The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

Scott Ritzheimer
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Mar 24, 2026 • 22min

From Zero to Six Figures in 60 Days with Todd Schuchart (stage 2) - Ep. 380

In this uniform episode, Todd Schuchart, Founder of Razor Ridge Leads, shares how to master consistent lead generation and sales without burning out in stage 2. If you struggle with feast-or-famine revenue and relying on referrals alone, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to build repeatable outbound systems that fill your pipeline predictably- Why consistent daily prospecting beats sporadic "big swings" every time- What simple scripts and follow-up cadences turn cold outreach into warm conversationsThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizTodd Schuchart is an expert in life insurance sales and lead generation, leading Razor Ridge Leads. With a deep understanding of the industry, he focuses on developing innovative solutions for agents, including conversational sales training and AI-driven CRM tools, to help life insurance professionals streamline their processes, improve client connections, and boost conversions. Todd is known for his commitment to simplifying the sales process, his levity to everyday situations, and his agent-first approach, creating high-quality resources that empower agents to succeed in a competitive market.Want to learn more about Todd Schuchart's work at Razor Ridge Leads? Check out his website at https://razorridge.com/Connect with Todd through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcharles/Check out his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/razorridgeleadsCheck out his other work at Sales Chowder at https://saleschowder.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 24, 2026 • 18min

The Burnout You’re Not Seeing Is Destroying Your Executive Team with Weronika Sobolak (stage 5) - Ep. 379

In this Encouraging episode, Weronika Sobolak, Owner of Weronika Sobolak Consulting, shares how to evolve from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO in stage 5. If you struggle with constant firefighting, team dependency on you, and stalled personal freedom, you won't want to miss itYou will discover:- Why over-involvement in operations kills strategic thinking and growth.- How to systematically hand off day-to-day decisions to trusted leaders- What mindset and structure shifts create true CEO-level leverageThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizWeronika Sobolak is a Certified Executive and Life Coach and a former global executive from Facebook/Meta. She brings 18 years of international experience and a foundation in high-stakes global operations to her practice. During her 13-year tenure at Meta, she managed initiatives driving over $0.5 Billion in revenue while leading strategic partnerships and operations across 30+ countries. Weronika translates this deep operational expertise—honed while living across three continents and teaching at Fordham University's School of Business—into actionable strategies for her clients. Weronika is helping leaders, founders, and teams navigate change and transition.Want to learn more about Weronika Sobolak's work at Weronika Sobolak Consulting? Check out her website at https://www.weronikasobolak.com/Connect with Weronika through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/weronikasobolak/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 17, 2026 • 20min

When Growth Outpaces Clarity—and the Cracks Start Showing with Dylan Bost (stage 4) - Ep. 378

In this eye-opening episode, Dylan Bost, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunny HQ LLC, shares how to break free from the disillusioned leader trap and reclaim personal profitability. If you struggle with growing revenue but shrinking take-home pay and constant burnout in stage 4, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why owner compensation often gets sacrificed first during scaling.- How to structure pay so the business rewards you, not just employees.- What mindset and systems shift profit from the company to your life.This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizDylan Bost is a designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Sunny HQ, a fully managed WordPress hosting and support company serving B2B brands, agencies, and service-based businesses. With over 30 years of experience in design, systems, and digital operations, Dylan has led teams, built companies, and helped hundreds of founders simplify and scale their backend operations. His first business, a creative agency, taught him the hard way what happens when growth outpaces clarity. After a complete reset, he built Sunny HQ around simplicity, service, and sustainable systems.Want to learn more about Dylan Bost's work at Sunny HQ LLC? Check out his website at https://sunnyhq.io/Connect with Dylan:Website: https://dylanclaytonbost.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanbost/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DylanClaytonBostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanclaytonbost/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 17, 2026 • 18min

Why Managers Bring You Everything (And How to Stop It) with Daria Rudnik (stage 4) - Ep. 377

In this empowering episode, Daria Rudnik, Team Architect and Owner of Daria Rudnik Coaching & Consulting, shares how to shift from founder-led decisions to empowered team ownership in stage 4. If you struggle with being the bottleneck in leadership meetings and slow decisions, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why constant founder input kills team confidence and slows scaling.- How to create psychological safety so your team speaks up first- What structured questions train leaders to own outcomes independentlyThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizWith a proven track record of guiding leaders and teams through global challenges, Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach. She is a former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional, bringing over 15 years of international executive experience in tech and telecom. Throughout her career, she has helped leaders from fast-growing startups navigate global financial crises, wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Daria supports busy leaders in building high-performing teams. Her approach blends team and leadership coaching, organizational consulting, and assessments. She also developed an AI-powered coaching tool to further enhance her clients' success.Want to learn more about Daria Rudnik's work at Daria Rudnik Coaching & Consulting? Check out her website at https://dariarudnik.com/You can get her book Clicking at https://www.amazon.com/CLICKING-Building-Strategy-Overloaded-Stronger/dp/1968318054Connect with Daria through her LnkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 10, 2026 • 21min

The Team you need to succeed as a True Owner turned investor with Todd Polke (stage 6) - Ep. 376

In this transformative episode, Todd Polke, Owner of Todd Polke, shares how to escape post-exit mediocrity and design a legacy of fulfillment and wealth. If you struggle with feeling stuck after selling or craving deeper purpose at scale, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to redefine success beyond financials for lasting impact- Why mindset shifts unlock exponential growth in life and business- What daily habits build the clarity to avoid the "middle" trapThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 6 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizTodd Polke is a leading wealth strategist, investor, and international speaker who helps people bridge the gap between financial strategy and personal mindset. With over two decades of experience in property investment, business growth, and wealth creation, Todd has guided thousands of investors and entrepreneurs toward achieving financial freedom and purpose-driven success. His approach blends practical, step-by-step strategies with the inner mindset work needed to create lasting results. Todd has been featured on numerous media platforms and podcasts, sharing his insights on building sustainable wealth, mastering money psychology, and designing a life of freedom.Want to learn more about Todd Polke's work at Todd Polke? Check out his website at https://www.toddpolke.com/Connect with Todd Polke through his LinkedIN at https://au.linkedin.com/in/investment-strategistGet his book Escape the Middle: Switch on Your Millionaire Mindset and Build Wealth That Outlives You at https://www.amazon.in/Escape-Middle-Millionaire-Mindset-Outlives-ebook/dp/B0F22STRL6Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 10, 2026 • 16min

Stop Listening to People. Start Following the Pattern with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 375

In this clarifying episode,Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why you must stop relying on individual advice and start following proven patterns. If you struggle with overwhelming noise, conflicting guidance, or outdated experience holding you back, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why patterns across stages filter out 90%+ of irrelevant advice- How to use organizational and founder stages as your decision filter- What focusing on high-probability patterns accelerates success at every levelThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizScott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success. Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 3, 2026 • 18min

SEO is dead. Or is it? with Wes Towers (stage 3) - Ep. 374

In this forward-thinking episode, Wes Towers,Founder of Uplift 360, shares how to adapt lead generation when traditional channels dry up. If you struggle with inconsistent leads and outdated online tactics in stage 3, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why search engines alone no longer deliver reliable leads at scale- How to implement "search everywhere optimization" across multiple channels- What value-first content builds trust and attracts clients fasterThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 3 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizWes Towers helps founders and marketing leaders turn attention into trust and revenue. As founder of Uplift 360 in Australia, he builds simple, repeatable systems that make brands easy to find, trust, and choose. His Search Everywhere Optimisation process blends sharp positioning, conversion-focused websites, and an AI-assisted content engine that teams can run without burning out. Wes also coaches marketing managers in construction-related companies to scale faster online with clear messaging, smarter content, and clean measurement. He works with construction and trade businesses, as well as B2B firms that want practical wins over theory.Want to learn more about Wes Towers work at Uplift 360? Check out his website at https://uplift360.com.au/Connect with Wes Towers through his LinkedIN at https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/Grab a copy of his book "The Simple Manifesto: Marketing principles to save you time, increase profit and create your dream business in a SNAP!" at https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Manifesto-Marketing-principles-increase/dp/0994367600Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Mar 3, 2026 • 25min

Why the Best Advice Is Probably Wrong for You with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 373

In this this eye-opening episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why even great advice can actively hold you back if it's not stage-specific. If you struggle with applying well-meaning guidance that doesn't fit your current reality, you won't want to miss itYou will discover:- Why advice from peers, coaches, authors, and successful founders is often wrong for your stage- How to filter all advice through the lens of your current Founder's Evolution stage- What judgment skill separates founders who thrive from those who stay stuckThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizScott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success.Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Feb 24, 2026 • 18min

Why Your Numbers Are Lying to You (And What to Look at Instead) with Jon Morris (stage 4) - Ep. 372

In this unwavering episode, Jon Morris, Founder and Executive Director of The Professional Service Community, shares how you can master your financial numbers to cut through the fog of stage four and lead your business with unshakeable confidence. If you wrestle with unreliable reports, question every spend, and feel blindfolded in your growth, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to simplify your P&L into five key categories so you can instantly spot what's driving—or draining—your profits- Why boosting gross margin through small-i innovation lets you outspend rivals on sales without cutting corners- How to turn gray decisions into black-and-white wins by letting your income statement be your toughest, fairest bossThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizJon Morris is the Founder and CEO of Fiscal Advocate Inc., a technology-enabled professional services company powered by EngineBI software. Jon founded Rise Interactive in 2004 with $10K. Over the next 16 years, he grew Rise, ultimately scaling it to nearly $40M in revenue before selling the company. Inspired to help other entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls he experienced, Jon created Fiscal Advocate to provide professional services to CEOs that give them the financial clarity they need to grow profitably. The company provides accounting, financial planning, analysis, and advisory services, along with proprietary software that surfaces critical financial insights.Want to learn more about Jon Morris' work at The Professional Service Community? Check out his website at https://www.fiscaladvocate.com/Connect with Jon Morris through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz
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Feb 24, 2026 • 18min

The Problem with Experience with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 371

In this paradigm-shifting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why your past success can trap you in the wrong stage. If you struggle with outdated playbooks, stalled growth, or repeating old patterns, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why experience that created your current success actively blocks the next stage- What to filter past wins and failures through to adapt for your current stage- How to use stage-specific frameworks to break free from what’s holding you backThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizScott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success. Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

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