Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

In this episode, Dave Olsen, Founder and CEO of Nimbl, shares his journey from being a fractional CFO to building a fully remote accounting and business services firm that serves $1M to $10M businesses. Dave dives deep into how Nimbl is redefining back-office services with a tech-forward, people-first approach. He talks about the challenges of scaling, the importance of systems, and why freedom for his team and clients is at the heart of Nimbl's mission. If you've ever thought about scaling a service-based business or using tech to drive efficiency, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to transition from technician to business owner and scale a service-based business.
• 🤖 Why combining human expertise with technology is the secret to sustainable growth.
• 💡 The power of leveraging offshore teams for efficiency and cost savings.
• 🔄 How to use systems and automation to remove yourself from daily operations.
• 💰 Why Nimbl’s model allows small businesses to access CFO-level expertise for just $500–$1000/month.
• 🌎 How to build a remote-first company culture that prioritizes team freedom and lifestyle.
• 🔍 Key inflection points for business growth and how to navigate them strategically.

📝 About the Guest
Dave is a CPA and the Founder & CEO of Nimbl, a modern, fully remote accounting and business services firm supporting $1–10M businesses. Since 2018, he has grown Nimbl into a 100+ person team offering tech-forward solutions in accounting, tax, finance, IT, and offshore staffing.

With over a decade of experience as a fractional CFO, Dave has helped founders gain clarity and make smarter financial decisions. He’s driven by a vision to reshape the business services industry—empowering companies to scale smarter, lead better, and build more fulfilling workplaces through technology and thoughtful leadership.

🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Be intentional and get clear about the life and the future you want to create. Imposter syndrome is real, but nobody knows what they’re doing. If there's a future you want to create, go for it."

Key Takeaways from Dave's Advice:

• 📌 Get clear on the future you want and work intentionally towards it.
• 🔎 Don't let imposter syndrome stop you—everyone is learning as they go.
• 🚀 Leadership is about creating a future that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

📢 Memorable Quotes
"Leadership is creating a future that wouldn't happen otherwise and that takes into account the needs of all relevant stakeholders." — Dave Olsen

"You can't get away from the human touch component of handling financial information. Technology can enable it, but people make it meaningful." — Dave Olsen

"If there's a future you want to create, then you can go and create it. You're not any less capable than anyone else who's done it." — Dave Olsen

💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Build systems and processes to elevate yourself from day-to-day operations.
✅ Leverage offshore talent to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality service.
✅ Focus on building a business that aligns with your desired lifestyle—not just revenue.
✅ Don’t wait for permission—start building the future you envision.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Nimbl’s Website
• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
• Follow Nimbl on LinkedIn

In this episode, Paul Crandell, former CMO of GoPro, shares his incredible journey from selling artwork out of the back of his car to scaling some of the world’s most iconic brands. Now, as the founder and CEO of Lumi, a lifestyle tech company revolutionizing smart projectors, Paul dives deep into how brand culture, storytelling, and community building can drive monumental growth. He reveals how he helped grow Red Bull from $5 million to $2 billion in revenue and GoPro from $60 million to $1 billion, and how those lessons are now shaping Lumi's go-to-market strategy.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to leverage culture and storytelling to create a magnetic brand presence.
• 🌎 Why building strong relationships leads to brand loyalty and word-of-mouth growth.
• 💰 The importance of mastering niche markets before expanding your brand reach.
• 🛠️ How real-life community engagement can outperform digital-only strategies.
• 🔄 Why balancing short-term sales with long-term brand building creates sustainable growth.
• 🎯 The step-by-step blueprint for launching a brand in a competitive market.
• 🔍 How to identify market gaps and capitalize on them with an authentic brand message.

📝 About the Guest
An adventure sports junkie and volleyball player from Orange Coast and UCSB, Paul started selling artwork out of the back of his car after college, so he could ski, mountain bike, and surf, which led him to Red Bull. Paul ended up selling Red Bull their first Title Sponsorship in the US and ended up there for 9 years, leading US Sports Marketing from 1999-2009. Mind you, Red Bull may have been about a $5M company at the time and we grew revenue through sales and brand building to a $2B company 9 years later. After Red Bull he later went on to be the CMO of GoPro from 2011-2016, taking them from $60M-$1B+ and IPO in 2014.

Since GoPro, Paul has had a number of different CMO positions in several business sectors: from healthcare to Chinese robotics to EV charging. He has also had his consulting company 1 Degree where he's danced across dozens of different brands and industries.

After a broad range of executive and managerial experience over 35 years, primarily in really fun industries, Paul decided he wanted to start his own lifestyle brand and that's where Lumi Smart Projectors all started, just 1.5 years ago.

🎯 Paul's BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Do not be afraid to make mistakes and follow your bliss. Don't listen to other people and what they think you should be. Be who you want to be and go for it."

📢 Memorable Quotes

• "Building strong relationships builds trust. If you break that trust, it can take years to rebuild. Be real, be honest, and people will follow you."
•  "We only grow when we learn, and we only learn when we take risks and make mistakes."
•  "Events don’t pay back immediately, but they build relationships that pay off long-term."

💡 Actionable Takeaways

• ✅ Invest in community building and face-to-face events; brand trust is built in person.
• ✅ Focus on a niche market before trying to expand—dominate one space first.
• ✅ Be real with your marketing—honesty and transparency are key.
• ✅ Take risks, learn from failures, and iterate quickly.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Lumi Labs’ Website
• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn
• Follow Lumi Labs on LinkedIn
• Follow Lumi Labs on Instagram
• Follow Lumi Labs on TikTok

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Gen Z talent engagement with Injil Muhammad, co-founder and CEO of Buddle. Injil shares his inspiring journey from Goldman Sachs to leading a platform that empowers young professionals with the skills, mentorship, and community they need to thrive in the workplace. Discover how Buddle is redefining talent retention and engagement for the next generation of leaders, and why understanding Gen Z's unique perspectives is crucial for business success.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to engage and retain Gen Z talent by understanding their unique experiences and expectations in the workplace.
• 🌐 Building a culture of community and connection to reduce turnover and improve junior talent retention.
• 💡 Leveraging AI to enhance real-time support for early career professionals, making mentorship scalable and accessible.
• 📈 The power of empathy in leadership, especially when managing teams with diverse generational backgrounds.
• 🔄 Why community and connection are the antidotes to high turnover rates among younger talent.
• 🎓 Understanding the soft skills gap in new graduates and how to bridge it effectively for long-term success.

📝 About the Guest
Injil Muhammad Jr. is the co-founder and CEO of Buddle, a platform helping companies engage and retain their Gen-Z talent. Buddle empowers young professionals to cultivate essential soft skills, bridging the gap between academic preparation and career success.

Before founding Buddle, Injil honed his analytical expertise at Goldman Sachs, where he worked in the Investment Management Division trading Mortgage-Backed Securities. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Applied Mathematics and has long been passionate about helping others unlock their full potential in academic and professional pursuits.

Injil is committed to advancing career readiness and fostering opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

🎯 Injil's BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"The only way to figure something out is to give it your full undivided attention. You have to go all in if you want to truly know if it’s going to work."

Key Takeaways:

• You can’t test the waters halfway—you have to fully commit.
• Even if it doesn’t work, the learning and growth from the experience are invaluable.
• True entrepreneurial growth happens when you’re fully immersed and willing to take risks.

📢 Memorable Quotes

• "If you make the decision that something is worth pursuing, pursue it wholeheartedly." – Injil Muhammad
• "We have to build empathy with Gen Z talent because their experiences are different, and so are their expectations." – Injil Muhammad
• "Community is the vehicle through which you raise the opportunity cost of leaving a company." – Injil Muhammad

💡 Actionable Takeaways

• ✅ Foster real community among your team. Build relationships that make leaving feel like a real loss.
• ✅ Emphasize mentorship and support for junior talent. Help them bridge the gap from academic learning to real-world application.
• ✅ Use AI and technology to scale mentorship. Provide on-demand career guidance for instant decision-making support.
• ✅ Prioritize empathy and understanding. Generational differences require patience and authentic connection.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Buddle’s Website
• Connect with Injil on LinkedIn
• Follow Buddle on LinkedIn

In this episode, Dr. Kenny Brown—oral and maxillofacial surgeon turned entrepreneur—shares how he's redefining oral care through Feno, a groundbreaking health tech company. From hospital rooms to TikTok feeds, his smart brush is making waves by turning a daily habit into a health-boosting ritual. But this conversation isn’t just about dental tech—it’s about building a movement, solving real problems, and scaling a mission.

Dr. Brown reveals what it takes to blend clinical rigor with consumer convenience, and how you can use the same principles to build meaningful, scalable businesses.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🧠 How to build a product that solves real, overlooked problems in your industry
• 🚀 Why identifying your “why” helps you stay in the game long enough to win
• 💡 How AI-powered product design can accelerate innovation and personalization
• 📈 The strategy behind building buzz through omni-channel marketing
• 🛠️ Why educating your audience builds both trust and sales
• 💬 How to overcome skepticism with proof, clarity, and storytelling
• 🔄 Why the feedback loop is essential for product development and positioning

📝 About the Guest
Dr. Kenny Brown is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Co-founder and CEO of Feno, an oral health tech company focused on linking oral and overall health. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, where he conducted notable research in regenerative medicine. At Texas A&M, he completed his dental training and served on the technology transfer committee, helping move innovations from lab to market.

🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
 “Give yourself time and space to think and dream—and get ultra clear on your ‘why.’ That clarity is what allows you to stay in the game long enough to win.”

💡 Key takeaways:
 ✔ Your mission is your fuel—don’t skip getting clear on it
 ✔ The road will be hard, but clarity makes it survivable
 ✔ Time to think isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity

📢 Memorable Quotes
 “It's not really about losses—it's about staying in the game long enough to win.” – Dr. Kenny Brown
 “We're not just pushing a product—we're pushing a mission.” – Dr. Kenny Brown
 “If you're so busy you don’t have time to think, you’re too busy to lead.” – Dr. Kenny Brown

💡 Actionable Takeaways
 ✅ Anchor your pricing in value, not cost—show what your product solves
 ✅ Use storytelling and mission to cut through marketplace noise
 ✅ Embrace AI and rapid iteration to create products people actually want
 ✅ Carve out weekly space for visionary thinking—it compounds over time
 ✅ Treat your customers like collaborators—let their feedback shape your product

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Feno’s Website
• Connect with Dr. Kenny on LinkedIn
• Follow Feno on LinkedIn

From a Division 1 rower who endured four knee surgeries to the founder of a cutting-edge tech company, JT Winston’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and innovation. In this episode, JT shares how his personal struggles with the disconnect between physical recovery and mental readiness inspired him to create Aypex, an app that unifies mind and body for peak performance. This episode is packed with value for entrepreneurs, as JT breaks down how to apply an elite athlete's mindset to your business, pivot from a failing idea, and leverage AI to build your vision. Tune in to learn how to stop seeing your health in silos and start unlocking your true potential in business and life.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🧠 Why earning trust with yourself is the critical first step before you can build discipline in your entrepreneurial journey.
• 🔁 How to use Toyota's "Five Whys" framework to perform a root cause analysis on your business challenges and fuel your next pivot.
• 🤖 Actionable ways to leverage AI as a "pseudo co-founder" to brainstorm ideas, cross-reference strategies, and build your startup efficiently.
• 📈 The crucial difference between a "vitamin" idea and a "painkiller" idea, and why focusing on the latter is key to startup survival.
• 🗣️ A simple, real-world technique for validating your business idea by testing different pitches on people in casual settings.

📝 About JT Winston 

JT graduated from Santa Clara University in 2022 with a degree in chemistry and a minor in economics. After a short stint in the energy sector, he moved to Austin, Texas, and founded Aypex, where he now serves as CEO. A former Division I rower, JT experienced firsthand the disconnect between physical training and mental well-being in athletics. That insight—combined with his curiosity about human performance—inspired Aypex: an app that integrates physical and mental health to help athletes reduce injury risk and enhance performance. While currently sports-focused, Aypex aims to support anyone with a growth mindset in optimizing their well-being.

Outside of work, JT enjoys rowing on Lady Bird Lake, trail running, two-stepping, exploring the outdoors, diving into philosophy, and engaging with Austin’s tech and startup community.

🎯 JT’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs 

"The quality of your business and pace of growth is proportional to your own self-growth." 

📢 Memorable Quotes

• “Discipline takes time, but I'd say there's a step before discipline in earning trust with yourself.” – JT Winston
• “How you think determines how you perform. It's not about doing puzzles... It's more so, how do you think when I get in a tough situation? Do I immediately revert to a stress response?” – JT Winston
• “Ideally why we're all on the entrepreneurial journey is to solve that core problem that we started with, not just to be a revenue machine.” – JT Winston

💡 Actionable Takeaways

• ✅ Apply the "Five Whys" method to a current business challenge. Ask "why" five times to drill down past the symptoms and uncover the true root cause.
• ✅ Schedule non-negotiable "creative time" into your week. Follow JT’s lead by taking a walk, run, or doing another activity that clears your head and fosters innovation, not just problem-solving.
• ✅ Practice validating your ideas in low-stakes environments. The next time you're at a party or social gathering, try explaining your business in a few different ways and gauge people's reactions.

🔗 Links & Resources 

• Visit Aypex’s Website
• Connect with JT on LinkedIn
• Follow Aypex on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, host Brian Lofrumento sits down with Katie Kolon, a certified mediator and conflict resolution expert, to discuss how entrepreneurs can navigate conflict in business and life. Katie shares her unique perspective on turning conflict into opportunity and how understanding the human element can foster healthier workplace dynamics. As a former employment law attorney and founder of Mutual Ground Strategies, Katie's approach blends legal insight with real-world mediation skills, making this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with team dynamics or client challenges.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 Why conflict doesn’t have to be negative—how to view it as a decision point and opportunity.
• 🤝 Techniques for creating safe spaces to facilitate constructive dialogue.
• 🧠 The importance of staying curious about people's backgrounds to better navigate disagreements.
• 💼 Why mediation skills can benefit entrepreneurs in both internal and external conflicts.
• 🌍 How understanding motivations and values can lead to lasting resolutions.
• 🔑 Tips for preventing conflict by fostering open communication and proactive problem-solving.
• 🎭 How to think of people as “method actors” to better understand their actions and reactions.

📝 About Katie Kolon

Katie Kolon provides conflict resolution services for businesses and individuals to manage workplace conflict, avoid litigation, and foster healthy environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed. She creates private and brave spaces to engage in constructive dialogue, repair relationships, and guide people to discover their own solutions to conflict.

Katie is a certified mediator and mediation coach with the Center for Conflict Resolution where she has volunteered for the past 13 years. She is also certified as a Workplace Mediator and Trainer in Conflict Resolution by the Mediation Training Institute. She is a former employment law attorney with no interest in returning to practice litigation. She founded Mutual Ground Mediation, LLC (please note my name may be changed by the time we speak) in 2024 to make a positive impact on workplace communities and beyond.

🎯 Katie’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

"Think of people as method actors—everyone brings their own backstory to the table. Understanding that can help you acknowledge their experience and move forward in a positive way."

Key Takeaways from Katie’s Advice:
✔️ Approach conflict with curiosity rather than judgment.
✔️ Create a safe space where all parties feel heard and respected.
✔️ Understand that sometimes the best resolution is simply engaging in the process.

📢 Memorable Quotes

• “Conflict isn’t inherently negative—it’s an opportunity to see what’s next.” – Katie Kolon
•  “Neutrality doesn’t mean avoiding emotion; it means holding space without judgment.” – Katie Kolon
•  “Sometimes the best solution is not an agreement but an understanding.” – Katie Kolon

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth and problem-solving.
✅ Practice active listening and avoid making quick judgments.
✅ Foster a culture of open communication to prevent conflicts from escalating.
✅ Use mediation techniques to address both internal and external conflicts.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Mutual Ground Strategies’ Website
• Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity and AI with David Beltran, a 30-year tech veteran and the founder of CypherShield. David shares how his insatiable curiosity led him from dismantling toys as a kid to becoming a cybersecurity architect at IBM, and now, a founder tackling one of the internet's biggest threats: phishing. His journey is both technically brilliant and wildly creative—melding science fiction, digital art, and entrepreneurship into a bold mission for safer tech ecosystems.

If you're an entrepreneur fascinated by innovation, emerging tech, or building a business that solves real-world problems, this episode is for you.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚨 Why phishing still accounts for over 92% of all malware attacks—and how to stay protected
• 🤖 How David is building consensus-based AI models to radically improve cybersecurity accuracy
• 🧠 The “dark side” of tech innovation and how to ethically build solutions in AI and blockchain
• 💥 Why artistic minds make powerful founders—and how David's creative brain fuels his company vision
• 💡 How to turn your career experience into a startup that solves critical problems
• 🌐 A real-world breakdown of Web3 risks—and how entrepreneurs can navigate decentralized ecosystems
• 🔄 The power of building “from scratch” when creating business systems that don’t yet exist

📝 About the Guest
David Beltran is a seasoned IT professional with over 30 years of experience, including two decades in cybersecurity. During his 14-year tenure at IBM, he advanced from incident response to the role of architect, leading global initiatives to secure millions of endpoints against evolving threats. His expertise spans the design, configuration, and governance of cybersecurity frameworks for Fortune 500 companies. A military brat who briefly served in the armed forces himself, David brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to every challenge he tackles.

🎯 David’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
“Follow your curiosity relentlessly—and invest in yourself along the way.”

💡 Key takeaways from David’s advice:
✔ Curiosity is a superpower—don’t ignore your inner nerd
✔ Create a plan to do what you love, even if it’s not possible today
✔ Prioritize your mental wellness—your clarity fuels your leadership

📢 Memorable Quotes

💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Audit your email systems—phishing is still the #1 cybersecurity threat
✅ Use AI as a tool for detection and protection, not just automation
✅ Build your company like a work of art—vision and structure matter
✅ Embrace curiosity: it’s the spark for innovation, invention, and entrepreneurial success
✅ Start with one problem you deeply understand—build your business around solving it

🔗 Links & Resources

•  Connect with David on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education transformation with Dr. Melissa Feiger, founder of Wander Through Wonder, a groundbreaking micro school that’s redefining how students learn. Melissa shares her journey from public school teacher to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a learning environment that prioritizes curiosity, global citizenship, and hands-on experience. Discover how her micro school model empowers students to drive their own learning and how she's leveraging global education to cultivate the next generation of thinkers and doers.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to recognize when it’s time to break away from traditional models and innovate within your industry
• 🌍 Why global citizenship education can unlock new perspectives and entrepreneurial thinking
• 🤝 The importance of building partnerships and community support when launching a mission-driven venture
• 🔄 Embracing technology like AI in education to enhance—not replace—learning experiences

📝 About the Guest
Dr. Melissa Feiger believes students succeed when they choose what and how they learn. She taught middle school science for nine years and helped create the district's middle school science curriculum. Outside the classroom, Melissa co-led and coached the Science Olympiad team, led and chaperoned Springfield, D.C., and Galapagos student trips, & coached intramural tennis. Melissa earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. While teaching, she earned her Master's in Education from National-Louis University in English as a Second Language (ESL) & Special Education (LBS1) and her PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University. Her published dissertation focused on how the level of democracy impacts the education system in various countries. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Truman College. 

🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Follow your vision. Even if it evolves and changes, stay true to it because, in the end, you’re creating positive change in the world. Sometimes it means taking risks like quitting your job or leasing a space before you're ready—but you have to believe in what you’re building, and others will believe in it too."

📢 Memorable Quotes

• “The world is their oyster, and I’m just trying to facilitate and provide that education to encourage a love of learning.”
• “We have to embrace AI in education—not as a replacement, but as a tool to enhance learning experiences.”
• “We can change the education system step by step, one micro school at a time.”

💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Identify opportunities to innovate within traditional systems—change often starts from the outside
✅ Leverage community partnerships to strengthen your mission and impact

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Wander Through Wonder Academy’s Website
• Follow Wander Through Wonder Academy on LinkedIn
• Find Wander Through Wonder Academy on Facebook
• Subscribe to Wander Through Wonder Academy’s YouTube Channel
• Follow Wander Through Wonder Academy on Instagram
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn

Christie Harrison’s entrepreneurial story is all about moving from vision to execution—and helping others do the same. From teen mom to CEO and founder of Core Performance 38:16, Christie built a business consulting firm rooted in strategy, accountability, and faith-driven leadership. In this episode, she shares her powerful journey through corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

You’ll learn how Christie helps individuals and organizations turn chaos into clarity through custom strategic plans—and more importantly, how she empowers them to follow through. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business, this episode is packed with honest truths and practical systems for taking real action.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• Why “having a plan” isn’t enough—and how to bridge the gap between planning and executing
• The REALITY of entrepreneurship: Christie’s honest take on money, risk, and building through tough seasons
• How to audit your past before planning your future (and why this is critical to avoid repeat mistakes)
• Why personalized strategy beats cookie-cutter advice every time
• How to hold yourself accountable when no one else is watching
• The exact consultation process Christie uses to turn business chaos into clarity
• How her journey from clerk to CEO can inspire you to keep moving forward—even if you feel stuck

📝 About the Guest
Christie Harrison is the Founder of Core Performance 38:16, a business consulting and coaching firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations achieve sustainable growth. With a background in public policy, operations, and strategic business development, she brings over two decades of experience guiding businesses and individuals toward success. Christie specializes in business strategy, leadership coaching, and professional development—helping startups find structure, businesses streamline operations, and professionals elevate their careers. She’s passionate about empowering others through actionable strategies, accountability, and a results-driven approach.

🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
“Write it down. Find support. Don’t do it alone.”

Key Takeaways:

• Writing your ideas down is the first step toward real action
• You need support, strategy, and outside perspective—don’t go it alone
• Missing foundational steps now will cost you later—plan with intention

📢 Memorable Quotes

•  “Their success is my success. If they win, I win.”
•  “Don’t try to do it on your own… you will miss steps.”
•  “The plan is just a roadmap—it only works if you follow it.”

💡 Actionable Takeaways

• Create a written plan—even if it’s just for five days
• Identify your business’s true needs (not just what you think you need)
• Don’t rely solely on motivation—build systems for accountability
• Be brutally honest: are you really doing the work, or just “planning” the dream?

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Core Performance 38:16’s Website
• Follow Core Performance 38:16 on LinkedIn
• Find Core Performance 38:16 on Facebook
• Follow Christie on Instagram
• Connect with Christie on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of James McNamara, founder of 8 Penny Labs, who brings a refreshingly practical approach to digital transformation. James shares how he helps mid-sized businesses modernize their systems, improve efficiency, and unlock growth—without the overwhelm. His expertise blends strategic clarity, tech insight, and business pragmatism, making this a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating tech choices.

Whether you're wrestling with outdated tools, thinking about custom software, or just trying to get smarter about tech, James offers real-world advice that will help you move faster and make smarter decisions.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to stop making do with legacy tools and decide when to build custom solutions
• 🤖 The truth about low-code platforms—and when they’ll actually cost you more
• 💰 Why offshore development can give you a budget and speed advantage
• 🧭 How to roadmap tech upgrades even if you don’t know what you don’t know
• 💬 The strategic questions that uncover what your business really needs
• 🔄 How agile development (done right) keeps clients informed and projects under control
• 🔍 Why transparency—not tech—is the real key to happy clients and successful builds

📝 About the Guest

Jim McNamara is the founder of 8 Penny Labs, where he helps companies turn vision into value—faster, cleaner, and with a laser focus on client success.

Jim works with leaders who know that in today’s marketplace, digital transformation isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement. But that doesn’t mean it has to be risky or overwhelming. From modernizing legacy tools to launching entirely new digital products, Jim and his team help mid-sized businesses unlock growth with real, usable solutions.

His clients aren’t chasing shiny objects—they’re shortening sales cycles, breaking into new markets, building stickier customer experiences, and improving employee satisfaction. And with 8 Penny Labs, they’re doing it with speed and clarity.

🎯 James’ BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

📢 Memorable Quotes

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Audit your current tech stack—where are you compromising and losing efficiency?
✅ If something feels painful or inefficient, it’s probably worth exploring a custom solution
✅ Don’t just hire a dev shop—find a strategic partner who starts with your business goals
✅ Use two-week sprints and daily updates to stay aligned on long-term builds
✅ Think of your software partner as a translator between your vision and the tech reality

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit 8 Penny Labs’ Website
• Follow 8 Penny Labs on LinkedIn
• Find 8 Penny Labs on X
• Connect with James on LinkedIn
• Follow James on X