Tired of feeling like you have to choose between success and a fulfilling personal life? You’re not alone, and Mel Cunningham, founder of Now and Zenergy, is here to prove that you don’t have to choose at all. On this episode of the Scaling Up Success podcast, Mel shares insights from six years of coaching high-achieving professionals, revealing a powerful truth: it’s entirely possible to thrive in both business and life. Her journey as a coach has evolved from structured systems to deeply personalized approaches that spark real transformation. One of her most impactful offerings? Immersive retreats that help ambitious leaders unplug, reconnect with their true selves, and rediscover what truly matters.

Mel dives into the power of the "inner game", emphasizing the importance of self-awareness over external tactics. She challenges the conventional narrative around success, highlighting how comparison, especially in corporate settings and on social media, leads to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Instead, she champions authentic leadership rooted in self-knowledge and purpose. Her message is especially resonant for entrepreneurs and women: stay true to yourself, surround yourself with the right support, and seek mentors who’ve walked the path before you. If you’re ready to stop hustling at the expense of your wellbeing, this episode offers a new lens for building success from the inside out. Connect with Mel on social media @nowandzenergy or visit melcunningham.com to learn more.

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From humble beginnings as an 11-year-old construction worker, Chris Pohl has built a thriving custom home business that exemplifies the American dream, creating something meaningful through hard work and integrity. Alongside business partner Brooke Muttsbauer, Chris has helped shape Divergent Homes into a standout player in Colorado’s competitive construction scene by focusing on what matters most: delivering exceptional client experiences. What sets Divergent Homes apart is their mission to shift the negative stereotype of the construction industry. Their reputation speaks volumes, with 90% of their business coming from referrals, a powerful endorsement of their craftsmanship and character.

Starting with property management and small remodels, the Divergent Homes team has steadily evolved to lead high-end luxury projects in prestigious Denver neighborhoods like Cherry Creek and Wash Park. Their philosophy remains consistent: adhere to every code, honor every commitment, and turn the construction process into a positive, even enjoyable experience. In conversation, Chris shares how emerging technologies like 360-degree lidar scanning are streamlining operations, saving “weeks per year” in planning. Even more compelling is their bold vision: to scale toward an eight- to nine-figure exit within two years without compromising the relationships and integrity that fueled their growth. Whether you're passionate about real estate, entrepreneurship, or witnessing a success story in motion, Chris and Brooke's journey is a masterclass in doing things the right way.

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⁠What does it really take to rise from the bottom, balance faith, family, and business, and build a thriving career that truly helps people?⁠

On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Andy Taylor of Red Rock Roofing. Andy shares his journey from starting at the very bottom, knocking doors and managing jobs, to becoming a senior project manager leading major projects across Colorado.

He opens up about the challenges of navigating the roofing industry, the importance of staying adaptable in changing times, and how rediscovering his faith transformed his personal and professional life. Andy also shares his philosophy on success, family balance, and why complacency is the enemy of growth.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or just looking for inspiration to push past obstacles, Andy’s story proves that resilience, faith, and persistence can take you to new heights.

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Laura Armstrong’s journey from a three-time world champion martial artist to a wealth mastery expert is a testament to the power of discipline, community, and strategic thinking. With a diverse background spanning Filipino martial arts, holistic practices, and corporate trading, Laura brings a unique perspective to wealth-building. Her turning point came during a world championship in Manila, where she faced unexpected adversity—her coach abandoned the team right before the competition. Rather than giving up, Laura stepped up as a leader, rallying her teammates. The result? She finally captured the elusive gold medal, and eight of her twelve teammates did the same. This experience solidified her belief that real success rarely happens in isolation; it thrives in community and collective support.

This principle is now the cornerstone of Laura's Wealth Mastery Systems. She emphasizes that for most entrepreneurs, the missing link isn’t just strategy or tactics—it’s a support system that shatters self-imposed limits and redefines their relationship with money. Drawing parallels between martial arts and business, Laura teaches her clients the importance of breaking down complex components before rebuilding them stronger, much like perfecting forms in martial arts training. Her understanding of cultural nuances in money psychology adds another layer to her expertise, helping entrepreneurs navigate different markets effectively. For those starting their wealth-building journey, Laura recommends consistent income generation, meaningful spending, and values-driven business decisions. "Don't do stuff just to make money," she advises. "It’ll never last." Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit talkwithlaura.com to connect with her and discover how her unique approach can help you build wealth with purpose.

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Have you ever felt that post-COVID struggle to truly connect with others face-to-face after growing so accustomed to digital interactions? Jordan White understands this challenge and has crafted a solution through his company, GATE (Games and Trivia Entertainment). As a mobile game show host, Jordan brings interactive fun directly to homes, workplaces, and events throughout Colorado—and even beyond for those willing to cover travel expenses. His offerings include lively trivia nights, karaoke parties, and the newly launched "adult field day" experiences that rekindle that competitive spirit many of us left behind in childhood. What sets Jordan apart is his understanding of how games act as "backdoors into people's personalities," effortlessly breaking down barriers. Whether it's a themed trivia night about Harry Potter or anime, shared interests create instant connections, turning strangers into teammates and friends.

Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey has been driven by passion and community connection. Starting with weekly trivia nights at local venues like Alpha Charlie's in the Centennial DTC area, he grew his business primarily through word-of-mouth. While technology integration posed challenges—like balancing the convenience of smartphone answer submissions with the need for authentic human connection—his dedication to real-world interaction never wavered. A self-proclaimed geek who’s even cosplayed as Aqualad from Young Justice, Jordan brings enthusiasm and authenticity to every event. His advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: "Learn to think creatively about problem-solving and find comfort in discomfort. That's all the world's ever gonna give you—problems to solve." If you're ready to experience GATE for yourself, visit gamesandtrivia.org or search for "The Showdown 24" on YouTube to see his game show in action. Whether you're planning a team-building event or just want to make new friends while having fun, Jordan’s unique approach to entertainment is exactly what you need.

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What does it really take to unlock your purpose, release fear, and step fully into your potential?

On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Eva Vennari to explore her transformative approach through the Alaskan Healing Cruise. Eva shares how her immersive, working retreat helps participants heal the mind, body, and spirit while gaining clarity on their mission in the world.

From one-on-one quantum healing sessions to ancient energy work and holistic strategies, Eva explains how clearing emotional and physical blocks can create breakthroughs in both personal and professional life. She also shares inspiring stories of transformation, including how people have gone from feeling stuck and limited to discovering purpose, sovereignty, and alignment in their lives.

Whether you’re looking to overcome fear, unlock your gifts, or find new clarity in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode will inspire you to take bold steps toward living your fullest potential.

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Meet Thomas Reed III – a football player, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for student-athletes often overlooked by traditional recruiting systems. In this powerful conversation, Reed shares his journey from Deer Park, New York, to professional football, including the life-altering decision to give up his own scholarship opportunities to care for his father during a medical crisis in Colorado. His story is not just about athletic talent but about resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Through the Thomas Reed III Foundation, Reed has created an innovative model that goes beyond typical football camps. His TR3 camps blend elite athletic training with education, life skills, and community support—offering college credit courses, NCAA guidance, and access to mentors. His upcoming all-star game at Cowboy Stadium is a game-changer, spotlighting under-recruited or injured athletes for one last shot at college sports. With camps in seven cities from New York to Hawaii, Reed is opening doors for first-generation college athletes and redefining what support looks like. As he says, “Stay blessed and enjoy the adversity… appreciate it, understand it's a blessing to still be where you're at, and keep pushing forward.” Learn how to get involved at officialthomasreed.com.

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Imagine being told you have three months to live—then later, just 14 days—all before graduating high school. Now imagine not only surviving, but going on to achieve what no one in human history has accomplished. Sean Swarner’s extraordinary journey began with a dire prognosis and ended atop the world’s highest peaks. As the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest, and with only one functioning lung, Sean has since scaled the tallest mountains on every continent, skied to both poles, completed the Ironman World Championship, and run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

What drives someone to transcend such extreme limits? Sean shares a powerful philosophy: “Never go after the thing—go after the thing behind the thing.” He explores how chasing deeper meaning, rather than surface goals, has led him to unparalleled achievements and profound human connections. From being adopted into Tanzania’s Chugga tribe to developing a unique lens on fear, listening, and resilience, Sean’s perspective offers transformative lessons for anyone navigating personal, professional, or emotional challenges. Discover more of his story and speaking engagements at SeanSwarner.com.

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Jeff McLarty’s journey from successful business owner to leadership coach highlights a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: losing the passion that once fueled their ventures. After growing his own company from a three-person team to 25 employees before eventually selling it, Jeff now dedicates himself to coaching others through similar transitions. His focus is on “technical founders”—those who built businesses around a specific skill but now find themselves consumed by management duties. When the joy fades and leadership starts to feel like a burden, Jeff steps in to help founders reconnect with their original purpose and build systems that support sustainable growth.

One of Jeff’s key insights compares an entrepreneur’s workload to a bucket overflowing with balls—many assign themselves 60–70 hours of tasks each week, then feel like failures for completing only 45. This unrealistic pressure creates a cycle of disappointment and burnout. Jeff encourages more thoughtful planning, treating personal appointments with the same respect as business ones. He also helps clients navigate the challenges of post-pandemic work, emphasizing the need for intentional, informal team interactions to maintain culture and connection. Whether you're transitioning into leadership or simply trying to rekindle your excitement, Jeff’s approach offers clarity and direction. Connect with Jeff through LinkedIn or at focalpointedmonton.com and rediscover why you started your business in the first place.

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Ever felt stuck between focusing on your clients and answering every incoming call? David Banco knows the struggle well. As a former gym owner using his personal number for business, he constantly had to choose between being present or staying available. That challenge inspired him to create Calimation—an AI-driven solution that handles calls, messages, and inquiries just like you would, so you never miss a beat while staying fully engaged with the people in front of you. It’s not about replacing human connection; it’s about removing distractions so business owners can show up more meaningfully for their clients.

David’s journey has resonated with entrepreneurs across industries—from roofers and med spas to business coaches—who all want to deliver top-notch service without being tied to their phones. While some worry that AI might lose the “personal touch,” David flips the script: the first interaction most people have with a business isn’t with the owner anyway. With instant, thoughtful responses, AI actually enhances the customer experience and builds trust from the first touchpoint. And the future? Calimation is evolving into a smart outbound system that follows up with leads automatically—shaping not just how businesses communicate, but how they grow. Want to experience it firsthand? Call 720-573-0211 to see how Calimation could work for your business.

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