Bullseye Breakdown

In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, host Dustin Weaver chats with Robert Burnett, Director of Startup Banking at Grasshopper Bank. Together, they explore the real-world challenges of startup funding, how to find the right banking partners, and the hard-won truths about scaling a business.👉 Here’s what you’ll hear:✅ Why most startup pitches fall flat and how to fix them✅ The 3 ways to fund your business: venture capital, bank loans, or bootstrapping✅ The scaling mindset: sales, operations, and breaking bottlenecks✅ How Grasshopper Bank bridges the gap between traditional banking and modern fintech✅ The best (and worst) advice Robert’s ever received—and how it’s shaped his journey✅ Actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs at every stage💡 Key Quote:"If you’re waiting for it to get easy, it’s not gonna happen. Because even when you raise that $5 million, that’s just the starting line."🎙️ Who this episode is for:Founders and entrepreneurs seeking clarity on fundingEarly-stage startups looking for growth insightsAnyone curious about how banking for startups is evolving🎯 Subscribe to Bullseye Breakdown and join us each week as we unpack real strategies and real stories from the world of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, Ezra Menaged — CEO of HomeTalk and a key leader at VerticalScope — shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of saving a digital platform on the brink.⚡ A $200K/month revenue collapse.⚡ COVID-19 gut-punch.⚡ Layoffs, pivots, and a complete reinvention.Ezra didn’t just survive — he led a turnaround that turned HomeTalk into a thriving newsletter-first business. If you're building, scaling, or navigating chaos, this one’s for you.🎯 What we cover:How to pivot from failure without losing your teamWhat makes great newsletters actually workWhy lean teams win during platform turbulenceThe truth about CEO doubt, imposter syndrome & gut instinctLessons in execution, adaptability, and content strategy🧠 Insight-packed. No fluff. Just real talk from the trenches of leadership.HomeTalk → https://www.hometalk.comVerticalScope → https://www.verticalscope.comBullseye Breakdown is hosted by Dustin Weaver — founder, entrepreneur, and brand builder. Each week, we go deep with business operators and visionaries to break down the real strategies behind growth, resilience, and leadership.💥 New episodes weekly. Subscribe & leave a review if this hit the mark.🔗 Links & Resources:🎙 About the Show:

This week on Bullseye Breakdown, we’re joined by Tim Stewart—former touring pro and co-founder of Golf House Academy, a game-changing indoor golf facility in Atlanta.We dive into:What it’s really like chasing the pro golf dreamThe moment Tim knew he had to pivotHow Golf House Academy scaled from a backyard setup to an 8,000 sq ft operationWhy 3D tech might change golf coaching foreverTim’s best (and worst) advice for entrepreneursIf you’ve ever faced a pivot in your business or life, this episode is for you.Hit that follow button and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.🎯 Learn more at golfhouseacademy.com

What if cancer could be treated using your own supercharged immune cells?In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, host Dustin Weaver sits down with Brian Feth, CEO of Xcellbio, to unpack the future of cancer treatment through immune cell therapy, AI-driven potency testing, and scalable biotech manufacturing.We cover:How CAR-T therapies are shifting from “last resort” to front-line treatmentWhy scaling biotech is like surgery — not softwareHow AI and impedance readers are changing the way we measure cancer-fighting potencyBuilding a platform that helps cure patients and generate revenue before FDA approvalThe emotional toll of biotech — and how to lead through itBrian also shares the worst advice he ever received, and how his team has built a company that’s saving lives — and scaling with grit.If you care about cancer research, biotech startups, or what it takes to grow a mission-driven business in a brutal industry, this one’s a must-listen.🎯 Follow Bullseye Breakdown for unfiltered founder stories that aim higher.

What happens when you lose your job and bet everything on building something better? Dave Shine, CEO and co-founder of dBMEDx, joins Bullseye Breakdown to share the raw, honest story of how a medtech startup bootstrapped its way to disrupting hospitals across the country.We talk about building in obscurity, surviving a brutal sales cycle, competing with industry giants, and leading with empathy. Dave breaks down how they built a fully automatic bladder scanner that’s transforming post-op care—and how their culture-first approach helped them scale without losing their soul.Whether you’re a founder, operator, or just obsessed with how businesses grow from grit, this one is full of powerful takeaways.🎯 In this episode:0:00 – Dave Shine Intro7:01 – The Pressure Test: Competing Against Giants27:52 – Scaling Secrets: Growing a MedTech Company43:56 – The Market Edge: Trends in Healthcare Tech48:21 – Hitting the Mark: Building a Simpler, Smarter Product53:00 – Best Bad Advice55:27 – The Takeaway Shot🔥 What You’ll Learn:Why hospitals are the hardest customersHow to win without undercutting your valuesWhat culture really looks like in a manufacturing companyHow to scale without selling outThe mental shift that happens the moment you decide to bet on yourself👤 Guest:Dave ShineCEO & Co-Founder, dBMEDx👋 Hosted by:Dustin WeaverFounder of Brand Builder | Host of Bullseye BreakdownSubscribe for weekly breakdowns of high-performance founders, operators, and problem-solvers.

From the streets of the Bronx to the shelves of the Grammys, Tony Vitale’s journey is anything but typical. Now the CEO of Vertical Grooves, he’s taken a floundering company and built a design-forward audio brand that’s redefining how we see—and hear—vinyl.In this episode, Tony and I dive deep into:Why vinyl is more than nostalgia—it’s a movementThe tough calls behind scaling a product with soulAvoiding the biggest mistake in manufacturingHow to create something people love, not just likeAnd what it really takes to bring art, story, and sound together🔥 Plus: his wild take on NFTs (without saying “NFT”)—💡 Whether you’re an audiophile, a builder, or a brand obsessive, this one will hit home.📦 Check out Tony’s work → verticalgrooves.com—🔔 Follow Bullseye Breakdown for weekly conversations with founders, creatives, and the people making cool sh*t happen.#BullseyeBreakdown #TonyVitale #Vinyl #VerticalGrooves #AnalogIsBack #CreativeFounders #ProductDesign #AudiophileLife

What happens when you lose control of your own company… then come back and build it stronger than ever?In this episode, Dorian Ayres, founder of DYLN, opens up about the personal tragedy that sparked his journey, the battle to protect a patented hydration product, and the bold pivot that saved the company after getting pushed out by his own investor.We cover:The loss of his brother Dylan and how it inspired the brand 💧Engineering a patented bottle that enhances hydrationThe manufacturing chess match across AsiaBeing replaced as CEO—and the moment he bought his company backDitching B2B for D2C and TikTok ShopThe launch of a universal diffuser with huge market upsideWhy hydrogen water is the next big wave in wellnessIf you’re building something, scaling something, or fighting to take it back—this one’s for you.💧 CHECK OUT DYLN🛒 Amazon → http://bit.ly/4jc5UKG🛍️ TikTok Shop → Search “DYLN Bottle” (buy from their official store)🌐 Website → https://dyln.co📈 Invest in DYLN → https://wefunder.com/dyln⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to Bullseye Breakdown01:31 – The Tragedy Behind DYLN’s Origin03:47 – From Grief to Product Innovation06:53 – Patents, Product Design & Building the Diffuser09:21 – Manufacturing in Asia & Protecting IP14:02 – 💥 The Pressure Test: Losing the CEO Role17:55 – The Buyback & The Biggest Pivot21:07 – Cutting OPEX & Scaling With Intention28:24 – TikTok Shop, Facebook Ads & New Growth Channels32:30 – Launching the Universal Diffuser37:27 – The Market Edge: Hydrogen Water Is Booming42:30 – 🎯 Bullseye Breakdown: What Problem Does DYLN Solve?48:20 – The Takeaway Shot: Don’t Wait. Build It.52:05 – How to Buy or Invest in DYLN53:29 – Final Thoughts + Next Episode Tease👍 Enjoyed this episode?Like, subscribe, and share it with a founder or creator who’s deep in the grind.🧠 This is Bullseye Breakdown—where builders break down what it really takes. No fluff. Just the truth.#dyln #startuplife #founderstory #hydration #bullseyebreakdown #tiktokshop #entrepreneurmindset #ecommercegrowth #scaleyourbusiness

🎯 Fractional CFOs, Scaling Smart, and the Poker Mindset | Kyle Smith – Bullseye BreakdownEver feel like you’re making business decisions in the dark?In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, I sit down with Kyle Smith, co-founder and managing partner of Strata Cloud Accountants, to break down the real financial moves behind healthy, scalable businesses.Kyle’s story is wild: professional poker player turned CPA turned fractional CFO. Now he and his team are helping founders step out of the weeds, take control of their numbers, and build businesses that actually scale — without burning out or hiring a full-time C-suite.We get into:🎯 What a fractional CFO actually does — and when your business needs one💸 The mistakes most founders make with bookkeeping and financials🔁 How to build recurring, scalable systems instead of one-off fixes🤖 The real way AI is changing accounting (yes, even for SMBs)🧠 Why poker made Kyle a better operator — and how to apply “risk-reward thinking” in your business🧩 Why outcomes matter more than deliverables — and how Kyle flipped the client-service model to make it workThis isn’t about spreadsheets — it’s about making smarter decisions. If you’re scaling a business, building a back office, or trying to make your company more profitable, this one’s a must-listen.👇 CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro00:41 – Kyle’s path: Poker to CPA06:12 – Launching Strata Cloud & the early business model11:26 – Finding the right talent (including Kyle’s recruiting playbook)18:56 – When a business needs a CFO21:25 – 🎯 The Pressure Test: Hardest decisions in Kyle’s journey29:56 – ⚙️ Scaling with Tech & AI37:35 – 💥 The Market Edge: What sets Strata Cloud apart40:36 – 🔭 Bullseye Breakdown: Where the industry is heading45:46 – 🧠 The Takeaway Shot: Kyle’s advice to founders🔗 Learn more about Strata Cloud Accountants:https://stratacloudaccountants.com/Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-smith-cpa/🔥 Subscribe for weekly episodes with founders, operators, and real builders:https://www.youtube.com/@bullseyebreakdown👍 If you got value from this, hit the like button — it helps more people find the show.💬 Drop your takeaways or questions in the comments. Kyle or I will respond.🎙️ About the ShowBullseye Breakdown is where founders, operators, and builders get into the real stories behind scaling a business. No fluff. No pitch decks. Just the hard-won lessons, mindset shifts, and tactical breakdowns that actually move the needle.Host: Dustin Weaver (@dustinweaver)

How do you rebuild a multi-million-dollar business after losing 80% of your revenue overnight?CEO Michael Lindsey did just that—and came back stronger.In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, Michael shares how he evolved Lindsey’s Office Furniture through fast decision-making, smarter systems, and the strategic use of AI. From navigating imposter syndrome to building SOPs that actually stick, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons for entrepreneurs, operators, and team builders alike.🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why quick decisions drive long-term success✅ How to implement SOPs without losing your team✅ The role of AI in small business scaling✅ How to hold people accountable—with empathy✅ Why your office space affects retention and productivity✅ The real value of listening—to clients and your people🧠 Key Takeaways:Michael’s story started with his father’s humble beginnings in the office furniture industry.Asking "why?” is the engine of innovation.Failure isn’t optional—it’s part of success.SOPs require culture, not just documentation.Post-COVID, foundational strength is everything.Your value prop is your competitive edge.Listening is your most underrated leadership skill.💬 Best Quotes:"Failure is the key to any success.""You have to give grace during these transitions.""No business is perfect; be a constant student."⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 – Intro to Michael Lindsey 03:11 – Michael’s Journey + Evolution of the Business 06:09 – The Importance of Failure 08:55 – Decision-Making and Speed 12:02 – Implementing SOPs 15:10 – Hiring and Leadership Decisions 17:57 – Measuring Success and Accountability 33:42 – Understanding High Performers in Interviews 39:13 – Leadership & Accountability Challenges 41:20 – Scaling Post-COVID 46:55 – Leveraging AI for Small Business Growth 50:13 – Staying Ahead of the Competition 1:00:45 – Value Proposition & Client Retention 1:01:35 – Final Takeaways + Parting Advice 1:04:52 – Outro📣 Enjoyed the episode? 👍 Smash the Like button🔔 Hit Subscribe for more real founder breakdowns💬 Drop a comment: What was your biggest takeaway?📲 Connect With Us:Instagram & TikTok → @BullseyeBreakdown🎧 More episodes → https://bullseyebreakdown.com📧 Contact → [email protected]🏷️ Tags / Keywords:CEO, leadership, office furniture, business growth, decision-making, productivity, AI, scaling, entrepreneurship, workplace design#entrepreneurship #leadershippodcast #smallbusinessgrowth #AIforbusiness #SOPsystems #BullseyeBreakdown #businessstrategy #officefurniture #MichaelLindsey

What does it take to scale a logistics company from your spare bedroom to $25M+ in revenue? Brent Staton, co-founder and CEO of RS Group, joins host Dustin Weaver for a deep dive into what it really takes to build, scale, and lead in one of the toughest industries out there.From surviving the 2009 recession to managing 230,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Brent unpacks the mindset, systems, and people-first culture that took him from cold-calling in a headset to running a nationally recognized logistics brand.If you're a founder, operator, or just obsessed with growth, this episode is for you.What you’ll learn:• How Brent started in logistics from a spare bedroom• Why journaling is his #1 mental tool• The power of EOS for accountability and team cohesion• How AI is helping them scale faster• Lessons from ignoring bad advice—and winning bigTopics: Logistics, entrepreneurship, leadership, journaling, mergers, company culture, AI, customer service, scaling, mentorshipTimestamps (Chapters)00:00 – Intro: Brent Staton’s logistics background03:07 – Getting into logistics out of necessity06:06 – The entrepreneurial leap09:08 – Merging with PTS Logistics12:09 – Scaling challenges and leadership14:54 – Mental health, rituals, and focus17:53 – The power of journaling20:50 – Scaling secrets and leadership development24:05 – EOS and organizational accountability27:06 – Shared fate and team culture38:17 – Leadership, hiring, and company culture42:12 – AI and operational edge52:45 – Customer service wins: race car rescue57:19 – Ignoring bad advice and choosing the right partner1:02:09 – Final takeaways: structure, teamwork, mentorshipFollow, rate, and share if this one hit home.

How do you go from three combat tours in Iraq to launching a nationally distributed whiskey brand? In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, we sit down with Travis Barnes, the Marine veteran behind Hotel Tango Distillery, the first combat-disabled veteran-owned distillery in the U.S.Travis shares his full journey—from bootstrapping with student loans to battling billion-dollar bourbon brands for shelf space. If you're building a brand in a competitive market, this episode is packed with real insights on scaling smart, storytelling with purpose, and staying true to your values.This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and business owners who want to learn how to scale smart, stand out, and survive in competitive markets.🔥 This episode is packed with real insights—let’s break it down!🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How bourbon industry shifts are disrupting small distilleries✅ The "shotgun vs. rifle" strategy for sustainable business growth✅ The biggest challenge Travis faced scaling Hotel Tango✅ The worst business advice he ever got—and why ignoring it saved him✅ How Hotel Tango is giving back to veterans and the community📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Cold Open: The name change from Hitting the Mark00:52 – Travis’s Story: Marine Corps to whiskey founder05:40 – The bourbon industry’s dirty little secret10:11 – What makes Hotel Tango’s brand stand out16:50 – Scaling smart: from 12 products to just 224:19 – Industry trends, flavor innovation & LTOs31:07 – Navigating shelf space politics & retail psychology34:52 – Using data to drive real sales36:58 – Core values & keeping integrity in business41:30 – Relationship-first growth and community impact46:08 – Hotel Tango’s veteran support and philanthropy48:35 – Final thoughts, call to action, and wrap-up🔥 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more no-fluff business breakdowns!👉 Like, comment, and share this episode with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it.📲 Follow Travis Barnes & Hotel Tango🔗 Website: HotelTangoDistillery.com📸 Instagram: @hoteltangodistillery📘 Facebook: Hotel Tango Distillery🐦 Twitter/X: @hoteltangoindy📲 Let’s Connect!🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/chief-builder 🔗 website: www.bullseyebreakdown.com📸 Instagram: @bullseyebreakdown 🎧 Listen to the Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/bullsey...🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Feeling trapped in the business you built? More hours, more stress, less freedom?In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, I sit down with Josh Biro, founder of the Yogapreneur Collective, to discuss how business owners get stuck in the Cycle of Sacrifice—and, more importantly, how to break free.Josh has worked with hundreds of wellness entrepreneurs to reclaim control, scale smarter, and build businesses that actually serve their life goals. This is a must-watch for anyone who feels like their business is running them instead of the other way around.🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why most entrepreneurs feel TRAPPED by the business they built✅ The "Cycle of Sacrifice" – what it is and how to escape it✅ The secret to scaling without working MORE✅ How to shift from passionpreneur to profitable entrepreneur✅ Why fear and imposter syndrome mean you’re growing📌 Timestamps:📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Cold Open 🔥00:15 – Intro & Welcome to Bullseye Breakdown01:00 – How Josh went from burnt-out studio owner to business consultant03:25 – The Cycle of Sacrifice: How Entrepreneurs Get Stuck10:45 – Scaling & MRR: Why More Leads Isn’t the Answer22:10 – Letting Go of Control: Why Delegation Unlocks Growth30:19 – The Market Edge: How to Stay Ahead in Business40:12 – The Bullseye Breakdown: Josh’s Success Formula50:10 – The Best Bad Advice Josh Ever Got1:16:14 – Key Takeaways & Wrap-Up🔥 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more no-fluff business breakdowns!👉 Like, comment, and share this episode with a founder who needs it!📲 Follow Josh Biro:🔗 Yogapreneur Collective: https://yogapreneurcollective.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogapreneurcollective/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshbiro/📲 Let’s Connect!🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chief-builder🔗 website: www.bullseyebreakdown.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bullseyebreakdown🎧 Listen to the Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/bullseyebreakdown🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bullseye-breakdown

If 12% of global construction switched to bamboo-based materials, we could cut 1/3 of ALL human carbon emissions—every single year. Sound impossible? David Sands, founder of Rizome Bamboo and Bamboo Living, is proving it’s not only possible—it’s already happening.In This Episode of The Bullseye Breakdown, You’ll Learn:✅ How bamboo can replace steel, concrete, and traditional lumber in high-rise buildings.✅ Why reforesting with bamboo is providing jobs and creating generational wealth for indigenous communities.✅ The science behind bamboo’s CO2 absorption—and how David’s research overcame skepticism.✅ The "Three More Feet" mindset—how to push through challenges and build something world-changing.✅ The future of mass timber & bamboo construction—and how it could reshape entire industries.David’s work isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about creating a regenerative, scalable solution that benefits both people and the planet.🎯 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of sustainable construction and entrepreneurship.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Cold Open: The Bamboo Revolution00:11 – Welcome to The Bullseye Breakdown00:44 – Meet David Sands: Architect Turned Sustainability Pioneer06:20 – The Moment That Changed Everything: How Bamboo Became the Focus10:49 – The Science Behind Bamboo’s CO2 Absorption13:53 – How Bamboo Can Help Reforest the Amazon & Beyond18:10 – Why Traditional Lumber Can’t Compete with Bamboo23:38 – The "Three More Feet" Mindset: Pushing Through Adversity31:36 – Scaling Secrets: The Global Expansion of Rizome36:20 – How Bamboo is Replacing Steel & Concrete42:42 – Bullseye Breakdown: What Makes Bamboo the Future of Construction?46:58 – Best Bad Advice: Betting on Yourself Over Security51:15 – Final Takeaways & Call to Action🔗 WATCH NEXT:👉 https://youtu.be/NmjvGOeCnl0?si=Ku3KCsi0ooU2posq📩 Enjoyed the episode? Let’s connect!🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: [Insert Your LinkedIn]🔗 Follow Rizome Bamboo: [Insert Rizome’s Link]📢 Like, comment, and share this episode if you believe in a sustainable future!#BullseyeBreakdown #Sustainability #Innovation #BambooRevolution #DavidSands #RizomeBamboo #Entrepreneurship #ClimateAction #MassTimber

In this episode of Bullseye Breakdown, we sit down with Stefanee Clontz, Director of Operations for Hydra Plus and host of Does This Podcast Make Me Sound Fat? to dive deep into the realities of scaling a business, making tough leadership decisions, and staying ahead in the competitive world of med spas and wellness. 💉💆‍♀️Stefanee shares: ✅ How she transformed Hydra Plus from IV hydration to a full-service wellness powerhouse✅ The biggest myths about running a business (and why money alone isn’t enough)✅ The hardest decisions she’s made as a leader (including hiring & firing)✅ Why customer experience and team culture are her secret weapons 🔥✅ The importance of scaling smart before franchising – and why most businesses get it wrong!Oh, and we may have just accidentally launched a weight-loss program for pets… 🐶🐱😂If you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or just someone trying to grow and scale smart, this episode is for you! 🎯📌 Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real, no-BS conversations on business, growth, and leadership.🛎 Hit the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes!Connect with Stefanee Clontz:📲 Instagram: @stefaneeclontz🌐 Hydra Plus: thehydraplus.comFollow Hitting the Mark for More:🎙 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/bullseyebreakdown📲 Instagram: @bullseyebreakdown🌍 Website: bullseyebreakdown.com