Mark Michael, CEO and co-founder of DevHub, shares the real journey of entrepreneurship.
From early struggles to building a scalable digital platform, this episode focuses on execution.
A candid conversation on websites, leadership, and winning the franchise market.

Episode Summary
Mark Michael, CEO and co-founder of DevHub, joins the show to share the real story behind building and evolving a digital business. He talks through the early confidence that pushed him into entrepreneurship, the pivots that shaped DevHub’s growth, and the leadership decisions required to scale through uncertainty. Mark explains why websites remain the foundation of digital presence, how quality content directly impacts revenue, and why data will play an even bigger role as AI reshapes search and discovery. The conversation also explores hiring, team dynamics, and DevHub’s focus on the franchise market.

Key Takeaways

• Early confidence played a major role in Mark’s entrepreneurial path
• DevHub evolved through constant iteration and market-driven pivots
• Websites remain a core asset in digital strategy
• Quality content drives traffic, engagement, and revenue
• Leadership decisions compound over time
• Hiring the right people is essential for growth
• The pandemic forced rapid business model adaptation
• Website data will become more valuable as AI evolves
• Customer understanding is key to effective digital presence
• Mark views capitalism as a competitive team sport
  

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mark Michael and DevHub
01:03 Mark's Journey and the Evolution of DevHub
04:06 Challenges and Triumphs: The Early Years
07:46 Pivots and Innovations in Business Strategy
11:45 The Impact of the Pandemic on Business Models
15:37 Shifts in the Website Landscape
19:58 The Role of Content in AI and Search
22:22 Website Pages and Revenue Correlation
25:58 The Importance of Quality Content
29:26 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics
34:11 Hiring Strategies and Business Growth
40:49 Future Goals and Market Focus

Keywords
DevHub, Mark Michael, entrepreneurship, business strategy, website innovation, leadership, digital presence, franchise market, AI integration

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmichaelseattle/
Website: https://www.devhub.com/

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431

📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

From mortgage crisis to building a business credit powerhouse
Ty Crandall explains how funding and lender decisions really work
Inside CreditSuite, business credit, and the future of AI in finance

In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris talks with Ty Crandall, founder of CreditSuite, about his journey from being personally impacted by the mortgage crisis to helping entrepreneurs access funding and build business credit.

Ty breaks down how business credit actually works, why misinformation causes founders to make costly mistakes, and what lenders look for when evaluating funding applications. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are shaping the future of financing and what business owners need to understand before seeking capital.

This episode is a practical look at funding fundamentals, lender criteria, and where AI fits into modern financial services.

• Ty’s experience during the mortgage crisis led to founding CreditSuite
• Separating personal and business credit is essential
• Education and content drive trust in financial services
• Misinformation in business credit leads to poor decisions
• AI is changing access to funding
• Lenders evaluate more than just credit scores
• Cash flow, credit, and collateral matter most
• Hard money lending serves higher-risk borrowers
• Building business credit early expands options
• Financing will become more personalized

00:00 The Journey of Ty Crandall
03:05 Current Operations at Credit Suite
06:10 Shifts in Financial Services and Content Creation
08:48 Navigating Misinformation in Business Credit
12:04 The Role of Technology and AI in Financing
15:07 Sales and Financing Systems
17:57 Revenue Streams and Business Models
21:03 Financing Options
27:46 SBA Readiness Challenges
28:35 First Steps for Entrepreneurs
31:18 Risk and Reward
33:09 AI and Capital Access
36:03 Human Element in AI
38:59 AI Limitations
42:54 Partnerships and Competitors

business credit, funding, entrepreneurship, financial services, AI, CreditSuite, Ty Crandall

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tycrandall/
Website: https://www.creditsuite.com/

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431

📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

How leading home services companies grow without losing culture
Jason Trace shares lessons from running Cool Today Orlando
Growth, talent, AI, and innovation in HVAC and the trades

Episode Summary
In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris Cook talks with Jason Trace, General Manager of Cool Today Orlando, about what it takes to operate and scale a modern home services business. Jason shares how leadership, culture, and operational discipline show up in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

They cover staffing shortages, rising customer expectations, and how technology and AI are improving dispatching and efficiency. Jason also explains private equity-backed models versus smaller “mom and pop” operators, and why process and culture matter more as companies grow. The episode closes with refrigerant transitions and what they mean for service teams and customers.

Key Takeaways

• General managers must drive results across people, process, and performance
• Culture is essential for long-term customer and employee relationships
• Doing the right thing supports sustainable growth
• Clear communication is critical to daily operations
• Structured sales processes improve customer experience
• AI is increasing efficiency in dispatching and operations
• Talent retention depends heavily on leadership and culture
• Customer experience should guide decision-making
• Staffing challenges can restrict growth
• Refrigerant changes are impacting the HVAC industry
  

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jason Trace and Cool Today Orlando
02:41 Daily Operations and Responsibilities of a General Manager
05:34 Understanding the Structure of Cool Today Orlando
07:52 Sales Process and Customer Engagement
08:47 Industry Trends and Challenges
11:06 Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Trades
12:21 Current Successes and Team Dynamics
14:30 Fleet Management and Safety Responsibilities
15:58 Growth Challenges and Capacity Management
16:52 Exploring Growth Opportunities
18:14 Future Goals and Growth Projections
19:48 Differences in Business Models: Private Equity vs. Mom and Pop
21:58 Addressing Major Headaches in the Business
26:32 Conclusion and Contact Information

Keywords
Jason Trace, Cool Today Orlando, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, customer service, team culture, industry trends, talent retention, business growth

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-trace-b1503419/
Website: https://www.cooltoday.com/

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431

📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Bayley Ramos on building brands with real human connection
How AI is changing marketing without replacing relationships
A practical conversation on branding, execution, and growth

In this episode, Chris Cook sits down with Bayley Ramos, Founder and CEO of Ardor Consulting, to explore how modern marketing has evolved — and where many businesses are getting it wrong. They discuss the impact of social media and AI, the difference between branding and short-term sales tactics, and why execution is often the biggest challenge companies face.

Bayley shares insights from working directly with growing businesses that struggle with clarity, cohesion, and follow-through in their marketing efforts. The conversation highlights why human connection, authentic networking, and a clear understanding of your audience still matter more than any tool or trend.

• Bayley Ramos founded Ardor Consulting to help businesses clarify marketing strategy
• Social media and AI have reshaped how marketing is executed
• Many companies lack cohesive branding and unified plans
• AI supports marketing but does not replace human connection
• Branding is essential for long-term success
• Execution is a common pain point for businesses
• Branding and immediate sales tactics serve different roles
• Authentic relationships drive stronger marketing outcomes
• Networking works best without sales pressure
• Audience understanding is critical to effective strategy

00:00 Introduction to Ardor Consulting and Bayley Ramos
01:34 The Evolution of Marketing and Social Media
06:08 AI in Marketing: Balancing Technology and Human Connection
10:39 Understanding Branding and Client Acquisition
15:23 Networking: Building Genuine Connections
26:00 Identifying Root Issues in Marketing Strategies
31:03 Building a Strong Marketing Foundation
32:46 The Future of Ardor Consulting
35:21 Understanding Client Needs and Challenges
36:13 The Importance of Organization in Marketing
38:40 Time Management and Efficiency in Consulting
39:17 Exploring AI in Marketing Strategies
43:55 Innovative Solutions for Client Engagement

marketing, branding, AI marketing, business growth, human connection, networking, client relationships, social media strategy, marketing execution, Ardor Consulting, Bayley Ramos

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayleyrenee/
Website: https://ardorc.com/

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431

📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Leadership lessons from law enforcement to the moving industry with Daniel Iordan.
How the President of Moovers Chicago Inc. thinks about passion, purpose, and success.
A deep dive into AI, marketing, hiring, and building a lasting business legacy.

In this episode, Daniel Iordan, President of Moovers Chicago Inc., shares his journey from working in law enforcement to leading a fast-growing moving company. He breaks down how leadership, accountability, and discipline shaped his management style, why marketing is the foundation of his business strategy, and how AI is beginning to disrupt the moving industry. Daniel also discusses the real challenges of hiring the right people, defining success beyond passion, and building a legacy that extends far beyond revenue or personal gain.

• Daniel’s career path reflects the American dream through discipline and perseverance
• Leadership lessons from law enforcement emphasize unity and accountability
• Daily operations are structured around departmental focus and ownership
• AI is beginning to transform marketing and customer engagement in the moving industry
• Marketing is treated as a core business function, not a supporting role
• Hiring challenges are rooted in values alignment more than skill gaps
• Integrity, responsibility, and standards are central to effective leadership
• Long-term goals include building a legacy brand with lasting presence
• Success should be defined by contribution and values, not just passion
• Relationships and character matter more than money

00:00 From Police Officer to Business Leader
02:01 Leadership Lessons from Law Enforcement
03:45 A Day in the Life of a President
05:39 Marketing as the Core of Business
08:36 The Impact of AI on the Moving Industry
11:34 Navigating Digital Marketing Challenges
14:40 The Importance of Hiring the Right People
16:38 Finding the Right People
21:20 Leadership and Accountability
22:03 Long-Term Vision and Legacy
26:16 Values Beyond Work
28:13 The Human Project and Personal Responsibility

"You're looking at the American dream."
"I'm a stickler for the uniform."
"AI is disrupting our industry."

entrepreneurship, leadership, moving industry, AI, marketing, hiring, values, success, legacy, business strategy

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-iordan-8a22262a9/
Website: https://mooverschicago.com/

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431

📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Turn financial anxiety into clarity and control as a small business owner
Josh Greenbaum (Founder & Advisory CFO, CFO Minded) explains rolling budgets and simple habits
A practical CFO conversation on growth, burnout, and better decisions

Chris Cook sits down with Josh Greenbaum, Founder & Advisory CFO at CFO Minded, to break down why many business owners feel financial stress even when revenue is up. They cover rolling budgets, reading financial statements, avoiding “money in, money out” thinking, spotting leakage, and building accountability—plus where AI can help without replacing human judgment.

• Clarity reduces financial anxiety
• “Money in, money out” hides profitability
• Know true costs to grow profitably
• Rolling budgets make planning easier
• Plateaus often follow people-cost growth
• Leakage hides in untracked spending
• Accountability improves decisions

00:00 Transforming Financial Anxiety into Clarity
02:49 Understanding the Small Business Mindset
06:03 The Importance of Rolling Budgets
08:43 Types of Business Owners and Their Financial Mindsets
11:59 Navigating Growth Pains and Scaling Challenges
15:04 The Five-Minute Financial Habit for Owners
17:46 Breaking Through Financial Plateaus
20:51 Accountability as a Growth Hack
23:51 Identifying Financial Leakage
26:53 Building Effective Business Processes
28:08 Consulting Models and Business Growth
29:00 Naming Your Business: The Importance of Branding
31:03 AI in Business: A Double-Edged Sword
37:02 Key Financial Insights for Business Owners
39:36 Building a Scalable Bookkeeping Business
47:15 Marketing Strategies for Growth

CFO, small business, financial clarity, rolling budgets, business growth, financial anxiety, accountability, AI in finance, business owner mindset, financial habits

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/
🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshgreenbaum/
Website: https://www.cfominded.com/
🎧 Listen on Other Platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgYjB8RxYKfgvOf1PrNFv?si=0dd85415f6174756
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparking-the-fuse/id1857737431
📸 Socials
Five Fuse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-fuse/

Brie Reis, CEO of Elite Roofing & Solar, reveals her journey from admin to industry leader.
She breaks down the realities of roofing, innovation, leadership, and empowering women in the trades.
If you’re scaling a service company, this episode shows what modern growth really looks like.

Brie Reis, CEO of Elite Roofing and Solar, shares her rise from administrative employee to visionary leader in the roofing industry. She discusses the importance of hard work, decisiveness, and developing people from within while highlighting the growing role of women in leadership and the trades. Brie explains key industry trends—including technology adoption, AI, financing shifts, and sustainable growth models—while shedding light on the balance required to run a thriving company and a large blended family. She also looks ahead to expanding The Roofing Academy to help roofing companies build more resilient, scalable businesses.

• Brie emphasizes the importance of hard work and decisiveness in achieving success.
• She highlights the role of family support in her journey to becoming CEO.
• Brie discusses the significance of empowering women in leadership roles within the trades.
• The roofing industry faces challenges but also opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Brie advocates for a shift towards retail financing in the roofing market.
• She shares insights on the importance of building a sustainable business model.
• Brie believes in the value of technology adoption in the trades, particularly AI.
• The company prioritizes a family-oriented culture, treating clients like family.
• Brie balances her leadership role with family life, emphasizing teamwork with her husband.
• She envisions expanding The Roofing Academy to educate and support other roofing companies.

00:00 Brie's Journey to CEO
04:15 Scaling and Growth Strategies
06:37 Developing Talent from Within
08:51 Industry Trends and Challenges
12:35 Financing and Retail Shifts
14:45 Sustainable Growth and Diversification
21:10 The Importance of Women in Leadership
24:31 Technology Adoption in Roofing
28:07 Technology Adoption and Bottlenecks
30:45 Differentiation and Customer Relationships
34:58 Leadership and Personal Vision
38:43 Balancing Work and Family Life
40:34 Future Vision: The Roofing Academy

"We pray for hail."
"We empower them."
"We are a team."

leadership, roofing, women in trades, business growth, technology adoption, industry trends, customer experience, family balance, sustainable business, empowerment

🔗 Connect With Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalewithchris/
Work With Five Fuse: https://www.fivefuse.com/

🔗 Connect With Today’s Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-reis-751b0573/
Website: https://elite-roofs.com/

Join us as we sit down with Keith Paul, the visionary founder of Handy Pro, to explore his inspiring journey from a small business born out of necessity to a thriving national franchise. Discover how Keith's commitment to trust and integrity has empowered seniors and transformed the home service industry. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that prioritizes customer safety and satisfaction.