Confessions of an Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS Implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Rip Tilden, an Expert EOS Implementer. Rip and Ryan explore the challenges leaders face when tackling tough people problems within teams, such as handling misaligned team members or toxic behavior. They discuss the importance of clear communication, the three-strike feedback rule, and the courage to make tough calls when someone isn’t the right fit. Rip shares insights from his book Leading on Purpose, emphasizing that leadership skills are built, not innate, and that feedback must be candid and timely. Together, they provide actionable strategies for leaders to navigate difficult personnel issues while fostering a positive and growth-focused work culture.
“Let's talk about what you've observed. Make sure you've observed it. It's not a rumour or a third party comment from somebody. And then let's talk about the business impact, why it matters that you change that behaviour and then talk together about how you can change. I think that's how you do it in a way that doesn't round off the edges but doesn't make it a personal attack.” - Rip Tilden
Rip served as the COO of an international technology company and helped grow its market value five-fold. He also led a unit of a private wellness business and helped double that unit’s earnings while tripling its cash flow.
As an Expert EOS Implementer, Rip has taught more than 80 companies to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System. He gets charged up helping them clarify their vision, gain traction to get great results, get the right people in the right seats, strengthen accountability, and build healthy leadership teams who can build and sustain growth in their companies.
Rip’s passion for learning and teaching extends to the boardroom and the classroom as well. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Andesa Services in Allentown, PA, and served for eight years as a Project Faculty Member at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Episode Resources

• Rip Tilden on LinkedIn
• Rip Tilden on the EOS Worldwide Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, host Ryan welcomes Scott Rusnak, an Expert EOS Implementer and former high-level cyclist. Scott shares his journey of perseverance and grit, discussing how his cycling background defines his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of 90-day goals, teamwork, and aligning personal and business values for personal and business growth. The conversation also touches on meaningful connections, energy management, and Scott's insights on optimal performance, including diet and recovery. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for success and fulfillment alongside Scott's unique perspective on coaching and personal growth.

Over the past 30 years, Scott has built and successfully exited from multiple businesses, competing on the world stage with Apple, Expedia, and Pearson Education. His philosophy as an Expert EOS Implementer is “If you are coachable and have the discipline and energy to be your best, I’d be thrilled to lead you on the journey to achieve Traction.” He believes that success isn’t rocket science. It’s all about getting clear on what you want and focusing on it. Scott promises that if you follow his structured approach by re-examining your current life, habits, thoughts, and ambitions, you will get everything you want from your business!

Episode Resources

• Scott Rusnak on LinkedIn
• Scott Rusnak on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Damon Neth, an Expert EOS Implementer. Join Ryan and Damon as they discuss the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in transforming businesses. Damon shares his journey as an entrepreneur and expert EOS implementer, emphasizing the importance of building high-performing teams and managing people smarter than you. 
They also explore the role of fractional executive leadership and the misconceptions surrounding it. Damon provides valuable insights into the benefits of EOS, the role of interim executives and integrators, and the evolving nature of the industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!Damon is an experienced entrepreneur, mentor, and coach who has helped hundreds of small- to medium-sized companies achieve outstanding results for over 20 years. Having founded five companies himself, Damon understands the joys of running a successful company and the pains of working endlessly to make companies healthy while being whipsawed by changing markets. In 2002, Damon and his wife, Stacey, co-founded Disc Nation, which they led together for 12 years. That taught Damon much about the challenges of establishing work/life balance and the “organizational dynamics” of a family business.

In 2014, Damon founded CXO Service Co, helping companies through interim executive leadership. During this time, Damon, occupying executive roles at several companies simultaneously, discovered EOS. Damon quickly noticed that his clients using EOS were better run, more harmonious, and aligned and achieved superior results. This experience drove Damon to become an Expert EOS implementer to help other companies become outstanding in using these tools.Aside from EOS, Damon is passionate about helping people, especially entrepreneurs and company leadership teams, grow, learn, and change. This is demonstrated by the numerous companies Damon has mentored through volunteer programs, including the EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization) Accelerator and SKU, the nation’s foremost consumer products accelerator. Damon is also a long-term member of EO in Austin, TX.

Episode Resources

• Damon Neth on LinkedIn
• Damon Neth on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Jonathan B Smith, an Expert EOS Implementer. Join Ryan and Jonathan in this captivating episode as they delve into the world of negotiation and effective communication. With insights from Jonathan's experience as an EOS implementer and FBI-trained hostage negotiator, learn valuable skills to enhance everyday conversations and build stronger relationships. Discover how tactical empathy and mirroring techniques can create positive outcomes and gain inspiration from Jonathan's work in various industries, including his remarkable turnaround of the International Spy Museum. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your communication skills and embark on a journey towards success.

Jonathan B. Smith is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist. As an Expert EOS Implementer®, Jonathan has worked with 125+ high-growth entrepreneurial companies in 1,000+ sessions to help them improve strategy, execution, and results. Since 2013, 25 of his clients have successfully exited their businesses. His passion is helping others believe they can achieve what they once thought was impossible.

Jonathan is a Negotiations Trainer with the Black Swan Group and works closely with former FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss. He is an Advisory Board Member at the International Spy Museum.  He is on the Investment Committee at TF Investors, a private equity fund that exclusively invests in EOS® run companies.

Jonathan attended the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 84) and was a Delegate with the U.S. Department of State’s Global Entrepreneurship Program to Jakarta and Athens.

Episode Resources

• Jonathan B Smith on LinkedIn
• Jonathan B Smith on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining us today is someone who has gone from designing multi-million dollar racing yachts to founding and running a successful consultancy where he helps his clients elevate and transform their businesses. It’s a pleasure to welcome Steve Morris, Certified EOS Implementer, to this episode. 
Join us as we explore the influence of yacht racing on Steve's work as an EOS implementer. Discover the secrets of high-performing teams, intentional culture-building, and the challenges of trust and accountability. Gain insights into effective communication, vetting potential employees, and making tough decisions. Learn about the power of engagement and feedback in organizations and the importance of valuing input and creating an environment for healthy conflict and growth.
“You know what you want from your business but are unsure how to get there. I’ll help you navigate the journey and find the fastest route.” Steve Morris
Steve began his career as an engineer and naval architect, designing multi-million-dollar racing yachts and building and coaching teams to help clients win some of the world's most challenging races. Those early years taught him the essence of outstanding leadership, the importance of applying processes and systems, and how to get a team to work cohesively. 
Six years ago, he founded his own business to help individuals, teams, and companies overcome growth obstacles and move forward. During this time, he discovered Traction and EOS and quickly became passionate about these tools. Reflecting on past challenges in growing a yacht design business, he wishes he had access to EOS then. Today, as a Professional EOS Implementer, he uses his expertise and enthusiasm to help business owners get unstuck, drive growth, and create more profitable and enjoyable workplaces.
Episode Resources

• Steve Morris on LinkedIn
• Steve Morris on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Stu Wolff, Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Certified EOS Implementer. Stu grew Wolf Group, his food service distribution company, to $100 million before selling it to Acosta Sales and Marketing. Join us as we discuss the keys to scaling a business, the importance of aligning core values, and the value of working with a business coach. Discover how Stu grew his venture from zero to over $100 million and successfully acquired 11 companies. Whether you're interested in acquisitions, building a strong culture, or finding your passion, this podcast has something for everyone.
Stu successfully sold his business, The Wolff Group, to the multi-billion-dollar industry leader Acosta Sales & Marketing in 2013. During his career, Stu grew his single-market sales and marketing agency from 42 employees managing $140M in sales to 165 employees managing over $1 billion in sales. He completed eleven strategic acquisitions during a five-year period to create one regional agency covering a ten-state Midwest Region. 
Stu confirms that he could not have succeeded without EOS as the operating system for his business. Today, Stu is a Certified EOS® Implementer and Business Coach. He works with entrepreneurs and their leadership teams to implement EOS® into their companies so that they can reach their full potential. He is also an Honorary Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), College of Business, School of Hospitality Management.  Stu was recognized in 2015 as MSU Alumni of the Year.

Episode Resources

• Stu Wolff on LinkedIn
• Stu Wolff on EOS Worldwide
• Stu Wolff Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Mel Towey, a business coach, speaker, and Certified EOS Implementer. Join us as Mel shares her insights about her approach to leadership and team dynamics. She also shares details on the difference between management and leadership, the role of resilience in her journey, and the importance of self-work and personal growth. Mel discusses her process for working with teams and highlights the power of curiosity and vulnerability in facilitating growth. If you're interested in learning about how effective leadership and team dynamics can accelerate business growth, this podcast is a must-listen!
Whether in business or in life, Mel believes in fixing the root cause at the deepest level—not treating the symptoms.
As a trusted leader and consulting resource within the building materials, architecture & design, real estate, and construction space, she helps professionals grow in themselves and in their careers, as well as strategically helps entrepreneurs and business leaders at a deeper level overcome foundational challenges holding them back from their growth potential.
As a Certified EOS® Implementer and Business & Mindset Coach, Mel acts as a teacher, coach, and facilitator, helping business leaders transform their companies and, ultimately, their lives. She achieves this by implementing a complete, proven system with simple, practical tools to help business leaders achieve three things: vision, traction, and health. When you align and synchronize all the moving parts of your business, you create clarity, accountability, efficiency, and profitability.
Her mission is to be a catalyst for professionals looking to achieve freedom, joy, and fulfillment while enhancing their performance and making a meaningful difference in every area of their lives. You only get one life. How you design it is up to you.
Mel’s Industry focus: Building Materials | Residential & Commercial Construction | Interior Design | Architecture | Real Estate Development | Kitchen & Bath | Flooring | Whole Sale Distributors

Episode Resources

• Mel Towey on LinkedIn
• Mel Towey on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn

Talent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Tom Hunt, Founder and Founder and CEO of Fame, a leading podcast production agency that incubates, nurtures, and scales some of the most profitable B2B podcasts. Join us as Tom shares his unique journey on LinkedIn and the challenges he faced when his profile was temporarily restricted. Tom discusses how he regained his profile, the impact on his business, and his growth strategies on LinkedIn. The conversation also delves into Tom's experience with scaling his company, Fame, and the importance of clear messaging, maintaining a positive culture and values, and how he leveraged the flywheel concept for sustained growth. 
Tom Hunt is the Founder and CEO of Fame, a leading B2B podcasting company. With over seven years of experience in online marketing, Tom has established himself as an expert in content-driven business growth, particularly through podcasts. Tom is also the host of the brutally transparent entrepreneurial podcast "Confessions of a B2B Entrepreneur," where he shares insights on B2B entrepreneurship and the power of content creation. 
As the founder of Fame, Tom dedicates his time to helping B2B businesses scale through high-quality podcasts. Additionally, he runs SaaS Marketer, one of the largest SaaS marketing communities globally, and is a sought-after speaker on SaaS marketing and content creation. Tom is also recognized as a leading voice on LinkedIn, where he has built a significant following through consistent, engaging content. As a LinkedIn Top Thought Leadership Voice, Tom regularly shares his experiences and insights, reinforcing his authority and credibility in the business and marketing space.
Tom’s extensive experience and innovative approach make him a leading figure in the field of B2B marketing. His expertise in content creation and B2B marketing strategies positions him as an authority on how businesses can leverage media to achieve growth and recognition. His innovative approach and dedication to high-quality content have helped numerous B2B companies grow and succeed in the digital landscape.
Episode Resources

• Tom Hunt on LinkedIn
• Tom Hunt on X
• Fame Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Rick VanDermyden, a Certified EOS Implementer. Ryan and Rick dive into the critical importance of hiring the right people and building strong teams. Rick shares his experiences growing up in an entrepreneurial family and highlights the value of identifying and nurturing talent. They discuss the challenges of finding candidates with the right character and the significance of a thorough vetting process. 
Drawing from Rick’s time at Keller Williams Realty, they emphasize the necessity of cultural fit and the role of accountability in retaining top talent. The conversation also explores leadership principles, including trust, delegation, and fostering a positive work environment.
"Hiring for character is crucial. Talent can be trained, but poor character can be detrimental to the organization." Rick VanDermydenRick grew up in an entrepreneurial household, which translates into being the cheapest labor available! From spending every school break on a tractor seat to handling sales and marketing for his dad’s development company, he experienced the successes and failures of an entrepreneurial business at an early age.

After a stint in corporate America, his passion for determining his own course took him back to his entrepreneurial roots. Leading five companies through the 2006-2009 real estate crash led to one spectacular failure, two that were saved after being on life support, and two that weathered the storm. The lessons learned during that time were both valuable and expensive.
Transitioning into an ownership position allowed him to pursue his passion for leadership development. Through leadership consulting, he was introduced to “Traction” by one of his leadership clients. The book provided an operating system to help entrepreneurs ACTUALLY implement the ideas that he had learned over the years.
EOS seamlessly combined his passions to not only develop better leaders but also help business leaders get what they want from their businesses—better yet, to help them create the life they’ve always wanted!

Episode Resources

• Rick VanDermyden on LinkedIn
• Rick VanDermyden on the EOS Worldwide Website
• Rick VanDermyden Company Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Patrick Metzger, a Certified EOS Implementer. Patrick and Ryan discuss succession planning and setting up a business for a successful exit. They discuss the importance of being intentional and proactive in planning for the future, diversifying key relationships and roles, implementing EOS, and personal planning for business owners after they exit. They also touch on the challenges of not considering an exit strategy. This conversation provides valuable insights for business owners looking to exit their businesses successfully.
“When it comes to exiting a business, a lot of business owners aren't thinking about that strategy when they start. It's kind of the last thing on their mind. But it's so important to consider it right from the beginning.” Patrick Metzger

Certified EOS Implementer® and business coach Patrick Metzger has always been a teacher, coach, and facilitator at heart. After discovering EOS through a CEO for whom Patrick was providing high-performance coaching, he fell in love with the system as a complete and comprehensive solution for leaders and organizations to build the business of their dreams.

Patrick is passionate about using his coaching and facilitation expertise in growing businesses and people to the next stage as an EOS Implementer and CEO/Founder of The Greenhouse. Also a Certified Value Builder™ Advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA™), he brings expertise in building business value and planning for the future by taking a holistic view and approach to improving one’s business.

Currently, Patrick works with dozens of organizations and leaders across the Midwest across a variety of industries in helping them take themselves and their businesses to the next level. He enjoys guiding everyone from young startups laying the foundational bricks of success to billion-dollar companies in increasing efficiencies and hitting their biggest goals.

Episode Resources

• Patrick Metzger on LinkedIn
• Patrick Metzger on the EOS Worldwide Website
• Patrick Metzger Personal Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so