Entrepreneur Intel

Alek Ivanov is the founder of Synergy3, an HVAC company that’s grown to over 30 team members and more than $8 million in revenue. But his path to success was anything but smooth: and from arriving in the U.S. with just $8 to building a thriving business from the ground up, Alek bares it all.Today, Alek joins me to dive into the emotional and practical journey of entrepreneurship. Alek shares the chance encounter that led him into the HVAC industry, and the three factors that helped him build a team that thrives - even when he’s off biking solo across Iceland or competing in an Ironman.We also get real about turning your most hurtful moments into fuel for your success. Aleks shares exactly how he lost over $500,000, Plus the toughest lessons and internal shifts he went through to break through the $3M bottleneck in his businessJoin us today whether you’re in home services or any entrepreneurial space as we discuss the SOPs, the cost of poor partnerships, mental health, and what it really takes to chase big goals like building a $100M business.Alek Ivanov's Social Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alek-ivanov-8209a410/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Synergy3: https://synergy3.com/

How can SaaS fuel your business growth and keep you ahead of the curve? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Nathan Tyler, an experienced founder and SaaS expert, to uncover how data-driven decision-making can transform your company.Nathan shares his journey from building a web agency to creating BlinkMetrics, a SaaS platform that gives entrepreneurs real-time insights into their key business metrics. Learn how SaaS tools can automate performance tracking, eliminate guesswork, and help you scale with clarity.Discover why knowing your numbers is the ultimate growth hack—and how the right SaaS can help you avoid costly blind spots, streamline operations, and make better business moves every day.Takeaways:SaaS is the key to unlocking accurate, real-time business data—helping you catch issues early and seize growth opportunities fast.Tracking the right metrics with SaaS tools lets you lead with confidence, not guesswork.Great SaaS products focus on both user experience and world-class customer support—because software should solve problems, not create new ones.Entrepreneurs who leverage SaaS tools like BlinkMetrics gain a competitive edge by staying on top of their business performance daily.Quote of the Show:“The best entrepreneurs don’t guess—they measure. SaaS turns your business blind spots into growth opportunities.” – Nathan TylerLinks:BlinkMetrics: www.blinkmetrics.comStealth Consulting: www.stealthconsulting.comIf you're an entrepreneur looking to scale smarter, cut through the noise, and master your business metrics, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it!

How do you build a team that thrives together and drives business success? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Jay Hawreluk, founder of AcuMax Index, to explore how understanding team dynamics can transform your organization.Jay shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with nothing but a vision in 2012, and how he developed a revolutionary tool to help businesses hire smarter, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Discover why team dynamics play a critical role in aligning individual strengths with organizational goals and how neuroscience-backed insights can help you get it right every time.Takeaways:Neuroscience is the game-changer in understanding innate human wiring and building effective teams. Aligning roles with individuals’ natural wiring fosters stronger team dynamics and reduces workplace stress.By focusing on the strengths and limitations of each team member, you can create a collaborative environment that drives results. Making the right hire isn’t just a cost-saving move—it’s a path to building a happier, more productive workplace.Quote of the Show: “When you align people to their wiring, their success fuels the team’s success.” - Jay HawrelukLinks:AcuMax Index: www.acumaxindex.comWhether you're hiring for growth or building a collaborative workplace, this episode dives into the core of team dynamics and how it shapes organizational success. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Harvey, founder of The Roof Resource, to explore his journey of disrupting the roofing industry. By applying innovative business models akin to Airbnb, Mike has redefined how roofing services are delivered, saving homeowners significant costs and earning their trust. He shares insights into his franchise model, the power of customer-centric innovation, and his vision for scaling this unique approach to other industries.Takeaways:The "Airbnb of Roofing": Mike’s innovative approach connects homeowners with roofing solutions at half the traditional cost, without owning materials or contractors.Overcoming Challenges: Building trust with customers was initially a hurdle, but referrals and exceptional service created lasting credibility.The Power of Process: Proprietary systems like their custom CRM and robust agreements make The Roof Resource scalable and unique.Franchise Growth: With an affordable franchise model and extensive support, entrepreneurs can join this revolutionary movement.Future Expansion: Mike plans to expand into windows, gutters, and beyond, while maintaining a sharp focus on roofing for now.Quote of the Show: "We’re not just selling roofs; we’re delivering a service that transforms how people think about home improvement, saving families thousands and building trust.” - Mike Harvey Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-harvey-a53bb7116/Website: https://harveysroofingllc.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we explore the crucial relationship between visionaries and integrators in business, discussing how their collaboration can drive success and sustainability. Our guest shares insights on fostering the right company culture, the importance of behavioral assessments, and best practices for hiring and onboarding. We also dive into strategies for overcoming challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including loneliness in leadership, effective delegation, and scaling with purpose. This episode is packed with actionable advice for business leaders looking to sharpen their skills and enhance team dynamics.Takeaways:Visionary-Integrator Synergy: The partnership between visionaries and integrators is essential for scaling businesses effectively. Visionaries focus on long-term goals, while integrators ensure daily operations align with these objectives.The Right People in the Right Seats: Using tools like Culture Index, Colby, and Working Genius can help identify team members' strengths and align them with the right roles, fostering better outcomes and reducing friction.The Value of Behavioral Assessments: Assessments like Acumax and Patrick Lencioni's frameworks provide deep insights into team dynamics and individual contributions, ensuring healthier work environments.Hiring Lessons Learned: Cutting corners by hiring cheaper talent can lead to repeated failures. Investing in experienced professionals yields long-term benefits and avoids costly mistakes.Overcoming Visionary Challenges: Tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) and Strategic Coach’s Impact Filter help visionaries clarify goals and improve communication with their teams.Regular Alignment Meetings: Weekly or biweekly "same page" meetings between visionaries and integrators strengthen alignment and ensure the business moves forward cohesively.Quote of the Show:"Integrators get into the details, but visionaries are always looking down the field and beyond—this dynamic, when respected, is how businesses truly thrive." - Robert Wolfe Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatmccurdy/Website: https://www.cbltm.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode of Entrepreneur Intel, we delve into the insights shared by Ben Quintana, who is the Principal at Kis Solutions. The conversation explores innovative approaches to advertising, creative strategies, and customer experience optimization. Ben brings a unique perspective rooted in data-driven decision-making and the application of economic principles to foster impactful customer interactions.Takeaways:Customer-First Strategies: Ben emphasizes the power of prioritizing customer experience in shaping successful marketing campaigns.Data-Driven Marketing: The integration of data analysis and economic principles is essential for achieving marketing success.Transparent and Integrated Shopping Experiences: Innovations in automotive retail are highlighted, showcasing how transparency can enhance customer trust and engagement.Challenging the Status Quo: Success often lies in questioning conventional methods and embracing new technology and partnerships.Revenue Technology Leadership: Insights from Ben on implementing MarTech tools and managing multi-million dollar tech stacks to drive GTM effectiveness.Quote of the Show: "The key to marketing success lies not just in the numbers, but in telling a story that the customer can connect with — one that’s transparent, concise, and built on trust.” - Ben QuintanaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-quintana-4a43682/Website: https://www.kissolutions.tech/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, Charles Leikauf, a fractional CFO and e-commerce marketing expert, shares insights into achieving marketing efficiency and driving revenue growth for e-commerce businesses. He discusses challenges with ad platforms, the importance of data accuracy, and strategies to optimize marketing spend. Charles also talks about how he works with clients to streamline financials and manage growth, using a playbook to guide decisions. If you're looking to boost your marketing effectiveness, this episode provides practical tips for making smarter ad spend decisions.Takeaways:Data-Driven Decisions: Platforms like Facebook, Google, and Snapchat all provide data, but attribution can be misleading. It's crucial to rely on accurate data for making strategic decisions on ad spend.Marketing Efficiency Ratio (MER): By focusing on MER, you can determine the optimal ad spend to achieve the highest possible return.CFO’s Role in E-commerce Growth: Charles emphasizes the importance of financial accuracy, setting clear goals, and using playbooks to guide businesses through cost management and scaling strategies.Leveraging Sales Teams for High-Ticket Items: Adding salespeople to call abandoned carts can significantly boost revenue for higher-ticket items like massage tables or other specialty products.Overcoming Fear of Spending on Ads: Many entrepreneurs fear investing in ads, but Charles uses financial modeling to show the potential return on investment, helping businesses confidently scale their ad spend.Quote of the Show:"If I had a box, it's a little black box, and I could feed a dollar into it and it popped out four, you better believe I'm taking out a second mortgage and I'm putting every dollar I can into that box." - Charles LykoffLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleikauf/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/profit-surge-group/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we dive into the creation and innovative mission of ZEC, a platform designed to modernize and simplify board meetings. Born from the founders’ personal frustrations at Moosejaw and CrowdRise, ZEC addresses the inefficiencies of traditional board presentations, which often spanned over 100 hours of preparation for decks exceeding 130 slides. By integrating cutting-edge AI and infusing lighthearted elements into a serious process, ZEC transforms board meetings into more productive and enjoyable experiences. The discussion covers how the platform enhances preparation, ensures security, and fosters a collaborative environment that aligns with today’s technological advancements.Takeaways:Origin of ZEC: The idea for ZEC came from firsthand experiences with cumbersome board presentations at Moosejaw and CrowdRise, where the shortest deck was 134 slides, taking over 100 hours to create and resulting in repetitive, unproductive meetings.Building on Familiar Ground: ZEC was co-founded by the guest, his brother, and Edward Norton. Their team comprises members from Moosejaw and CrowdRise, allowing for a seamless startup phase where everyone spoke the same language and could collaborate effectively.ZEC’s Target Market: The platform is suited for any organization with a board, from enterprises to nonprofits. Notably, 25% of ZEC’s users are nonprofits, a segment they did not initially anticipate.Vision for ZEC: ZEC aims to modernize board meetings similarly to how DocuSign revolutionized signing documents. The platform prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, recognizing the limitations of traditional slide decks in today’s digital landscape.Infusing Fun into the Process: ZEC’s branding includes creative, lighthearted touches—such as sending cookies to client teams before board meetings, with notes that bring humor to otherwise tense situations.Integration of AI: ZEC leverages AI, powered by a secure backbone based on ChatGPT, to significantly reduce preparation time and enhance the quality of presentations. The platform’s AI is tailored to executive needs, turning users from content authors into editors.Security Focus: Understanding the sensitive nature of board content, ZEC has implemented robust security measures to ensure compliance, meeting stringent due diligence standards.Quote of the Show: "We’re trying to modernize the board meeting experience in the same way DocuSign modernized signing documents. It’s about transforming a process that’s outdated and making it not just efficient, but engaging.” - Robert Wolfe Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-w-0abaaa273/Website: https://www.zeck.app/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this insightful episode, Wes speaks with Mario Lupia, an expert in operations and leadership, about the challenges faced by visionary entrepreneurs and how structured processes are essential for achieving their ambitious goals. The discussion centers around balancing visionary ideas with realistic operational strategies and the importance of having an experienced operator to transform vision into execution.Takeaways:Visionaries often have grand ideas but may struggle with practical execution, as they tend to focus more on the big picture and less on the step-by-step process required to achieve it.Establishing a clear end goal is essential before creating strategies to achieve it. Without a defined outcome, the steps to get there may become disorganized or misguided.Tools like the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) from EOS are highly effective in aligning visionaries and operators by clearly documenting core values, long-term targets, and actionable plans. This alignment helps ensure that everyone is on the same page.Operators play a crucial role in translating high-level goals into actionable steps, providing structure, timelines, and foresight to prevent potential setbacks. They serve as the bridge between vision and reality.Effective operators ask tough questions and challenge assumptions to ensure realistic goal-setting and resource allocation. They don’t just accept ideas at face value but delve deeper to highlight gaps and foster better decision-making.Quote of the Show:“A visionary might see the end result, but it’s the operator who steps in and says, 'Here’s how we’re going to get there.'” - Mario LupiaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-lupia-57a460/Website: https://opfficiency.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, Wes is joined by Mark Scrimenti, an expert in fractional leadership, to discuss the power of fractional executives and how businesses can scale effectively using frameworks like EOS. Mark shares his experience transitioning from digital marketing to fractional COO and how businesses can benefit from having strategic support without the commitment of a full-time executive. They explore the challenges of being a visionary leader, managing growth, and the importance of setting clear goals while embracing iterative improvements.Takeaways:- Fractional executives bring a strategic edge to companies by focusing on specific needs while offering flexibility.- The role of a fractional COO is often temporary, aimed at setting up systems for growth and eventually handing over responsibilities to an internal team member.- The key to a successful fractional leadership model is regular communication, accountability, and a structured approach to planning and goal-setting (e.g., EOS, OKRs).- Visionaries need to embrace imperfection, iterate often, and allow their businesses to evolve in response to feedback and changing market conditions.- Building a healthy, growth-oriented culture within the company is crucial for long-term success.Quote of the Show:“Done is better than perfect. If you get it out there, you get real market feedback, and you just keep improving.” – Mark ScrimentiLinks:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrimenti/- Website: https://vividpathconsulting.com/Ways to Tune In:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 - Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614