In this episode, I sit down with Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The COO Solution, to dig into one of the most underutilized levers in business growth: fractional COO services. Derek brings deep experience helping entrepreneurs and small-to-mid-sized business owners build the operational infrastructure they need to scale — without the overhead of a full-time executive hire, and honestly, this conversation opened my eyes to just how much founders are leaving on the table.

Derek breaks down something I think a lot of us get wrong — the difference between the CEO and COO dynamic. The CEO is the visionary pulling the business forward, while the COO is the integrator making sure the engine doesn't fall apart at speed. He walks through the scaling challenges that trip up even the most experienced business owners, from communication breakdowns and accountability gaps to simply not having repeatable systems in place — and how a fractional COO can step in and change all of that.

We also spend a good chunk of time on AI and what it means for business operations right now. Derek's take is refreshingly direct — early adoption isn't just a competitive advantage anymore, it's becoming the baseline expectation. I loved his perspective on empowering your whole team with these tools, not just the folks at the top. We wrap things up with his framework for vetting business ideas before you go all in, plus some book recommendations I'm personally adding to my reading list.

TAKEAWAYS

• Fractional COO services give growing businesses access to senior operational leadership without the cost of a full-time executive hire — especially powerful for businesses in the $1M–$20M revenue range.
• The CEO is focused on vision and external relationships; the COO translates that vision into executable systems and manages internal operations.
• Delegation is a skill that must be developed — without it and clear accountability structures, growth stalls.
• Scaling requires repeatable systems and organizational structure, not just hustle. Build them before you need them.
• AI adoption is no longer optional — businesses that invest in AI literacy and implementation now will have a significant edge.
• The real operational gains from AI come from enabling entire teams to use these tools, not just leadership.
• Project management platforms are rapidly evolving with AI integration — reassess your tools and workflows regularly.
• Stress-test your business ideas before committing time and capital — fall in love with viability, not just the idea.

CONNECT WITH DEREK FREDRICKSON AT thecoosolution.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

This week on Get Business Smart, I talked with Jody Gruden, Fractional CFO anf founder of Summit CPA. What does it take to build a $10 million virtual CFO business from scratch? In this episode, we sit down with Jody Grundin, the pioneer widely credited with creating the fractional CFO industry, to find out.

Jody opens up about his early life challenges and the unconventional path that led him to entrepreneurship. From founding Summit CPA Group to scaling it into a multi-million dollar virtual firm, his story is proof that the right systems, the right team, and the right mindset can transform a small accounting practice into a thriving business.

TAKEAWAYS

• Why building a repeatable process is the single most important key to scaling a service business
• How hiring complementary partners lets you double down on your strengths
• The digital marketing and SEO strategies Jody used to consistently attract ideal clients
• Why a subscription-based billing model creates the predictable revenue every business owner craves
• How KPIs and financial forecasting can drive smarter, faster decision-making — even for small businesses

Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to get your finances under control or a service business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable CFO-level insights you can start using today.

"Measure from where you started, not just the goal." — Jody Grundin

CONNECT WITH JODY GRUNDEN AT summitcpay.com

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 Summit CPA Group
• 📖 E-Myth by Michael Gerber
• 📖 The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Scott Curry, CEO of Faith Roar. Discover 5 essential insights from Scott Curry on achieving financial freedom. Learn how to take action and reshape your financial future today.

In today's world, the pursuit of financial freedom is more critical than ever. Why do so many people feel trapped in their jobs and unable to spend quality time with their families? In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey of Scott Curry, founder, and CEO of Faith Roar, as he shares his personal experiences and insights on achieving financial independence. By the end of this post, you will have actionable strategies to move towards a life where you control your time and finances.

About Scott Curry

Scott Curry is an entrepreneur on a mission to empower others to achieve financial freedom. With a background in finance and a wealth of personal experiences, Scott transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. His journey is both inspiring and instructive, making him a credible source for anyone looking to break free from the confines of a 9-to-5 job.

CONNECT WITH SCOTT CURRY AT faithroar.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of The Millionaire Choice Podcast, Tony talks with Max Emma, the CEO of Bookskeeping, about his remarkable journey from being an immigrant from the Soviet Union to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the United States. His story is not just about personal triumph but also about the strategic insights he gained along the way. Max emphasizes the importance of having robust systems and processes in place, which he believes are crucial for business success. By documenting procedures, businesses can save time and increase profits, a lesson Max learned through his experiences in franchising. He explains how franchise models can significantly reduce risks and enhance success rates, offering a structured path for entrepreneurs to follow. Max's insights into the critical role of bookkeeping and financial management highlight the need for businesses to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing other functions to drive growth.

In addition to sharing his personal story, Max delves into the concept of white-label bookkeeping, which leverages existing relationships to expand services. He provides practical strategies for identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities, drawing from his own experiences of unexpected pivots, such as starting a bookkeeping franchise. Max also offers valuable tips for managing finances, including real-time cash flow monitoring and quick resolution of discrepancies. His recommended business books, such as Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller and 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy, provide further guidance for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Through his journey and insights, Max Emma inspires and equips listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of business growth and franchising.

TAKEAWAYS

• Max Emma shares his inspiring immigration story from the Soviet Union to the United States and how it shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The importance of systems and processes in business success—how documenting procedures can save time and boost profits
• How franchise models reduce risk and increase success rates—what it really takes to succeed in franchising
• The critical role of bookkeeping and financial management for small and franchised businesses
• Why focusing on core competencies (like bookkeeping) and outsourcing others can lead to growth
• The concept of white-label bookkeeping and how it leverages existing relationships to expand services
• Max’s recommended business books: Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller and 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy

CONNECT WITH MAX EMMA AT booxkeeping.com or booxkeepingfranchise.com

Resources & Links:

• Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller
• 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy
• Franchise with Max

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

On this episode of the Get Business Smart podcast, Tony talks with Corey Dissin, unlocking the secrets of effective LinkedIn marketing and personal branding from a seasoned coach. Corey shares insights on transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, leveraging LinkedIn for business growth, and cultivating self-reliance to achieve financial and personal freedom.

TAKEAWAYS

• How to monetize LinkedIn and build an engaging personal brand
• The mental shift from employee to entrepreneur and overcoming programming
• Daily marketing habits: consistency, content types, and engagement strategies
• Using LinkedIn features like audio/video messages and premium tools effectively
• Creating ripple effects on LinkedIn: expanding your network and influence
• Stories of self-reliance and independence from Corey’s early career
• Practical tips for integrating social media into your business growth
• Recommendations for impactful business and sales books

CONNECT WITH COREY DISSIN AT coreydissin.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

On this Episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Rich Potter about the power of franchising—a proven path to business ownership with higher success rates. Rich reveals why franchise systems boast an 80+% survival rate over ten years, compared to the staggering failure rates of startups, and how they can accelerate your journey to financial independence. 

In this episode, Rich shares insider insights on the most profitable franchise industries you’ve never considered—like senior care, home services, and B2B consulting—that require minimal upfront investment but offer enormous growth potential. You’ll discover how franchising reduces risk through established systems, support, and a clear blueprint for success. From the true costs involved (hint: many are under $300,000 instead of the million-dollar myths) to the crucial role of vetting and personality fit, we break down the step-by-step process to becoming a franchise owner. Rich also dives into the vital qualities that make a great franchisee—such as leadership developed in the military—and explains how to select brands that align with your lifestyle goals. 

Whether you're burned out from corporate life, searching for a scalable business, or eager to leverage franchise support and coaching, this episode will redefine what’s possible beyond typical startup chaos.Why does skipping the franchise route often lead to failure? Because most entrepreneurs are left to figure it out alone—fighting chaos and high failure rates without support. But with the right franchise and guidance, you get a dedicated coach, proven systems, and a community of owners that help you succeed faster, smarter, and more confidently.

TAKEAWAYS

• Franchise businesses succeed 80% of the time
• Highly Profitable franchise industries include senior care, home services, professional services
• Franchise brands with business coaching included are a must. It increases your chances of success.
• Cost considerations and investment ranges for different franchise types

RESOURCES

• Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
• quantumfranchisegroup.com.

CONNECT WITH RICH POTTER AT FranchiseWithRich.com andFranchiseHeroes.co

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode, Tony talks with Jeffrey Lambert, founder of Blue Fusion Partners. Jeffrey Lambert shares expert insights on project management, resource allocation, and effective communication strategies for businesses of all sizes on how to get their work and projects done efficiently and effectively. Learn how to evaluate projects for ROI, implement structured processes, and leverage the right tools to drive success.

TAKEAWAYS

• Evaluate projects through ROI and cost-benefit analysis.
• Implement simple, scalable project management frameworks.
• Maintain regular communication cadences at all organizational levels.
• Use the right tools for project tracking and resource management.
• Prioritize projects that save or generate revenue.

RESOURCES

• Blue Fusion Partners
• FusionPro-PM.com/FAQS
• Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People
• The Fusion Pro PM Toolkit

CONNECT WITH JEFF LAMBERT AT bluefusionpartners.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

What does it take to rebuild your life and create real wealth?

In this episode of the Get Business Smart Podcast, Tony Bradshaw sits down with Kolaiah “Fuzzy” Jardine, a real estate investor, coach, and entrepreneur whose journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Fuzzy shares how he went from humble beginnings and time in prison to becoming a successful real estate investor and mentor helping others build wealth through property.

Along the way, he reveals how discovering real estate while incarcerated changed his life trajectory—and how mindset, discipline, and a willingness to learn helped him create opportunities where none existed before.

But this conversation goes far beyond real estate.

Fuzzy also talks about his deep love for surfing and innovative water sports in Hawaii, including hydrofoiling and wing foiling, and how pursuing passions can coexist with building a thriving business and financial future.

For aspiring investors and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with practical insights—from house hacking and property flips to tax strategies like 1031 exchanges and cost segregation—that can accelerate the journey to financial independence.

Whether you're interested in real estate, personal transformation, or building a meaningful life and business, Fuzzy’s story is both inspiring and instructive.

TAKEAWAYS

• How Fuzzy Jardine transformed his life after prison
• Why mindset is the foundation of wealth building
• The real estate strategies that helped him build financial independence
• How house hacking, flips, and new construction can accelerate wealth
• The power of 1031 exchanges and cost segregation to minimize taxes
• How webinars and marketing automation generate investor leads
• Why passion, family, and “spreading aloha” matter in business and life

CONNECT WITH FUZZY JARDINE AT fuzzyjardine.com or huimastermind.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the Get Business Smart podcast, host Tony Bradshaw speaks with Mike Milligan, founder of One Oak Financial, about the importance of financial planning and tax strategies for business owners. They discuss the significance of diversifying investments, the role of real estate, and the necessity of structuring businesses for protection. Mike shares insights on tax strategies that can save business owners money and the difference between CPAs and tax planners. The conversation also touches on leveraging family in business and the benefits of geographic arbitrage. Mike concludes with recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs.

TAKEAWAYS

• Wealth is created in one of three places: 401k, real estate, or business.
• Business owners often fail to diversify their investments.
• Creating an emergency fund is crucial for business owners.
• Real estate can provide both tax benefits and appreciation.
• Proper business structure is essential for legal protection.
• Tax strategies can significantly reduce tax liabilities.
• CPAs focus on tax preparation, while tax planners focus on strategy.
• Employing family members can provide tax-free income.
• Geographic arbitrage can lead to substantial tax savings.
• Investing in children's futures can create long-term wealth.

CONNECT WITH MIKE MILLIGAN AT 1oakfinancial.com OR mikemilligan.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the Get Business Smart podcast, Tony Bradshaw interviews Chip Higgins, CEO and founder of Bizix LLC. They discuss Chip's extensive banking career, the importance of understanding debt, and the transition to entrepreneurship. Chip shares insights from his book, 'Bizix Way,' which focuses on helping small businesses achieve momentum through a framework of energy, direction, and mass. The conversation emphasizes the significance of planning, leveraging opportunities, and maintaining energy in business.

TAKEAWAYS

• Chip Higgins has a four-decade career focused on helping people reach higher performance levels.
• Understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt is crucial for business success.
• Timing is essential when leveraging debt for business opportunities.
• The formula for momentum in business is mass times velocity.
• Small business owners must have a clear plan and adjust it as needed.
• Energy and direction are critical for maintaining business momentum.
• Building strong relationships with banks can lead to better financing opportunities.
• The Bizix Way offers a framework for small businesses to achieve consistent momentum.
• AI can enhance accessibility to business coaching and resources.
• Community and support are vital for small business owners.

CONNECT WITH CHIP HIGGINS AT chiphiggins.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.