Entrepreneur Intel

Brian Doyle is a former Air Force pilot who commanded 31 combat missions before moving into the business world, working at GE Capital, and eventually becoming CEO of Holden Advisors. Today, he helps $100M–$5B companies increase profitability by building pricing strategies that actually get implemented—and embraced—by sales teams.

In this episode, Brian shares how lessons from the cockpit translate to leading in business, from staying calm under pressure to keeping your “cross check” on all parts of the operation. He opens up about navigating COVID just weeks into his CEO role, the dangers of relying too heavily on one client, and why process and discipline are just as important as big ideas.

Brian also talks about bridging generational gaps inside organizations, building trust between sales teams and leadership, and using EOS to keep everyone aligned. Whether it’s negotiating with giants like Amazon or helping companies understand their true value, he explains how to create pricing power without losing customers.

Join us for a candid look at leadership, strategy, and execution from someone who’s flown through turbulence—both in the air and in business—and come out stronger.

In this episode, we talked about:

• How 31 combat missions as an Air Force pilot shaped Brian’s leadership and decision-making.
• Why Holden Advisors blends value-based pricing strategy with hands-on implementation.
• Lessons from rapid growth tied to a single major client.
• Pivoting to virtual delivery weeks into his CEO role.
• Using a pilot’s “cross check” to avoid business blind spots.
• Leveraging EOS to align big ideas with disciplined execution.
• Bridging gaps between sales teams and leadership.
• Adapting communication styles for Millennials and Gen Z.
• Negotiating with giants like Amazon while protecting pricing.
• Connecting with younger generations in a changing workplace.

Brian Doyle's Social Links: 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianadoyle 

Company Website: https://holdenadvisors.com 

Links:

Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/ 

Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/ 

Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/ 

Youssef Tawfik is a former national basketball player from Egypt who left a safe career in big tech to build his own company, Revi. Today, he’s helping businesses around the world use software and AI to modernize, especially the ones still stuck doing things with pen and paper in 2025.

In this episode, Youssef shares his journey from working in big tech to building scalable solutions. He talks about how he knew it was time to bet on himself and offers valuable insights for any visionary founder or business leader looking to modernize operations, leverage AI responsibly, and bring their team along for the ride.

Youssef breaks down exactly how small businesses can start automating today by just looking at the tools they already use. He also debunks the myth that “AI is here to replace people” and shows how you can use AI tools to work faster, better, and smarter.

We also talk about the human side of bringing in new tools. Youssef shares how to help your team get excited about change, not scared of it. From setting up systems the right way to making sure your data is clean and organized, he explains how to actually prepare your business to use AI in a way that works.

Join us today if you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or team leader. This episode will help you make smarter decisions around AI and automation and show you how to grow a business that can keep up with your biggest ideas.

Youssef Tawfik's Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssef-tawfik11/
Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/revi-agency/
Company Website: https://revi.agency/
Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revi.agency/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousseftawfik11/

Links:
Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/
Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/
Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Jason Hansen is a Certified Living Benefits Expert and founder of Midwest Family Financial. For over 20 years, he’s helped entrepreneurs and families use life insurance to protect their future, build tax-free income, and avoid financial disaster. 

 
Today, Jason joins me to break down a topic that confuses a lot of people: life insurance. We talk about what it really is, the difference between term and permanent life insurance, and how living benefits can help you while you’re still alive, not just after you die. 

 
Jason breaks down how founders can use the right type of policy to cover worst-case scenarios, tap into their death benefit while still alive, and create a cash reserve they can borrow from at any time without involving the IRS.

 
We explore the strategy of using permanent life insurance as a cash flow and investment vehicle, explaining the infinite banking concept in plain English. Jason also shares real-life stories, like the policy he used to help his son buy a truck and how Walt Disney used life insurance to build Disneyland. 

 
Jason also shares certain policies that allow chronically ill and terminal patients can access up to $20,000 a month without you having to pay extra.

 
Join us today as we break down complex topics into understandable concepts, explore how to build a policy that works for you, and help you protect your future without getting overwhelmed by sales jargon.

Jason Hansen's Social Links:
CEO of midwest family financial ( http://midwestfamilyfinancial.com )
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hansen-8078a7149/

Links:
Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/
Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/
Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Josh Snyder is the VP of Sales at Zerion Software and FieldApps AI, where he helps companies dump inefficient processes and build custom AI-powered software without writing a single line of code. 

In today's episode, Josh shares how his team transformed from a traditional software company into a cutting-edge AI wrapper business that builds tools from simple client conversations.

Josh joins me to dive into: how AI is removing the complexity from software development, drastically reducing costs, and putting powerful tools into the hands of business owners who know their operations but not necessarily how to code. He explains how his team can turn a 30-minute discovery call into a working front-end prototype within hours.

We explore; real-world examples in agriculture, utilities, and digital marketing, discuss the rising role of creative problem-solvers in AI development, and unpack how AI is changing hiring, data collection, strategy execution, and customer engagement.

If your business is just getting started, Josh shares actionable advice on how you can identify operational problems, ask the right questions, and use tools like ChatGPT and Claude to create momentum for growth.

Join us today if you're curious about how to future-proof your business, or want to stop wasting time on manual tasks and start using AI to grow smarter and faster!

Josh Snyder Social Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-snyder-746336a/

Links:
Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/
Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/
Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Dave Lava and Ilyssa Grant have quietly helped business owners save millions by rethinking how payment processing ‘should’ work. With backgrounds in business, tech, and entrepreneurship, they saw the flaws in the traditional system and decided to build something better. Today, they work with companies across the country to help them take back control of their revenue.

Today, Dave and Ilyssa joined me to talk about what most people get wrong about credit card fees and why accepting them as “just part of doing business” could be a huge mistake. We dive into how they’ve helped businesses cut costs without cutting corners, and the small shifts that you can make in how you accept payments that can easily lead to massive savings over time.

They also share the journey that brought them into this space, including the early resistance they faced and the breakthroughs that changed everything. Their story is one of persistence, innovation, and a refusal to follow the crowd. What they’ve built now not only helps businesses save money, it makes the entire process simpler and more transparent.

We explore the future of technology and digital payments might look like and how they can affect your business. Dave and Ilyssa also expose to you a behind-the-scenes look at where digital payments are going, and what you can do as a smart business owner to stay ahead.

Join us today if you’ve ever wondered why you're paying so much just to get paid or how to break free from the system that keeps taking a cut.

Ilyssa Grant Social Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyssagrant/

Links:
Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/
Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/
Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Alek Ivanov is the founder of Synergy3, an HVAC company that’s grown to over 30 team members and more than $8 million in revenue. But his path to success was anything but smooth: and from arriving in the U.S. with just $8 to building a thriving business from the ground up, Alek bares it all.

Today, Alek joins me to dive into the emotional and practical journey of entrepreneurship. Alek shares the chance encounter that led him into the HVAC industry, and the three factors that helped him build a team that thrives - even when he’s off biking solo across Iceland or competing in an Ironman.

We also get real about turning your most hurtful moments into fuel for your success. Aleks shares exactly how he lost over $500,000, Plus the toughest lessons and internal shifts he went through to break through the $3M bottleneck in his business

Join us today whether you’re in home services or any entrepreneurial space as we discuss the SOPs, the cost of poor partnerships, mental health, and what it really takes to chase big goals like building a $100M business.

Alek Ivanov's Social Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alek-ivanov-8209a410/

Links:
Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/
Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/
Synergy3: https://synergy3.com/

How can SaaS fuel your business growth and keep you ahead of the curve? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Nathan Tyler, an experienced founder and SaaS expert, to uncover how data-driven decision-making can transform your company.

Nathan shares his journey from building a web agency to creating BlinkMetrics, a SaaS platform that gives entrepreneurs real-time insights into their key business metrics. Learn how SaaS tools can automate performance tracking, eliminate guesswork, and help you scale with clarity.

Discover why knowing your numbers is the ultimate growth hack—and how the right SaaS can help you avoid costly blind spots, streamline operations, and make better business moves every day.

Takeaways:

• SaaS is the key to unlocking accurate, real-time business data—helping you catch issues early and seize growth opportunities fast.
• Tracking the right metrics with SaaS tools lets you lead with confidence, not guesswork.
• Great SaaS products focus on both user experience and world-class customer support—because software should solve problems, not create new ones.
• Entrepreneurs who leverage SaaS tools like BlinkMetrics gain a competitive edge by staying on top of their business performance daily.

Quote of the Show:
“The best entrepreneurs don’t guess—they measure. SaaS turns your business blind spots into growth opportunities.” – Nathan Tyler

Links:
BlinkMetrics: www.blinkmetrics.com
Stealth Consulting: www.stealthconsulting.com

If you're an entrepreneur looking to scale smarter, cut through the noise, and master your business metrics, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it!

How do you build a team that thrives together and drives business success? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Jay Hawreluk, founder of AcuMax Index, to explore how understanding team dynamics can transform your organization.

Jay shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with nothing but a vision in 2012, and how he developed a revolutionary tool to help businesses hire smarter, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Discover why team dynamics play a critical role in aligning individual strengths with organizational goals and how neuroscience-backed insights can help you get it right every time.

Takeaways:

• Neuroscience is the game-changer in understanding innate human wiring and building effective teams.
•  Aligning roles with individuals’ natural wiring fosters stronger team dynamics and reduces workplace stress.
• By focusing on the strengths and limitations of each team member, you can create a collaborative environment that drives results.
•  Making the right hire isn’t just a cost-saving move—it’s a path to building a happier, more productive workplace.

Quote of the Show:
 “When you align people to their wiring, their success fuels the team’s success.” - Jay Hawreluk

Links:
AcuMax Index: www.acumaxindex.com

Whether you're hiring for growth or building a collaborative workplace, this episode dives into the core of team dynamics and how it shapes organizational success. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Harvey, founder of The Roof Resource, to explore his journey of disrupting the roofing industry. By applying innovative business models akin to Airbnb, Mike has redefined how roofing services are delivered, saving homeowners significant costs and earning their trust. He shares insights into his franchise model, the power of customer-centric innovation, and his vision for scaling this unique approach to other industries.

Takeaways:

• The "Airbnb of Roofing": Mike’s innovative approach connects homeowners with roofing solutions at half the traditional cost, without owning materials or contractors.

• Overcoming Challenges: Building trust with customers was initially a hurdle, but referrals and exceptional service created lasting credibility.

• The Power of Process: Proprietary systems like their custom CRM and robust agreements make The Roof Resource scalable and unique.

• Franchise Growth: With an affordable franchise model and extensive support, entrepreneurs can join this revolutionary movement.

• Future Expansion: Mike plans to expand into windows, gutters, and beyond, while maintaining a sharp focus on roofing for now.

Quote of the Show:

 "We’re not just selling roofs; we’re delivering a service that transforms how people think about home improvement, saving families thousands and building trust.” - Mike Harvey 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-harvey-a53bb7116/
• Website: https://harveysroofingllc.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we explore the crucial relationship between visionaries and integrators in business, discussing how their collaboration can drive success and sustainability. Our guest shares insights on fostering the right company culture, the importance of behavioral assessments, and best practices for hiring and onboarding. We also dive into strategies for overcoming challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including loneliness in leadership, effective delegation, and scaling with purpose. This episode is packed with actionable advice for business leaders looking to sharpen their skills and enhance team dynamics.

Takeaways:

• Visionary-Integrator Synergy: The partnership between visionaries and integrators is essential for scaling businesses effectively. Visionaries focus on long-term goals, while integrators ensure daily operations align with these objectives.

• The Right People in the Right Seats: Using tools like Culture Index, Colby, and Working Genius can help identify team members' strengths and align them with the right roles, fostering better outcomes and reducing friction.

• The Value of Behavioral Assessments: Assessments like Acumax and Patrick Lencioni's frameworks provide deep insights into team dynamics and individual contributions, ensuring healthier work environments.

• Hiring Lessons Learned: Cutting corners by hiring cheaper talent can lead to repeated failures. Investing in experienced professionals yields long-term benefits and avoids costly mistakes.

• Overcoming Visionary Challenges: Tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) and Strategic Coach’s Impact Filter help visionaries clarify goals and improve communication with their teams.

• Regular Alignment Meetings: Weekly or biweekly "same page" meetings between visionaries and integrators strengthen alignment and ensure the business moves forward cohesively.

Quote of the Show:

"Integrators get into the details, but visionaries are always looking down the field and beyond—this dynamic, when respected, is how businesses truly thrive." - Robert Wolfe 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatmccurdy/
• Website: https://www.cbltm.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614