transformative power of batching on this week's Action Saturday episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast. Imagine dedicating just one day a week to handle all your content-related tasks, freeing up the rest of your week for other important ventures. Beyond just boosting efficiency, batching is Brian's secret weapon to managing a five-day-a-week podcast amidst a whirlwind of business milestones, like gearing up for Episode 1,000 and exploring new content formats. Discover how this simple tweak can redefine your workflow and eliminate distractions that slow you down.

Unlock the secrets of financial resilience and entrepreneurial success through our engaging discussion with Chris Hardy, founder of Samson Financial and a former Bentley University alum and classmate of host Brian Lofrumento. Discover how Chris transitioned from a predictable career at Citizens Bank to navigating the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship, and learn invaluable lessons on financial modeling for small businesses. His journey from corporate FP&A roles to starting his own firm, especially during a challenging personal milestone, is a masterclass in adaptability and persistence.Through our conversation, Chris reveals the critical importance of financial modeling in optimizing resources for sustainable growth. We'll explore how small businesses can leverage historical data for informed decision-making and avoid common financial pitfalls. Gain insights into fostering teamwork in less collaborative environments, and understand how empathy and personal connections can transform business strategies. Chris’s practical advice for business owners underscores the necessity of confronting financial details head-on to unlock true business potential.Celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit with us as Chris shares his inspiring story and actionable advice. From balancing his life as a student-athlete to managing the complexities of business ownership, Chris's narrative is filled with resilience and adaptability. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. Listen in for a wealth of inspiration and practical tips that could redefine your approach to business and personal growth.ABOUT CHRIS Chris Hardy started his career in commercial banking landing the exact job he wanted and expected to retire from there, only to get poached by a client and thrown into the world of corporate FP&A. This gave Chris a taste for working with a medium-sized company, helping gain valuable experience and exposure to a new set of financial skills. The dream wore off quickly as he was laid off and landed at a much larger organization. Never comfortable in an overly corporate setting, Chris had a mind to get back to what he liked doing but it would take him 5 years to get there. What better time to quit a stable job and start your own financial consulting practice when you have a child on the way. And that's exactly what he did.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Chris on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets to sustainable business success with Hunter Surles, the visionary founder of Rooted Advisory Group. Hunter takes us on an inspiring journey from being laid off to creating a thriving consulting firm that prioritizes intentionality, empathy, and purpose-driven practices. Learn how investing in people and foundational processes like change management can yield both short-term and long-term results, creating a robust organizational foundation that balances financial goals with empathetic leadership.Ever wondered why traditional KPIs and financial metrics might not be enough? Hunter reveals the hidden aspects of business processes that often go unnoticed, such as employee motivations and workflow rationale. By understanding these unseen elements, businesses can identify inefficiencies and elevate overall operations. Discover how to strike the perfect balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a human-centric approach, ensuring that AI and new tools enhance rather than overshadow the human elements of work. Hunter's insights on creating a meaningful connection between employees' tasks and the company's larger goals will leave you rethinking your approach to organizational efficiency.Lastly, navigate the complexities of automation versus human intervention with Hunter's seasoned wisdom. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons from his early career, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real needs before jumping to technological solutions. Learn his strategies for prioritizing tasks that truly matter, eliminating redundant processes, and empowering clients to achieve sustainable success without becoming dependent on external services. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to foster meaningful and lasting business transformation.ABOUT HUNTERHunter Surles is the Founder & Principal of Rooted Advisory Group, an organizational strategy and transformation consulting firm. He helps companies and employees operate with greater purpose, empathy, and intentionality. Hunter has successfully led complex engagements for Fortune 250 companies and startups alike. With a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Tennessee Tech and an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Liberty University, Hunter brings a strong educational background to his work. He holds certifications in Organizational Network Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, Scrum, and Social & Behavioral Research. Outside work, Hunter enjoys fishing, cycling, golfing, and wine. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Laura, and their three dogs. Hunter's expertise in organizational strategy and transformation helps businesses achieve meaningful change and growth.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Rooted Advisory Group’s WebsiteFollow Rooted Advisory Group on LinkedInConnect with Hunter on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how the online dating landscape transformed from clunky flip phones to sophisticated matchmaking algorithms? Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Demyon, a pioneer in the online dating industry who co-founded one of the first mobile dating and chat sites in the US back in 2005. We explore his incredible journey, the evolution of his early platform, and its significant influence on the evolution of the dating platforms we're all familiar with today. Scott’s story not only highlights the ingenuity required to navigate early mobile technology but also sheds light on the broader shifts in dating culture over the past two decades.Tired of the endless swiping and superficial connections that dominate traditional dating apps? Scott introduces Swerv, his innovative solution aiming to foster genuine real-life interactions. By focusing on geographic locations and organic social hotspots, Swerv moves away from the swipe culture, offering users a chance to meet potential matches in more authentic settings. We dive into the shortcomings of conventional dating platforms, their reliance on prolonged user engagement, and how Swerv’s user-centric approach is set to revolutionize the industry by providing genuine value and reducing wasted time.The episode also tackles the increasing challenges posed by AI bots in dating apps. Scott candidly discusses his efforts to market Swerv effectively and his search for a marketing-savvy co-founder to help amplify its reach. With a commitment to ensuring genuine in-person interactions, Swerv positions itself as an AI-proof dating network, safeguarding users against fake profiles and AI-driven scams. Tune in to hear Scott’s creative ideas and upcoming partnerships that utilize AI positively to enhance user experiences without compromising on trust and security. Discover how Scott’s passion for creating genuine connections is set to drive a much-needed change in the online dating world.ABOUT SCOTT Scott Demyon co-founded one of the first mobile dating & chat sites that pioneered mobile dating in the US market in early 2005. PhoneFling & PhoneShag grew rapidly, reaching 42M monthly unique page views solely from feature phone traffic. (3 years before smartphones existed). The core 2-way opt-in matching system was later demoed to Jonathan Badeen in 2009, who went on to co-found Tinder in 2012 utilizing the same algorithm.Scott soon realized the architecture of interacting electronically was causing many negative effects to our dating culture. He created Swerv in response.LINKS & RESOURCESDownload Swerv from App StoreDownload Swerv from Google PlayVisit Swerv’s WebsiteConnect with Scott on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of success by mastering the power of frequency and repetition. Discover why the age-old adage "quality over quantity" might be holding you back. By tuning into this episode, you'll learn how consistent practice and regular engagement are the true drivers of mastery and momentum. From simple analogies like learning life's essential skills like riding a bike, we uncover how regular repetition not only enhances your abilities but also builds deeper connections in business. Think of it as pushing a giant rock uphill—steady effort is what leads to lasting success. 

Unlock the potential of your entrepreneurial journey with insights from the remarkable Emily Weiner, founder and CEO of The Connectors. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Emily shares her transformative approach to fostering meaningful relationships and the power of gifting. Discover how adopting a giver's mindset can revolutionize your negotiations and attract opportunities in unexpected ways. Tune in to hear a personal story about the enduring impact of genuine connections, illustrating how gifting can enrich both your personal and professional life.ABOUT EMILY Emily Weiner, Founder and CEO of The Connectors, is a systems-thinking entrepreneur and business advisor with over 25 years of experience connecting people and ideas to drive change. Leaders value her ability to link individuals and concepts, fostering innovation and impact. Emily has helped thousands, from teenagers to seasoned professionals, discover how to effect change in various roles and sectors. She coaches people to connect with their passions, develop skills, and view societal challenges as entrepreneurial opportunities. Previously, Emily was a founding member of The Lewis Institute at Babson College, growing it into a multimillion-dollar social impact portfolio. Her diverse background includes starting businesses and working across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and political sectors. Emily's expertise lies in fostering intentional relationships and partnerships to unlock new possibilities.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit The Connectors WebsiteFollow The Connectors on LinkedInConnect with Emily on LinkedIn