Scaling Up Success Podcast

Ryan Van Ornum
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Scaling Up Success is a podcast designed to inspire and educate entrepreneurs and business leaders on their journey to growth and development. Through in-depth conversations with successful small business owners and C-suite executives, we delve into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that have propelled these businesses to new heights. Discover the secrets behind scaling your business, from building a strong foundation to navigating complex market dynamics. Learn from those who have been there, gain actionable insights, and unlock your business's full potential. Join us as we explore the stories of innovation, resilience, and unwavering determination that define success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

  1. 2D AGO

    Scaling Up Success | Tiffany Donaldson | Build Assets That Survive the Exit

    When you are in the thick of building a business, legal protections often feel like a "someday" problem—until a cease and desist letter arrives. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tiffany Donaldson, a trademark educator and attorney who is transforming how founders view intellectual property. Tiffany breaks down the critical difference between simply having a logo and owning a protectable asset that scales with your valuation. We dive deep into the often-overlooked mechanics of brand protection, from the dangers of falling in love with a name before "clearing" it to the complexities of using AI for logo design. Tiffany shares why intellectual property is often the only thing that survives a business collapse and how securing your trademark is actually a strategic investment in your eventual exit. If you are building for the long haul, this conversation is your blueprint for protecting what you build. In this episode, you will learn: • The "Clearance" Reality Check: Why you must research your brand name before you commit, and how to avoid the costly mistake of trading on someone else's registered mark. • The Whack-a-Mole Stage: Understanding your legal requirement to police your brand against imitators to prevent ceding your rights. • AI & Copyright Risks: The nuanced current laws regarding AI-generated logos and why human authorship is currently required for full copyright protection. • Asset Protection for Exit: How a registered trademark ensures your brand’s value matches the longevity of your operations when it’s time to sell. • The Toys "R" Us Lesson: A powerful look at how IP often retains value even when the underlying business operations cease. About Tiffany Donaldson: Tiffany Donaldson is a trademark attorney and educator who specializes in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs protect their brands. As the force behind Trademark Prospector, she focuses on demystifying the legal process, moving founders past the "terror barrier" of legal costs, and helping them build foundational assets that secure their business's future. Connect with Tiffany Donaldson & Cynergists Guest Website: http://www.trademarkprospector.com Cynergists Website: http://www.cynergists.com Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:53 - Trademark Education & Strategy 4:05 - The Clearance Protocol: avoiding Lawsuits 6:27 - Scaling & Defending Against Imitators 9:04 - The Impact of AI on Copyright & Trademarks 13:42 - Exit Strategy: Maximizing IP Value 16:45 - Rapid Fire Questions 22:21 - Connect with Tiffany

    23 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Scaling Up Success | Justin Banner | Automating Ops to Gain Freedom

    In this episode, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with serial entrepreneur Justin Banner, the creator of Noggin. Justin shares the compelling story behind the creation of Noggin—a solution born from the struggle of a restaurant owner who felt "married" to his business. They discuss how digital checklists and automated systems can provide business owners with the visibility and freedom to step away without operations falling apart. Justin also dives into his "fail fast" philosophy, the transition from generalist to expert, and why systematizing sales and marketing is just as crucial as operations. Whether you are running a restaurant or a remote team, Justin’s insights on leveraging AI and building repeatable playbooks are essential for anyone looking to scale up without burning out. In this episode, you will learn: • The Power of Specialization: Why developing an expert skill set is worth ten times more than being a generalist. • The "Fail Fast" Methodology: How to launch an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), gather feedback, and iterate quickly to build a product customers actually need. • Systematizing for Freedom: How to use digital checklists to ensure your business runs smoothly even when you aren't there. • Documenting the Intangible: Techniques for turning "shoot from the hip" sales and marketing efforts into repeatable, scalable playbooks. • ** The AI Gold Rush:** Why AI is the biggest opportunity for business transformation since the internet, and how it will reshape operations. About Justin Banner: Justin Banner is a Serial Entrepreneur and the Creator of Noggin, a platform helping business owners break free with automated systems and smarter operations. With a background in sales and marketing, Justin specializes in helping businesses systematize their processes to achieve the kind of freedom that allows the business to run without constant owner intervention. Connect with Justin Banner & Cynergists: Justin’s Website: Noggin.com Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Digital Marketing & The Birth of Noggin 02:45 - Solving the "Married to the Business" Problem 03:32 - The Fail Fast Mindset 05:25 - Systematizing Sales & Marketing 06:43 - The Impact of Remote Work & AI 08:16 - Rapid Fire Questions 11:25 - Choosing a Superpower 12:50 - Advice to Younger Self: Become an Expert

    15 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Scaling Up Success | Neil Twa | Selling Data to AI Engines & Exiting for Millions

    In this episode, Ryan sits down with Neil Twa, the founder of Voltage, to discuss the high-stakes world of building, scaling, and exiting e-commerce brands. Neil shares his transition from affiliate marketing to owning the product asset, explaining how he creates intrinsic value and automation through physical products. He reveals his unique philosophy that he doesn't just sell products to consumers; he sells data to AI engines to drive massive scale. Neil also dives deep into the tactical application of AI, demonstrating how modern tools allow one operator to replicate the output of ten people, effectively replacing the need for large strike teams. Beyond the metrics, Neil opens up about the "why" behind his success: building a business that integrates seamlessly with his family life, allowing him to homeschool his children and avoid the burnout of constant travel. In this episode, you will learn: • The "Data First" Approach: Why success in modern e-commerce isn't about guessing what to sell, but using data to satisfy the AI algorithms of platforms like Amazon and Meta. • Tactical AI Implementation: How to use AI dashboards and tools to manage logistics, freight, and PPC, allowing a 4-person team to do the work of 20. • Designing for Lifestyle: How Neil structured his business to support his family goals, proving you don't have to sacrifice your personal life to build 7 and 8-figure brands. • The ROI Churn Metric: Why you must target 4 inventory turns a year to balance revenue growth with actual bottom-line profitability. • Scaling for Exit: Real-world examples of taking brands from launch to multi-million dollar exits in under 5 years. About Neil Twa: Neil Twa is the founder of Voltage, a holding company focused on building, launching, and scaling e-commerce brands towards exit. With a focus on data-driven decisions and AI integration, Neil helps entrepreneurs build "High Voltage" businesses. He is also the author of the book available at VoltageDM.com. Connect with Neil Twa & Cynergists Voltage: https://voltagedm.com Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Scaling Up Success 01:10 - What is Voltage? Building & Exiting Brands 02:03 - The Shift from Affiliate to Brand Owner 03:17 - Selling Data to AI Engines 05:18 - Lifestyle Freedom & Homeschooling 07:33 - Tactical AI: Force Multipliers in E-com 12:05 - Rapid Fire: Good to Great & Green Olive Pizza 15:47 - Time Travel Advice: Don't Change a Thing 16:57 - The Future of Voltage 20:00 - Connect with Neil

    21 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Scaling Up Success | Makoto Kern | The AI Competence Gap: Why You Can't Replace Humans Yet

    In this episode, Ryan sits down with Makoto Kern, founder of Impact and a three-time Inc 5000 honoree, to discuss the gritty reality of scaling a digital product agency. Makoto challenges the current AI hype, warning executives about the "AI Competence Gap"—the dangerous assumption that AI tools can immediately replace skilled human judgment in coding and design. Beyond technology, Makoto shares a masterclass on leadership and culture. He breaks down why he prioritizes attitude over aptitude when hiring, how to "lead from behind" to empower teams, and the hard truth that no one will ever care about your business as much as you do. In this episode, you will learn: • The AI Competence Gap: Why you cannot simply replace your engineers and designers with AI agents without introducing massive risk. • Scaling Service Operations: How to implement quality checks and processes to maintain standards as you grow from 10 to 50+ employees. • Hiring for Attitude: Why Makoto prefers a "C" player with an "A" attitude over a toxic genius, and how this strategy protects company culture. • Global Talent Strategy: Insights on the shifting landscape of globalization, offshoring, and valuing talent based on output rather than location. • Extreme Ownership: The critical piece of advice Makoto would give his younger self about taking full responsibility for the business's success. About Makoto Kern: Makoto Kern is the Founder of Impact, a product strategy and design agency recognized on the Inc 5000 list for three consecutive years. With over 20 years of experience, Makoto helps organizations launch digital products faster by aligning strategy with scalable execution, moving beyond "pretty wireframes" to solve real business risks. Connect with Makoto & Cynergists Impact: Website: https://solutions.iiimpact.io/ LinkedIn: Makoto Kern https://www.linkedin.com/in/productuxdesigner?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Instagram: makotoiiimpact https://www.instagram.com/makotoiiimpact?igsh=MXR3dnpkMnl3bjdyZw== Facebook: Makoto Kern Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com #ScalingUpSuccess #MakotoKern #ImpactAgency #AIinBusiness #BusinessScaling #Leadership #ProductStrategy #Inc5000 #Entrepreneurship #HiringTips #RyanVanOrnum #Cynergists Chapters 00:00 - The AI Competence Gap (Teaser) 00:51 - Intro: Scaling Up Success 01:27 - Who is Makoto Kern & Impact? 03:00 - Biggest Challenges in Scaling Services 05:43 - The Reality of AI in Business 06:35 - Defining the "AI Competence Gap" 09:00 - Building Culture: Leading from Behind 10:28 - Hiring Strategy: Attitude vs. Aptitude 11:00 - Navigating Globalization & Outsourcing 16:45 - The Time Traveler’s Advice: Extreme Ownership 18:38 - Future of Impact & Closing

    21 min

  5. 12/25/2025

    Scaling Up Success | Kelly Price | How Fractional HR Turnarounds Slash 200%+ Turnover

    In this episode of Scaling Up Success, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Kelly Price, Founder of Thrive HR, to discuss her transition from corporate burnout to building a successful fractional HR firm. Kelly shares her raw and inspiring journey of leaving a stable 15-year corporate career to bet on herself, only to face immediate adversity when her husband lost his job and she suffered a personal tragedy. This conversation highlights the resilience required to be a founder and the importance of establishing systems that align with your personal life. The discussion dives deep into the realities of scaling a service-based business, moving from the "take any client" mindset to discovering a specific niche in business turnarounds. Kelly details how she helped a client reduce turnover from 200% to 0% by fixing culture and systems, and shares her realization that her true strength lies in building and fixing rather than maintaining. They also touch on the challenges of imposter syndrome, being a female entrepreneur, and the strategic decision to prioritize family, time, and health over high-paying corporate titles. In this episode, you will learn: • How to pivot from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship: Taking the leap even when timing seems imperfect. • The power of defining core values: Why turning down a lucrative CPO role was the best decision for business growth. • Strategies for HR turnarounds: How to stabilize high-turnover organizations using fractional leadership. • Niching down your services: Learning to identify your specific "superpower" (e.g., building vs. maintaining). • Overcoming imposter syndrome: Advice for new founders on trusting their experience and filtering out the noise. About Kelly Price: Kelly Price is the Founder of Thrive HR, a fractional HR consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations scale up, turn around toxic cultures, and fix broken systems. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly focuses on taking businesses apart and putting them back together to ensure long-term retention and success. Connect with Kelly Price & Cynergists: Thrive HR Website: thrivehrkc.com Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com Ready to scale your operations? Subscribe to the podcast for more insights on growing your business exponentially! #ScalingUpSuccess #ThriveHR #FractionalHR #HRConsulting #BusinessTurnaround #FemaleFounder #Entrepreneurship #CultureFix #RetentionStrategies #KansasCityBusiness Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Scaling Up Success 00:40 - From Corporate Burnout to Consulting 01:35 - The Decision to Quit: Betting on Yourself 02:40 - Overcoming Adversity: Job Loss and Personal Tragedy 04:10 - Defining Core Values: Turning Down the CPO Role 06:00 - Client Success: Fixing 200% Turnover 08:20 - The Early Days: Taking Any Business vs. Niche 09:35 - Identifying the "Fixer" Superpower 11:10 - Imposter Syndrome as a Female Founder 12:25 - Rapid Fire: Superpowers and Taylor Swift 14:45 - Future Vision: Expanding Thrive HR 15:30 - Conclusion and Contact Info

    20 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Scaling Up Success | Irfan Jafrey | Scaling to 2,500 Clients While Staying a Present Dad

    In this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Irfan Jafrey, the founder of Roosterly, a leading low-cost social media management tool. Irfan shares his journey of growing a company to 75 employees and serving over 2,500 customers across North America and Europe. They discuss the realities of modern entrepreneurship, moving past the "hustle culture" to build a business that supports, rather than sacrifices, family life.The conversation dives deep into the operational challenges of scaling a service-based business, specifically the early mistakes of high Client Acquisition Costs (CAC) and the lack of sales strategy. Irfan reveals how shifting focus to sustainable growth and implementing robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) saved the business. Furthermore, they tackle the controversial topic of AI in content creation, arguing that in a sea of "AI slop," genuine human connection and authenticity are becoming the ultimate competitive advantages.In this episode, you will learn:• How to build and manage a scalable remote team culture.• Strategies for identifying and reducing high Client Acquisition Costs (CAC).• Why "work-life balance" is a myth and how to manage the "pendulum swing."• The importance of authenticity in an AI-saturated content market.• How to use SOPs to operationalize your business for exponential growth.About Irfan Jafrey: Irfan Jafrey is the founder of Roosterly, a done-for-you social media content service designed to help B2B professionals maintain a consistent online presence. He is passionate about building remote cultures and redefining success through transparency and honest leadership.Connect with Irfan Jafrey & Cynergists:Roosterly Website: http://Roosterly.comSponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.comIf you enjoyed this conversation on scaling with authenticity, please leave a review and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur ready to level up their operations!#ScalingUpSuccess #Roosterly #RemoteWork #SocialMediaMarketing #Entrepreneurship #SOPs #Authenticity #BusinessGrowth #StartupMistakes #contentstrategy Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Scaling Up Success01:06 - Welcoming Irfan Jafrey01:38 - What is Roosterly?01:52 - Building a Remote Culture & Delegating02:08 - The "Pendulum Swing" of Work-Life Balance03:43 - Early Struggles: Burning Cash on High CAC05:06 - The Power of Operationalizing with SOPs06:04 - Remaining Authentic While Scaling06:31 - The Future of Marketing: Authenticity vs. AI Slop09:32 - Rapid Fire Questions: Books, Travel & Music11:19 - Advice to Younger Self: Validation & Focus11:50 - Future Vision for Roosterly

    15 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Scaling Up Success | LaDonna Lockard | How LaDonna Built a Powerhouse Brand in a Niche Market

    In this powerhouse episode of Scaling Up Success, Ryan sits down with the unstoppable LaDonna Lockhart, the founder and CEO of MaxClass, an innovative MLS education provider that’s rewriting the rules of mortgage and financial learning. LaDonna opens up about her unlikely leap into entrepreneurship, the pivotal conversations that sparked MaxClass, and how she transformed industry expertise into a fast-growing, high-impact brand. From 80-hour workweeks and 54 flights in a year, to launching a custom LMS built from the ground up, she shares the unfiltered truth about grit, burnout, purpose, and the unstoppable drive behind her success. She also digs into the power of AI, how authenticity accelerates brand-building, what it means to “be your brand,” and the moment she realized her name was becoming known across the industry. If you’re building something from scratch, scaling your team, or trying to strengthen your brand identity, this is the episode you’ll want to replay. Buckle up. This is LaDonna in full force, bold, brilliant, and unapologetically authentic. Connect with LaDonna: LaDonna: Website: https://www.maxclass.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max.class/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnalockard/ Her personal Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/ladonna.ernst/ The Facebook page of MaxClass: https://www.facebook.com/takeittothemaxclass 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571425295584 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalingupsuccesspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalingupsuccess 🎧 Listen to the Podcast on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51tI938qM9ewCHyjyCnVI6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/scaling-up-success-podcast/318e4572-0751-47c7-979e-aa2d49b3fb2f/episodes Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d630e3c1-18be-4836-995d-7afb8516c00f/scaling-up-success-podcast iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-scaling-up-success-podcas-254453419/ 🎙️ Find Us on Other Podcast Platforms: Podcast Index:https://podcastindex.org/podcast/71558577 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/scaling-up-success-podcast/5596962 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/scaling-up-success-podcast-5946871 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/scaling-up-success-podcast-ryan-van-ornum-kV2fO4-jPuX/ Player FM: https://player.fm/series/scaling-up-success-podcast Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002001081 Pocket Cast: https://pca.st/r4u8gu08 Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1797381179/scaling-up-success-podcast Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6707408?country=us #ScalingUpSuccess #MaxClass #LaDonnaLockhart #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #FinancialEducation #MortgageIndustry #BusinessTips #SmallBusinessOwner #BrandBuilding

    23 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Scaling Up Success | Leisa Peterson | Work Less, Earn More: Rewiring Your Money Story for Success

    What if the real road to wealth had nothing to do with hustle culture, and everything to do with rewiring the way you think about money? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with the incredible Leisa Peterson, author, money mindset expert, and founder of Wealth Clinic. With 30 years in the world of finance and over a decade coaching entrepreneurs, Leisa has helped thousands break free from scarcity thinking and step into true abundance. In this conversation, Leisa shares her journey from financial advisor to international bestselling author, the inner work behind building lasting wealth, and why understanding your story about money is more important than learning how to invest. She opens up about transforming her business while navigating personal challenges, building trust in a world shifting toward AI, and how entrepreneurs can work less, earn more, and live with intention. From overcoming fear around finances to designing a life that supports your value, not drains them, this episode is packed with clarity, wisdom, and powerful mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs. If you want a deeper relationship with money, more alignment in your business, and a roadmap to creating wealth with purpose, this conversation is a must-listen. Connect with Leisa Peterson: Website: wealthclinic.com Instagram: instagram.com/leisapeterson Facebook: facebook.com/leisa.peterson LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leisapeterson1 Ready to take your own growth journey to the next level? Book your appointment with us today: https://cynergists.com/scaling-up-success 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571425295584 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalingupsuccesspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalingupsuccess 🎧 Listen to the Podcast on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51tI938qM9ewCHyjyCnVI6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/scaling-up-success-podcast/318e4572-0751-47c7-979e-aa2d49b3fb2f/episodes Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d630e3c1-18be-4836-995d-7afb8516c00f/scaling-up-success-podcast iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-scaling-up-success-podcas-254453419/ 🎙️ Find Us on Other Podcast Platforms: Podcast Index:https://podcastindex.org/podcast/71558577 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/scaling-up-success-podcast/5596962 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/scaling-up-success-podcast-5946871 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/scaling-up-success-podcast-ryan-van-ornum-kV2fO4-jPuX/ Player FM: https://player.fm/series/scaling-up-success-podcast Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002001081 Pocket Cast: https://pca.st/r4u8gu08 Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1797381179/scaling-up-success-podcast Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6707408?country=us #ScalingUpSuccess #PodcastEpisode #LeisaPeterson #LaDonnaLockard #FinancialFreedom #WealthMindset #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BusinessGrowth

    18 min
See All (58)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Scaling Up Success is a podcast designed to inspire and educate entrepreneurs and business leaders on their journey to growth and development. Through in-depth conversations with successful small business owners and C-suite executives, we delve into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that have propelled these businesses to new heights. Discover the secrets behind scaling your business, from building a strong foundation to navigating complex market dynamics. Learn from those who have been there, gain actionable insights, and unlock your business's full potential. Join us as we explore the stories of innovation, resilience, and unwavering determination that define success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Van Ornum
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Van Ornum
  • Show Website
    Scaling Up Success Podcast