How to Scale a Tech-Enabled Business with AI, No-Code, and Reputation with Ray Deck, State Change

Success isn’t just about hustle—it’s about smart ownership. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kelly, an acquisition entrepreneur who’s scaled five businesses with little to no upfront cash. We talk about how you can skip the startup chaos and buy a business that’s already thriving.🔥 You’ll learn:The “aha” moment that made Ben leave JPMorganWhy you don’t need to be an expert to scale a companyHow to spot the right business to buy—and actually fund the dealWhat mindset separates great acquisition entrepreneurs from wannabesHow Ben built real wealth while staying present for his familyThis one’s for the builders who want more control, faster success, and a business that doesn’t burn them out.🔗 Connect with Ben: LinkedInXYouTubeBook a call

Growth doesn’t come from hustle. It comes from clarity.Sean Si hit the wall most founders do — trying to do everything, lead everyone, and fix all the things. Then he blew it up and started fresh.In this episode, he walks us through how he scaled SEO Hacker by simplifying, delegating, and focusing on what actually matters. ✅ What burnout taught him about leadership ✅ Why most marketing teams misfire — and how to fix it ✅ How to rebuild culture without being the bottleneckIf you’ve ever said "I don’t know what’s working anymore," this one’s for you.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Sean Si: LinkedIn, Twitter, SEO HackerBook mentioned: Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

You built the business. You cashed out. Now what?Most founders think they need to “reinvest everything” or go chase the next big thing. But in this episode of Beyond 8 Figures, I sit down with Ben Fraser of Aspen Funds to break down how to invest after selling a business — the right way.Ben’s been inside this game since the last recession. He watched his father build Aspen Funds from scratch after the 2008 crash, and he’s since helped scale it into a multi-million-dollar platform that helps entrepreneurs invest passively (and intelligently).We talk about why entrepreneurs make terrible investors, how billionaires actually diversify, and the overlooked tax strategy that could save you six figures. If you’re still betting everything on your business — or worse, sitting on cash and hoping for the best — this episode will shift your mindset.Guest Introduction:Ben Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds and co-host of the Invest Like a Billionaire podcast, where he helps high-performing entrepreneurs grow and protect their wealth through smarter, passive investments. With a background in commercial lending and institutional asset management, Ben has overseen $125M+ in real estate and business loans. Today, he specializes in guiding business owners toward alternative investment strategies that prioritize stability, cash flow, and long-term growth—without adding complexity to their lives.Key Takeaways & Timestamps:[05:37] The One-Liner That Changes Everything – “Wealth is created through concentration, but preserved through diversification.”[06:38] How Billionaires Really Diversify – Ben reveals the Tiger 21 portfolio breakdown and how to use it.[14:35] Unlocking Tax Loopholes Most Entrepreneurs Miss – What happens when your spouse qualifies as a real estate professional.[15:36] Why One Founder Quit a 6-Figure Job to Save More – Ben shares a story that’ll make you rethink W-2s.[19:47] Where the Smart Money Is Moving in 2025 – Ben’s macro-driven view of real estate (and what KKR just did).The next big move in your business might start with a conversation.If you’ve been thinking about leveling up, shifting directions, or preparing for a future exit, A.J. offers strategic support for entrepreneurs at a crossroads. No pitch—just a chance to explore what’s possible. 👉 Start hereEpisode Highlights:Don’t just reinvest everything into your business — you’re exposed.Real diversification starts when you stop chasing control.Use tax law to your advantage (especially with a strategic spouse).Billionaires don’t try to time the market — they plan across decades.Key Quotes:“Wealth is created through concentration. But it’s preserved through diversification.”“Entrepreneurs make terrible investors… because we’re wired to take risk, not preserve what we’ve built.“You don’t need to earn more. You need to invest smarter.”Resources & Links:Invest Like a Billionaire PodcastTiger21 KKR’s Multifamily Acquisition ArticleConnect with Ben Fraser:LinkedIn Aspen Funds Website 

Most founders wait too long to adapt. Ray Deck says that’s a mistake—and shows how to scale smarter using the tools you already have.What if the biggest leverage in your business isn’t new funding or a bigger team—but the knowledge and trust you’ve already built?This week, I’m joined by Ray Deck, founder of State Change, to break down how AI, no-code, and personal reputation are changing the game for founders ready to scale—without burning out.Ray’s seen it all—from the dot-com bust to the rise of SaaS—and now he’s helping entrepreneurs build smarter by tapping into tools that amplify what they already know.We get into:🔍 The power of domain expertise (and why it matters more than ever)🛠️ How to turn your ideas into real tools—without writing cod📈 Using content to build trust and drive scalable growth🧪 Why experimentation is your most valuable growth strategyIf you’re a mid-journey founder running a 7-figure business—or eyeing your next move—this episode is full of real-world tactics to help you scale with less stress and more leverage.🎧 Listen now—then go build what only you can create.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Ray Deck → LinkedIn, YouTube, State ChangeTools mentioned: ChatGPT, ZapierBooks referenced: Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker, Win Without Pitching by Blair Enns

🎙️ What if your biggest business breakthrough came from TikTok… in a language you barely spoke anymore?This week, I sat down with Kanessa Muluneh, the powerhouse behind the fashion brand MULU. She built a thriving clothing company in Africa—not through Shopify or ads—but through Telegram, WhatsApp, and a loyal audience she nurtured with blunt honesty and smart storytelling.We get into:Launching a brand in Africa (and why it’s not like the West)Using NFTs to educate and engage a new marketOwning her own factory in PakistanScaling by mentoring women in the U.S. and AfricaThis episode is raw, real, and full of insights for any founder looking to build across borders.Don’t miss it!

Hiring global talent is no longer just for massive corporations—it’s a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses, too. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Ashcroft, a veteran in outsourcing and remote work, to break down the exact strategies you can use to hire, manage, and scale a global team efficiently.💡 Learn how to avoid common outsourcing mistakes, find top-tier talent without overpaying, and build a hiring system that works. Whether you’re just starting with VAs or looking to scale an entire remote team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.🎧 Listen now and transform how you build your business! 🚀🚀 Want to scale your business smarter with the right hires? Let’s talk. 👉 Work with A.J.Get a copy of Kevin's book: Outsourcing For SuccessConnect with Kevin Ashcroft:LinkedInWebsite

💡 Think hiring global talent means outsourcing to low-level VAs? Think again. Jon Matzner shares a game-changing approach to hiring and automation that can actually help you scale.🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ The biggest mistake founders make when hiring global talent ✅ How to structure your team for high-leverage growth ✅ Why media leverage (like Twitter & newsletters) is an untapped goldmine ✅ Jon’s personal journey from government work to business ownership ✅ The first step you should take TODAY to buy back your time🎙️ Listen now and start scaling smarter!📩 Get Jon’s newsletter → Lazy Leverage🐦 Follow Jon on Twitter → @MatznerJon

This episode isn’t just another polished success story—it’s the raw, unfiltered reality of what it really takes to build something big. Brad Pedersen has been through the wringer: rapid growth, crushing failures, and three bankruptcies before finally getting it right. In this episode, Brad shares invaluable business growth lessons, offering insights that will help entrepreneurs navigate the highs and lows of building a successful business.We dive deep into: Why scaling too fast can destroy your business before it even takes off - 23:38The financial blind spots that almost took Brad down (and how he fixed them) - 24:29The hidden emotional cost of chasing success at all costs - 30:17How to build a business that doesn’t just make money—but actually fits your life - 36:04This is one of those episodes that challenges everything you think you know about entrepreneurship. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk from someone who’s been through it all.About Brad Pedersen:Brad isn’t just another entrepreneur with a success story. He’s someone who has lost it all, learned the hard way, and built himself back up to create billion-dollar brands. After exiting his toy company, he co-founded Lomi and Pila, focused on sustainability and long-term impact. Through his book Startup Santa and his latest venture, Full Spectrum, Brad is now helping founders navigate the highs and lows of business—without losing themselves in the process.Key Quotes:"Success is a sucky teacher. We only tend to learn from the difficulties.""The greatest fear of any entrepreneur is the death of their business.""If you shortcut the shortcuts, you’re going to end up further back than where you started."Actionable Insights:Run a 13-week cash flow forecast. The easiest way to avoid financial disasters? Know where your money is going before you run out.Slow down to go fast. Speeding through decisions leads to costly mistakes. Take your time to get it right the first time.Protect your flanks. Rapid growth is exciting—until it leaves you exposed. Make sure your foundation is strong before scaling up.Redefine success. Brad’s version? Freedom: being in control of your time, energy, and business, instead of the other way around.Balance ambition with reality. If you’re chasing growth at the cost of everything else, it’s only a matter of time before you hit a wall.Resources Mentioned:Startup Santa by Brad PedersenLomi: www.lomi.comFull Spectrum: www.fullspectrumlife.comConnect with Brad Pedersen:Website: www.bradpedersen.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bradtpedersenConnect with Beyond 8 Figures:Website: Beyond8Figures.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8FiguresLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beyond8figuresTwitter: @Beyond8FiguresWork With Me: Want to scale your business without losing your sanity? Let’s talk.👉 Work with A.J.

In this solo episode, I dive deep into the recurring marketing and sales challenges that plague seven-figure businesses trying to scale higher. Drawing from my personal experience and conversations with numerous founders, I explore how scattered marketing data, unclear ROI, and founder bottlenecks can stall growth.Key areas covered:✅ The challenge of fragmented marketing data across multiple platforms✅ High customer acquisition costs in premium markets✅ The importance of proper lead management and follow-up✅ Breaking free from the founder bottleneck✅ Implementing practical solutions for sustainable growthActionable Insights:Unify your marketing data tracking systemsImplement a 10-minute response rule for leadsFocus on existing customer retention before aggressive acquisitionCreate clear systems to delegate critical decisionsStart with one key improvement rather than trying to fix everything at onceKey Quote:"Pick your biggest pain point...and focus on that first. Remember, it's all about directionally correct incremental progress."🎧 Sens.ai Meditation Device Experiment – UpdateA few weeks ago, I shared my initial experience testing out the Sens.ai meditation device. In this episode, I give a quick update on how it's been going and what I've noticed so far. If you missed the first discussion, check out the episode here! Interested in the technology behind the device? Visit Sens.ai to learn more about their innovative approach. Plus, as a Beyond 8 Figures listener, you can get $100 OFF your purchase with the code "BEYOND8" at checkout.Connect with Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsiteWork With Me: Need help implementing these strategies? I offer fractional CMO services to help seven-figure businesses scale effectively. Book a consultation at beyond8figures.com/work-with-a-j/

Picture this: you're grinding away, trying to scale your business, but growth feels like pushing a boulder uphill. What if the problem isn’t how hard you're working but what you're working on? Jason Ehrlich proves there’s a smarter way: one that doesn’t rely on burning out to level up. His journey from corporate life to founding two successful investment firms is filled with lessons on growth, risk, and strategic thinking.This episode is perfect for:Entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses rapidly through acquisitions.Bootstrapped founders seeking strategies for predictable growth.Business owners interested in de-risking their growth plans with proven acquisition tactics.Investors who are curious about how acquisition entrepreneurship can deliver strong returns.Anyone contemplating their first business acquisition and needing real-world insights.Jason’s background is unique: he didn’t start out in venture capital or acquisitions. In fact, he and his wife spent years as digital nomads, traveling the world long before remote work was trendy. Through those experiences, he saw firsthand how businesses operate across different markets, sparking his interest in strategic investments.Strategic acquisitions have become a personal passion of mine because they offer something every entrepreneur craves: predictable growth and speed of execution. Instead of spending years building from scratch, acquisitions allow us to plug into existing revenue streams, established customer bases, and proven operations. It’s like stepping onto a moving train instead of laying every piece of track yourself.Today, as the founder of Fruition Capital, Jason manages investments in both commercial real estate and small business acquisitions. His real value isn’t just in writing checks—it’s in spotting growth opportunities others miss, mentoring entrepreneurs, and helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships. His perspective is grounded, practical, and packed with insights that can help any entrepreneur think differently about growth.Why acquisitions can work so well for entrepreneursAcquisitions can be a growth shortcut. Instead of spending years building everything from the ground up, you’re starting with systems, teams, and revenue that are already in place. That’s why they’re so effective at accelerating progress.You don’t need massive capital to start. Many entrepreneurs assume acquisitions require a ton of money upfront. The reality is, there are ways to structure deals so you’re not putting everything on the line. It’s about being strategic and finding the right fit.It’s not just about buying revenue - it’s about stability. The best acquisitions come with loyal customers, proven operations, and a team that knows how to run the show. That stability can help you grow more predictably and reduce risk.You need the right people around you. Acquisitions aren’t something you do on your own. Having investors or partners who bring strategic value, not just funding, is a game-changer. They help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls.Diversification creates resilience. By acquiring a business that complements your current operations, you’re spreading risk. If one part of the market shifts, you’ve got multiple revenue streams to keep you steady.Why this mattersWhat I find fascinating about strategic acquisitions is their ability to de-risk entrepreneurship in ways organic growth can't always achieve. When you acquire a business, you're not just buying revenue - you're acquiring systems, customer relationships, and a proven market fit. In one of my past ventures, acquiring a smaller company gave us immediate access to a niche audience we'd been struggling to reach for years. That deal didn't just boost our bottom line; it accelerated our learning curve, allowing us to refine our value proposition almost overnight.Another powerful aspect of acquisitions is the leverage they create for entrepreneurs. I remember negotiating an acquisition where the business we were targeting had underutilized assets and an incredible team that just needed the right leadership. By integrating them into our existing operations, we didn't just grow faster—we created synergies that led to cost savings, enhanced productivity, and a stronger market position. Strategic acquisitions aren't just about growth; they're about optimizing every part of your business to perform at a higher level.Are you playing it safe or playing to win?If you’re done settling for incremental growth, it’s time to shift gears. I help entrepreneurs like you fast-track their business success through strategic acquisitions: identifying growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and creating scalable systems. The question isn’t if acquisitions can transform your business. It’s when you’ll start. Let’s make that happen now!👉 Book a free 15-minute call: https://beyond8figures.com/work-with-a-j/ Jason's best advice for entrepreneurs:"Acquiring a business isn’t just about buying revenue—it’s about buying into systems, relationships, and proven market fits."Connect with Jason Ehrlich:LinkedInWebsiteFruition Cap for Potential InvestorsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite