Scaling a business is exhilarating—until it isn’t.

In this episode of The Scalability Code, host Matt Haney is joined by EOS Implementer Amy Holtz, who shares her journey from accidental entrepreneur to scaling a multi-location retail empire with hundreds of employees—and the leadership lessons that shaped her along the way.

Amy reflects on what she learned building and selling one of Party City’s largest franchises, and how running her later businesses on EOS completely changed her experience as a leader. Together, Matt and Amy explore the most common breakdowns they see inside growing companies, including hiring mistakes, poor onboarding, and the absence of true accountability.

Key topics include:

• Why visionaries often struggle with hiring and people management
• The “Head, Heart, Briefcase” hiring framework
• The danger of putting the right person in the wrong seat
• How onboarding failures derail even strong hires
• Why accountability isn’t punitive—it’s empowering
• The critical role of the integrator in scaling a healthy organization

Amy also shares a deeply personal leadership philosophy centered on building others up, creating leaders (not followers), and designing organizations where people—and businesses—can truly grow.

This episode is a must-listen for founders and operators who want to scale with clarity, structure, and humanity.

🎙️ Follow The Scalability Code for more insights from entrepreneurs, EOS implementers, and operators building businesses that last.

Contact Amy Holtz:
https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/amy-holtz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykholtz

#operationsmanagement #eos #fractionalcoo #podcast

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

Scaling a franchise business forces leaders to confront reality—fast.

In this episode of The Scalability Code, host Matt Haney is joined by Amanda Barkey, EOS Implementer and longtime owner of multiple Soccer Shots franchises, to explore what franchising teaches you about leadership, accountability, and operational discipline.

Amanda reflects on nearly two decades of entrepreneurship, from buying into Soccer Shots at an early stage to scaling multi-location operations across Southern California and Hawaii. She shares how implementing EOS helped bring clarity to people management, accountability, and decision-making—and why tools like the Scorecard and Accountability Chart are essential in franchise environments.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

• Why accountability can’t be forced—and how strong leadership creates it
• The role of EOS in scaling franchise operations without losing culture
• Common leadership mistakes founders make as they grow
• How tracking the right weekly numbers creates clarity instead of fear
• What franchising reveals about systems, people, and management gaps

This episode is a must-listen for franchise owners, operators, and leaders looking to move from reactive management to a business that runs with clarity and consistency.

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

What does 30 years of operating experience teach you about people, power, and delegation?

In this episode of The Scalability Code, Matt Haney is joined by Fractional Executive and longtime operator George Bonelli for a candid conversation about the realities of leadership inside growing businesses.

Drawing from a career that includes managing large-scale infrastructure programs at Motorola, building and scaling an early shared-asset business, and advising leadership teams as a consultant and fractional executive, George shares practical lessons on what actually breaks as organizations grow.

This episode explores:

• Why people management, not strategy, is often the biggest bottleneck to scale
• The hidden cost of poor delegation and unclear accountability
• How culture can both enable and limit growth
• Why founders struggle to let go—and how to do it without losing control

If you’re a founder or executive navigating growth, delegation, and leadership complexity, this conversation offers grounded insight from someone who has lived it across multiple industries and business models.

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

In this episode of The Scalability Code, host Matt Haney welcomes Mark Henderson Leary from Houston, Texas. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days experimenting with beer brewing in high school to becoming an experienced EOS implementer. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the value of core values, and the struggles of hiring and onboarding in scaling businesses. Mark also underlines the significance of staying true to one's purpose and maintaining integrity. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for visionary entrepreneurs

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Welcome
01:06 Background
12:10 The Journey Before EOS
17:57 Getting Started in EOS
23:05 Commonalities in EOS Sessions
30:54 The Role Of The Visionary
34:09 How To Learn Priorities
35:15 VTO
40:19 What Is The Hardest thing About Managing People?
42:26 Hobbies Outside Of EOS
45:37 Final Words Of Wisdom
46:22 The Purpose Horizon
48:07 Conclusion

Connnect with Mark at: https://www.markhendersonleary.com/

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

Welcome to another episode of The Scalability Code hosted by Matt Haney. Join us as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Adam Kaplan, hailing from Detroit Motor City. In this episode, Adam shares his experiences from his initial ventures, like collecting baseball cards to becoming an EOS implementer. Adam discusses the lessons learned from his early entrepreneurial endeavors, his successful careers in the dental and recruiting industries, and his journey to implementing and coaching businesses on EOS. The conversation is rich with insights on the roles of visionaries and integrators in businesses, the importance of clear vision and accountability, and the magic of solving issues effectively using EOS tools.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Welcome
00:55 Background
08:55 Other Influential Visionaries
13:30 Commonalities
17:17 How To Approach A Visionary
20:34 Hardest Part Of Management
23:19 Tools
26:12 Withholding Answers
27:43 The Secret Sauce
28:37 IDS
31:58 Extracurricular Activities
33:12 Last & Next Place Travelled
35:03 Conclusion

Contact Adam Kaplan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkaplan1/
EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/adam-kaplan/

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

At 19 years old, Mike Zappone bought his first limousine with no money down and no business plan—just a passion for cars and a hunger to build something of his own. Thirty-three years later, he sold his multimillion-dollar transportation company and discovered a new gear in life as a professional EOS Implementer.

In this episode, Mike and Matt explore the parallels between racing and entrepreneurship: staying focused through the corners, keeping your vision clear, and knowing when to hit the brakes. Mike shares how he scaled his company from one blue Cadillac limo to a nationwide network serving 650 cities, the lessons he learned from a near-fatal motorcycle accident, and why most visionary leaders struggle to communicate the vision that’s crystal clear in their own heads.

If you’ve ever wrestled with shiny-object syndrome, hit a wall with focus, or needed a reminder that humility and gratitude are part of growth, this one’s for you.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:21 Welcome
01:28 Background
04:40 How To Get Business
14:50 Your Last Session
17:50 Communication Is Key
20:20 Kolbe Test
26:28 Car Obsession
31:36 Business Owner Struggles
34:14 Conclusion

Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book
Mike’s EOS Webpage: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-zappone
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzappone/
Email Mike: [email protected]

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

As a kid, Adam Goldschmiedt learned discipline and excellence performing with the Miami Boys Choir. Decades later, those same lessons guide him as an EOS Implementer, helping entrepreneurs bring order to chaos.

In this episode, Adam joins Matt Haney to talk about:

• His journey from journalist to project manager to visionary leader
• How EOS helped him turn a failing agency into a profitable business
• Why so many entrepreneurs resist delegation — and how to finally let go
• The hidden power of systems, process, and perfection in moderation
• Why inspiration, not motivation, is what drives real change

Adam’s story reminds us that mastery isn’t born overnight — it’s built through structure, repetition, and the pursuit of excellence.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome
00:20 Introduction
00:37 Background
13:03 Red Sox Vs. Yankees
16:29 Switching Gears
23:43 Becoming An EOS Implementor
32:04 Similarities And Synergies
39:02 Time Management
47:06 Hardest Thing About Managing People
50:54 Rapid Fire Wind Down
53:07 First Beer Ordered In A Bar
56:04 Conclusion

Contact with Adam: 

[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-goldschmiedt/

Books Mentioned:

Get A Grip By Gino Wickman: https://tinyurl.com/5t5en3eh
The E-Myth By Michael Gerber: https://tinyurl.com/26wssm4z
Radical Candor By Kim Scott: https://tinyurl.com/yck2pzcr

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

Join Matt Haney on The Scalability Code as he interviews Sean Rosensteel, an EOS implementer with a rich entrepreneurial background. Learn about Sean's journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to experiencing bankruptcy in his twenties, and how he turned his life around by embracing the EOS framework. 

Discover insights on common business challenges, managing people, and the importance of delegation. Hear personal anecdotes and valuable lessons from Sean's extensive experience working with over 90 companies across diverse industries. This episode offers a blend of business wisdom, personal experiences, and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
00:47 Background
02:43 A Family Affair
05:56 Early Business History
18:42 RPRS
25:52 Biggest Management Challenges For Visionaries 
38:05 Life Outside Of Work

Contact Sean Rosensteel: 
Website: https://www.seanrosensteel.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrosensteel
EOS Worldwide Page: 
https://www.eosworldwide.com/sean-rosensteel#contact

Books: 
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber: https://a.co/d/gS1rZmW
Rocket Fuel by Mark Winters: https://a.co/d/gvkmXJX
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com/

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

Join Matt Haney, host of The Scalability Code, in this episode as he sits down with Ron Higgs, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in naval aviation and aerospace engineering. Ron shares his journey from the Navy to becoming a leadership coach, discussing the importance of feedback, the challenges of delegation, and the nuances of predictable success in business. This episode is packed with valuable insights for visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses efficiently. Tune in for practical advice, compelling stories, and a deep dive into the dynamics of effective leadership.

00:00 Welcome
00:20 Introduction
03:01 Background
09:22 The Transition From The Navy to the Private Sector
11:53 Feedback is not a Four Letter Word
14:29 Mid-Roll
16:19 Predictable Success
20:02 Client History
25:50 Tools for Success
30:16 What do You do Outside of Work?
33:34 Quick AI Story
36:04 Conclusion

Contact Ron Higgs: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-higgs
Wolf Mangament Solutions: https://www.wolfmanagementsolutions.com/

"Predictable Success: Getting Your Organization on the Growth Track-And Keeping It There" by Les McKeown: https://a.co/d/gTfNGnz

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.

Let’s crack open the vault. On this episode of The Scalability Code, Matt Haney sits down with Kevin Taylor, a former commercial banker turned EOS Implementer. Kevin shares his journey from starting a bank during the 2008 financial crisis to helping businesses achieve operational excellence with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
Discover how Kevin’s decades of banking experience shaped his approach to business development, relationship-building, and leadership. Learn about the parallels between banking fundamentals and EOS tools, and hear real-world stories about overcoming challenges, building strong teams, and driving sustainable growth.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Welcome
01:05 Background
06:02 The Power of Cold Drop-Ins
10:43 Working Genius
12:03 Where Community Banks Can Add Value
12:58 Parallels Between Banking and EOS Implementation
16:10 Making the Segue Into EOS
18:00 Challenges of the Restaurant Industry
19:38 Common Themes in Sessions
22:25 What is the Last Podcast You Listened to?
27:19 What EOS Tool did You Use in Your Last EOS Session?
32:18 EOS Scorecard
35:58 What is a Memorable Trip You Took With Your Family?

Connect with Kevin Taylor: 
https://www.eosworldwide.com/kevin-taylor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekevinktaylor

"Traction" by Gino Wickman: https://a.co/d/i1ddcgm

Feeling stuck in your business?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there… You simply don’t have time for vision and growth. You feel frustrated, anxious, and stuck because goals aren’t being met, processes aren’t followed, and your team isn’t on the same page. Time after time, you’re putting out fires only fast enough for the next one to pop up.

Get OUT of the Sh*t Show

Let’s build your team and guide them to the next level.