In The Thick of It

In this episode of In the Thick of It, Scott has an in-depth conversation with Chris Mathew, Chief Growth Officer of Sniffle, an AI-driven telehealth platform. Chris shares his winding journey to entrepreneurship, from working various jobs in healthcare recruiting and staffing startups to finally finding product-market fit with Sniffle.

Chris outlines Sniffle's mission to improve healthcare by leveraging technology to reinforce the doctor-patient relationship and enable continuous care. He also discusses some of Sniffle's key features like its AI-powered diagnosis tool, prescription savings program, and insurance marketplace.

Throughout the conversation, Chris offers candid insights on the startup grind - persevering through repeated failures, hiring the right team, empowering employees, maintaining alignment with co-founders, and more. He reflects on the personal motivations behind launching Sniffle and the importance of contributing to the greater good.

About Chris:
Enthusiastically bringing three unique threads together to strengthen what Sniffle aims to do in Virtual Care. Over 16 years of success in supporting the growth of physician practices and hospital clinics across the nation, over 6 years of remarkable results co-founding a one-of-a-kind digital marketing agency, and most recently over 3 years selling in the complex world of ancillary insurance and employee benefits from a global powerhouse in the employee benefits space. The combination of these three experiences brings actionable ideas & plans to implement as Sniffle engages the market. Most importantly Chris and his wife are raising their two children and play an active role in contributing to their communities.

About Sniffle:
Sniffle has taken a “bigger picture” view of what it really means to provide better care virtually and is committed to supporting both providers and their patients through the evolution of telemedicine. Unlike other telemedicine platforms, Sniffle was built for relationships. This is not the typical transactional telemedicine model; this is virtual care where patients see their providers and there is continuity of care. No monthly memberships required for virtual visits. Download the Sniffle app and experience the “Better care. Bigger Picture” that you deserve.

To learn more, visit sniffle.com.

In this episode, we learn from Jonathan Lusk, an entrepreneur who grew up in a small town in Texas before going on to attend Texas A&M and build a career in wealth management. Jonathan started out at AT&T and Goldman Sachs, but eventually left to launch his own independent investment firm. More recently, Jonathan co-founded BirdDog, an online marketplace that connects landowners with hunters looking for places to hunt. We’ll hear about Jonathan’s journey from small town kid to successful entrepreneur, the lessons he learned along the way, and how he’s bringing technology and innovation to the hunting industry. Jonathan is all about living life to the fullest, taking risks, and constantly learning and growing, so I think listeners will find his outlook inspiring regardless of their background or industry.

About Jonathan:
Jonathan grew up in North Texas on a fish farm where he developed a love for the outdoors. Upon graduation from Texas A&M, he joined the workforce, married his college sweetheart, and started a family. After completing his MBA at Rice, he worked on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs and then launched his own finance company. Jonathan loves relationships and finds great joy in making sure BirdDog hunters are changed through the friendships they make in the outdoors. Jonathan now resides in Washington, TX where he lives on a little piece of land with his wife, Kat, and kids, Jackson, Sam, and Charlotte. They enjoy fishing, hunting, and being outdoors.

To learn more about his latest venture, BirdDog, visit birddogit.com. 

Dave Rowe is the founder and CEO of CloudServus, an IT consulting company focused on Microsoft technologies. In the podcast, Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey, from playing college football at the University of Oklahoma to working at Dell and various IT consulting companies. A pivotal moment was in 2019 when he partnered with his "cousin-in-law" Steve to launch CloudServus, combining Dave's consulting expertise with Steve's experience in licensing and sales.

Cloud Service has experienced tremendous growth, being ranked 112 on the Inc 5000 list with over 4000% revenue growth over 3 years. Dave attributes this success to delivering high quality work and genuinely focusing on customer success. He shares some core values like "craftsmanship" in their technical work as well as connecting people across the business. While Dave enjoys working with customers and partners, he is still adjusting to focusing more on the business strategy. Overall, he aims to continue CloudServus’ growth while exploring new challenges like his YouTube channel showcasing adventures as a pilot.

About Dave:
Dave Rowe is the founder behind CloudServus, a fast-growing Microsoft Consultancy and Licensing partner. An entrepreneur at heart, Dave's career has been marked by his unwavering commitment to bringing the right technology solutions to solve pressing business challenges. Prior to founding CloudServus, he honed his leadership and technological expertise during stints at Dell, Rackspace, and Catapult Systems. At each of these companies, Dave honed his expertise in understanding the intricate interplay between technology and business needs.

Dave graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor in Business Administration, majoring in International Business, minors in Management Information Systems and German. He was a letterman in football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He also played a couple of seasons in the German/Bavarian Football League. He lived and worked in Germany throughout various times in his life and speaks fluent German. He was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where he still lives with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, wakeboarding, snow skiing, and piloting small aircraft.

About CloudServus:
CloudServus LLC, based in Austin, specializes in a wide array of Microsoft consulting services. Established in 2019, CloudServus has assembled a team of elite industry consultants, ensuring consistent and enhanced client experiences with Microsoft solutions. Their consultancy expertise spans Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Subscription & Cost Management.

To learn more, visit cloudservus.com. 

Curt Swindoll is a certified implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive framework designed to help leadership teams gain traction. In this episode, Curt explains the EOS system which provides tools to clarify vision, solve problems with accountability, and achieve alignment.

Some key EOS concepts covered include leadership team roles like "Visionary" and "Integrator," implementing effective rhythms like the weekly L10 meeting, and getting 100% of the right people in the right seats. Curt shares stories of the organizational transformation he has facilitated. Host Scott Gingold also swaps personal examples, crediting EOS for enabling him to take a month-long sabbatical with full confidence in his business and leadership team

While EOS can be self-implemented, Curt advocates for the high-impact guidance of a professional implementer. He unpacks the components of EOS and how strengthening alignment across all six areas - Vision, People, Data, Process, Issues and Traction - is key for fully realizing results. Anyone leading a small to mid-sized organization can benefit from learning more about the EOS operating system.

About Curt:
Curt Swindoll works with leadership teams, including ours at Venn Technology, to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). EOS is a complete system of tools and disciplines that help leadership teams clarify and execute their vision.

During his 40+ year career, he has served in multiple C-level roles and provided strategic counsel to dozens of organizations. He has authored numerous articles and regularly speaks on issues of operational excellence. He has an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Curt and his wife, Debbie, have three grown children and seven grandchildren. 

About EOS:
EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System®, isn’t a computer operating system. It’s a people operating system that harnesses human energy throughout your organization with simple tools and principles.

EOS is a set of concepts and tools that comprises a complete business management system that empowers entrepreneurs to reach their business goals and improve the lives of every individual the business affects.

To learn more and to connect with Curt about what EOS can do for your business, visit eosworldwide.com/curt-swindoll.

Peter Matejcek is the founder and CEO of INHouse Video, a video production company that helps small businesses create affordable video content. In this episode, Peter chronicles his long entrepreneurial journey from fleeing communist Czechoslovakia as a child to building ventures ahead of shifting market demand and consumer understanding.

After valuable learning experiences providing computer services and video production to local customers, Peter has honed his latest venture to provide an economical model for creating and editing unlimited videos for clients each month. He discusses the importance of solving real customer problems, hiring smart people, learning from mistakes, and persevering through difficulties with unrelenting optimism. While admitting business challenges still arise, Peter draws positivity from a traumatic childhood that fuels his motivation to empower those around him.

From documenting detailed processes to efficiently manage a remote creative team to planning for future growth, Peter explains hard-earned lessons from nearly 15 years of channeling his passion for helping people through entrepreneurship. Despite setbacks that would have pushed others into a conventional career, he retains the tireless energy and vision to carry his business and aspirations forward.

About Peter:
Peter Matejcek, the founder and CEO INHouse Video, stands at the forefront of video content innovation. He has collaborated with a wide range of companies, from startups to industry leaders like Microsoft, Intel, and Lenovo, delivering cutting-edge video solutions tailored to diverse business needs.

Peter embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and is driven by a passion for exploring new technologies, personal growth, and innovative approaches. His commitment extends beyond the professional realm, as an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves snowboarding, hiking, and embracing daily adventures as a father of three.

His journey is a testament to creativity, continuous learning, and leadership in the dynamic field of video technology, making his insights invaluable to fellow entrepreneurs and innovators.

To learn more, visit inhousevideo.com.

Growing up as the youngest of 8 kids in a Catholic family, Josh Green learned the values of hard work, faith, and close bonds from a young age. He originally planned to pursue politics and government after college, but pivoted to investment banking and later private equity to address his mountain of student loans. As CFO in his late 20s of an aerospace manufacturing firm, Josh helped oversee major growth and acquisitions over nearly a decade in the role. Feeling the entrepreneurial itch, he left that stable career to co-found Pursuit, initially conceived as an "Uber for guides" to connect hunters and anglers with outdoor trips.

After testing different models including a ranch marketplace, Josh and team ultimately settled on fractional ownership of high-end ranches catering to outdoor recreation and investing. He shares with host Scott Hollrah the process of iterating based on customer feedback, deciding when to pivot, fundraising lessons learned, and the ups and downs of the startup rollercoaster. Josh also discusses the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of going into business with close friends, as well as how his faith shapes his perspective in dealing with success and failures. Whether leading a mature firm or just getting an entrepreneurial venture off the ground, Josh delivers hard-won wisdom for any founder in the thick of unpredictable terrain.

About Josh:
Josh has years of experience managing companies and leading teams. Josh is accustomed to structuring deals and executing various types of transactions, having served as the CFO & EVP of an aerospace manufacturer and in multiple private equity and investment banking roles. Josh holds a BSFS from Georgetown University, where he met his Pursuit co-founders, Trae and Tyler.

About Pursuit:
Pursuit offers customers the opportunity to own and enjoy high-end recreational properties via turnkey co-ownership and ongoing property management. Pursuit specializes in top-tier recreational properties throughout the world that possess scarce natural resources. Pursuit coordinates small ownership groups (ten or fewer) that cooperatively steward the land, enjoy it together, and benefit from investment growth. Pursuit then manages the property on customers' behalf with their enjoyment and investment goals in mind.

To learn more, visit pursuit-properties.com.

Growing up on an isolated family farm in rural Canada, Cameron Hay couldn't imagine becoming an entrepreneur. But after successful stints at IBM, business school, management consulting, and leading a medical device firm, he took the leap with his brother to launch integration services firm Dispatch Integration.

In this episode, Cameron shares with host Scott Hollrah the unique workings and occasional conflicts of going into business with family, the growing pains of bootstrapping vs seeking outside investment, and why culture trumps revenue when it comes to “firing” bad client fits.
He also discusses how respect, trust, and alignment with partners and employees enables the agility required to not only withstand but thrive in challenging conditions—like needing to scale back staff due to wider economic factors. For any founder in the thick of unpredictable ups and downs, Cameron delivers wisdom on reframing failure and nurturing growth mindset.

About Cameron:
Cameron Hay is the CEO and co-founder of Dispatch Integration - a software development and professional services firm located in Canada. He is a seasoned business leader and angel investor and has been active on the boards of several non-profit and high-growth technology companies. Cameron previously was the CEO of Unitron, a global leader in hearing healthcare technologies. He was a management consultant at Ernst & Young, and he began his career as a process control engineer at IBM. He has an engineering degree from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. 

About Dispatch Integration:
Dispatch is a software development and professional services firm based in Canada that focuses on building data integrations and automated business processes for enterprises across Canada, the US, Europe and ANZ. Dispatch helps companies create secure, reliable, automated and scalable business processes that deliver remarkable employee and customer experiences and exceptional efficiency and scalability.

To learn more, visit dispatchintegration.com.

In this episode of In the Thick of It, host Scott interviews Taylor Brooks, founder and CEO of Simple. Taylor shares his journey from growing up in Atlanta to attending Auburn University and working various jobs before starting Simple Donation, a software company that builds online donation platforms for nonprofits and churches. He discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time corporate job while also running his startup on the side for many years. Taylor provides insights into building company culture, hiring the right people, learning from mistakes, and focusing on solving customer problems rather than just selling features. He emphasizes creating long-term value and building relationships. Throughout the interview, Taylor stresses the importance of persistence and consistency in business. He aims to continue leading Simple Donation for 30-40 more years with a stewardship mindset.

About Taylor:
Taylor Brooks is the Founder and CEO of Simple - a company that provides financial tools for churches such as online giving, event registration payments, donor analytics, and corporate card programs.

He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, graduated from Auburn University, and moved to Texas in 2010. #texasforever

Taylor has been married to Rachel for 14 years and has three children: Wyatt, Lyle, and June. For fun he likes to hunt, fly-fish, read old books, listen to old music, and play tennis.

About Simple:
An easy-to-use giving platform for churches that use Rock RMS, with personal consultation tailored to your congregation's needs. All in service of helping you grow the generosity of your people. We're here to support your mission so you can focus on your ministry. With expert guidance, analytics, and custom giving software designed for your Rock RMS church, we're your partner for community impact and giving that's cheerful, meaningful, and … simple.

To learn more, visit simpledonation.com. 

In this episode of In The Thick of It, Scott sits down with his longtime business mentor Jim Woodward to discuss the value of business coaching and peer advisory groups. Jim outlines the peer group concept, typical meeting frameworks, and benefits such as community support, issue processing with other founders, and executive learning opportunities. He contrasts in-person and virtual formats and stresses the importance of shared values and proper coach training. Jim and Scott explore common objections around time, industry focus, and cost, countering each as barriers with real entrepreneur testimonials and measurable business growth outcomes. They close emphasizing how small investments in the founder/CEO pay exponential dividends across their organizations and families. If you are an overwhelmed startup owner lacking proper guidance, this episode makes the case for finding a mentor.

About Jim:
Jim Woodward spent 30 years building and running businesses as large as $100M, primarily in management and technology consulting to Fortune 500 companies, with full responsibility for marketing, sales, operations, service, and profitability. He also helped to found a highly successful, full-service ice machine leasing business that has become the nation’s largest. Today, Jim is a peer-advisor board chair and a business growth coach for Convene with a PCC coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation. In this work, Jim helps Christian business owners and CEO’s grow high performing businesses on a Biblical foundation so that people thrive and the Kingdom grows. Jim’s life purpose is to help people get unstuck, achieve their potential, and grow closer to Jesus. As part of this purpose Jim designs adult learning experiences like The Work Exchange (www.theworkexchange.org) which Convene and Biola’s Talbot Center for Faith, Work & Economics published.

About Convene:
Convene is a trusted community of Christian business leaders who meet monthly in peer-advisory teams across the world. Together, Convene members process opportunities and challenges, share priceless information from personal experience with each other, and grow in their faith through Christian executive learning content.

To learn more, visit convenenow.com. 

In this episode of In the Thick of It, host Scott speaks with Drew Murr, co-founder of Banjax Solutions. Drew shares his unique entrepreneurial journey, from growing up in a small Texas town and playing high school football, to dropping out of Texas A&M and dabbling in real estate, to serving in the Army Reserves, and working in the oil and gas industry. He founded his first company providing data analysis services to oil and gas firms, before pivoting to develop a text messaging application for law firms called Client Connect. Drew then partnered with law firm Dudley DeBosier to acquire Client Connect and launch Banjaxed Solutions, providing communications and data migration services for law firms using Salesforce.

Throughout his winding career path, Drew exemplifies the entrepreneurial mindset of constantly learning, moving fast, and finding creative solutions. He offers advice on partnerships, hiring talented teams, and learning to effectively communicate with stakeholders.

About Drew:
Drew’s life has been a road-trip less traveled. Looking for challenges, he left college, went into real estate, then joined the Army, and from there went into oil and gas. He didn’t want to be away from his wife and kids for long stretches, he taught himself to code while working in the field. After creating a novel rig sensor data analytics program, he built a custom B2B SaaS app called Client Connect. This is where he met the team that would later form Banjaxed Solutions. When not leading innovative Software-and-a-Service solutions within the Salesforce ecosystem, Drew spends time with his family, reads, listens to podcasts voraciously, and wakes up early in the mornings to exercise and think. He explains, “I come to work every day for our employees and clients, the employees of our clients, and the clients of our clients. I love that we are a force multiplier for the economy, serving individuals in every aspect of society”.

Throughout his diverse career, Drew has exemplified perseverance and a willingness to pivot into new industries and opportunities.

About Banjaxed Solutions:
Banjaxed Solutions is a technology company that provides communications and data services for law firms using Salesforce. Founded in January 2021 by entrepreneur Drew Murr, Banjax Solutions emerged from the acquisition of Drew's previous company Client Connect, a text messaging application for law firms. After partnering with Dudley DeBosier law firm, Drew launched Banjax Solutions to focus on integrating communications tools and data migration services into the Salesforce platform utilized by many modern law firms. Headquartered in College Station, Texas, Banjax Solutions aims to revolutionize client engagement and case management for the legal industry.

To learn more, visit banjaxed.com.