Fixers & Founders

In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest are joined by Corey Robinson, founder of Crossroads Operating Partners and a fractional COO helping early-stage companies get unstuck and scale with intention.Corey shares his journey from corporate leadership at John Deere to buying and operating multiple businesses, and the hard realization that success can quickly turn into chaos when everything still runs through the owner.We pull back the curtain on the real reason most businesses stall: not a lack of opportunity, but a lack of systems — and a founder who hasn’t stepped out of the middle.In this conversation, we explore:The Founder Bottleneck: Why growth slows when everything still depends on you.Revenue vs. Delivery: How businesses break when sales outpace operations.Systems That Scale: Why 70% done and repeatable beats perfect and delayed.Clarity Breaks: How stepping away from the business drives better decisions.If your business feels heavier than it should — or like everything still depends on you — this is a practical playbook for building the machine that actually scales.Connect with Corey Robinson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-robinsonIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com/Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/5XoG0H2D0vY58n32W8xI2KFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest are joined by Chuck Orzechowski, CEO of the COO Forum and a self-described “recovering COO.”Chuck shares his journey from the factory floor to the executive suite, pulling back the curtain on why the number two seat is the toughest—and most misunderstood—position in business today. We dive into the reality of the COO as the “Camp Counselor” of the organization: the fixer who carries the emotional weight of the team while bridging the gap between a visionary’s speed and a company’s capacity.In this conversation, we explore:The Camp Counselor Reality: Why empathy is the most underrated skill in operations.Winning vs. Freedom: How to align with a Visionary’s psychology to get things done.The Career-Ending Pivot: A raw look at a high-stakes leadership mistake and the "Sage Advice" that followed.Leading from the Middle: Why it’s better to have a great question than a great answer.If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it all together while trying to lead through the "snow globe" of rapid change, this masterclass in execution and empathy is for you.Connect with Chuck Orzechowski:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-orzechowskiWebsite: https://cooforum.orgIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comSpotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/5XoG0H2D0vY58n32W8xI2KFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest sit down with Nathan Young — fractional COO, operator, and author of How to Be Second — to explore what it really means to lead from the right-hand seat.Nathan breaks down the identity of a “Second” — not just as a role, but as a way of operating — and why the people behind the scenes are often the ones who turn vision into reality.From navigating crisis moments where 95% of revenue disappears overnight…to simplifying operations down to the fundamentals of get work, do work, get paid…to redefining process as agreement, not documentation…This conversation is a masterclass in clarity, execution, and the work behind the work.If you’re building something that’s growing fast — but needs structure to scale — this one’s for you.Connect with Nathan YoungWebsite: https://howtobesecond.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-s-youngIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠⁠⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

Most founders don’t lose momentum because of bad strategy —they lose it because finance can’t keep up.In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest sit down with Nelson Tepfer, co-founder of ProCFO Partners, to unpack what strategic finance really means for scaling businesses.From companies waiting weeks to send invoices…to founders running multimillion-dollar operations on gut instinct…Nelson shares how financial clarity becomes a growth lever — not just a reporting function.They dive into when to upgrade systems, why titles like “fractional CFO” can be misleading, and how aligning finance with strategy changes everything.If you’re scaling and the numbers are getting noisy — this conversation will help you move with confidence.Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠⁠⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmw⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

🎧 Shane Sloan on Operational Maturity, EOS, and Founder TherapyIn this episode of Fixers & Founders, U.S. Army veteran and EOS integrator Shane Sloan joins us to break down what actually causes businesses to stall—and how to fix it.From serving as a Black Hawk crew chief to building operational engines inside 30–100 person companies, Shane shares the framework he uses to diagnose chaos, restore calm, and help founders finally let go.We cover his operational maturity model, why every business must master “Get Work, Do Work, Support Work,” and how to modernize systems without over-engineering them.If your company feels stuck in firefighting mode—or your founder still manages everything—this one’s for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro to Shane Sloan02:20 From Military to Fractional Integrator06:37 Signs a Business Is Running on Fumes10:04 Get Work. Do Work. Support Work.12:15 KISS Methodology in Tech & Ops15:00 Breaking Out of the Stall18:48 When to Take Work Off the Founder’s Plate20:52 Career Myth: Working Your Way Up22:31 Military Training & Business Leadership23:49 OutroIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmw⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

🎧 Grant Covault & Tyler Davis on scaling smarter—from marketing myths to financial clarityThis week on Fixers and Founders, we’re joined by fractional duo Grant Covault and Tyler Davis—co-hosts of the Next Gen Strategies podcast, and fixers of messy books, broken funnels, and bad business advice.Grant’s a fractional CMO helping service businesses punch above their weight. Tyler’s a fractional CFO helping founders ditch the guesswork and finally understand their numbers. Together, they’re rethinking how small businesses scale—and why clarity, not complexity, is the real secret to growth.We cover:What most founders get wrong about marketing & moneyThe hidden red flags in your P&LWhy growth without systems is just expensive guessingThe rise of fractional leadership—and how it’s changing the gameIf you’re tired of duct taping your business together, hit play.🔗 Connect with Grant & TylerLinkedIn (Grant): https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-covault/LinkedIn (Tyler): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-davis-b761b6b2/Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmwFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

🎧 John Wallet on Scaling Without the ChaosIn this episode of Fixers & Founders, executive leader and integrator John Wallet breaks down what it really takes to scale—without spiraling.From sweeping floors at startups to doubling revenue at STC, John shares how to build systems that actually work, align teams around metrics that matter, and keep visionaries out of the weeds. Whether you’re wrestling wild west ops or just trying to keep up with growth, this one’s for you.He covers:The difference between ops and true integrationHow to scale EOS in real lifeWhat early-stage teams get wrong about systemsThe scorecard strategy that actually drives actionAnd the one meeting rhythm that keeps founders focusedConnect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwallet/If you’ve ever felt like growth is outpacing your grip, don’t miss this one.Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

🎧 Ben G Kaiser on building creative momentum without burning outIn this episode of Fixers & Founders, content strategist and creative founder Ben G Kaiser opens up about the unseen tension behind creative work—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the pressure to scale without losing yourself.Ben shares what it really takes to grow a creative service company in an AI-saturated world, why simplifying systems beats stacking tools, and how embracing imperfection can actually accelerate momentum. From pruning tech stacks to reframing creativity as a repeatable craft, this conversation is a grounded look at how creators can build sustainably—without crashing.If you’re trying to create consistently, serve clients well, and still protect your creative energy, this one hits home.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders02:05 The Reality of Imposter Syndrome05:12 Creating for Yourself vs. Creating for Clients08:44 Simplifying Systems to Protect Creativity11:30 Why Less Tech Creates More Focus14:02 Creativity in an AI World17:40 Perfection, Imperfection, and Shipping20:18 Turning Skill into a Scalable Brand23:45 What Creators Need to Let Go Of26:10 Final Reflections & Outro🔗 Connect with Ben G KaiserLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengkaiserYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenGKaiserIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

🎧 Russell Justice on the science of leadership that actually worksIn this episode of Fixers and Founders, engineer and performance coach Russell Justice breaks down five decades of leadership insight into unforgettable principles—and even better stories. From supervising engineers to advising Fortune 500 CEOs, Russell shares why most leaders fail (hint: it’s not for lack of goals), how to spark change without force, and why calm is contagious.He unpacks the science of behavior, the magic of momentum, and the one principle that transformed his life, work, marriage—and might just change yours too.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders02:14 What Russell Actually Fixes03:50 Behavior, Not Just Strategy06:06 Why Goals Alone Don't Work08:33 What Real Feedback Looks Like12:00 From Compliance to Commitment14:39 Accountability Without Micromanaging16:06 Feedback That Drives Performance18:55 From Chaos to Calm21:21 Linking the Org to One Goal23:10 Who Shaped Russell as a Leader25:14 Why He Still Loves This Work26:54 Where to Find Russell & His Book27:34 Outro🔗 Connect with Russell Justice📖 Book: This Is What Leaders Do → https://www.amazon.com/This-What-Leaders-Do-Essentials/dp/B0F6WBW7YR📧 Email: [email protected] & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

Back Third Founders on Scaling Creativity Without Killing the SparkIn this episode of Fixers & Founders, we sit down with Benjie Hughes and Anna Hammond — the visionary/fixer duo behind Back Third Entertainment, a creative company that blended live music, wedding events, and recording into one unforgettable ride.Benjie shares how he knew it was time to pivot from passion to process, transforming a traditional studio into a 24/7 coworking space. Anna reflects on finding her voice and value not as a sidekick, but as a builder — shaping the systems that allowed the chaos of creativity to scale.Together, they unpack what it takes to run a business rooted in art and anchored in execution — and why autonomy, trust, and good spreadsheets are everything. This is one for the founders building in real time.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Fixers and Founders01:30 – Meet Benjie & Anna of Back Third03:05 – Defining Roles Through Personality Gears06:27 – What It Takes to Run a Music & Events Company10:18 – When Derek's Baby Came Early11:17 – Systems vs Spark: Finding the Balance13:12 – Big Pivots: From Studio to Coworking Space15:58 – What They Took Into Their Current Work21:23 – Soundtrack of the Era22:36 – Small Moments, Big Impact28:59 – OutroConnect with Benjie & Anna🔗 Benjie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjiehughes/🔗 Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahammond/Mentioned in this episode:📘 Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky📘 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E GerberIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comSpotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

Fixer & Fractional COO Lizzy Blasko on why great teams aren’t built on process—they’re built on people.In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Lizzy Blasko shares how she evolved from a natural problem-solver to a trusted integrator helping founders escape the grind. She opens up about missteps in leadership, the power of right people/right seats, and how EOS tools bring structure to chaos. Lizzy also explores the emotional intelligence behind visionary-integrator trust—and why your career might be your greatest adventure yet.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders02:40 Becoming a Fixer04:14 Aligning Vision and Operations07:07 Why Long-Term Issues Matter08:23 Failing Forward as an Integrator09:24 Trust, Communication, and Leadership10:56 Knowing When to Let Go12:46 Right People, Right Seats15:19 Advice to My Younger Self17:19 Small Joys That RefuelConnect with Lizzy Blasko:🌐 https://lizzyblasko.com/📧 [email protected]🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzyblasko/Mentioned in this episode:📘 Traction by Gino Wickman (EOS)📘 Good to Great by Jim Collins (Right People, Right Seats)Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

Fractional COO Ben Speich on learning that leadership isn’t about saying no — it’s about showing how.In this episode of Fixers and Founders, Benjamin Speich, a Fractional COO and EOS integrator, shares his journey from being a curious child to becoming a fixer in the business world. He discusses the importance of aligning vision and operations, the challenges of working with visionaries, and the significance of trust and humility in relationships. Benjamin also reflects on his experiences with failure, the systems he implements for success, and the freedom that comes with being a fractional COO. He concludes with advice for his younger self and shares a surprising fact about his role as a family cook.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fixers and Founders02:14 The Journey of a Fixer04:27 Aligning Vision and Operations08:11 The Role of Visionaries10:22 Learning from Failures11:12 Building Trust in Relationships14:05 Handing Off Responsibilities15:56 The Importance of Scorecards18:02 The Ups and Downs of Being a Fractional COO19:36 Advice to My Younger Self21:11 Surprising Facts About Ben22:39 OutroConnect with Benjamin Speich:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminspeich/https://www.speichconsulting.com/Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

Conversations with founders who fuel—and fixers who forge. Flagship episode drops Wed Nov 5, 2025.Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin