The Growth Playbook: Scaling a $32M Business with Thomas Mercaldo

Scaling a business is hard. Sustaining it over decades is harder.In this episode of Scaling Your Business and Wealth, Eric Tashlein, CFP®, CEPA®, sits down with Thomas Mercaldo, President of Aquinas Consulting, a national staffing firm generating more than $32 million in annual revenue.Tom has built, scaled, and invested in companies across IT, engineering, manufacturing, and financial services—and has led teams through five economic cycles. This conversation focuses on the real decisions that determine whether businesses grow, stall, or fail.You’ll hear insights on:Why long-term, service-first thinking creates durable growthHow to scale teams without losing culture or accountabilityWhen acquisitions accelerate growth—and when restraint matters moreThe leadership traits that separate enduring companies from short-lived onesWhat business owners should understand about today’s shifting talent landscapeThroughout the episode, Eric connects Tom’s experience to the financial realities business owners face—cash flow pressure, reinvestment decisions, risk management, and long-term wealth creation.This episode is for founders, executives, and business owners focused on building companies—and personal wealth—that last.Guest ResourcesThomas MercaldoPresident, Aquinas ConsultingWebsite: https://www.aquinasconsulting.comEmail: [email protected]: 203-876-7822LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mercaldoHost ResourcesEric TashleinHost, Scaling Your Business and WealthWebsite: https://www.oeswealthpartners.comPhone: 1-800-878-7152LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictashleinThis podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Securities are offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. OES Wealth Partners, LLC and Cambridge are not affiliated.