

The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast
Scott Ritzheimer
Scale Architects, founder, CEO and Secrets of The High Demand Coach podcast host Scott Ritzheimer has helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and launched and sold his own multimillion-dollar business after leading it through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.
He realized the biggest secret to success is that there is not one secret to success. There are key strategies, tactics, skills, and mindsets needed at each stage of the journey AND they are different in each stage.
He launched the Start, Scale & Succeed podcast to help you know what you need to do RIGHT NOW to create the success you want. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, owner, or CEO or even if you'd like to be. You'll find episodes guiding you to success in all seven stages of your journey from pre-launch to post-exit.
He realized the biggest secret to success is that there is not one secret to success. There are key strategies, tactics, skills, and mindsets needed at each stage of the journey AND they are different in each stage.
He launched the Start, Scale & Succeed podcast to help you know what you need to do RIGHT NOW to create the success you want. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, owner, or CEO or even if you'd like to be. You'll find episodes guiding you to success in all seven stages of your journey from pre-launch to post-exit.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

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

Feb 17, 2026 • 22min
After the Exit: What No One Tells You About Life on the Other Side with Andrew Hulbert (stage 6) - Ep. 370
In this candid episode, Andrew Hulbert, Founder and Vice Chair of Pareto Facilities Management Ltd, shares lessons from building, exiting, and redefining purpose post-sale. If you struggle with post-exit identity voids and legacy planning, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why aligning business with personal purpose sustains fulfillment beyond exits- How to structure companies for independence and multi-generational impact- What mindset shifts empower everyday people to launch successfullyThis 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/quizAndrew Hulbert is a founder and entrepreneur who built Pareto FM from scratch into a £50M company with 500 staff, culminating in a nine-figure private equity exit. Raised on a council estate, he created his own path through grit and a people-first business culture. His story is one of real trade-offs—financial freedom, early retirement for his father, but also missed moments. With over 40 awards, two books, and a track record in leadership, diversity, and mentoring, Andrew now speaks candidly about entrepreneurship, legacy, and men’s wellness. His conversations are honest, unfiltered, and grounded in lived experience.Want to learn more about Andrew Hulbert's work at Pareto Facilities Management Ltd? Check out his website at https://www.paretofm.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 QuizTake 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

Feb 17, 2026 • 19min
How The Diseconomies of Sales Scale Keep You Stuck with Nicholas Loise (stage 4) - Ep. 369
In this factual episode, Nicholas Loise, Founder of Sales Performance Team, shares how to build scalable sales teams and integrate marketing for growth. If you struggle with duct-tape sales processes and being stuck in selling, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to align sales and marketing to avoid silos and boost revenue.- Why creating playbooks turns average reps into consistent performers.- What avoiding "one" dependencies like single salespeople prevents risksThis 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/quizNicholas Loise is a seasoned sales leader, entrepreneur, and marketing executive with a proven track record of helping small to midsize businesses improve their sales and marketing systems. Having served as Vice President of Sales, President, and Chief Revenue Officer, Nick specializes in building integrated processes and playbooks that drive growth, profitability, and long-term customer value. His experience spans from startups to Fortune 100 companies, where he has revamped sales structures, developed business development strategies, and enhanced customer retention.Want to learn more aboutNicholas Loise' work at Your Sales Recruiter? Check out his website at https://salesperformanceteam.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

Feb 10, 2026 • 20min
Trapped by a Ton of Tasks? Here’s How to ESCAPE with Sid Jashnani (stage 2) - Ep. 368
In this prictical episode, Sid Jashnani, Founder of Rekruuto, shares how to master delegation and scale using global talent to escape solo overload. If you struggle with doing everything yourself and fearing first hires, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to use the Delta Delegation Ladder for structured task handoff- Why starting with low-risk tasks builds trust in delegation- What global VAs provide for cost-effective team growthThis 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/quizSid Jashnani is the Founder of Rekruuto, a Certified EOS Implementer®, and a holdco entrepreneur who builds and acquires IT infrastructure companies. He scaled his own business from $4M to $35M using EOS, transforming from a firefighting operator into a strategic leader. Today, he helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams gain clarity, discipline, and traction through EOS coaching, specializing in delegation systems such as the DELTA Delegation Ladder and pairing strong systems with offshore talent to scale efficiently and affordably. His mission is to help good companies become great while enabling leaders to reclaim their time, clarity, and freedom.Want to learn more about Sid Jashnani's work at Rekruuto? Check out his website at https://www.rekruuto.netMentioned 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

Feb 10, 2026 • 20min
The Franchise Escape: Why Corporate Refugees Buy, Not Build with Giuseppe Grammatico (stage 1) - Ep. 367
In this empowering episode, Giuseppe Grammatico, Owner of GG The Franchise Guide, shares how franchising offers a proven, lower-risk path to business ownership from corporate jobs. If you struggle with feeling trapped in a dead-end job and fear starting from scratch, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why franchising provides systems and support missing in startups- How to evaluate franchises that fit your lifestyle goals.- What free resources like books and calls accelerate your transitionThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 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/quizGiuseppe Grammatico is a franchise veteran, coach, author, speaker & consultant who simplifies the franchising process and excels at guiding his candidates to the business model that best suits their desired lifestyle. His greatest joy is helping people realize the American dream and sharing the freedom that franchising offers.Want to learn more about Giuseppe Grammatico's work at GG The Franchise Guide? Check out his website at https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/Get his free Franchise Freedom Book at https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/book/Listen to his podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-c-barnett-exit-strategies-how-to-sell-your-business/id1499864638?i=1000527290517Mentioned 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

Feb 3, 2026 • 24min
Did you set the Right Goals? with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 366
In this clarifying episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why goals exist to drive better decisions and actions toward your vision. If you struggle with misaligned goals or ineffective planning across any stage, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why goals primarily guide decisions and actions, not just achievement- How to set goals aligned with your mission, vision, and values- What reviewing goals teaches you to master the skill over timeThis 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

Feb 3, 2026 • 17min
Out-Hiring Amazon: The Team That Shows Up with William Milliken (stage 3) - Ep. 365
In this motivational episode, William Milliken, President of Swoop Scoop, shares how to scale service businesses and overcome mindset barriers to hiring. If you struggle with doing everything alone and fearing your first hires, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to start taking action without waiting for perfection- Why mindset blocks prevent scaling beyond solo operations- What simple systems turn a simple service into millionsThis 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/quizWilliam Milliken is the Founder of Swoop Scoop, a multi-million-dollar dog waste removal company that has transformed a simple chore into a booming business serving thousands across multiple states. With a sharp digital marketing background, he’s built several 7-figure home service companies and has become a go-to expert in creating profitable, recession-proof businesses. As the founder of the Poop Scoop Millionaire community, he’s empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to launch successful dog waste removal businesses. William shares powerful strategies for scaling businesses, digital marketing, and unlocking financial freedom in unexpected industries.Want to learn more about William Milliken's work at Swoop Scoop? Check out his website at https://swoopscoop.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

Jan 20, 2026 • 19min
The Competence Trap: Why Being Good at Everything Is Killing Your Business with Joanna Zhang (stage 2) - Ep. 364
In this insightful episode, Joanna Zhang, CEO of The Operations Genius, shares how to master delegation and self-discovery to escape overwhelm. If you struggle with doing everything alone and hitting bottlenecks, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- How to start delegation by listing tasks and building trust- Why respecting emotions unlocks better leadership decisions- What self-reflection turns challenges into growth opportunitiesThis 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/quizJoanna Zhang is an international speaker and the founder of The Operations Genius. She helps entrepreneurs, agency owners, and leaders scale their businesses sustainably through aligned systems, operational clarity, and energy-based productivity. After years of working inside high-growth companies, Joanna saw how often leaders sacrificed well-being and vision for growth. Now, she empowers founders to create freedom-driven businesses that thrive without constant firefighting. Known for her holistic approach that blends strategy, systems, and soul, Joanna guides leaders to build companies that are both profitable and purposeful.Want to learn more about Joanna Zhang's work at The Operations Genius? Check out her website at https://operationsgenius.net/Connect with Joanna at her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhang-joanna Download her Unstuck Guide at https://operationsgenius.net/solopreneur-guide/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

Jan 20, 2026 • 23min
What Is Your Vision for Your Organization? with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 363
In this insightful episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares how to discover and evolve your true organizational vision across all seven stages of the Founder's Evolution. If you struggle with unclear purpose, motivation dips, or building a team around something that doesn't truly matter, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why your organization should (or did) still matter 50 years from now- What makes a vision compelling enough to fuel you through decades of sacrifice- How to evolve your vision from short-term survival fuel → team inspiration → future legacyThis 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


