Episode #227: Ben Nizri – Congruent Clarity
Ben Nizri, Congruent Clarity — Turning Small Business Plateaus into Scalable Systems Ben Nizri is a Business Breakthrough Strategist and Exit Planning Advisor behind Congruent Clarity. Born in Azerbaijan, raised in Israel (including eight years in the Air Force), and now based in Winnipeg, Canada, Ben brings a systems-first lens—quality assurance, operations, and certified lead auditing—to help small businesses break through growth ceilings. He matters because he shows founders how to shift from “more of the same” growth to true scalability, with pricing, process, and mindset working in sync. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COHYqSaJAug 5 Key Takeaways from this Episode: Growth ≠ Scale: Growth adds resources linearly; scalability breaks the link between resources and results by building repeatable systems. Fix the offer before the ads: Doubling leads without capacity or clean processes just multiplies unhappy customers and margin mistakes. Price for profit: Small increases flow straight to the bottom line; discounting comes directly off it. Compete on value—not price. Delegate to scale: Founders stall when they try to run everything themselves. Effective delegation and structure beat heroics. Mindset + discipline beat talent: Skills can be learned. Discipline, clear “why,” and consistent action outpace natural talent over time. Watch the full interview now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COHYqSaJAug Memorable Quote: “I’m coming in and reading the label on the jar you’re sitting in.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Ben Linkedin Globe
Episode #225: Mike Bacile – The Daily Java
Mike Bacile, The Daily Java & King’s Coffee Company — How “Failing Fast” Built a Coffee Empire Mike Bacile is a Texas-born serial entrepreneur and the CEO behind The Daily Java (wholesale café solutions) and King’s Coffee Company (in-house specialty roasting). Since 1995, he’s helped churches and independent cafés launch and scale with a practical “franchise-like” system—without the franchise fees. From early missteps to landing national equipment deals, Mike’s story is a masterclass in choosing the right opportunities and executing with consistency. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJRzvC8PIYM 5 Key Takeaways from this Episode: Failure ≠ Final: Mike treats failure as feedback—“the wrong bus” to step off—so you can board the one that gets you where you want to go. Differentiate or disappear: His coupon-book venture won by becoming the biggest at SMU, UNT, TCU, and UT Arlington—proof that a clear differentiator beats “me too” every time. Quality over callbacks: Early on, cheap espresso machines created costly service headaches; switching to top-tier equipment led to a 13-year run supplying Maggiano’s, Macaroni Grill, and Corner Bakery nationwide. A franchise feel—without the franchise: The Daily Java pairs equipment packages with a “25 Steps to Success” program, install, and training—especially powerful for church cafés and high-throughput layouts. Build tribe, know your numbers: After crossing seven figures, joining Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) gave Mike accountability, global peers, and the push to price correctly—crucial in shifting markets. Watch the full interview now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJRzvC8PIYM Memorable Quote: “Failure is just a frame of mind—an opportunity.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Mike Globe
Episode #224: Lane – Marion Relationship Marketing
Lane — Marion Relationship Marketing Lane is the co-founder of Marion Relationship Marketing, a digital marketing agency serving small businesses from Austin, Texas and beyond. A third-generation product of small business grit, he pairs over a decade in the industry with a no-nonsense, client-first approach—built on transparency, measurable results, and authority-driven marketing. Growing up in a family-run preschool and daycare, Lane learned early how owners survive downturns, stretch budgets, and keep the lights on. That perspective drives his agency’s “client bill of rights,” month-to-month partnerships, and relentless focus on proving ROI—so business owners can stop chasing clients and get back to serving them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI3TjddL9q0 5 Key Takeaways from this Episode: Niche to win: speak to one ideal client at a time—specific pain points beat generic messages every day. Build authority, not hype: stack reviews (including video), case studies, and clear promises (access/ownership, month-to-month, real-time reporting). Prove value fast: early touchpoints matter—show live ad screenshots, call recordings, and tracked conversions to connect spend to results. Content is your compounding asset: list your 10 most-asked questions, Google them, then publish better answers—repeat. Treat ad spend like a scalpel, not a sledgehammer: segment campaigns by service, protect brand terms, and avoid broad-match budget leaks. Watch the full interview now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI3TjddL9q0 Memorable Quote: “We do not sell diamonds—we sell an experience of the private jeweler.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Lane Linkedin
Episode #223: Henri Nyakarundi – ARED
Henri Nyakarundi, ARED — Building Solar-Powered Edge Infrastructure for Africa Henri Nyakarundi is the founder behind ARED’s mission to close the digital divide across Africa with solar-powered, peer-to-peer edge infrastructure. Born in Burundi with Rwandan roots, Henri spent 17 years in the U.S., studied computer science, built businesses, and returned to Africa to tackle one of the continent’s toughest problems: affordable, reliable digital infrastructure for low-income communities. In this episode, Henri breaks down how his team is fusing solar kiosks with mini-servers to deliver storage, computing, and connectivity at the edge—bringing content, payments, and apps closer to the people who need them most. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Edge over cloud: ARED deploys mini-servers with Wi-Fi in high-traffic areas (restaurants, hotels, buses) to cache video, run apps, process payments, and enable gaming where bandwidth is limited. Distributed, not blockchain: The network is “between centralized and decentralized”—a distributed model with centralized management (lighter than blockchain for the communities served). Real traction, big vision: 548 devices are live across 4 countries; the goal is 500k–1M devices across at least 10 countries in the next 5–10 years, with GPU-enabled edge boxes and a rebuilt OS to support broader applications. Model built for SMEs: Partners get the mini-server free and pay for the resources it provides; kiosks (for power + phone charging) are purchased at cost. Teleco partnerships and mobility use cases (like buses) are next. Grit + capital: Self-funded early, then 10+ international competition wins and grants (including Microsoft and the German government). Now seeking patient, technically savvy investors who understand long-term infrastructure plays. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BJ5JunCmRI Memorable Quote: “Decentralization is the future.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Henri Linkedin Globe Envelope
Episode #220: Joel Klein – Fizyx Investment Group
Joel Klein, Fizyx Investment Group — Finding Exponential Winners & Leveling Up Mindset Joel Klein is the award-winning portfolio manager behind Fizyx Investment Group, known for spotting market leaders early and compounding results over decades. Mentored by William O’Neil and forged by real-world adversity, Joel blends deep market research with battle-tested mindset practices. If you care about building wealth and resilience, this episode is your playbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVBPnk1YKtg Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Study the roots, not just the fruit. Don’t chase “the next Tesla”; understand why markets move, build rules from the data, and act with discipline. Exponential focus. Fizyx hunts for stocks compounding ~40%+ over sustained periods—aiming to build portfolios exclusively from true leaders (think Apple, Google, Tesla). Asymmetric risk. Define outcomes before you act: Joel targets ~3:1 reward-to-risk (e.g., +20% upside vs. −7% stop) so he doesn’t need a 50% win rate to win big. Timing matters. In tough, choppy markets, he prefers stalking and patience; for most investors, dollar-cost averaging into indexes remains a smart long-game. Mindset is a multiplier. Leveling up your business (or investing) demands leveling up your mindset—embrace discomfort, learn from setbacks, and build a diverse team aligned to one clear goal. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVBPnk1YKtg Memorable Quote: “Failure is an illusion—you only fail if you don’t get back up.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Joel Linkedin Globe Envelope
Episode #210: Asad Ahmad, FitBiz CPA — From Big Four to “All-In” Partner for Small Businesses
Asad Ahmad, FitBiz CPA — From Big Four to “All-In” Partner for Small Businesses Asad Ahmad is a CPA and former Deloitte/PwC accountant who left the corporate ladder in 2020 to launch FitBiz CPA—a relationship-driven firm helping owners stay compliant, keep more profit, and scale with confidence. He matters because he translates complex tax and accounting programs (ERC, R&D credits, PPP/EIDL fallout) into real cash relief and month-to-month clarity for entrepreneurs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM_vhR5J-oI Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Compliance = survival. “If you don’t take care of the compliance side…you don’t have a business.” Sales and taxes are the two pillars you can’t ignore. Origin story with purpose. “FitBiz” started serving gyms during lockdowns (PPP/EIDL help), then expanded to Florida’s hot real-estate market—growing from a solo practice to a five-person team. ERC made simple. If you had W-2 employees, you may recover up to ~70–75% of eligible payroll per quarter (from March 2020–2021) by filing amended 941-X returns; typical IRS timelines range from ~8–16 weeks, sometimes longer. Virtual CFO value. Bundled service starts around $800/month and includes tax planning & prep (business + personal), monthly financials by the 15th, QuickBooks support, payroll/941/940, sales tax, and IRS resolution—one accountable point of contact. Hire, systemize, and lead. Asad scaled via Upwork and a social media intern, runs a quarterly five-star performance model, and lets people play to their strengths—while keeping standards high. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM_vhR5J-oI Memorable Quote: “You don’t pay your taxes, you don’t have a business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Asad Linkedin Globe Phone-alt Youtube
Episode #208: Tim Kerin, Casa Dare To Dream — From DC Cleaning Boss to Costa Rica Luxury Villa Builder
Tim Kerin, Casa Dare To Dream — From DC Cleaning Boss to Costa Rica Luxury Villa Builder Tim Kerin is a multi-business entrepreneur who built and ran large commercial cleaning and construction companies before launching a high-touch luxury villa brand in Costa Rica. He’s also the author of 10 Lessons Learned… How to Build a Successful Business, and his story is packed with real-world tactics on cash flow, networking, and scaling the smart way. If you want a playbook for moving from “in the trenches” to owner/operator—and knowing when to pivot—this episode delivers. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Niche and proximity win. Tim and his wife started in residential cleaning by hosting a rooftop mixer at a high-income DC building, then stacked clients in the same tower to cut travel time and boost margins. Work in the business before you work on it. Early on, they cleaned themselves—then hired, documented, and backed away as they grew into commercial accounts. Learn via franchise, then graduate. He used a commercial cleaning franchise to grasp operations, later negotiated to take over vulnerable accounts and phase out royalties as his team out-performed. Scale adjacently. After reaching 4M+ sq ft/night and 135 employees, Tim added commercial construction for the same customers—“if we’re in the building mopping, we can be in the building painting.” Costa Rica play: concierge, pre-sell, debt-free. They bought/finished a villa, ran it like a full-service experience (manager, chef, driver, tours), exited profitably, and are building a larger, wedding-ready property—pre-booked and funded in cash to keep cash flow strong. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7klVS_aQqR0 Memorable Quote: “Cash flow is king.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Tim Kerin Linkedin Globe Envelope
Episode #207: Camila Santo – Building Global B2B Connections with Rizhoma
Camila Santo: Building Global B2B Connections with Rizhoma Camila Santo, founder of Rizhoma, is redefining how businesses build meaningful B2B partnerships around the world. An immigrant from Brazil with a background in design, production engineering, and international project management, Camila has turned her passion for innovation and human-centered systems into a thriving consulting and tech business. From helping small businesses navigate digital transformation to filing a patent aimed at revolutionizing B2B trade, her story is a masterclass in resilience and visionary entrepreneurship. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: The power of adaptability: Camila transitioned from the entertainment industry in Brazil to building an international business network in the U.S. Innovation meets inclusivity: Her pending patent focuses on creating a platform that simplifies and democratizes B2B trade without the high costs or exclusivity of current systems. Beyond marketing: Rizhoma helps clients with cooperative networking, workforce optimization, and digital transformation to improve both internal systems and customer engagement. Small businesses matter: While she works with companies of all sizes, Camila thrives in helping small and medium-sized businesses scale and optimize their operations. Success is about persistence: Her journey highlights the importance of patience, courage, and redefining failure as part of the growth process. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oWQk1iINCM Memorable Quote: “If you’re going to fail, fail big. I’d rather fail trying to change the world than never try at all.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Camila Linkedin Globe
Episode #180: Weston Seid – Building Opportunities with Oppti
Weston Seid: Building Opportunities with Oppti Weston Seid, founder and CEO of Oppti, is on a mission to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world work experience. A USC Marshall graduate and the youngest planning commissioner in his city’s history, Weston brings a unique mix of strategic thinking and entrepreneurial drive to solving a critical problem: helping students find internships that align with their passions while giving businesses an easy way to nurture future talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zz-gTPaRU Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: From Commissioner to Entrepreneur – Weston transitioned from being the youngest planning commissioner to building a platform that connects students and employers nationwide. Solving the Internship Gap – Oppti addresses the lack of internship opportunities, especially for high school students, by streamlining how businesses create and manage internship programs. Bootstrapping for Success – Rather than rushing into venture capital, Weston and his team bootstrapped Oppti to stay true to their mission and build a platform that truly works for students and businesses alike. Virtual Internships are the Future – The shift toward remote work opened new possibilities for businesses and students, making internships more accessible regardless of location. End-to-End Solution for Businesses – From recruiting and screening to training and performance tracking, Oppti handles the heavy lifting so businesses can focus on integrating interns into meaningful projects. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zz-gTPaRU Memorable Quote: “It’s not just about giving students opportunities—it’s about helping them make informed decisions that shape their future careers.” – Weston Seid Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Weston Linkedin
Episode #205: John Beane
John Beane of MemComputing: Disrupting the Future of Computing John Beane, the founder and CEO of MemComputing, Inc., is a true startup junkie and serial entrepreneur with seven startups under his belt and over $1.5 billion in exits for investors. With MemComputing, John is leading a revolution in computing architecture, helping businesses solve some of the world’s toughest optimization problems—faster, cheaper, and with a massive environmental impact. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Startup DNA: John thrives in the high-risk, high-reward startup environment, building companies where innovation and grit drive success. MemComputing Explained: The company’s breakthrough technology combines processing and memory in a way that dramatically reduces computation times—transforming industries from logistics to AI. Massive Impact: MemComputing is already working with Fortune 100 clients like Lockheed Martin, Space Force, and ArcelorMittal, proving its ability to save time, money, and resources at scale. Fail Fast, Learn Faster: John emphasizes the importance of pushing hard, learning from failure, and never letting doubt dictate your next move. Team Over Product: Investors often back teams more than ideas—building the right culture and mindset is key to startup success. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6DpYlmpzC8 Memorable Quote: “This company is not going to fail by the lack of me trying.” – John Beane Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with John Linkedin