Scaling Up Success Podcast

What does it really take to break through limiting beliefs and build confidence as an entrepreneur? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Shari Carlson to explore how asking bold questions, embracing curiosity, and finding the right community can unlock personal and professional growth. Shari shares her insights on why the “stupid” question is often the s...

What does it really mean to own your data, and why could it be the key to scaling your business? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Vadim Epelbaum, founder of Unitech, to explore how giving businesses ownership of their data through on-premise cloud solutions can fuel growth, increase transparency, and cut hidden costs. Vadim breaks down why data is “t...

What if smart marketing, automation, and AI could be the key to scaling your business faster than you ever imagined? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Reed Hansen, founder of Market Surge, to explore how he helps small and medium-sized businesses grow using technology, systems, and automation. Reed shares how he started with a focus on photography stu...

What if the lessons you learned on the field could be the key to building a thriving business? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Marques Ogden, NFL athlete, Howard University football legend, and founder of Ogden Ventures, to share his remarkable journey from college football to the pros, and then into the business world. Marques opens up about carryi...

Are you ready to turn your speaking talent into a thriving business? In this episode of Scaling Up Success, Marty Dickinson joins Ryan Van Ornum to break down how speakers can build momentum and attract clients by leveraging their unique expertise. With nearly three decades of experience, Marty introduces his mascot “Action” — a symbol for moving past procrastination — and explains why true growth...

What happens when sharp analytical thinking blends with the heart of relationship-driven real estate? Samia Morgan’s inspiring evolution, from Egyptian immigrant to global luxury real estate advisor, shows that real success stems from embracing change while staying rooted in your values. Her story is one of remarkable transformation: a chemistry graduate turned tech professional turned real estate...

How Do You Stand Out in Today’s Overcrowded Marketplace? In this compelling conversation, communication strategist Shelby Jo Long sits down with Ryan Van Ornam to explore what it truly takes to build a visible, impactful personal brand in today’s digital age. From strategic positioning to meaningful relationship-building, Shelby shares the tools every professional needs to rise above the noise. “Y...

What if a single moment could completely rewrite the direction of your life? For Dr. Liz Blanding, that moment came in the form of a devastating car accident. One second, she was a thriving real estate agent, next, she was being told she might never walk again after hydroplaning into a tree. But Dr. Liz refused to accept that prognosis as her truth. Instead, she began a deep, personal healing jour...

What happens when a firefighter brings his values of service, integrity, and leadership into real estate? Meet Tristan Calabro, founder of The Calabro Group, whose remarkable journey from emergency services to real estate entrepreneurship proves that trust and heart still have a place in business. Driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and take back control of his schedule, Tristan...

Tom Reber pulls no punches when it comes to business. “You have a glorified job with overhead and a shitty boss,” he says, if you can’t get out of your own way.  As the founder of The Contractor Fight and Simplify Painting, Tom sits down with host Ryan Van Ornum to unpack the mindset shifts that separate business owners who stay stuck from those who scale with purpose and success. He shares the re...

What happens when skilled tradespeople, machinists, welders, and engineers step into business ownership? Many hit a wall around $2–4 million in revenue. In this powerful episode, Dave McFarland of Focus Op-X breaks down why so many “accidental business owners” stall at that point, and how scaling up requires a shift in mindset, not just more hustle. “You can't read the label from inside the jar,”...

Scaling a business isn’t just about tactics, it’s about breaking through the fear that keeps entrepreneurs stuck in cycles of hesitation and survival mode. In a powerful conversation with Brent Holtman, founder of Kairos Profit Coach, we explore what really holds small businesses back from sustainable growth. Brent introduces the "buffalo strategy", facing challenges head-on instead of waiting the...

Think rejection hurts? Imagine facing it every day as part of your job. Dr. Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent with over 21 years in the industry and founder of Bramante Artists, knows this reality well. "The truth is, you're going to hear more no's than yeses, no matter your talent," he says. His transformative advice: reframe rejection. “Use the no as a gentle reminder that your services ar...

What if you could reclaim 10–12 hours of your week while building a business that aligns perfectly with your strengths and purpose? Dr. Eric Goodman, former business school dean turned AI entrepreneur, reveals how this is not only possible but practical at the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership development, and personal growth. From selling candy as a child to launching companies...

Tired of feeling like you have to choose between success and a fulfilling personal life? You’re not alone, and Mel Cunningham, founder of Now and Zenergy, is here to prove that you don’t have to choose at all. On this episode of the Scaling Up Success podcast, Mel shares insights from six years of coaching high-achieving professionals, revealing a powerful truth: it’s entirely possible to thrive i...

From humble beginnings as an 11-year-old construction worker, Chris Pohl has built a thriving custom home business that exemplifies the American dream, creating something meaningful through hard work and integrity. Alongside business partner Brooke Muttsbauer, Chris has helped shape Divergent Homes into a standout player in Colorado’s competitive construction scene by focusing on what matters most...

⁠What does it really take to rise from the bottom, balance faith, family, and business, and build a thriving career that truly helps people?⁠ On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Andy Taylor of Red Rock Roofing. Andy shares his journey from starting at the very bottom, knocking doors and managing jobs, to becoming a senior project manager leading major p...

Laura Armstrong’s journey from a three-time world champion martial artist to a wealth mastery expert is a testament to the power of discipline, community, and strategic thinking. With a diverse background spanning Filipino martial arts, holistic practices, and corporate trading, Laura brings a unique perspective to wealth-building. Her turning point came during a world championship in Manila, wher...

Have you ever felt that post-COVID struggle to truly connect with others face-to-face after growing so accustomed to digital interactions? Jordan White understands this challenge and has crafted a solution through his company, GATE (Games and Trivia Entertainment). As a mobile game show host, Jordan brings interactive fun directly to homes, workplaces, and events throughout Colorado—and even beyon...

What does it really take to unlock your purpose, release fear, and step fully into your potential? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Eva Vennari to explore her transformative approach through the Alaskan Healing Cruise. Eva shares how her immersive, working retreat helps participants heal the mind, body, and spirit while gaining clarity on their missi...

Meet Thomas Reed III – a football player, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for student-athletes often overlooked by traditional recruiting systems. In this powerful conversation, Reed shares his journey from Deer Park, New York, to professional football, including the life-altering decision to give up his own scholarship opportunities to care for his father during a medical crisis in Colorado....

Imagine being told you have three months to live—then later, just 14 days—all before graduating high school. Now imagine not only surviving, but going on to achieve what no one in human history has accomplished. Sean Swarner’s extraordinary journey began with a dire prognosis and ended atop the world’s highest peaks. As the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest, and with only one functioni...

Jeff McLarty’s journey from successful business owner to leadership coach highlights a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: losing the passion that once fueled their ventures. After growing his own company from a three-person team to 25 employees before eventually selling it, Jeff now dedicates himself to coaching others through similar transitions. His focus is on “technical founders”—those...

Ever felt stuck between focusing on your clients and answering every incoming call? David Banco knows the struggle well. As a former gym owner using his personal number for business, he constantly had to choose between being present or staying available. That challenge inspired him to create Calimation—an AI-driven solution that handles calls, messages, and inquiries just like you would, so you ne...

Phil Stringer is revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs engage with artificial intelligence—not through complex technical jargon, but by making it remarkably simple and practical. His breakout moment came when he earned an impressive $267,000 in a single hour during his first webinar, prompting him to hire four team members that same day. In just 18 months, Phil’s teachings reached over 1,200 stude...