Beyond Fulfillment Podcast

In this episode, Scott Holmes, founder and CEO of Teton, sits down with host Dave to share the real story of how a childhood plagued by uncomfortable camping experiences led him to build one of the industry’s respected outdoor gear brands.Scott reveals how early mentorship in import/export, prioritizing relationship-building, and focusing on company culture powered his long-term growth. Dive into candid discussions about the challenges and pitfalls facing every entrepreneur—like managing inventory, hiring employees, and evolving your business model when growth demands it.Scott also shares hands-on advice about creating a “to-don’t” list, leveraging payment terms for healthy cash flow, and adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for a well-run, values-driven business. Plus, hear how being an early Amazon seller impacted Teton’s trajectory, and why culture fit and core values matter most when expanding your team. If you’re searching for honest insights, practical business strategies, and real-life stories from someone who built a multi-million dollar brand in a competitive niche, this episode delivers. Discover more at tetongear.com and learn how to build the kind of company you’d be proud to lead.Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-holmes-9b7a19a/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#dtc #entrepreneurs #startupstories #outdoorgear #leadership #ecommerce #logistics #entrepreneurmindset

In this episode, Laura Armstrong, founder and CEO of Wealth Mastery Systems, dives deep into her journey from corporate commodities trader to serial entrepreneur and three-time world champion martial artist. Laura shares how her athletic mindset and holistic practices fueled her entrepreneurial success, providing unique perspectives on business resilience, scaling, and developing a powerful money mindset. Discover how limiting beliefs, clarity of vision, and knowing your worth can impact your revenue and ability to scale. Laura also talks honestly about navigating a challenging corporate exit and how she leveraged her side hustles and competitive drive to build a thriving company focused on helping high achievers and those just starting, transform their relationship with money.Whether you’re struggling to attract ideal clients, wrestling with pricing your services, or wanting to build a results-driven team, Laura’s strategies for mindset, alignment, and support are directly relevant. Don’t miss practical frameworks, tools, and real stories that you can immediately adapt to your own entrepreneurial journey. Connect with Laura via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurayarmstrong/ or wealthmasterysystems.com for more insights and help scaling your business.Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#businessgrowth #mindsetmatters #entrepreneurship #personaldevelopment #businessmindset #businesstransformation #businesscoaching #highachievers #womeninbusiness

In this episode, Joe Killinger shares his journey scaling three commercial real estate companies to over $5 million each—no easy feat for any entrepreneur. Joe reveals practical strategies for business growth, stressing the importance of adapting your sales approach, leveraging referrals, and mastering digital marketing and SEO. Learn why commercial real estate remains a lucrative path for those willing to invest in research, market specialization, and authentic content marketing. Joe discusses how strategic networking, localized expertise, and value-driven content can drive inbound leads, setting you apart from bigger competitors. Discover the real-world benefits of proof stacking, personal branding, and affiliate networks for expanding your business across markets.The episode also dives into the realities facing new professionals, including the astounding industry churn rate and how a strong mindset and commitment to learning make all the difference. Whether you’re exploring commercial real estate or looking for proven business growth strategies, you’ll find actionable advice from Joe’s deep experience. Tune in and bring these lessons into your own entrepreneurial journey.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-killingerrealestate/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#realestate #agentlife #commercialrealestate #careeradvice #businessstrategy #trainingmatters #entrepreneurship #careertraining

In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas sits down with legendary supply chain entrepreneur Jim Tompkins for a candid conversation about growth, innovation, and the evolution of the Tompkins family of companies. Jim reveals how he built Tompkins Associates from ground up, expanded to Tompkins International, and later launched Tompkins Robotics, Tompkins Solutions, and Tompkins Ventures. Discover how these companies pivoted, adapted, and created value amid changing market conditions—especially through the challenges of COVID-19 and the rapid rise of new supply chain technology.Dive deep into how network planning, warehouse design, and material handling integration are changing with tools like Cosmic Frog, and how smart entrepreneurs should approach demand fluctuations, transportation rates, and partnerships. Jim and Dave discuss asset-heavy versus asset-light business models, recurring revenue, and project income, giving in-depth perspective on how businesses can collaborate and compete within today’s fast-paced environment.Whether you’re scaling up operations or looking for new ways to optimize your logistics, this episode is packed with real-world insights from a successful founder who’s still pushing forward—and helping others do the same.Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#supplychain #logistics #robotics #warehousetech #businesstransformation #warehouse #supplychainmanagement

In this episode of Beyond Fulfillment, host Dave sits down with CJ Davidson, founder of Proxy Financial, to dive deep into what it takes to build a business that truly disrupts the traditional finance model.CJ shares his firsthand experiences going from the mainstream world of big finance to starting his own independent firm, revealing decisions, hardships, and lessons every business builder will relate to. You’ll hear about the power of questioning old assumptions, what it means to serve clients as individuals, and why putting people (both client and advisor) at the center of the business leads to lasting results.Discover how Proxy Financial creates an environment where financial advisors operate as business owners, prioritizing value and trust over institutional branding. CJ candidly discusses the financial challenges of launching a company, how to build a resilient business culture, and the realities of making tough sacrifices as a founder.If you want strategies for customer-first growth, leadership insights, and motivation to carve your own path, this episode is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful and sustainable. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below!Connect with CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjdavidsonplanner/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#finance #businessgrowth #leadership #entrepreneurship #leadershipdevelopment #businessstrategy #innovation

In this episode of Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas sits down with Jamie Pastrano, an inspiring first-time founder who leveraged her passion as a mother and licensed social worker to create synchrony, the first-of-its-kind AI-powered social app designed to address real challenges faced by neurodivergent and autistic adults. Jamie shares her path from corporate executive to tech founder, highlighting how personal experiences and empathy can drive impactful innovation. Hear detailed strategies on assembling a founding team, conducting hands-on research, partnering with advocacy groups and universities, and prioritizing user-centric design for niche communities.Discover how Synchrony uses AI to foster genuine social connections and why market validation from professionals and advocacy networks was critical to their growth. Whether you're developing an app, exploring AI solutions, or looking to serve communities often overlooked by mainstream business, Jamie’s story provides practical advice and inspiration. Subscribe for more founder stories, startup strategies, and business-building tactics you won’t hear anywhere else!Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pastrano/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#autismacceptance #neurodiversity #techforgood #startupjourney #tech #techstartup #autismawareness #autism #newappLinks referenced in this episode:joinsynchrony.comezdc3pl.com

In this episode, host Dave Gulas sits down with Jordan Peace, CEO and co-founder of Fringe, to explore the real journey of building a successful startup in the lifestyle benefits industry. Jordan candidly shares how he took Fringe from an idea into a thriving tech company, despite setbacks, funding challenges, and a global pandemic.Jordan dives into the origins of Fringe, revealing why lifestyle benefits are crucial for today’s workforce and how creative thinking helped him sell software before it even existed. You’ll hear authentic stories about scaling culture, merging new hires with founding team values, and why over-communicating as a leader matters more than you think. Find out how Fringe secured major partnerships, like becoming embedded in ADP's payroll software, and what it means for future growth.Perfect for founders hungry for growth strategies, actionable advice, and honest entrepreneur stories, this episode is packed with practical lessons on market validation, team building, fundraising, and navigating rapid scale. Follow the ups and downs, learn from Jordan’s real mistakes and successes, and discover how you can apply these lessons to your own business journey. Don’t miss it!Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-peace-fringe/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#startupstories #leadership #hrtech #techstruggles #techstartup #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #payroll

In this episode, host Dave Gulas sits down with David Kubes, an accomplished attorney turned executive coach, for a direct and insightful conversation. David shares his journey from high-stress aviation law to building a thriving coaching practice rooted in Access Consciousness and stress management techniques that prioritize entrepreneur well-being.Listeners will discover why top executives, CEOs, and business builders often hide their struggles with burnout and pressure, and why addressing these realities head-on can improve both personal life and business results. David explains practical ways to recharge, manage workaholic habits, and integrate wellness into an entrepreneur’s daily routine, without conforming to outdated work-life balance clichés.Entrepreneurs will hear actionable advice on handling self-judgment, overcoming guilt for working long hours, and embracing their uniqueness while building their businesses. If you’re searching for honest insights on avoiding burnout, modern business leadership, maintaining energy through overwhelming growth, or applying executive coaching strategies tailored for founders, this candid interview delivers it all.For more about David Kubes’ approach, including techniques like Access Bars and resources for business owners, check the show notes and visit his website. Subscribe for more real conversations about entrepreneurship, stress management, and conscious business growth.Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidkubes/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#entrepreneurship #burnout #worklifeintegration #burnoutprevention #worklifebalance #selfcare #selfcareroutine #workaholics

In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas sits down with Jim McNamara, founder and CEO of 8 Penny Labs, to uncover real-life lessons from building a custom software development company serving small and medium-sized businesses.Jim shares actionable experiences from his decades in technology, including how he leveraged offshore development partnerships, navigated early losses, and pivoted his business model to achieve 55% annual growth. Listeners will gain insights into the crucial role of trust, transparency, and adaptability in client relationships, as well as how rapid tech changes, including the rise of AI and mobile, are reshaping customer expectations for every industry.Discover how 8 Penny Labs differentiates itself by giving clients full control over their software projects, and what Jim learned about perseverance, decision-making under risk, and the realities of entrepreneurship outside of corporate life. For founders looking to scale, avoid common pitfalls, and create customer-focused businesses, this episode is filled with honest advice and inspiration.Don’t forget to check out Jim’s resources at 8pennylabs.com and connect on LinkedIn for more business growth insights.Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcnamara/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#entrepreneurship #techleadership #ai #smallbusiness #aitechnology #softwaredevelopment #softwareprojects

In this episode, host Dave sits down with Owen Marcus, renowned founder of Everyman and Meld, to dive into the actionable lessons behind building and scaling meaningful communities for men and how those insights apply directly to entrepreneurship, start-up culture, and small business leadership.Owen shares his journey from practicing somatic therapy in Boulder and running a multi-disciplinary clinic, to transforming men’s work by focusing on authentic community, emotional intelligence, and stress resilience.Entrepreneurs will discover how Owen’s experiences reveal the limits of solo self-improvement, and why genuine connection, vulnerability, and relational safety often fuel creativity, innovation, and business growth. The conversation covers practical ways stress impacts leaders’ bodies and decision-making, and how shifting from survival mode can boost both health and productivity. Owen candidly discusses team dysfunction, overcoming setbacks (like leaving Everyman to start Meld at age 71), and the critical routines that sustain his health and vitality.Whether you’re leading a start-up, scaling a small business, or searching for new models of leadership, this episode delivers real-world strategies for cultivating resilience, authentic relationships, and sustainable success. Tune in for inspiring stories and takeaways you can implement in your entrepreneurial journey today. Find Owen at meld.community for more resources.Connect with Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenmarcus/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#leadership #menshealth #community #authenticity #businessowners #entrepreneurship #personalgrowth #emotionalintelligence