Episode 1213: How Fractional Marketing Can Drive Growth with Andy Culligan

Discover how to accelerate your startup’s growth, without all the typical corporate roadblocks, by focusing on strategy and execution.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO, CRO, and Marketing Advisor, who shares insights on scaling SaaS startups smarter and faster. He reveals the importance of strong execution and alignment between marketing and sales, offering real-world examples from his own experience helping companies overcome growth challenges. Andy emphasizes the power of being agile and staying ahead in a competitive market by building the right team and using AI to streamline processes.   Key Takeaways: → Successful marketing for SaaS requires a focus on both volume and high-ticket clients, depending on your product offering. → Marketing teams often face roadblocks, and it’s critical to provide them with the tools and processes to stay on track and reach goals. → Many SaaS companies struggle with hiring skilled professionals quickly — Andy’s team helps plug that gap with experienced marketers. → The typical challenge for SaaS startups is executing their go-to-market strategy, and Andy’s team helps implement plans that drive immediate results. → Andy’s company, Purple Path, focuses on delivering scalable marketing solutions by combining experienced strategy with agile execution.   As a Fractional CMO, CRO, and Marketing Advisor, Andy Culligan helps your sales and marketing teams focus on commercial success. His approach is a pure account-based marketing play. Providing your organization with a bullshit-free approach to Account Based Marketing (ABM), motivating and exciting your teams and delivering better outcomes, i.e. revenue.   Connect With Andy: Website: https://andyculligan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-culligan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you sitting on a mountain of credit card points but not sure how to turn them into luxury travel? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel, who helps people unlock the full potential of their credit card points and turn them into amazing travel experiences. In this episode, Julia reveals the common mistakes people make with their points, how to maximize their value, and the secret to securing luxury vacations. Whether you're a business owner or frequent traveler, Julia offers practical strategies to help you travel smarter and stretch your points further. Key Takeaways: → Many people waste their credit card points without understanding their true value. → Credit card companies and airlines often make it easy to spend points in ways that don't maximize their potential. → Transferring points between credit card partners and airline partners can unlock much better value. → Understanding the difference between points from different cards is key to maximizing rewards. → Learning how to pair the right credit cards with business and personal expenses increases your points earning potential. Julia Menez is the founder of Geobreeze Travel, a business born out of her passion for points and miles. A first-generation Filipina, ENTJ, and Las Vegas resident, Julia spent nine years as a pricing actuary, where she used mathematical modeling to assess the financial risks and uncertainties in the insurance sector. What started as a passion project to access business credit cards and bring fellow points and miles enthusiasts together during the isolation of the pandemic has since blossomed into a growing platform. Through Geobreeze Travel, Julia offers expert strategies on Instagram and YouTube, and helps clients maximize their travel rewards. Her interactive community continues to expand, reflecting her dedication to teaching others how to make the most of their travel opportunities using points and miles. Connect With Julia Menez: Website: https://geobreezetravel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geobreezetravel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could move to a new house, keep your current one, and still unlock the equity in it?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Kyle Kamrooz, CEO and Founder of Bonus Homes, who is revolutionizing the way homeowners can access their equity without having to sell. In this episode, Kyle shares how his company helps homeowners unlock the equity in their properties while turning them into passive investments. This new model, called a Home Appreciation Partnership, allows homeowners to benefit from their home's future appreciation without the typical headaches of selling.   Key Takeaways: → Bonus Homes provides an alternative to selling your home. → Homeowners can unlock equity without the stress of moving or listing the property. → The Home Appreciation Partnership allows homeowners to retain ownership of their home. → Bonus Homes manages the property as a rental, handling all maintenance and tenant management. → Homeowners can still buy a new property while keeping their current home as a passive investment.   Kyle Kamrooz is the founder and CEO of Bonus Homes, a groundbreaking platform redefining how Americans build generational wealth through homeownership. Before founding Bonus Homes, Kyle spent nearly two decades in the real estate ecosystem. By age 25, Kyle had already built one of California's largest direct-to-consumer mortgage lending companies. By 27, he had built a 50-state national lender that processed over $7 billion in loans annually and employed more than 800 people across all 50 states.   Connect With Kyle: Website: https://www.bonushomes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonus.homes/X: https://x.com/bonushomesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonushomesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonushomes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The threat that puts you out of business probably won’t look like a movie hack, it’ll look like a normal email from your CEO.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Scott Alldridge, CEO of IP Services and bestselling author of the Visible Ops series, who explains how modern cybercrime actually works and why most small and mid-sized companies are far more vulnerable than they think. Scott shares real breach stories, including how something as simple as leaving a printer password as “1234” led to a $187,000 theft and forced a firm into a merger. He breaks down why cybersecurity is now a board-level issue, how AI is being weaponized by attackers, and what leaders need to be doing right now to protect their data, their money, and their survival.   Key Takeaways: → Most companies think “we’re too small to be a target,” but attackers actively go after businesses with as few as 100 employees — and even under $1M in revenue. → Only about 1 in 7 cybersecurity breaches ever gets reported, so what you read in the news is a tiny fraction of what’s actually happening. → A single weak password (like “1234” on a networked printer) can give a threat actor a doorway into your entire system. → Attackers don’t smash and grab; they sit quietly for weeks or months, watch how you communicate, then imitate leadership to trigger wire transfers that look totally normal. → The “human layer” is still the biggest risk: phishing, social engineering, and reused or weak credentials are where most compromises begin.   Scott Alldridge has spent three decades on the frontlines of cyber warfare—turning escalating threats intocompetitive advantage for business leaders. As co-founder of the IT Process Institute and creator of the globally adopted VisibleOps framework (400,000+ copies sold), he shaped how enterprises worldwide secure and scale technology.   His Amazon bestseller, VisibleOps Cybersecurity, is the definitive roadmap for integrating Zero Trust principles into real business results. Today, as CEO of IP Services, one of America’s most trusted MSSPs, Scott helps executives verify—not just trust—their cybersecurity posture.   Driven by both expertise and altruism, Scott’s mission is to ensure businesses of all sizes are resilient and protected—not only to safeguard revenue, but to prevent the devastating personal and professional fallout of cyberattacks. A globally recognized thought leader with 618K+ social media followers, he leverages his platform to raise awareness, share real-world breach stories, and arm leaders with actionable strategies that save companies before it’s too late.   Connect With Scott Aldridge: Website: https://ipservices.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottalldridge1/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-alldridge-1a976/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you sure you're handling sales tax correctly in your e-commerce business? You may be unknowingly making costly mistakes that could come back to haunt you. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jared Smithson, General Manager and E-Commerce Tax Compliance Expert at RJM Tax Exemption, who discusses the most common sales tax issues facing e-commerce businesses today. Jared shares his journey from helping his business partner navigate the complexities of U.S. sales tax to growing a company that now works with thousands of e-commerce sellers. From understanding nexus to dealing with product taxability quirks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to avoid tax headaches and save money in their business.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of understanding nexus in U.S. sales tax and how to determine where you need to register. → Common mistakes e-commerce sellers make when dealing with sales tax exemptions and how to avoid them. → The ins and outs of product taxability and how different products are taxed in different states. → The hidden dangers of relying solely on AI tools for tax compliance and why human expertise is necessary. → Why failing to address sales tax early can lead to costly liabilities down the road.   Jared Smithson is the Co-Founder of a multimillion-dollar consultancy specializing in e-commerce tax compliance. As a leading authority for 7-figure e-commerce sellers, Jared has helped over 5,000 businesses achieve bulletproof US tax compliance without operational headaches. His expertise spans multi-state sales tax mastery, seamless US market entry for international brands, and building audit-proof, scalable compliance systems. Jared’s work has earned his firm the #1 spot on Trustpilot for tax preparation and company registry in the US, making him a trusted partner for Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and DTC brands preparing for acquisition   Connect With Jared Smithson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjmtaxexemption/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjmexpand/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rjmtax/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Success at work means nothing if your home life is falling apart, and one question at a funeral changed everything for this man.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mitchell Osmond, Host of the Dad Nation Podcast, once 60 pounds overweight, $100K in debt, and on the brink of divorce, Mitch’s life pivoted after a moment of truth at a funeral—and he’s now helping high-performing men rebuild their home, health, and happiness. Through his coaching, podcast, and programs, Mitch helps men become the husbands, fathers, and leaders they were always meant to be—without sacrificing professional success.   Key Takeaways: → Why success in business means little when your home life is collapsing. → The eulogy exercise that sparks deep transformation in his clients. → The "Crazy Cycle" that silently kills desire and connection in marriage. → The masculine mistake that shifts wives into mother roles—and why that ruins intimacy. → How the free “Connection Code” gift can rebuild emotional intimacy in any marriage.   Mitchell Osmond is a trusted advisor, leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the Dad Nation Podcast (34k+ monthly listeners). With over 15 years in senior leadership, he helps high-performing men achieve success where it matters most—at home, in their health, and in their happiness—while enhancing their career success. Mitchell has guided executives, entrepreneurs, and driven professionals to bridge the gap between career achievement and personal fulfillment. His coaching, programs, and podcast equip men to lead with confidence, master their mindset, and build strong marriages and families. As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Mitchell shares his expertise on leadership, marriage, mindset, and high-performance habits at events, masterminds, and across his digital platforms. His mission is clear: help career-driven men lead with purpose, win in every arena, and create a legacy that outlives them. Connect With Mitchell Osmond: Website https://www.dadnationco.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dadnationco/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1078371246738608/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real key to exploding your business isn’t just innovation—but mastering the art of pivoting through change?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Blair LaCorte, CEO at LaCorte Ventures. Blair is a leader who has guided multiple companies from startup to IPO and through major industry disruptions. Blair’s career includes C-level roles at ExoJet Vista, TPG, Autodesk, Sun Microsystems, and the world’s largest live entertainment production company. He’s currently training as an astronaut for Virgin Galactic, serves as Vice Chairman of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and has collaborated with icons like Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Bill Clinton. In this candid conversation, Blair shares how to recognize when to pivot versus double down, why change is the ultimate business opportunity, and how to build lasting connections that fuel personal and professional growth.   Key Takeaways: → The two essential skills every entrepreneur needs: fact-finding and quick-start decision-making. → How to tell if you’re pivoting too much—or not enough. → Why change should be viewed as a profit opportunity, not a threat. → The biggest mistakes leaders make when reacting to disruption—and how to avoid them. → Why restructuring and scaling have more in common than most think.   Blair LaCorte is a dynamic business executive with a diverse career spanning entertainment, aviation, AI, technology, aerospace, consulting, investing, and military logistics. Raised by entrepreneurs, he has held CEO and C-level roles at major companies like PRG, XOJET/Vista, TPG, Autodesk, and Sun Microsystems/Oracle. Blair has helped lead multiple startups to successful IPOs, including AEye Technologies and VerticalNet. Currently, he is an astronaut-in-training for Virgin Galactic and serves as Vice Chairman of the Buck Institute, a leader in longevity research. He also co-founded and facilitates a Mastermind group of 40 global CEOs. Known for his engaging leadership and strategic vision, Blair has served on nonprofit boards alongside luminaries like Steve Kerr, Phil Jackson, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Bill Clinton.   Connect With Blair LaCorte: Website: https://mastermindinnovate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-lacorte-68084/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your pipeline feels stuck, this playbook shows how honest answers and self-service tools can unlock demand fast.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Marcus Sheridan, World-Renowned Communication expert, Author, and Keynote speaker, famed for turning a struggling pool company into a category leader through radical transparency. Marcus shares the “Big Five” topics buyers obsess over, why publishing pricing and comparisons builds trust, and how AI-driven, zero-click search makes being the definitive answer more important than SEO alone. He breaks down practical self-service tactics (like pricing estimators), free tools for topic ideation and AI readiness, and the communication habits that help small teams outperform giants.   Key Takeaways: → They Ask, You Answer 2.0: Obsess over buyer questions and address them openly in text and video → The Big Five: Cost, problems, comparisons, reviews, and “best” content reliably drives traffic, trust, and sales → Publish Pricing (Smartly): Teach ranges and cost drivers—humans, search engines, and AI reward clarity → Be the Answer in AI: As zero-click search grows, optimize to be cited by AI systems, not just ranked by Google → Self-Service Wins: Interactive tools (e.g., pricing estimators) give control to buyers and lift conversions   As a world-renowned communication expert, author, and keynote speaker, Marcus Sheridan helps brands, sales teams, and leaders build deeper human connections and establish more trust with their audiences. With over 13 years of experience in the speaking industry and 23 years as an entrepreneur, Marcus has honed his craft as a master communicator, helping individuals and organizations transform the way they connect, engage, and influence. His expertise has been tactfully applied across a diverse range of subjects including Sales, Leadership, Marketing, AI, personal development, and trust.   Connect With Marcus Sheridan: Website: https://marcussheridan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcussheridanspeaks/ X: https://x.com/thesaleslion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind every highlight reel is a messy maze of contacts, gatekeepers, and missed opportunities—until someone maps it. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Ryan Rottman, actor-turned-founder who conceived an “IMDb for athletes,” and Sean O’Brien, CEO and former CMO who scaled Modloft from ~$25M to nearly $100M and helped Kevin Costner’s Autio build engineering in-house. Backed by marquee investors (including super-agent Scott Boras) and a recent CNBC debut, AthleteAgent.com centralizes accurate, validated contacts for athletes and agents across growing pro leagues. Ryan and Sean share how they’re boosting deal flow for the 99% of athletes, tightening product focus, and building trust in an industry famous for being fragmented and insular.   Key Takeaways: → How a dinner with Aaron Rodgers sparked the idea for an “IMDb for athletes” → Why athlete representation and endorsement deals are so fragmented—and how they’re solving it → The surprising industries subscribing to AthleteAgent (from Coca-Cola to financial advisors) → How AthleteAgent is bringing transparency, trust, and deal flow to athletes and agents → Why sports representation and endorsements are so fragmented—and how a centralized “pro LinkedIn” changes the game   Ryan Rottman is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of AthleteAgent.com, a groundbreaking sports tech platform. In his role, Ryan oversees business operations, strategic partnerships, and platform development, helping expand the site’s reach across professional leagues and enhance its database of verified athlete and team contacts. Before stepping into the tech and sports business world, Ryan built a successful career in entertainment, starring in films such as Billionaire Boys Club, The Open Road, and a variety of Hallmark originals, as well as television series like 90210(CW), The Middle (ABC), and The Lying Game (ABC Family). His background in production and storytelling has been instrumental in shaping AthleteAgent.com’s user experience and brand identity. Ryan combines business acumen with creative vision, bringing a unique edge to the intersection of sports, media, and tech. Sean O'Brien is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a track record of scaling successful ventures across multiple industries. In his early 20s, Sean co-founded a patented eCommerce company that achieved $10M in sales and was acquired after being featured as a “Product of the Year” on The View. He went on to launch The DivotCard, a Groupon-like platform for golf, which earned recognition in Inc.. By the age of 30, both startups had exits. Sean later served as CMO/CTO at Modloft, a luxury D2C furniture brand, helping scale it to nearly $100M in revenue and earning accolades from Forbes, CNN, and Architectural Digest. He also played a key role at Autio, a startup backed by Kevin Costner and other investors, which turned down a $1M offer on Shark Tank. Currently, Sean is the CEO of AthleteAgent.com and Swingzy, while also being a part-time venture capitalist at NGVP and Hustle Fund. He has studied at prestigious institutions such as Wharton, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.   Connect With Ryan Rottman and Sean O'Brien: Website: https://www.athleteagent.com/ Instagram: https://www.athleteagent.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how smart legal strategies can protect your brand and power your startup’s growth before costly mistakes happen.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jeff Holman, Founder and CEO of Intellectual Strategies, who shares insights on how startups and scaling businesses can protect their intellectual property and build strong brands. He discusses common mistakes companies make when it comes to trademarks and branding, and offers practical advice to avoid legal disputes that can cost thousands or more. Jeff also opens up about the unique approach his firm takes to work hand-in-hand with innovative companies, helping them navigate legal challenges while fueling their growth.   Key Takeaways: → The critical importance of valuing and protecting your brand early → Common pitfalls startups face with trademarks and intellectual property → How poor legal planning can lead to expensive rebranding battles → Strategies for choosing strong, protectable brand and product names → The passion behind helping innovators bring new ideas to market   Jeff Holman, founder and CEO of Intellectual Strategies, is changing the way startups and scaling businesses access legal support. As the creator of the first Fractional Legal Team at Intellectual Strategies, he’s made it possible for companies to tap into expert legal advice at key points in their growth—without needing a full-time, in-house team. This innovative approach means businesses get exactly the help they need, when they need it, and without the hefty overhead, helping them navigate everything from early-stage challenges to high-stakes scaling decisions.   Connect With Jeff Holman: Website: https://www.intellectualstrategies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intellectualstrategies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices