From Stuck to Scaled: Growth Strategies for SMBs

Julio Gonzalez
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Running a business is hard. Scaling one is harder. This podcast makes it less so. Julio Gonzalez spent over 35 years growing businesses. Every week, he sits down with entrepreneurs and leaders to unpack what actually works when you're trying to move from scrappy to sustainable. Operations. Leadership. Sales systems. Technology. The real stuff nobody teaches you when you start a business and the things that hold you back from scaling! From Stuck to Scaled — because your business should work for you, not the other way around.

  1. 6d ago

    Why Everything Still Depends on You (Even Though You Have Good People)

    In this insightful episode of the From Stuck to Scaled podcast, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with business coach Greg Harrod to unpack the often-overlooked truth about leadership: even with a capable team, everything still significantly depends on you. Many leaders mistakenly believe that hiring better people is the key to overcoming their business challenges. However, Greg reveals that the real breakthrough lies in fostering clarity within a team, allowing members to fully own their roles. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Greg shares invaluable strategies to help leaders identify where clarity may be breaking down in their organizations. We'll dive into the common pitfalls that lead leaders to become bottlenecks and explore practical ways to cultivate a team that operates with greater ownership and confidence. Greg also offers actionable tips to transform your leadership style and empower your team, including: 1. Listing every recurring responsibility you currently own to gain visibility into your workload. 2. Reflecting on which responsibilities energize you and whether you’re still the right person to own them. 3. Intentionally reassigning one responsibility this month to create more value for your business. 4. Encouraging your team to do the same and discussing the findings collectively. 5. Understanding that moving work is about adding value, not just lightening your load. Tune in and discover how you can stop being the bottleneck in your business, allowing both you and your team to thrive. Connect with Greg Harrod: Website: https://www.gregharrod.com Assessment: www.leadershipclarityscorecard.com Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage: https://www.opticution.com Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    Why Everything Still Depends on You (Even Though You Have Good People)

  2. Sep 22

    How Busy Entrepreneurs Can Build Passive Wealth Without Chasing Wall Street

    In this episode of From Stuck to Scaled, we welcome Lane Kawaoka, the owner of The Wealth Elevator and a savvy real estate investor with a portfolio exceeding $2.1 billion across more than 10,000 units. With a background in engineering and construction management, Lane utilizes a systematic approach to transforming financial futures. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional wealth-building advice, he created The Wealth Elevator to empower busy professionals to cultivate passive income streams and secure their financial legacy through real estate investments. Join us as Lane shares his remarkable journey from corporate engineer to real estate mogul, exploring the practical strategies that business owners can implement to enhance their wealth-building efforts. We'll dive into crucial topics such as calculating your Freedom Number, the importance of cash flow over appreciation, and leveraging tax-efficient strategies for wealth accumulation. Lane's insights are particularly valuable for small and midsize business owners looking to strategically improve their cash flow, reduce reliance on traditional retirement plans, and establish long-term financial resilience. Tips from Lane: - Calculate your Freedom Number to identify your desired monthly passive income for greater flexibility and reduced financial stress. - Focus on your highest and best use, utilizing active income to strategically invest in cash-flowing assets rather than leaving your job prematurely. - Invest in cash flow-positive assets that can withstand economic fluctuations, rather than solely for appreciation. - Understand the tax implications of your investments and seek guidance on strategies like depreciation and real estate professional status. - Foster trust through education and transparency as you scale your investment endeavors and build a community. Connect with Lane Kawaoka: Website: www.thewealthelevator.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-kawaoka Get The Wealth Elevator for free! https://forms.gle/5G8BigBJqXoCbDXw8 Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com. Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    How Busy Entrepreneurs Can Build Passive Wealth Without Chasing Wall Street

  3. Sep 15

    Everything Founders Get Wrong About Selling Their Company

    Host Julio Gonzalez sits down with Viktor Lobov, the head of Meliora’s M&A advisory practice, to unravel the biggest misconceptions founders have about selling their companies. Many entrepreneurs dedicate decades to building their businesses but often overlook the critical factors that drive value when it's time to sell. Join us as we dive into essential discussions about enterprise valuation, the mindset of buyers, and practical steps every founder can take years in advance to maximize their company's worth. Viktor shares invaluable tips including: -why buyers prioritize future potential over historical performance, -the importance of creating a business that can thrive independently of its founder, and -how predictability can be even more lucrative than rapid growth. Whether you're contemplating a sale now or years down the line, this episode is packed with wisdom that will empower you to approach your business exit with confidence and strategic foresight. Connect with Viktor Lobov: Website: https://www.melioracapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-lobov/ Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com Are you ready to scale your business? Try the Opticution Scalability Gutcheck at www.opticution.com/gutcheck. No emails, just answers! Email Julio at ⁠⁠julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    Everything Founders Get Wrong About Selling Their Company

  4. Sep 8

    From Dentist to CEO - What I Learned Going Off the Tools and Focusing on the Business

    In this episode of From Stuck to Scaled, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with Dr. Michael Filosi, an entrepreneur, dentist, and self-confessed business nerd. Michael shares his inspiring journey from a struggling dental practice plagued by problems—such as possums in the walls—to building a multimillion-dollar business. Over a decade of ownership, he transitioned from a drill and fill dentist to a true business owner, completely removing himself from day-to-day operations and focusing on strategic growth. Michael discusses the essential systems and accountability structures he implemented, how he amassed a wealth of knowledge through extensive reading, and the importance of driving high standards within his team. He also emphasizes that a business should not rely on its founder, offering practical tips for entrepreneurs who want to scale without becoming trapped by their own success. By the time he successfully exited the practice in 2025, he had proven that it is possible to create a thriving business that operates independently of its founder. Tune in to discover the insights that can help you transform your business as Michael shares his passion for entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategic exits. Connect with Dr. Michael Filosi: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfilosi Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com Take the Scalability Gut Check at opticution.com/gutcheck — sixty seconds, no email required, and you’ll see exactly where the pressure in your business is coming from. Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    From Dentist to CEO - What I Learned Going Off the Tools and Focusing on the Business

  5. Sep 1

    Scaling a Call Center in the World of AI

    In this inspiring episode of the From Stuck to Scaled podcast, host Julio Gonzalez welcomes Richard Blank, the Chief Executive Officer of Costa Rica’s Call Center, who shares his incredible journey from Philadelphia to founding a successful company in Costa Rica. At just 27, Richard took a leap of faith, overcoming family guilt and societal pressure to embrace his entrepreneurial dreams. Join us as Richard discusses advanced telemarketing strategies, conflict management, interpersonal soft skills, and the balancing act between empathy and the rise of AI in customer service. He dives deep into the pros and cons of AI in the BPO industry and predicts its trajectory over the next decade. With a wealth of experience training over 10,000 telemarketers and managing a thriving team of 150 employees, Richard offers invaluable tips on quality assurance, dedicated practice, and decompression techniques for CEOs. Get ready to be inspired by his insights—and discover why giving back, through initiatives like his scholarship for world language students, is pivotal for him. Tune in for a fun and informative exploration of entrepreneurship, motivation, and the transformative power of both people and technology in business. Connect with Richard Blank: Website: https://www.costaricascallcenter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ST99AEp7COEWS4q4VUw4Q) Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage http://www.opticution.com Take the Scalability Gut Check at opticution.com/gutcheck — sixty seconds, no email required, and you’ll see exactly where the pressure in your business is coming from. Email Julio at ⁠⁠julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    Scaling a Call Center in the World of AI

  6. Aug 25

    Land Your Exit by Planning Ahead

    In this episode of the From Stuck to Scaled podcast, host Julio Gonzalez welcomes David Hern, the founder and CEO of Sofer Advisors, LLC. David specializes in business advisory services, offering invaluable insights on litigation assistance, estate and tax planning, and business enterprise valuations for both privately-held and public companies. With a background as a qualified financial analyst, David excels in communicating complex analyses to executives and boards, helping organizations accurately assess their enterprise and equity value. Join us as David shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges and successes he has encountered in establishing Sofer Advisors. Learn about the key strategies he employs to empower businesses through strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with wisdom that can help you take your business from stuck to scaled. Connect with David Hern: Website: https://www.soferadvisors.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhern/ Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com Take the Scalability Gut Check at opticution.com/gutcheck — sixty seconds, no email required, and you’ll see exactly where the pressure in your business is coming from. Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    Land Your Exit by Planning Ahead

  7. Aug 18

    How We Built a SaaS Platform That Turns Complex Laws Into Usable Products

    In this episode of From Stuck to Scaled, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with Donata Stroink-Skillrud, an attorney and Co-founder of Termageddon, LLC. Discover the journey of building a SaaS platform that efficiently turns complex laws into usable products. Donata shares her insights on scaling a business in the intersection of compliance, product development, and automation. We explore crucial topics like balancing compliance with product usability, adapting to evolving privacy laws, managing teams, and tackling the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Get ready for a candid discussion that also highlights the less glamorous side of running a startup, from operational bottlenecks to hiring struggles and the importance of wearing multiple hats. Tune in for valuable tips from Donata, including the significance of establishing a solid workflow before scaling and the competitive edge that niche expertise can provide. Connect with Donata Stroink-Skillrud: Website: http://www.termageddon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donata-stroink-skillrud Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com Take the Scalability Gut Check at opticution.com/gutcheck — sixty seconds, no email required, and you’ll see exactly where the pressure in your business is coming from. Email Julio at ⁠⁠julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions or suggestions!

    How We Built a SaaS Platform That Turns Complex Laws Into Usable Products

  8. Aug 11

    From 2 A.M. Frustration to a Scalable Brand

    In this episode of From Stuck to Scaled, Julio Gonzalez sits down with entrepreneur and founder Josh Bronfman. Josh shares his remarkable journey of turning late-night frustrations into a scalable brand, offering invaluable insights for business owners at any stage. With a focus on overcoming operational setbacks and building trust in crowded markets, he provides an honest look at the challenges of moving from idea to execution while balancing leadership, family, and personal growth. Tune in as Josh discusses practical lessons, including the importance of addressing real problems, the significance of prototyping before perfecting, and why operational issues matter as much as the product itself. He emphasizes that setbacks should be viewed as feedback loops and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace persistence over expertise. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable tips and relatable experiences to help you grow your business effectively! Connect with Josh Bronfman: Website: https://www.dreamer.store LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bronfman-a68349215/ support@sleepwithdreamer.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJPGPJ32?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback&th=1 Follow host Julio Gonzalez on: - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/ - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution - Webpage www.opticution.com Take the Scalability Gut Check at opticution.com/gutcheck — sixty seconds, no email required, and you’ll see exactly where the pressure in your business is coming from. Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

    From 2 A.M. Frustration to a Scalable Brand
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About

Running a business is hard. Scaling one is harder. This podcast makes it less so. Julio Gonzalez spent over 35 years growing businesses. Every week, he sits down with entrepreneurs and leaders to unpack what actually works when you're trying to move from scrappy to sustainable. Operations. Leadership. Sales systems. Technology. The real stuff nobody teaches you when you start a business and the things that hold you back from scaling! From Stuck to Scaled — because your business should work for you, not the other way around.

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