

Beyond Fulfillment Podcast
Dave Gulas
The Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, with Dave Gulas of EZDC 3PL, is your weekly dose of real talk with the people actually building successful businesses. We bring you unfiltered conversations with the founders, the dreamers, and the doers who are truly making things happen. We're cutting through the noise to show you what it really takes for business growth.. Think of it as a backstage pass to the entrepreneurial journey —from overcoming tough challenges to celebrating big victories, and every important lesson along the way. Why listen? Because we're exploring various industries, pulling back the curtain on how entrepreneurs like David Meltzer, Brian Esposito, Susan Sly, Darren Jacklin, and Susan Bratton have powered through obstacles, grabbed opportunities, and truly scaled their visions. You'll hear authentic stories that resonate, gain practical advice you can put into action today, and find the motivation to fuel your own growth.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 29min
Building Businesses Without Burnout: Self-Care for High Performers with David Kubes
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recharge, manage workaholic habits, and integrate wellness into an entrepreneur’s daily routine, without conforming to outdated work-life balance clichés.Entrepreneurs will hear actionable advice on handling self-judgment, overcoming guilt for working long hours, and embracing their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

Oct 7, 2025 • 26min
Action over Fear: Surviving Setbacks & Scaling Fast with Jim McNamara
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

Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
Male Strength Redefined: Why vulnerability is man’s most powerful tool for wellbeing, w/ Owen Marcus
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

Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
From Engineer to Millionaire: How Lane Kawaoka Escaped the 9-to-5 With Real Estate
In this episode of Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, hosts David Gulas sits down with Lane Kawaoka, founder of The Wealth Elevator and a former civil engineer who shares his practical journey from climbing the corporate ladder to building financial freedom through real estate investing. Lane reveals the strategies he used to transition from a regular paycheck to owning multiple income-generating properties, all while holding a demanding full-time job.If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder searching for actionable business strategies and real estate investing tips, Lane’s story is filled with real-world advice about saving, investing, and scaling side income without complicated risk. Learn how Lane methodically scaled from his first rental property to managing a portfolio of rentals and eventually graduated to more advanced, passive investing as an accredited investor.Lane also breaks down his concept of “floors of the wealth elevator,” demystifying the path to financial growth for business owners who want to multiply their earnings beyond their day-to-day operations. Hear about pivotal decisions, lessons learned, and techniques for wealth building outside Wall Street.For founders aiming to grow their businesses and personal net worth, this episode covers investment mindsets, cash flow strategies, and practical steps to build passive income streams grounded in Lane’s experience. Don’t miss these insights to fuel your own entrepreneurial financial journey!Connect with Lane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#wealthbuilding #sidehustle #financialfreedom #realestateinvesting #wealthmanagement #wealthmindset

Sep 25, 2025 • 30min
Embracing the Messy Middle: Career Change, Loss and Finding Purpose with Rachel Burr
In this episode, Rachel Burr shares her journey from nearly becoming a clinical psychologist to discovering her passion as an executive and team coach. You'll hear Rachel open up about the struggles of realizing she was on the wrong career path, how she made the difficult decision to leave her PhD program, and what happened when her personal life was turned upside down. She discusses the powerful lessons she learned about self-awareness, navigating uncertainty, and dealing with fear—key experiences every entrepreneur, small business owner, and founder can relate to.Rachel breaks down the realities of building a coaching practice from scratch, moving through the messy middle of starting over, and finding true alignment between your talents and your work. She reveals how her setbacks became the foundation for her successful business, and why listening, adaptability, and genuine connection matter more than ever in entrepreneurship. Rachel also talks about her book, “Butterfly Goo,” which is packed with practical exercises for business owners going through big transitions.If you’re searching for real-world strategies from successful entrepreneurs, stories of resilience, and actionable insights to apply to your own business, this episode will inspire and guide your next steps. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmburr/Or find her book at butterflygoobook.netRate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#careerchange #leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #findingyourpath #careeradvice #leadership #coaching

Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
Ditching Billable Hours: AI, IP, and Entrepreneurial Thinking with Ana Juneja
In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas sits down with Ana Juneja, founder of Ana Law, to talk about entrepreneurship, modern law firm strategies, and scaling a business in today’s fast-changing market. Ana shares her personal journey from science graduate to intellectual property attorney, revealing how she leveraged social media and innovative business models to grow her firm while working fewer hours. She covers the pitfalls of traditional law firm structures, explaining why results-driven and flat fee models better serve clients and create long-term business sustainability.Ana discusses the biggest mistakes she sees among entrepreneurs and small business owners, including the dangers of skipping business plans and neglecting core legal protections like LLC formation, contracts, trademarks, and copyrights. She unpacks how AI has fundamentally changed her own daily work, offering practical insight into using technology and automation to streamline repeatable business processes. For business owners trying to build something that stands out and stands the test of time, Ana’s story offers real, actionable takeaways.Subscribe for more episodes on business growth, innovation, and the realities of modern entrepreneurship.Connect with Ana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anajuneja/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#solopreneur #legaltech #ailawyer #entrepreneurship #startupjourney #lawyerlife #legalinsights

Sep 19, 2025 • 30min
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and AI: Preparing Your Business for a New Global Supply Chain
In this episode, Jim Tompkins and Dave Gulas dive deep into global trade shifts and digital supply chain command centers. Jim breaks down how recent U.S. tariffs on Brazil, the evolving USMCA with Canada and Mexico, and India’s delicate position between Russia and China are directly impacting supply chains, costs, and opportunities for American businesses.The conversation then explores the real-world impact of AI-driven supply chain technology, moving from basic logistics control towers to full-scale digital supply chain command centers. Learn how understanding end-to-end flow orchestration and real-time supply chain management can give your business the edge, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape. Jim explains the key differences between logistics visibility and true command capabilities, drawing practical connections to what entrepreneurs should be doing now to adapt.Packed with insights into tariffs, global trade, and actionable supply chain strategies, this episode is essential for founders wanting to stay ahead. If you’re ready to apply forward-thinking ideas and AI solutions to your operations, don’t miss these expert perspectives.Download Jim’s exclusive white paper at Tompkins Ventures for a deeper dive! - https://22397439.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22397439/From%20Gateway%20to%20Guiding%20Light%20%E2%80%93%20the%20Future%20of%20Trade%20in%20Panama.pdfConnect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#supplychain #globaltrade #ai #tariffs #logistics #Reglobalization #panamacanal #brics #usmca

Sep 18, 2025 • 39min
Surviving Betrayal and Federal Litigation: How Justin Lund Turned Trauma Into Triumph
In this episode, we dive into the gripping entrepreneurial journey of Justin Lund, founder and CEO of Propel. Justin shares a raw, behind-the-scenes look at how he went from early career success and addiction to building a nearly nine-figure business, only to face financial betrayal and years of federal litigation. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders will find real-world lessons as Justin reveals how a trusted partner siphoned millions through shell companies, nearly costing him his freedom, and how he rebuilt from scratch with a family to support.We explore the evolution of Propel, a company dedicated to helping founders successfully scale after hitting growth ceilings. Justin provides practical guidance on navigating financial oversight, hiring the right team at the right stage, and creating systems to increase both profit and personal freedom. If you’re searching for strategies to grow your business while avoiding costly mistakes that trap many founders, this episode offers insightful, actionable advice drawn directly from real experience.Tune in for honest conversations about business resilience, founder burnout, and what it really takes to overcome setbacks on the road to sustainable success. Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs who are willing to share the lessons they learned the hard way.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lund-propel/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#entrepreneurship #founders #startuplessons #businessgrowth #startups #leadership #entrepreneurs #scaling #beyondfulfillment

Sep 16, 2025 • 38min
From The Prison Yard to Multi-Millionaire: Ken Miller’s Journey of Resilience & Reinvention
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Miller, author, speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple thriving businesses, to dive deep into his dramatic journey from addiction and homelessness to building a multimillion-dollar enterprise with operations in multiple countries. Ken's candid conversation shares his real-life strategies for business success, from starting over after prison to launching consulting, property, and AI-driven companies. This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders who want practical insights on resilience, reinventing yourself, and sustaining growth amidst adversity.Ken discusses actionable steps for rebuilding your life and entrepreneurial career, the importance of mentorship, paying off debt, expanding time horizons, and harnessing hard-won discipline. He highlights the critical mindsets that helped him grow beyond setbacks, the tools he used to recover cognitively and emotionally, and actionable advice any entrepreneur can apply immediately. If you’re searching for real stories of business transformation, innovative fundraising, pragmatic leadership, and authentic guidance in today’s challenging landscape, this interview delivers.Watch now to discover Ken’s honest approach to overcoming challenges, cultivating business acumen, and creating multiple streams of income—perfect for ambitious founders determined to succeed, no matter the obstacles. Don’t forget to check the links below for Ken’s book, “Becoming Ken,” and more resources to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.Connect with Ken on LinkedIn In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#entrepreneurship #resilience #secondchances #inspiration #lifelessons #businessowner

Sep 11, 2025 • 25min
From FIRE to Time Freedom: Building a Life You Love with Brian Herriot
In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas sits down with Brian Herriot, founder of Herriot Financial and financial advisor to entrepreneurs. Brian shares his unique journey from engineering and management consulting to building a business that empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners to gain real time freedom without needing to retire early or sell their company. Drawing from his personal experience, Brian dives into the real-life challenges and mindset shifts required to create a business that serves both your ambitions and your lifestyle, from managing seasonal schedules to balancing growth with well-being.Brian reveals the practical steps he took to design a flexible yearly work schedule—spending most of the year in the Bay Area and summers with his family in Wisconsin—by restructuring his business around his personal priorities. He discusses his approach to integrating personal finance, business operations, and life design, and shares actionable strategies for entrepreneurs who want to avoid burnout and create a sustainable, fulfilling career.Discover Brian’s advice on financial planning, team structure, and his Time Freedom Forecast tool, which helps entrepreneurs model their ideal work-life blend. If you’re searching for honest, hands-on inspiration and actionable insights from a fellow founder, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice tailored for small business owners, founders, and ambitious entrepreneurs.Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianherriot/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillment#Entrepreneurship #TimeFreedom #BeyondFulfillment #FinancialPlanning #WorkLifeDesign