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Karl Maier didn't set out to become a business growth advisor. After studying economics and systems in college, he reluctantly joined his family's industrial distribution business—only to help scale it an impressive five times larger in just three years. That journey through entrepreneurship's trenches taught him lessons no classroom could provide, especially after a break-in left them with stolen computers and missing customer payment records.

From recovering that early setback to riding the dot-com wave (and subsequent crash), Karl developed a sixth sense for the realities of business growth that most entrepreneurs desperately need but rarely possess. His most valuable insight? Everything takes twice as long and costs twice as much as founders expect—and sometimes that "twice" becomes four times when reality truly hits.

Today, Karl works with entrepreneurs who have brilliant technical ideas but struggle with the business fundamentals required to scale. One founder approached him needing $5 million to build his dream of reaching $50 million in sales, only to discover the harsh mathematical reality: investors would need approximately 125% ownership to make the deal worthwhile. These moments of truth allow Karl to help founders adjust their expectations and strategies, often by focusing on smaller, achievable goals that establish cash flow before attempting full-scale expansion.

Whether advising on fundraising approaches (which typically take 6-12 months, not the 60 days many founders expect), helping select appropriate business partners, or guiding operational scaling decisions, Karl brings the rare combination of financial expertise and entrepreneurial battle scars that make him an invaluable resource. If you're considering scaling your business or seeking funding for growth, connecting with Karl through his website Abunden.com or LinkedIn could be the most important 30-minute conversation in your business journey.

From the Zoo to Wild is a book for entrepreneurs passionate about home services, looking to move away from corporate jobs. Chris Lalomia, a former executive, shares his path, discoveries, and tools to succeed as a small business owner in home improvement retail. The book provides the mindset, habits, leadership style, and customer-oriented processes necessary to succeed as a small business owner in home services.