Right Product-Wrong Client

AI is changing the way small businesses work, but how do you actually introduce AI without making your business feel less personal?In this episode, we sit down with Pat Mancuso to talk about practical ways small businesses can start using AI to save time, improve efficiency, and simplify everyday work. But there’s an important reminder: AI should enhance the human experience—not replace it.We talk about where AI can make a real difference for small businesses, how to get started without becoming overwhelmed, and why relationships, trust, communication, and the human touch still matter.If you're a small business owner wondering “How do I start using AI?”, this conversation offers a practical perspective on finding the right balance between technology and people.Pat Mancuso is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold six companies, and he's still in the game today as founder and CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group in Woodbury, Minnesota. His firm works with small business and lower-middle-market owners, especially operators who've never had a real advisory team in their corner, to find money they're leaving on the table.That means cutting employer health benefit costs without cutting benefits and putting tax strategies like cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and R&D credits, to name a few, to work. His approach runs on three words: Prepare, Protect, Prosper. Pat also hosts the Owner's Profit Playbook podcast, where he talks with owners about the blind spots that quietly drain profit. His message to every owner: what you don't know is costing you commas and zeros.Contact Information:Pat Mancuso:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patmancuso/Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Emma McCallie from Outpost to talk about a major shift in the company’s focus — and the lesson behind it: sometimes you can have the right product but the wrong client.Emma shares what led Outpost to rethink who they were serving, how their original focus evolved, and what they learned along the way. We talk about the importance of understanding your ideal customer, recognizing when the market is telling you something, and having the courage to change direction when your original approach isn’t working the way you expected.It’s a great conversation about business growth, knowing your customer, and realizing that sometimes the answer isn’t to change the product — it’s to find the right people for it.Outpost is the microevent solution - both the format itself and the platform that scales it. And the name is the point: a small yet deliberate presence far from the center. New markets, new attendees, more frequency - so alumni teams can save their hours for the events that most need them, while their people are invited to relevant tables with fellow alumni wherever they live. The reach of a big event but the feel of a small one. We've been Outpost since June and are on pace for 10 university pilots signed by year end, and we're still two people - and still bootstrapped.Contact informationEmma McCallie- https://outpost.rsvp Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

When it comes to AI, one of the biggest questions businesses face is simple: Should we build it ourselves or buy a solution that already exists? In this episode of WFH with 2 Guys | AI & Workflow, we’re joined by Nate Buckwalter to talk about the real-world decisions businesses need to make when looking at AI. Just because you can build something doesn’t always mean you should — and buying a solution isn’t automatically the right answer either.We explore the build vs. buy decision and why businesses should start with the problem they’re trying to solve rather than jumping straight to a technology. We also talk about the middle ground — buy the technology, but have it built and configured specifically for your business.That’s where WorX Solutions fits in. Instead of starting from scratch or forcing your business to adapt to an off-the-shelf solution, WorX can leverage existing technology and build the workflows, processes, and solutions around the way your business actually operates .It’s a practical conversation about using AI and technology strategically, not just because you can — and knowing when to build, when to buy, and when the best answer is a little bit of both .Listen in as Dennis, Benny, and Nate break down the question every business should be asking: Do we build it, buy it, or buy the technology and have someone build it for us?Nate Buckwalter doesn’t come at AI from a lab. Raised in a family excavating business in Pennsylvania, he learned early that results beat talk. He carried that into software, joining WizeHive as one of the first sales hires, growing into VP of Sales, and helping the company through an acquisition. Today he’s helping Government Contractors leverage AI to win contracts from the largest company in the world, the US Government. At Procurement Sciences AI, he works with teams to gain a competitive edge in winning the contracts that drive defense and infrastructure. His bet is the same one he’s always made: the people who stay curious, stay useful, and keep a good attitude will outlast the hype.Contact Information: Nate Buckwalter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natebuckwalterBenny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

Dennis and Benny are joined by Lisa Dean to discuss how fractional leadership in Sales, Operations, and Finance helps small businesses access expert guidance without the cost of a full executive team.They explore why these departments need to work together, how siloed decisions can hurt growth, and how better communication creates smarter business decisions.Plus, they discuss how AI and automated workflows can connect teams, streamline operations, and help small businesses grow without unnecessary overhead.Lisa brings a unique set of skills to her customers through her diverse background in sales, marketing, leadership and training. From her work with Fortune 50 companies to start-ups, her passion for helping businesses and people grow has always been a driving force in her career. It’s on this foundation, that she established Sales Chameleon to help businesses evolve the way they sell. Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, Lisa has almost 30 years’ experience in sales and leadership, focusing her efforts in media (sponsorship sales, radio, television and digital), healthcare technology, training platforms and manufacturing in the wholesale gift space. Most of her roles have included the opportunity to build the sales organization from the ground up as well as identifying the go- to- market strategy for the products. When this Lead Lizard is not working as a tactical sales partner, marketing strategist or business coach, this lifestyle guru is looking for the latest in fashion, food and wine. Find her on LinkedIn to learn more about how Sales Chameleon can help evolve the way you sell.

AI is changing the way businesses work—but should AI replace the human side of business, or make it better?In this episode of WFH with 2 Guys | AI & Workflow, Dennis and Benny sit down with Derek Crager to talk about the idea of Human-First AI and what it really means for businesses.Instead of chasing every new AI tool or trying to automate everything, Derek shares a practical approach to using AI as a tool that supports people, improves processes, and helps businesses work smarter.The conversation explores how small and midsize businesses can begin using AI in meaningful ways, where AI can create real efficiencies, and why the human element still matters. We also discuss the importance of understanding your business processes before simply throwing AI at a problem.If you've been hearing about AI everywhere but aren't sure how to actually put it to work in your business, this conversation offers a practical perspective on where to start—and how to keep people at the center of the process.Founder & CEO, Practical AI – Creator of Pocket Mentor – Author, ‘Human First AI’. Derek Crager is a visionary tech founder and AI thought leader who bridges cutting‐edge innovation with human‐centric purpose. He built Amazon’s highest rated employee training program in company history. He created Pocket Mentor, the world’s first voice‐based AImentor for in-ear, hands‐free, eyes-free, real‐time support on the job that magnifies learning 30x. A recognized expert in industrial training and reliability, Derek draws on his neurodivergent perspective—leveraging late‐diagnosed autism, ADHD, and dyslexia as a strategic advantage—to design AI solutions that work for everyone.With his upcoming book, Human First AI, Derek is spearheading a timely, tribe‐building initiative to keep technology human‐centered. This movement aligns with and accelerates Practical AI’s mission: make AI serve people, not replace them, so organizations and communities grow and thrive.Derek’s dual role—as an inspirational voice for mission‐driven change and a strategic expert in scalable, AI‐powered productivity—sets him apart. He speaks with authenticity and passion about using AI to empower individuals while sharing battle‐tested strategies that drive efficiency and growth across the largest companies in the world.Contact Information: Derek Crager Web: https://www.practicalai.appNew Book: https://www.humanfirstai.net (Free Chapter)Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

In this episode of WFH with 2 Guys, Benny and I have a real-world conversation about how we’re using AI in both our professional and personal lives. We talk about the ways AI has become part of our everyday routines—from helping with work, brainstorming ideas, and getting things done faster to using it for personal questions, research, planning, and everyday life.We also share what has surprised us about AI, where it has genuinely made a difference, and why we think the biggest value comes from learning how to use AI as a tool rather than simply talking about what it might do someday.No hype—just two guys talking about how we're actually using AI today and where we think it’s headed next.Contact Information: Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

Getting paid is one of the most important parts of running a small business—but understanding payment processing can be anything but simple .In this episode, Mark Magnussen joins us to break down the world of payment processing and what small-business owners really need to know. We talk about processing fees, hidden costs, contracts, chargebacks, and how to make sure you're choosing a payment solution that actually works for your business. If you accept credit cards, debit cards, or online payments, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.Join us as Mark helps take the mystery out of payment processing and shows small businesses how to make smarter decisions about getting paid.Mark's Bio:Navigating through the complexities of credit card processing for over 18 years, I've armed countless businesses with the tools to better manage their money and slash unnecessary fees.My approach harnesses a deep grasp of transaction dynamics and risk management within Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Processing, and Payment Processing Security.Discipline and teamwork have been the building blocks for my career marked by moral principles, inventiveness, and state-of-the-art technology that provides my clients with concrete results.From healthcare to retail and beyond, my portfolio touches an array of industries, each benefiting from a time-tested ability with an emphasis on safeguarding your transaction processes.Day to day, I work closely with CFOs, CEOs, COOs, Controllers, Accounts Receivable team, and Directors of Accounting.Generally, they come to me when they're grappling with cumbersome merchant account reports, inconsistent credit card transactions at numerous sites, hefty processing fees, or concern for secure and user-friendly payment solutions.The right approach can unravel the tangled threads of such challenges.In addition, building relationships with accounting firms, law firms, and bankers who are pivotal to their clients' prosperity has been an important component of establishing productive collaborations.Contact Information: Mark Magnussen https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmagnussen1/Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

What does it really mean to serve on a nonprofit board—and how do you know if it’s right for you?In this episode, we sit down with Deb Macfarlan Enright, author of Board to Death, for a conversation about the world of nonprofit boards. Deb shares practical advice on why you should consider serving, how to find the right board, what to expect once you join, and how you can make a meaningful impact.Whether you’ve always wanted to give back, have been asked to join a board, or simply wondered what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest and entertaining look at getting involved. Listen in and find out if a nonprofit board could be your next opportunity to make a difference.Deb founded The Macfarlan Group to work with those who seek to improve the world through the skillful disruption of the status quo.​She is an acclaimed communicator, connector, and strategist adept at uncovering potential in individuals and groups strengthening their abilities to optimize their impact within their organization and the community.  Deb believes that disrupters talking across industries and interests to collectively impact social challenges will cause deep sustainable change. Her work experiences here and abroad have found her in the company of disrupters changing the world in areas including education, addiction recovery, social justice, human rights, healthcare, housing insecurity, and animal rights.Contact Information: Deborah MacFarlan Enright, Ed.D- [email protected] Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected] Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected]

What happens when a founder has a great vision but needs help turning it into operational success? This week on WFH with 2 Guys, we're joined by Forrest Derr to explore the growing role of the Fractional COO and why more companies are realizing they don't need a full-time executive to gain world-class operational leadership.We also dive into one of today's hottest topics—AI in business. While AI is transforming the way we work, Forrest shares why founders and leaders can't rely on it for everything. Great leadership still requires emotional intelligence, reading the room, understanding team dynamics, and making decisions that no algorithm can fully replicate.This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives looking to scale their organizations while maintaining the human element that drives lasting success.Forrest K. Derr is a Fractional COO, EOS Integrator, and founder of Derr Consulting. Known as "The Fractionator," he helps founders build businesses that run without depending on them every day. With more than 25 years of operational leadership across industries, Forrest specializes in people, process, and structure, helping companies grow, improve profitability, and prepare for long-term success. He is also the founder of ENRG, a nationwide community for EOS users, and co-host of the Fixers & Founders podcast.Contact Information Forrest Derr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestkderr/Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected];https://velocitytechnology.group/Dennis Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected] ; www.worxsolution.comwww.wfhwith2guys.com

In this episode of WFH with 2 Guys, we sit down with AI strategist Marvin J. Martinez to cut through the hype and explore how artificial intelligence is creating real value for businesses today.Instead of focusing on futuristic concepts, Marvin shares practical ways companies can use AI right now to streamline operations, eliminate repetitive tasks, improve customer service, automate workflows, and increase profitability. From recovering missed opportunities to integrating existing software more effectively, he explains why the biggest AI wins often come from solving everyday business problems—not chasing the latest buzzword.Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or operations leader, you'll walk away with actionable ideas you can implement immediately. Marvin also discusses why understanding your business processes is more important than buying the newest AI tool, and how keeping humans involved leads to better adoption and better results.If you've been wondering how to make AI practical instead of overwhelming, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Marvin Martinez is the Co-Founder of Bandsaw AI. He has spent more than 13 years working in operations and now helps service companies simplify and automate the work that slows teams down. Instead of focusing on AI hype, Marvin works closely with business owners to improve real workflows using practical systems and automation. His experience spans operations, process improvement, and building AI-driven solutions for growing businesses.Contact Information Martin Martinez- https://bandsaw.ai/Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- [email protected];https://velocitytechnology.group/Dennis Jackson-WorX Solution- [email protected] ; www.worxsolution.comwww.wfhwith2guys.com