Sparking The Fuse

Spencer Thomason of StartupHakk shares why your business needs to adapt to AI now.Learn his bootstrapping lessons from building Clean Router and why local AI is the future.A practical look at building a sustainable tech business without relying on venture capital.Spencer Thomason went from software developer to startup founder. He shares what he learned building and selling a content filtering router, why he avoids heavy reliance on venture capital, and how he manages large teams without traditional management layers. He also explains why local AI is the future, how AI is changing education and industry workflows, and where he sees the biggest opportunities.Key Takeaways- Bootstrapping builds a sustainable business, but cash flow is a real challenge- Do things manually first before you automate- Continuous innovation keeps tech products relevant- Large teams can run without traditional management layers- Local AI is where business and the industry are heading- AI is accelerating the learning curve for everyone- Legal and ethical questions around AI data scraping remain openChapters00:00 Introduction and Spencer’s entrepreneurial background01:16 Starting out as a software developer and building Clean Router02:12 Challenges of bootstrapping and managing cash flow04:52 Lessons from building a profitable yet financially strained business07:25 Customer acquisition costs and funding struggles08:13 The evolution of Clean Router and new product launches12:03 The importance of continuous innovation in tech products14:10 Managing multiple teams and internal projects15:36 Leadership, management, and company culture18:38 The impact of AI on industries and education21:22 The future of local AI and its advantages24:20 Training and hiring developers through boot camps27:51 Where Spencer sees the biggest business opportunities now33:36 Open source AI projects and local AI solutions42:27 The future of AI giants and industry disruption46:17 Legal issues and data scraping controversies in AI49:03 Resources and how to get involved in local AI50:19 Final thoughts and advice for entrepreneursKeywordsentrepreneurship, AI, startup, local AI, business growth, tech innovation, bootcamp, software development, venture capital, AI ethics🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today’s GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-thomason/Website: https://startuphakk.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Dr. JuliAnna Sanchez Stone, founder of Career Life Academy, shows how AI is reshaping hiring and the job market.Get evidence-based strategies for career transitions, resumes, referrals, and interviews.A practical guide for anyone job searching or rethinking their next career move.Chris sits down with Dr. JuliAnna Sanchez Stone, founder of Career Life Academy, to talk about her path from career transition to career coaching. She shares what her research shows about today's job market, how AI is changing recruitment, and why storytelling and referrals matter. A useful listen if you're job searching, changing careers, or considering fractional consulting.Key Takeaways- The job market has changed dramatically over the past 12 years- AI is reshaping how companies recruit and screen candidates- Evidence-based strategies beat guesswork in career transitions- Storytelling and narrative are the core of your career brand- Referrals and networking still drive career growth- Interview prep looks different in a tech-driven world- Fractional consulting is a growing path for professionalsChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Juliana Sanchez-Stone and her journey01:59 Her career background and transition into career coaching03:54 Research findings on the current job market and AI influence06:55 Common misconceptions about job search and resume strategies09:52 The importance of data and evidence in career decision-making13:00 The evolution of the job market over the last decade15:54 How AI and technology are reshaping recruitment processes18:53 Strategies for effective job search and interview success22:13 Building a resilient mindset and entrepreneurial spirit25:02 The growth and future of Career Life Academy29:54 Advice for professionals facing career transitions35:58 The role of storytelling and narrative in career branding42:02 Preparing for interviews in a tech-driven environment44:55 The importance of continuous learning and adaptation50:05 Reflections on Hawaii, cultural influences, and personal stories55:03 Final thoughts and actionable advice for listenersKeywordscareer transition, job search, AI in recruitment, career coaching, job market trends, AI resume tips, fractional consulting, career advice🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliannastone/Website: https://www.careerlifeacademy.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Tony Stemen of Talent Growth Partners shares how to grow a people-first business with AI.Learn how AI can free up time for relationships instead of replacing them.Talent acquisition and leadership lessons from nearly 20 years in recruiting.Chris Cook interviews Tony Stemen of Talent Growth Partners, who draws on nearly 20 years in talent acquisition to explain how the firm grew from executive recruiting into broader people consulting. They discuss using AI to create efficiencies while protecting human relationships, adapting hiring practices to candidates’ real needs, and what it takes to grow without losing a people-first culture.Key Takeaways- Use AI to free up time for relationships, not to automate human connection- AI tools built on company data save recruiters two to five hours a week- There is no such thing as a perfect candidate- Separate non-negotiable skills from wish-list criteria- Repeated vacancies can point to onboarding or development gaps- Leaders must examine their own capabilities and be willing to evolveChapters00:00 Meet Tony Stemen and Talent Growth Partners01:25 From Christian education degree to recruiting03:14 How resume mining sparked a talent-sourcing career06:14 Turning sourcing expertise into a 15-person team09:04 The founding team’s complementary strengths11:08 Why the firm expanded beyond executive search14:04 Helping clients address the real problem16:01 AI efficiencies without automating human connection18:16 The ambition to triple the business in five years20:43 AI change and leadership humility as growth challenges24:11 Protecting a people-first culture as the firm scales26:39 Hiring for the whole person, not just the resume29:19 Why there is no perfect candidate32:30 Adaptability, critical thinking, and human connection37:10 Why in-person connection still matters40:26 Where to connect with Tony and Talent Growth PartnersKeywords: Tony Stemen, Talent Growth Partners, talent acquisition, executive recruiting, leadership development, people operations, AI in recruiting, business growth, human connection, hiring, Sparking the Fuse🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today’s GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonystemen/Website: https://www.talentgrowthpartners.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Simon Zryd, founder of Denver Business Coach, shows how to build a business you can actually sell.Learn the growth plateaus, leadership skills, and enterprise value moves that prepare you for exit.A practical conversation on scaling, strategic planning, and exit-first thinking for small business owners.In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris sits down with Simon Zryd, founder of Denver Business Coach. Simon shares his path from Switzerland to entrepreneurship and what he has learned about building a business that lasts. They cover the stages of growth, the capacity plateaus that stall owners, how to build a leadership team, and why enterprise value is the real measure of impact. Simon also explains how to adapt your business model for expansion and prepare for exit by building transferable assets.Key Takeaways- Start with the end in mind to build a saleable business- Humble beginnings can lead to big growth with the right strategy- Scaling requires developing leadership and management skills- Strategic planning is often overlooked in small businesses- Building a community within your advisory network enhances valueChapters00:00 Introduction to Simon Zryd and Denver Business Coach01:56 Simon’s journey from Switzerland to entrepreneurship04:02 Evolution of Denver Business Coach and its vision06:01 Key lessons on growing a successful business09:51 Common growth plateaus and how to overcome them11:56 Building leadership teams for scale16:04 Measuring impact through enterprise value20:08 Growth journey of Denver Business Coach24:02 Adapting business models for expansion28:02 Preparing for exit and building transferable assets31:47 Future plans and exciting opportunities35:58 Advice for entrepreneurs and continuous learningKeywords: business growth, entrepreneurship, business scaling, exit strategy, enterprise value, leadership, business coaching, strategic planning, business valuation, Simon Zryd, Denver Business Coach, Sparking the Fuse🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today’s GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonzryd/Website: https://denverbusinesscoach.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Regan Bach went from whitewater kayaking to executive coaching. Here is how better teams turn conflict into high performance.Learn why trust, healthy disagreement, and following your instincts define great leaders.Hear Regan Bach of Better Faster Further on culture, coaching, and systemic change.Regan Bach shares his path from whitewater kayaking to executive coaching and entrepreneurship. We talk about how athletic principles carry into corporate leadership, why trust and healthy conflict drive high-performing teams, and how repetition builds confidence in executive roles. Regan also covers systemic change, growing a coaching firm through reputation, and where Better Faster Further is headed.Key Takeaways- Trust your instincts as a leader and make decisions confidently- Healthy conflict is essential for high-performing teams, so avoid toxic or passive conflict- Repetition and experience build confidence in executive roles- Effective coaching combines academic frameworks with real-world experience- Organizations thrive when leaders create trust and accountabilityChapters00:00 Introduction to Regan Bach and his background01:05 From whitewater kayaking to executive coaching02:20 Lessons learned from action sports and outdoor adventures04:32 The role of coaching in developing raw talent08:18 How coaching helps break patterns and improve performance09:03 The founding of Better Faster Further11:05 Systemic change and scaling organizations14:06 Overcoming imposter syndrome in executive roles16:09 The importance of experience and real-world learning18:50 Growth through word of mouth and reputation21:50 What makes organizations high performing23:38 Healthy conflict and team dynamics26:04 Leadership style and organizational culture28:43 Adapting to different organizational stages33:48 The science and art of organizational change36:02 Mental models for understanding organizations38:37 Future vision for Better Faster Further41:49 Integrating wellness and performance in leadership43:07 Advice for entrepreneurs and leaders45:32 Connecting with Regan Bach and next stepsKeywordsleadership, high performance, executive coaching, organizational culture, conflict resolution, team trust, entrepreneurship, systemic change, coaching🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reganbachWebsite: https://betterfasterfurther.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Daniel Duty, CEO of Conlego, shows why negotiation is problem-solving, not a battle.Learn how motivations, interests, and expectations shape better business deals and partnerships.Plus how Portager AI helps retailers organize and analyze vendor proposals.EPISODE SUMMARYDaniel Duty takes us from Capitol Hill to corporate law, then to building negotiation teams at General Mills and Target. Now, as CEO of Conlego, he helps businesses negotiate smarter. We talk about the Michael Jordan Wheaties deal, common misconceptions about negotiation, cultural differences in negotiating styles, and why long-term partnerships beat win-lose tactics. Daniel also introduces Portager, an AI platform that helps retailers organize and compare vendor proposals, and shares his vision for negotiation technology across the retail process.KEY TAKEAWAYS- Negotiation is more about problem-solving than battle- Understanding motivations and interests leads to better deals- Setting the right expectations shapes negotiation outcomes- Deep industry experience combined with negotiation skills is unique- Portager AI helps retailers organize and analyze proposalsCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and guest background01:03 Transition from government to corporate law and negotiation02:36 Michael Jordan Wheaties deal and negotiation insights04:00 Building a negotiation team at General Mills and Target05:20 Creating value through negotiation and partnership06:55 Developing negotiation skills and mental models10:57 Common misconceptions about negotiation12:20 Problem-solving approach versus win-lose tactics14:36 Cultural implications in negotiation styles18:06 Growth and future opportunities for Conlego26:15 Introduction to Portager AI platform28:45 Using Portager for retail vendor negotiations32:18 Expanding into new retail categories and brands34:29 Future vision for Conlego and negotiation technology36:26 Integrating negotiation tools across the retail process38:36 Closing thoughts and next steps for listenersKEYWORDSnegotiation, business deals, retail partnerships, negotiation strategies, Conlego, Portager, negotiation training, retail ecosystem, AI in negotiation🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielduty/Website: https://conlego.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Kash Rocheleau left the corporate CEO seat to build something of her own — and learned that growth creates as many problems as it solves.In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris sits down with Kash Rocheleau, Owner of Outgrow Accounting & Finance.They dig into networking, understanding your financials, and what a fractional CFO actually does for a small business.EPISODE SUMMARYKash Rocheleau shares her journey from corporate CEO to entrepreneur, and what it took to build Outgrow Accounting & Finance from the ground up. She and Chris talk through why relationship-building drives business development, how financials tell a story that should shape your decisions, and how she thinks about managing internal growth challenges while balancing business and personal life. They also get into the evolving role of fractional CFOs and why small businesses should rethink financial leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYS- Relationship-building and networking are the foundation of sustainable business development- Your financials tell a story — learning to read and communicate that story drives better decisions- Growth creates internal challenges that need to be managed deliberately, not reactively- A fractional CFO gives small businesses financial leadership without the full-time cost- East Coast and West Coast business cultures differ in ways that shape how you build relationshipsCHAPTERS00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship03:26 Building Outgrow: The Early Days06:38 Networking and Relationship Building11:18 Understanding Financials: The Language of Business19:56 The Structure of Outgrow: Team and Clients25:22 Cultural Differences: East Coast vs. West Coast32:19 The Role of a Fractional CFO35:09 Rethinking Financial Leadership for Small Businesses38:13 Navigating Internal Growth Challenges43:08 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Life44:56 Vision for the Future of Outgrow47:25 Connecting and Building Relationships in BusinessKEYWORDSentrepreneurship, finance, networking, growth strategies, fractional CFO, business development, leadership, small business, Outgrow Accounting🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kash-rocheleau-a0678528/Website: https://outgrowaccounting.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Dylan Hendrickson built Staxx into a 30-person, nearly $4M fractional CFO firm without ever becoming a CPA.In this episode, he explains why most business owners are running their company off the wrong financial statement entirely.From college football to private equity playbooks, this is how cash — not profit — becomes the real decision-making tool.Dylan Hendrickson started his accounting business while playing college football and finishing his master's degree, eventually merging it with his business partner's firm to form Staxx. He shares why he still recommends an accounting degree, how Staxx's ideal client profile evolved, and why most business owners are confused about their finances because they're managing cash off a P&L instead of a 13-week cash flow forecast.- Dylan built his accounting business while playing college football, doing one small thing daily to move it forward.- Staxx formed when Dylan merged his solo practice with his business partner's firm after meeting at an industry event.- Hiring ahead of need and stepping out of service delivery early made Staxx scalable, not founder-dependent.- A P&L can't manage cash; a 13-week cash flow forecast can, and that's the real gap for most business owners.- Staxx's ideal client typically does $1M-$30M in revenue, needing more than a bookkeeper but not yet an in-house team.- A clear sign it's time for outside help: making decisions purely off the bank balance and gut feeling.00:00 - Intro00:37 - College football and building a business at once03:14 - How Staxx came together09:17 - Building for the long term over quick wins11:24 - Why Dylan still recommends accounting17:49 - What Staxx looks like today20:43 - How the offer has evolved22:28 - The ideal client profile23:43 - CFO-ready vs. controller-ready28:23 - Why cash flow forecasting beats the P&L32:00 - In-house accountants vs. fractional CFOs35:23 - How long engagements last37:45 - The hardest part of scaling right now43:22 - Messaging, pricing, and positioning46:32 - Balancing marketing, sales, and ops49:18 - Where to find Dylan and Staxxfractional CFO, cash flow forecasting, Staxx, Dylan Hendrickson, small business CFO, cash flow vs profit, scaling a service business, financial advisory, business exit planning, entrepreneurship🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-hendrickson-113419153/Website: https://www.startstaxx.pro/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Olivia Tillema helped automate a workflow that saved 91,000 hours in a single year.From a remote support gig to rebuilding operations for Bungie, she now runs her own ops agency, t2i collective.This episode breaks down the systems thinking that helps small businesses scale without burning out the team.Olivia Tillema went from a remote support role to rebuilding operations inside Bungie, one of the gaming industry's biggest studios, before launching her own boutique agency, T2i Collective. In this episode, she shares her systems-based approach to operations, how tools like Asana can transform team workflows, and the surprising amount of time (and money) the right systems can save a growing business.Key Takeaways:- Systems thinking is crucial for operational success- Automation can save thousands of hours annually- Understanding team responsibilities improves project flowChapters:00:00 From Layoff to Opportunity: Olivia's Journey02:03 The Evolution of Remote Work and Operations05:08 Navigating Career Transitions and Freelancing08:15 Landing the Bungie Project: A Game Changer11:14 Current State of T2I Collective: Growth and Challenges14:01 Understanding Operations: The RACI Framework17:18 Industry Insights: Communication and Workflow Improvements23:14 Transforming Efficiency with Automation24:38 Setting Growth Goals and Expanding Reach26:26 Building Connections and Networking27:27 Passion for Work and Personal FulfillmentKeywords: operations, systems, Asana, remote work, startup growth, process improvement, freelancing, Bungie, video game industry, business scaling🔗 Connect With ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/🔗 Connect With Today's GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-tillema-329599138/Website: https://t2icollective.com/🎧 Listen on Other PlatformsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431📸 SocialsFive Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

A two-decade wealth management veteran on why money is a tool, not a destination. Stephanie Groschup shares how aligning investments with values changes everything. Listening first, the great wealth transfer, and building a boutique firm that stays high-touch. Stephanie Groschup, Founder and President of ArchHaven & Co. Wealth Partners, joins Chris to talk about what it means to manage wealth with purpose. Drawing on a career that started in oil and gas and spanned major market events at Merrill Lynch, Stephanie unpacks why listening is the foundation of good advice, how client expectations have shifted, and what the $70-90 trillion great wealth transfer means for families and advisors. It's a conversation about values, legacy, and seeing money as a tool for the life you actually want to build. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Listening is foundational - not just to what clients say, but to what they don't say - Clients who align their investments with their values stay engaged and avoid rash decisions - The great wealth transfer (an estimated $70-90 trillion) will reshape families, markets, and how advisors work - Roughly 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation and 90% by the third, often because families never talk about money - Including the next generation early - in both financial and emotional conversations - protects a family's legacy - A boutique firm can't be everything to everybody; clarity comes from knowing exactly who you serve - Technology matters, but the human side of wealth is what most people are missing - Your happiness, worth, and value aren't defined by how many zeros are in the account CHAPTERS 00:04 - Meet Stephanie Groschup 00:30 - What people misunderstand about big firms 01:17 - Navigating 9/11, 2008, and market volatility 03:08 - From oil and gas to wealth management 04:03 - Becoming a founder 04:53 - How ArchHaven serves clients today 05:44 - Why listening comes first 09:13 - Why people hesitate to talk to an advisor 17:02 - Addressing the great wealth transfer 22:07 - Growing a boutique firm while staying high-touch 26:46 - Where the firm feels tension 33:01 - A practical first step toward clarity 34:00 - Where to connect with Stephanie KEYWORDS wealth management, financial advisor, great wealth transfer, values-based investing, legacy planning, estate planning, behavioral finance, boutique advisory firm, women in finance, retirement planning, Merrill Lynch, generational wealth 🔗 Connect With Chris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/ Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/ 🔗 Connect With Today's Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-groschup/ Website: https://www.archhavenwealth.com/ 🎧 Listen on Other Platforms Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431 📸 Socials Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/