Sparking The Fuse

Kash Rocheleau left the corporate CEO seat to build something of her own — and learned that growth creates as many problems as it solves. In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris sits down with Kash Rocheleau, Owner of Outgrow Accounting & Finance. They dig into networking, understanding your financials, and what a fractional CFO actually does for a small business. EPISODE SUMMARY Kash Roch...

Dylan Hendrickson built Staxx into a 30-person, nearly $4M fractional CFO firm without ever becoming a CPA. In this episode, he explains why most business owners are running their company off the wrong financial statement entirely. From college football to private equity playbooks, this is how cash — not profit — becomes the real decision-making tool. Dylan Hendrickson started his accounting busin...

Olivia Tillema helped automate a workflow that saved 91,000 hours in a single year. From a remote support gig to rebuilding operations for Bungie, she now runs her own ops agency, t2i collective. This episode breaks down the systems thinking that helps small businesses scale without burning out the team. Olivia Tillema went from a remote support role to rebuilding operations inside Bungie, one of...

A two-decade wealth management veteran on why money is a tool, not a destination. Stephanie Groschup shares how aligning investments with values changes everything. Listening first, the great wealth transfer, and building a boutique firm that stays high-touch. Stephanie Groschup, Founder and President of ArchHaven & Co. Wealth Partners, joins Chris to talk about what it means to manage wealth...

Saim Abbasi built multiple businesses before most people finish school. His edge? Speed and systems — executed before doubt sets in. Here's what that looks like in practice. Saim Abbasi is the founder of SA Digital Media Group, a multi-venture digital media and incubation company. In this episode, he breaks down how he moved from university startups during COVID to acquiring and scaling businesses...

Most business owners wait too long to plan their exit — and it costs them. Brennan Decima of Decima Wealth Consulting breaks down what smart retirement planning actually looks like. If you're a business owner, this one's for you. Brennan Decima built his practice around the clients most advisors underserve — business owners navigating the emotional and financial complexity of stepping away. In thi...

Natalia Zacharin built a $3.6M accounting firm starting from financial hardship and survival mode. She breaks down the mindset shifts, hiring moves, and tech bets that got her there. A real conversation about what it takes to grow a business through adversity. EPISODE SUMMARY Natalia Zacharin's story doesn't start with a clever idea or a lucky break. It starts with survival. In this episode, she w...

From Bookkeeping to Advisory Success: How Michelle Scribner scaled Sum of All Numbers by leaning into technology, client fit, and a culture of continuous learning. In this episode, Michelle shares the real story behind moving from traditional bookkeeping into strategic advisory — and what it takes to build a firm that actually helps business owners see their numbers clearly. We dig into AI, hiring...

Tim Danser, Founder & CEO of Finity, explains the biggest financial mistakes startups make after raising capital. Learn how founders can manage runway, scale responsibly, and prepare for investor scrutiny. A practical conversation on startup finance, fractional CFO strategy, and finance automation. Episode Summary In this episode, Chris sits down with Tim Danser, Founder & CEO of Finity, t...

Ria Richardson breaks down how to build a lasting reputation in a brutal sales environment. Learn how AI is reshaping tech sales—and where it falls short. A masterclass on reinvention, trust, and staying relevant when the market shifts. Episode Summary Chris sits down with Ria Richardson of Etter+Ramli to unpack what it really takes to succeed in modern tech sales. From early career instincts to l...

Warehouse automation is booming — but most systems still earn a C+. Ryan Chesterfield, Founder of Auto-FC & Auto-FX, breaks down what companies get wrong about robotics, safety, and digital readiness. If you're investing in automation, this conversation could save you years of frustration. In this episode, Chris Cook sits down with Ryan Chesterfield, Founder of Auto-FC & Auto-FX, to unpack...

What does it really take to grow from accidental entrepreneur to trusted marketing leader? Rachel Mawhirter shares how strategy, client relationships, and adaptability drive long-term business growth. A practical conversation on entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, and using AI to strengthen—not replace—great thinking. Episode Summary In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris Cook interviews Ra...

Tony Tom, Co-founder & CEO of Orca AI, explains how AI is reshaping B2B customer support and product management. A practical discussion on adapting to rapid technology change and making better product decisions. If you operate in SaaS or B2B, this episode breaks down what AI actually changes inside organizations. Episode Summary In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris Cook sits down with T...

How nonprofits can move beyond reporting and start measuring real impact. Cyrus Kazi, CEO of Quantibly, explains how technology is reshaping social impact measurement. A conversation on transparency, data, and building stronger nonprofit outcomes through partnerships. Episode Summary In this episode of Sparking The Fuse, Chris Cook sits down with Cyrus Kazi, Founder and Operating Partner of Lexing...

How surplus solar panels are solving supply chain delays and accelerating clean energy adoption. Steve Feinberg of Blue Water Battery Logistics explains the hidden market behind solar repowering and recycling. Learn how surplus solar and battery solutions reduce waste and keep projects moving. Episode Summary Chris Cook interviews Steve Feinberg, President of Blue Water Battery Logistics, about th...

Mark Michael, CEO and co-founder of DevHub, shares the real journey of entrepreneurship. From early struggles to building a scalable digital platform, this episode focuses on execution. A candid conversation on websites, leadership, and winning the franchise market. Episode Summary Mark Michael, CEO and co-founder of DevHub, joins the show to share the real story behind building and evolving a dig...

From mortgage crisis to building a business credit powerhouse Ty Crandall explains how funding and lender decisions really work Inside CreditSuite, business credit, and the future of AI in finance Episode Summary In this episode of Sparking the Fuse , Chris talks with Ty Crandall, founder of CreditSuite, about his journey from being personally impacted by the mortgage crisis to helping entrepreneu...

How leading home services companies grow without losing culture Jason Trace shares lessons from running Cool Today Orlando Growth, talent, AI, and innovation in HVAC and the trades Episode Summary In this episode of Sparking the Fuse, Chris Cook talks with Jason Trace, General Manager of Cool Today Orlando, about what it takes to operate and scale a modern home services business. Jason shares how...

Bayley Ramos on building brands with real human connection How AI is changing marketing without replacing relationships A practical conversation on branding, execution, and growth Episode Summary In this episode, Chris Cook sits down with Bayley Ramos, Founder and CEO of Ardor Consulting, to explore how modern marketing has evolved — and where many businesses are getting it wrong. They discuss the...

Leadership lessons from law enforcement to the moving industry with Daniel Iordan. How the President of Moovers Chicago Inc. thinks about passion, purpose, and success. A deep dive into AI, marketing, hiring, and building a lasting business legacy. Episode Summary In this episode, Daniel Iordan, President of Moovers Chicago Inc., shares his journey from working in law enforcement to leading a fast...

Turn financial anxiety into clarity and control as a small business owner Josh Greenbaum (Founder & Advisory CFO, CFO Minded) explains rolling budgets and simple habits A practical CFO conversation on growth, burnout, and better decisions Episode Summary Chris Cook sits down with Josh Greenbaum, Founder & Advisory CFO at CFO Minded, to break down why many business owners feel financial str...

Brie Reis, CEO of Elite Roofing & Solar, reveals her journey from admin to industry leader. She breaks down the realities of roofing, innovation, leadership, and empowering women in the trades. If you’re scaling a service company, this episode shows what modern growth really looks like. Episode Summary Brie Reis, CEO of Elite Roofing and Solar, shares her rise from administrative employee to v...

Join us as we sit down with Keith Paul, the visionary founder of Handy Pro, to explore his inspiring journey from a small business born out of necessity to a thriving national franchise. Discover how Keith's commitment to trust and integrity has empowered seniors and transformed the home service industry. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that prioritizes cus...