Entrepreneur to Employer

What if your business could grow without you being involved in every little decision? In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we're diving into the game-changing mindset and strategy shift every founder must make to build a profitable company that doesn’t depend on them 24/7.

From shifting from operator to CEO, to hiring for outcomes (not just tasks), and building invisible systems that drive performance, this episode is your blueprint for creating a business that thrives with or without you.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why staying in "operator mode" is hurting your business growth
 ✅ The CEO mindset: designing systems, empowering leaders, and focusing on high-impact decisions
 ✅ How to hire for outcomes, not just roles — and why that shift changes everything
✅ What “invisible” systems are — and how to use them to automate success
✅ The three essential tools: communication protocols, AI-powered scheduling, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
✅ The ultimate test: Can you leave your business for 30 days and return to find it still growing?

We hope you enjoy this episode! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. 

Connect with Brian -

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

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.scaleocityworks.com/

If you are looking for other great HR & People Operations podcasts, check out this list of the 80 top HR podcasts from Feedspot - https://podcast.feedspot.com/hr_podcasts/

The Entrepreneur to Employer podcast was ranked 27 out of 80! 

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

In this episode, Brian Montes interviews Todd Zive, a business consultant and author of 'The Mensch Method.' Todd shares his journey from the medical technology industry to becoming a strategic advisor and author. 

He discusses the inspiration behind his book, the importance of resilience in leadership, and the core principles that guide his approach to business and personal development. The conversation also delves into the challenges of organizational change, the significance of understanding team dynamics, and practical leadership tips for fostering a positive work environment.

The discussion covers:

- Todd Zive's journey from a corporate executive to business consultant 
- The Mensch Method meaning of character and integrity in leadership.
- Why resilience is crucial for overcoming challenges in business.
- How personal storytelling can enhance leadership effectiveness.
- Why organizational change requires clear communication and purpose.
- The importance of a positive attitude and hard work to inspire others.

And more! 

We hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please subscribe to the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, leave a comment, and share the podcast with others. When our audience shares this podcast, we can impact more bootstrapped founders, business owners, and CEOs. 

Get in touch with Brian:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/

Email - [email protected]

Website - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/

Subscribe to the podcast - https://apple.co/4cBwRoy

Get in touch with Todd:

Website: https://toddzive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-zive/

Instagram: @todd.zive 

Book Information: https://toddzive.com/book/

Amazon Link to Book: https://a.co/d/8Zmq9uO

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

Workplace investigations are high-stakes for business owners, CEOs, and HR leaders. If they are mishandled, you risk legal action, employee distrust, and damage to company culture. In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we discuss how to structure and conduct a fair, unbiased workplace investigation, ensuring compliance, protecting your business, and maintaining trust within your team.

You'll learn:
✅ Why unbiased investigations are essential for HR compliance and risk management
✅ A step-by-step process to conduct fair workplace investigations
✅ How to avoid bias when gathering evidence and making decisions
✅ The importance of documentation and consistency in handling employee complaints

Whether you're a bootstrapped founder, small business owner, or CEO, this episode gives you the tools to handle workplace disputes like a pro and protect your company from liability.

Resources & Next Steps:

👉 Need help structuring HR policies and compliance procedures? Work with us here - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
👉 Subscribe to the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast for more HR, risk management, and people operations strategies
👉 Share this episode with another business owner or HR leader who needs to hear it!

🚀 Follow me on X https://x.com/brianm2 for more actionable HR and leadership insights! 

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

Scaling your business sounds exciting, but if you don’t have the proper foundation, growth can break your business instead of building it. In this episode, Montes walks you through five foundational principles every business owner must establish before attempting to scale.

If you want to grow your business sustainably—without chaos, burnout, or financial instability—this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why profitability matters more than revenue when scaling
✅ The importance of documented systems and processes to avoid operational chaos
✅ How to ensure you have the right team before adding more employees
✅ Why a predictable and repeatable customer acquisition strategy is critical for growth
✅ The role of cash flow and financial stability in scaling successfully

Who This Episode is For:

✔️ Entrepreneurs looking to grow their business but feeling overwhelmed
 ✔️ Small business owners struggling with operational inefficiencies
✔️ Founders who want to build a scalable, sustainable company
✔️ Business owners wondering if they are ready to hire and expand

Resources & Next Steps:

📌 Take action today: Audit your business using these five foundational principles. Which area needs work before you scale?
📌 Join the conversation: Connect with Brian at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/ and share your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!
📌 Subscribe & Review: If you found this episode valuable, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a fellow entrepreneur!

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

Are you constantly saying, “I don’t have enough time to get everything done”? Are your employees maxed out, leaving you thinking about hiring someone new? Before deciding, listen to this episode and discover the 5-Hour Challenge.

In this episode, we’ll break down a game-changing process designed to help business owners and their teams free up time, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and refocus on what truly matters.

You’ll learn:

• What the 5-Hour Challenge is and how it works.
• How to complete a task audit and identify tasks that can be delegated, eliminated, or automated.
• The four types of activities—Quick Wins, Major Projects, Filler Work, and Negative ROI—and how to handle each.
• Two key questions to ask when evaluating tasks to maximize productivity and profitability.
• Why should you complete this process quarterly before hiring new employees?

Implementing the 5-Hour Challenge will eliminate wasted effort, improve team efficiency, and boost your bottom line—all while freeing up your time as a business owner.

Don’t miss this episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward working smarter, not harder.

Connect with Brian:

• [email protected]
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/

Check out the E2E Coaching & Community - https://bit.ly/E2ECoachingandCommunity

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://entrepreneurtoemployer.beehiiv.com/p/get-back-5-hours-per-week-with-a-task-audit

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast! In today’s episode, we explore how building effective business systems can empower your team, streamline operations, and set the stage for scalable growth. Whether you’re already running a thriving business or preparing to take your operations to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you confidently scale.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why systems are critical for scaling your business – Discover how systems reduce complexity, eliminate bottlenecks, and allow your team to thrive.
2. The three pillars of effective systems – Learn how clarity, automation, and accountability can transform your processes and empower your team to take ownership.
3. A step-by-step guide to building scalable systems—From identifying key processes to documenting workflows and training your team, we walk you through the system creation process.
4. How empowered systems create empowered teams – Understand the link between strong systems, team confidence, and a thriving business culture.

Why This Episode Matters:

Scaling a business doesn’t mean working harder or micromanaging every detail. By building systems that empower your team, you can create a company that operates efficiently, even when you’re not in the room. This episode equips you with the tools and mindset needed to become a confident, strategic leader.

Resources and Links:

• Get our free checklist: “6 Steps to Create Systems That Scale” in the Patreon Community. 
• Join our Patreon community for exclusive resources, templates, and insider tips on scaling your business and leading confidently. https://bit.ly/E2ECoachingandCommunity
• Subscribe to the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast for weekly insights into building strong teams and thriving businesses.

Listen and Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another business owner who is ready to scale confidently. Also, remember to leave a review—it helps other entrepreneurs find valuable resources like this one.

Connect with Brian:
Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked but essential steps in the hiring process: crafting a great job description. A well-crafted job description is more than just a list of duties—it sets the stage for attracting the right talent, aligning expectations, and ensuring hiring success.

We’ll walk you through a comprehensive checklist to help you create job descriptions that stand out, rank high on search engines, and meet compliance standards. Learn how to:

• Gather input from key stakeholders to define role expectations.
• Write compelling boilerplate text that communicates your company’s mission and culture.
• Identify the key behavioral traits and skills you need in a candidate.
• Use tools like O-Net, Textio, and Moz to optimize job descriptions for search engines and improve performance.
• Ensure ADA compliance to protect your company from legal risks.

Whether hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, this episode will give you actionable tips to enhance your talent acquisition strategy.

Tune in to learn how a great job description is the foundation for great hiring—and how to start creating one today.

 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

Your feedback helps us grow and reach more entrepreneurs like you. Plus, when you subscribe, you’ll never miss an episode packed with actionable insights to help you build a better business. Let's grow together! 

Get Connected! 

• Email Brian at [email protected]
• Check out the Entrepreneur to Employer Coaching Community - https://www.patreon.com/c/entrepreneurtoemployer
• Link to download the Job Description Checklist: https://www.patreon.com/posts/policy-checklist-119796501?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

Is your business hitting a growth plateau, and you’re unsure why? The answer might be YOU. In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, host Montes dives into the common challenge many business owners face: becoming the bottleneck in their operations.

If you’ve built your business from the ground up, it’s easy to fall into the trap of needing to oversee everything. But to scale your business and reclaim your time, you must shift from doing to leading. 

In this episode, Brian outlines four actionable steps to help you remove yourself as the bottleneck, empower your team, and build scalable systems that drive growth.

Whether you’re a business owner ready to break free from daily operations or an entrepreneur looking to implement better HR systems to support your team, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to move from good to great.

Key Takeaways for Business Owners:

🔑 Stop holding onto tasks that can be delegated
🔑 Empower your team with clear roles and responsibilities
🔑 Document repeatable systems to ensure consistency and efficiency
🔑 Let go of perfectionism and trust your team to deliver

Connect with Brian and the Entrepreneur to Employer Podcast:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/
🎙️ Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts | YouTube
📧 Get in Touch: [email protected]

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, we dive into the five non-negotiable building blocks every small business owner and first-time CEO needs to create a scalable and effective People Operations system. Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your processes, these foundational elements will set your business up for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why a strong People Operations system is critical for small business growth.
• The role of recruitment and hiring in finding the right talent for your team.
• How to design an onboarding process that drives engagement and retention.
• Clear employee policies are essential to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Tips for building a culture of performance management and continuous feedback.
• How to foster employee engagement and retention in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recruitment and Hiring: Learn how to attract candidates that align with your company’s values and goals.
2. Onboarding and Training: Discover why a structured onboarding program can improve productivity and reduce turnover.
3. Policies and Compliance: Understand the must-have policies every small business needs to stay compliant and consistent.
4. Performance Management: Explore actionable strategies for setting goals, tracking progress, and boosting team accountability.
5. Engagement and Retention: Get tips on creating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.

I am here to help! If you have a question, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Connect with me!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/
Website - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scaleocityworks/
Book a Free Call - https://www.scaleocityworks.com/contact/

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8

In this episode of the Entrepreneur to Employer podcast, Brian Montes discusses the importance of reflecting on the past year as a business owner. He shares ten key questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves to ensure they progress, learn, and make impactful decisions for the upcoming year. 

The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindset, risk-taking, value creation, and building meaningful relationships in achieving personal and professional success.

Episode takeaways:

• Building a business is more manageable with fundamental principles.
• Regular reflection helps in making intentional decisions.
• Asking the right questions can expose blind spots.
• Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones.
• Value creation is essential for long-term success.
• Habits need to be upgraded for better performance.
• Defining personal success is crucial for motivation.
• Support systems are necessary for growth.
• Continuous learning is key to personal development.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Connect with Brian Montes:

https://www.scaleocityworks.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmontes/
https://www.instagram.com/scaleocityworks/

I’m hosting a free workshop called “Fix the Foundation: How First-Time Founders Can Stop Running on Chaos and Start Scaling with Clarity.”

In less than 45 minutes, I’ll show you the six areas most business owners overlook — and the exact systems you need to get your time back, hire smarter, and lead with confidence.

🎯 Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4l9orb6

 Let’s build a business that doesn’t run you.

👉 Ready to stop running your business on chaos and gut instinct?

Take the free People, Operations & Finance Scorecard — a 5-minute diagnostic to find out where your business is strong, where it’s stuck, and what to fix first.

🎯 Perfect for first-time founders who want to grow without burning out.

📩 Get your score instantly + a personalized follow-up with actionable next steps.

🔗 Take the Assessment now → https://forms.gle/m65U1GZBoneXvXDM8