Mike Pinkus

GrowthTales

Business EN ↓ 28 episodes

Get ready to explore the authentic stories of resilience on "GrowthTales," the official podcast of ConnectCPA, where we unravel the captivating stories of individuals who dared to dream, persevered, and embody the true power of entrepreneurship. This is their journey, their lessons, and their triumphs.

Author

Mike Pinkus

Category

Business

Podcast website

podcast.connectcpa.ca

Latest episode

May 20, 2026

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Episodes

From SR&ED Lending to Replacing Consultants with AI: Garron Helman's Playbook 20.05.2026

In this episode of GrowthTales, Garron Helman shares how he built and sold Venbridge, a SR&ED financing company, in just four and a half years - timing the exit at the peak of the market without ever planning to sell. Now at the helm of GrowWise, he's using voice AI and LLMs to replace the traditional technical consultant in the Canadian R&D tax credit process. Hear why Garron believes most founde...

Matt Himel Turned a CFO Nightmare Into a Thriving AI Startup 05.03.2026

In this episode of GrowthTales, Matt Himel saw firsthand how overdue invoices silently choke business cash flow. Instead of accepting it as a normal part of operations, he built Harvest, an AI-powered platform helping businesses automate collections and get paid faster. Hear how Matt turned a frustrating operational problem into a fintech startup focused on solving one of the biggest pain points i...

From Overbuilding to Focus: Chris Taylor on Learning the Hard Way 09.02.2026

In this episode of GrowthTales, host Mike Pinkus sits down with Chris Taylor, Founder and CEO of Actionable, to share the lessons learned from 18 years of building behavior-change technology in the learning and development space. Chris reflects on the risks of overbuilding too early, the importance of focus and market timing, and how learning the hard way shaped Actionable into a platform that hel...

Healthybud's Journey Through Risk, Resilience & Growth with Kyle Feigenbaum 08.01.2026

In this episode of GrowthTales, host Mike Pinkus sits down with Kyle Feigenbaum, co-founder and CEO of Healthybud, to unpack the real journey behind building a purpose-driven pet wellness brand. Kyle shares how a deeply personal loss, combined with his own health transformation and finance background, led him to challenge the status quo of the pet food industry. From early entrepreneurial wins to...

The SEO Advantage: Organic Growth, Real Results with Jon Nastor 04.12.2025

In this episode of GrowthTales , host Mike Pinkus sits down with Jon Nastor, seasoned entrepreneur, long-time podcaster, and co-founder of Digital Commerce Partners (DCP). Jon shares the origin story behind  Hack the Entrepreneur , the podcast he launched a decade ago that grew to more than 30,000 listeners per episode and surpassed 500 episodes. He reveals how the show not only became a thriving...

Lessons from a CPA Entrepreneur: Building Big 4 Transparency with Dominic Piscopo 07.08.2025

In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Dominic Piscopo, the founder of Big 4 Transparency. From launching a weekend Reddit experiment to building the largest crowdsourced salary database for accounting professionals, Dominic's journey is a masterclass in grit, trust, and entrepreneurial resilience. He shares the ups and downs of transforming a side project into a sustainable...

Brewing Success: Jennifer Commins on Building Pluck Tea from the Ground Up 17.07.2025

In this episode of GrowthTales, host Mike Pinkus sits down with Jennifer Commins, the passionate founder of Pluck Tea. Jennifer shares how she turned a frustrating tea experience at a restaurant into a thriving business, starting with just $5,000 and a credit card. From blending teas at her kitchen table to landing restaurant partnerships, launching a DTC store, and weathering the storm of COVID-1...

Scaling with Belief: Hailey Dawood on Strategy, Culture, and Business Growth 26.06.2025

In this episode of Growth Tales, we sit down with Hailey Dawood, second-generation owner of The Idea Hunter, to explore the incredible evolution of her career—from joining the family business to redefining it with intention, clarity, and heart. Hailey opens up about what it really takes to succeed in the high-pressure world of corporate events, how she rebuilt her team culture post-pandemic, and w...

Building Lasting Success: Lessons on Team, Tenacity, and Customer Connection 13.02.2025

In this episode, Jamie McDonald and Jamie Shulman, co-founders and seasoned entrepreneurs, share invaluable insights from their two-decade journey in the business world. They discuss the importance of building a great employee culture, focusing on team growth, and prioritizing a strong, customer-centered approach. Join us as they share how they've cultivated thriving companies by creating meaningf...

Building Global Creative Teams: Insights from Crowdiate's Aaron Nemoy 12.12.2024

In this episode, we chat with Aaron Nemoy, founder and CEO of Crowdiate, a platform that's revolutionizing how brands access creative talent by breaking away from the traditional agency model. Aaron shares how Crowdiate brings together the best creatives from around the world to tackle major branding challenges, empowering companies to tap into a diverse pool of global talent. For entrepreneurs, c...

Inside the Mind of a CEO Coach: Mark's Journey of Guiding Leaders 17.10.2024

In this episode, we sit down with Mark MacLeod, a seasoned CEO coach with a wealth of experience guiding leaders through the highs and lows of business. Mark opens up about his journey, sharing deep insights on how he helps CEOs navigate the complexities of leadership, growth, and the challenges that come with steering companies through uncertain markets. From his experience in investment banking...

Revolutionizing Real Estate: A Conversation with Reuven Gorsht 05.09.2024

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Reuven Gorsht, CEO of Deeded, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate. From the impact of interest rates and market fluctuations to the critical role of technology, Reuven shares his expertise and predictions for the future. Whether you're a homeowner, an aspiring buyer, or a real estate professional, this episode is packed with valua...

From Challenges to Triumphs: Cassy Aite's Journey with Hoppier 15.08.2024

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Cassy Aite, CEO of Hoppier, who faced a significant business pivot amid the pandemic. From navigating the challenges of a capital-intensive business model to reinventing Hoppier as a streamlined software solution, Cassy shares his inspiring story of transformation and resilience. Join us as we explore how strategic decisions and invaluable ment...

Transforming Industries: Solon Angel's Insights on Business, Innovation, and Growth 25.07.2024

In this episode, we sit down with Solon Angel, an innovative entrepreneur known for his cutting-edge solutions and unyielding persistence. Solon shares his journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures to his current role in transforming industries through technology. Discover how Solon navigates the challenges of modernizing tax systems, the importance of resilience in business, and his philoso...

Building a Speak-Up Culture: Stephen Shedletzky's Expert Insights for Effective Leadership 11.07.2024

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Shedletzky, author and renowned expert on fostering a speak-up culture within organizations. Stephen shares invaluable insights from his book, "Speak-Up Culture," and provides practical advice on how leaders can create an environment where everyone feels safe and encouraged to voice their ideas and concerns.

Redefining Health Supplements: The Story of Vivo Brands with Maxim Marion 27.06.2024

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Maxim Marion, the visionary founder behind Vivo Brands, to uncover the journey of redefining health supplements. Max shares the compelling story of how Vivo Brands set a new standard in the health supplement industry and scaled to success through quality, education, and perseverance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, health enthusiast, or someone curiou...

Friendship, Strategy, and Growth: Shrad Rao on Leadership in Business 13.06.2024

In this episode, Mike sits down with Shrad Rao, CEO of Wagepoint, for an insightful discussion on leadership, friendship, and strategy in the world of business. Shrad shares valuable perspectives on how to build a company culture based on friendship, the importance of high standards, and the role of strategy in entrepreneurship. From debunking myths about company dynamics to emphasizing the human...

Unveiling Empowerment: Catherine's Path Beyond Entrepreneurship 30.05.2024

In this episode, we embark on an inspiring journey with Catherine Choi, the visionary entrepreneur behind SoYoung. She shares her journey of discovering empowerment, resilience, and the value of building a community. She talks about how she overcame self-doubt, embraced transformation, and found purpose through personal challenges. Join us as we uncover Catherine's story, revealing the power of au...

Scaling Legal Innovation: Inside the Story of Lawbrokr with Daniel Steinberg 16.05.2024

Step into the dynamic world of startup entrepreneurship as we sit down with Daniel Steinberg, the visionary mind behind Lawbrokr. From staying lean to capitalizing wisely, Daniel shares his firsthand experiences, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.  

Building Valuable Businesses: The Martin Traub-Werner Approach to Entrepreneurship 02.05.2024

Join us for an insightful conversation with Martin Traub-Werner, Founder & CEO of VetBooks and Founder of Vetsuccess, as he shares his journey from facing adversity to achieving entrepreneurial success. In this episode, Martin discusses the financial intricacies of running a business, the art of building a winning company culture, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.  

Behind the Success: Inside the Journey of Josh Rosen and Hotspex Media 18.04.2024

On this episode of GrowthTales, join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurial journey of Josh Rosen, President and co-founder of Hotspex Media. Josh shares his insights, challenges, and triumphs on the road to building a successful media empire from the ground up.  

From CPA to CEO: Lessons in Business Building with Michael Kravshik from LumiQ 04.04.2024

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Michael Kravshik, CEO of LumiQ, to unravel the secrets of scaling a business. From effective communication strategies to the value of strong co-founder relationships, Michael shares invaluable lessons learned on his entrepreneurial journey. Discover actionable tips on delegation, networking, and alternative investment paths that can elevate yo...

Venture Insights Unveiled: Exploring the World of Innovation and Challenges with Alex Baker, from Relay Ventures 21.03.2024

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of Venture Capital with Alex Baker, Managing Partner at Relay Ventures. Get ready for a wealth of insights as Alex shares his experiences, challenges, and successes over 15 years in the VC landscape.  

Bootstrapping to Millions with West Egg Group's Co-Founders 07.03.2024

In this episode of GrowthTales, Daniel Grima and Greg Rzeplinski from the West Egg Group dive into the journey of building and scaling a multimillion-dollar business in the service industry over the span of 20 years. From the challenges faced to the strategies employed, Daniel and Greg share their insights and lessons learned.  

Secrets to Thriving in Fortune 500 Territory: A Conversation with Derek Rider from Media One 22.02.2024

In this episode of GrowthTales, we have an insightful conversation with Derek Rider, the CEO of Media One Group. Derek shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges faced in scaling a business, and the unique approach Media One Group takes in the competitive world of media and advertising.  

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