The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

In this candid episode, Mike Krupit, Founder and CEO of Trajectify, shares why successful teams suddenly “get dumb” during growth and what you must change to scale past it. If you’re hitting plateaus where results stall and early leaders no longer fit, you won’t want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why growth itself forces people, processes, and expectations to evolve or the team stalls

- How to spot the markers that you’ve outgrown current roles and need new leadership capacity

- What it takes to have difficult conversations and stop rescuing instead of coaching your team.

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Mike Krupit is the founder and CEO of Trajectify, where he helps growth-stage technology, manufacturing, and professional services companies bridge the gap between early success and scalable leadership. With more than 30 years of experience as a CTO, COO, and CEO, Mike has led organizations through rapid growth, IPOs, M&As, and even bankruptcies—giving him rare, real-world insight into what actually works when the stakes are high. Known for his practical, candid approach, he helps founders and CEOs build courage, align their organizations, and unlock momentum from the inside out.

Want to learn more about Mike Krupit's work at Trajectify? Check out his website at https://www.trajectify.com/

Connect with Mike through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrupit/

Check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKrupit

In this empowering episode, Dennis McCurdy, Principal Owner of McCurdy & Andrew Investments, shares why going it alone as a solopreneur leads to the Valley of Dead Dreams and how accountability changes everything. If you’re grinding alone and watching your best ideas collect dust, you won’t want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why you need a selective “gang” that will tell you the truth and push you forward

- How to choose accountability partners who show up and call you on your stuff

- What makes peer accountability more powerful than family or friends for growth

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Dennis McCurdy transformed his life from graduating near the bottom of his high school class and sleeping on an office couch to achieving a seven-figure net worth. Following his military service, he built eight businesses, managed 29 properties, authored four books, and led mastermind groups for over a decade. He teaches that mindset, accountability, and strong relationships drive true achievement. He is the author of the book Unleash the Power of Connection. He actively runs personal development workshops to help others reframe their failures into fuel for growth. He consistently proves that strong network connections and daily discipline directly accelerate personal transformation.

Want to learn more about Dennis McCurdy's work at McCurdy & Andrew Investments? Check out his website at https://www.mccurdyinvestments.com/

Connect with Dennis through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-mccurdy-cfp-465a1bb/

Check out Dennis McCurdy's personal website at https://dennismccurdy.com/

Get a copy of Dennis McCurdy's book Unleash the Power of Connection at https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Power-Connection-accountability-procrastinating/dp/097988635X

In this clarifying episode, Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director of Speyside Equity, shares how to succeed as an investor when someone else is driving and you can no longer grab the wheel. If you’re moving into true ownership or private equity and struggle to let go of hands-on control, you won’t want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why managing through people, processes, and systems is the essential skill at Level 6

- How to use scorecards and exception-based reviews so you lead without micromanaging

- What makes strong investors accept 80-90% results and focus on removing impediments

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 6 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Eric Wiklendt is a Managing Director at Speyside Equity, where he is responsible for sourcing, executing, managing, and exiting investments. Before joining Speyside Equity, Eric was President & CEO of Kelix Heat Transfer Systems. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Eaton and Hilti Corporation, where he oversaw M&A activities, established a manufacturing plant in Mexico, managed a large marketing team, and directed industrial sales operations. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Eric obtained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Want to learn more about Eric Wiklendt's work at Speyside Equity? Check out his website at https://speysideequity.com/

Connect with Eric through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt/

In this strategic episode, Ally Machate, Founder and CEO of The Writer's Ally, shares how to write the right book that actually grows your business instead of one that just looks good. If you’re a stage 2 founder considering a book but unsure what it should achieve or who it’s for, you won’t want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why clarifying your book’s business goal is more important than writing a “good” book

- How to reverse-engineer the right book from your desired outcome and ideal reader

- What turns a book into a marketable tool rather than a Field of Dreams project

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Ally Machate is a publishing strategist, author services expert, and founder of The Writer’s Ally. A former Simon & Schuster editor with 25+ years in the industry, she helps authors write, publish, and sell high-quality books that fuel business growth, attract ideal clients, and boost authority. Known for her honest, strategic approach, Ally helps authors cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and turn their books into real engines of visibility and results.

Want to learn more about Ally Machate's work at The Writer's Ally? Check out her website at https://www.thewritersally.com/

Connect with Ally through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonemachate

In this myth-busting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why legacy is not reserved only for Level 7 and how you can start building one right where you are. If you believe lasting impact must wait until the end of the journey or feel stuck without a clear path to purpose, you won’t want to miss it

You will discover:

- Why most founders are not called to Level 7 and can leave a powerful legacy sooner

- How to move from dissatisfied employee to purposeful employee and find meaning in the margins

- What unique capital Level 7 founders accumulate that unlocks a different scale of impact

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,, of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Scott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success.

Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/

Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/

Pre-order a copy of Scott Ritzheimer's book The Founder’s Game at https://www.scottritzheimer.com/book/pre-order

In this exciting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares the release of his new book "The Founder’s Game". If you’re overwhelmed by endless advice, unsure which level is right for you, or working far more hours than necessary, you won’t want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why there are seven possible right levels and how to choose the one that fits your vision

- How the three-part structure gives you both clarity on where you are and a playbook for where you want to go.

- What pre-ordering unlocks, including a free Level 7 course and the first chapter right away

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Scott Ritzheimer helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success.

Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/

Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/

Pre-order a copy of Scott Ritzheimer's book The Founder’s Game and How It Helps you Navigate every Stage of the Founder Journey at https://www.scottritzheimer.com/book/pre-order

In this revealing episode, Esther Zeledon, President of Be.Act.Change, shares how success itself can keep you stuck as a dissatisfied employee and how to break free into purpose. If you're in a great job that still feels like the wrong life and wonder whether to stay or start something of your own, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why inheriting dreams from others leads to misalignment and eventual regret

- How to uncover your unique problem-solving patterns before launching anything

- What it takes to move from dissatisfaction to purposeful action with clarity

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Dr. Esther Zeledón is an award-winning author, global speaker, and coach who guides founders and changemakers to clarify their vision, create actionable plans, and persevere. A former diplomat with a PhD from UC Berkeley, Esther has worked across more than 100 countries, supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities in unlocking their purpose and creating meaningful impact. She is the author of the Amazon #1 bestselling book Creating Your Limitless Life (on Your Terms), which has won multiple awards and helped thousands of people align their work and life with their deeper mission.

Want to learn more about Esther Zeledon's work at Be.Act.Change? Check out her website at https://beactchange.com/

Connect with Dr. Esther through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drestherzeledon/

Get a free Kindle copy of Dr. Esther Zeldon's book Creating Your Limitless Life: On Your Terms at https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbxup6Gwy3bpeZY4Py9PmHpPPtLceyv2dMbp4CXnZa96w4GlQXcgQShd5T6JHdYfLWC4/exec

In this insightful episode, Rich Potter, Franchise Business Consultant of Franchise Heroes, shares how to transition from corporate success into structured business ownership without costly mistakes. If you're a burned-out executive considering entrepreneurship but unsure how to start or whether to buy versus build, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why talking to people who have already done it is the most important first step

- How franchising provides a proven game plan and support instead of starting from zero

- What questions to ask existing owners during validation to uncover real risks and rewards

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Rich Potter is a multi-business owner and franchise consultant who helps burned-out executives and veterans transition from corporate careers into structured business ownership. After more than a decade in corporate sales, he moved into entrepreneurship and has since built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses while continuing to actively operate today. His perspective is shaped by real-world experience as both an advisor and an active owner. Rich focuses on helping people avoid costly mistakes, reduce unnecessary risk, and build businesses designed to support the life they want to live.

Want to learn more about Rich Potter's work at Franchise Heroes? Check out his website at https://franchiseheroes.co/

Connect with Rich through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-potter-533381a/

In this actionable episode, Alícia Rius, Founder of Hive - Leadership & Team Coaching, shares why promoting your best individual contributor rarely creates a great manager. If you're in stage 4 frustrated that your promoted leaders are struggling and your team isn't performing as expected, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why stepping into management is a career change, not a promotion

- How to create clarity around expectations for new managers

- What the Four Ps of Leadership framework reveals about where clarity is missing

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Alicia Rius spent years inside fast-growing companies watching the same thing happen over and over—brilliant people get promoted into leadership and quietly start drowning. As a founder, co-founder, and COO of three ventures, she lived it herself. Today she runs Hive Leadership & Team Coaching, where she works with scaling companies to do the one thing that actually stops the bleeding: build clarity. Clear roles, clear expectations, clear decision-making—before the chaos becomes the culture. She's the creator of the 4Ps Leadership Framework™ and the author of Lead with Clarity, a practical guide for the new managers and founders nobody prepared for the job.

Want to learn more about Alícia Rius' work at Hive - Leadership & Team Coaching? Check out her website at https://www.hiveteamcoaching.com/

Connect with Alicia through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciarius/

Get a copy of her book Lead with Clarity: How New Managers Turn Confusion into Confident Leadership at https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Clarity-Confusion-Confident-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0G35ZJDDP

In this closing episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why level 6 ownership is not the end and when to move to level 7 legacy. If you're in stage 6 with time and financial freedom but wondering what's next or struggling with purpose, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why you must have a compelling vision for what comes after the CEO role before fully stepping down.

- How to thrive as a portfolio owner in level 6 while preparing for greater impact.

- What it takes to shift from personal ROI to planting trees whose shade you'll never sit under in level 7.

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Scott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success.

Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/

Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/