Fixers & Founders

Forrest Derr and Tony Lilja
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Fixers & Founders is a podcast about the partnership between visionary founders and the fractional executives who help them bring structure, clarity, and scale. Each episode features candid conversations with founders and the operators who steady the ship—highlighting how ideas get fueled, how systems get fixed, and how businesses move forward when vision and execution finally meet.

Episodes

  1. MAR 25

    From Gut to Guidance | Building Financial Systems That Scale

    Most founders don’t lose momentum because of bad strategy —they lose it because finance can’t keep up. In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest sit down with Nelson Tepfer, co-founder of ProCFO Partners, to unpack what strategic finance really means for scaling businesses. From companies waiting weeks to send invoices…to founders running multimillion-dollar operations on gut instinct…Nelson shares how financial clarity becomes a growth lever — not just a reporting function. They dive into when to upgrade systems, why titles like “fractional CFO” can be misleading, and how aligning finance with strategy changes everything. If you’re scaling and the numbers are getting noisy — this conversation will help you move with confidence. Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠⁠⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmw⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

    20 min

  2. FEB 25

    Get Work. Do Work. Support Work. | The Founder’s Growth Fix

    🎧 Shane Sloan on Operational Maturity, EOS, and Founder Therapy In this episode of Fixers & Founders, U.S. Army veteran and EOS integrator Shane Sloan joins us to break down what actually causes businesses to stall—and how to fix it. From serving as a Black Hawk crew chief to building operational engines inside 30–100 person companies, Shane shares the framework he uses to diagnose chaos, restore calm, and help founders finally let go. We cover his operational maturity model, why every business must master “Get Work, Do Work, Support Work,” and how to modernize systems without over-engineering them. If your company feels stuck in firefighting mode—or your founder still manages everything—this one’s for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro to Shane Sloan 02:20 From Military to Fractional Integrator 06:37 Signs a Business Is Running on Fumes 10:04 Get Work. Do Work. Support Work. 12:15 KISS Methodology in Tech & Ops 15:00 Breaking Out of the Stall 18:48 When to Take Work Off the Founder’s Plate 20:52 Career Myth: Working Your Way Up 22:31 Military Training & Business Leadership 23:49 Outro Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmw⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

    25 min

  3. JAN 28

    Marketing Meets Money | The Next Gen Strategies Playbook

    🎧 Grant Covault & Tyler Davis on scaling smarter—from marketing myths to financial clarity This week on Fixers and Founders, we’re joined by fractional duo Grant Covault and Tyler Davis—co-hosts of the Next Gen Strategies podcast, and fixers of messy books, broken funnels, and bad business advice. Grant’s a fractional CMO helping service businesses punch above their weight. Tyler’s a fractional CFO helping founders ditch the guesswork and finally understand their numbers. Together, they’re rethinking how small businesses scale—and why clarity, not complexity, is the real secret to growth. We cover: What most founders get wrong about marketing & moneyThe hidden red flags in your P&LWhy growth without systems is just expensive guessingThe rise of fractional leadership—and how it’s changing the game If you’re tired of duct taping your business together, hit play. 🔗 Connect with Grant & Tyler LinkedIn (Grant): https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-covault/ LinkedIn (Tyler): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-davis-b761b6b2/ Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠/ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=H_3OTdXYStClILHdYiydmw Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin/

    19 min

  4. JAN 14

    Wearing Every Hat | The Integrator’s Reality of Scale

    🎧 John Wallet on Scaling Without the Chaos In this episode of Fixers & Founders, executive leader and integrator John Wallet breaks down what it really takes to scale—without spiraling. From sweeping floors at startups to doubling revenue at STC, John shares how to build systems that actually work, align teams around metrics that matter, and keep visionaries out of the weeds. Whether you’re wrestling wild west ops or just trying to keep up with growth, this one’s for you. He covers: The difference between ops and true integration How to scale EOS in real life What early-stage teams get wrong about systems The scorecard strategy that actually drives action And the one meeting rhythm that keeps founders focused Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwallet/ If you’ve ever felt like growth is outpacing your grip, don’t miss this one. Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    17 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Cameras, Chaos & Control | From Burnout to Creative Flow

    🎧 Ben G Kaiser on building creative momentum without burning out In this episode of Fixers & Founders, content strategist and creative founder Ben G Kaiser opens up about the unseen tension behind creative work—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the pressure to scale without losing yourself. Ben shares what it really takes to grow a creative service company in an AI-saturated world, why simplifying systems beats stacking tools, and how embracing imperfection can actually accelerate momentum. From pruning tech stacks to reframing creativity as a repeatable craft, this conversation is a grounded look at how creators can build sustainably—without crashing. If you’re trying to create consistently, serve clients well, and still protect your creative energy, this one hits home. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders 02:05 The Reality of Imposter Syndrome 05:12 Creating for Yourself vs. Creating for Clients 08:44 Simplifying Systems to Protect Creativity 11:30 Why Less Tech Creates More Focus 14:02 Creativity in an AI World 17:40 Perfection, Imperfection, and Shipping 20:18 Turning Skill into a Scalable Brand 23:45 What Creators Need to Let Go Of 26:10 Final Reflections & Outro 🔗 Connect with Ben G Kaiser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengkaiser YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenGKaiser Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    19 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Less Goals, More Graphs | What Great Leaders Actually Do

    🎧 Russell Justice on the science of leadership that actually works In this episode of Fixers and Founders, engineer and performance coach Russell Justice breaks down five decades of leadership insight into unforgettable principles—and even better stories. From supervising engineers to advising Fortune 500 CEOs, Russell shares why most leaders fail (hint: it’s not for lack of goals), how to spark change without force, and why calm is contagious. He unpacks the science of behavior, the magic of momentum, and the one principle that transformed his life, work, marriage—and might just change yours too. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders 02:14 What Russell Actually Fixes 03:50 Behavior, Not Just Strategy 06:06 Why Goals Alone Don't Work 08:33 What Real Feedback Looks Like 12:00 From Compliance to Commitment 14:39 Accountability Without Micromanaging 16:06 Feedback That Drives Performance 18:55 From Chaos to Calm 21:21 Linking the Org to One Goal 23:10 Who Shaped Russell as a Leader 25:14 Why He Still Loves This Work26:54 Where to Find Russell & His Book 27:34 Outro 🔗 Connect with Russell Justice 📖 Book: This Is What Leaders Do → https://www.amazon.com/This-What-Leaders-Do-Essentials/dp/B0F6WBW7YR 📧 Email: russelljustice@earthlink.net Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    29 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Weddings, Whiteboards & Working Genius | The Backthird Story

    Back Third Founders on Scaling Creativity Without Killing the Spark In this episode of Fixers & Founders, we sit down with Benjie Hughes and Anna Hammond — the visionary/fixer duo behind Back Third Entertainment, a creative company that blended live music, wedding events, and recording into one unforgettable ride. Benjie shares how he knew it was time to pivot from passion to process, transforming a traditional studio into a 24/7 coworking space. Anna reflects on finding her voice and value not as a sidekick, but as a builder — shaping the systems that allowed the chaos of creativity to scale. Together, they unpack what it takes to run a business rooted in art and anchored in execution — and why autonomy, trust, and good spreadsheets are everything. This is one for the founders building in real time. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Fixers and Founders 01:30 – Meet Benjie & Anna of Back Third 03:05 – Defining Roles Through Personality Gears 06:27 – What It Takes to Run a Music & Events Company 10:18 – When Derek's Baby Came Early 11:17 – Systems vs Spark: Finding the Balance 13:12 – Big Pivots: From Studio to Coworking Space 15:58 – What They Took Into Their Current Work 21:23 – Soundtrack of the Era 22:36 – Small Moments, Big Impact 28:59 – Outro Connect with Benjie & Anna 🔗 Benjie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjiehughes/ 🔗 Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahammond/ Mentioned in this episode: 📘 Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky 📘 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E Gerber Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    30 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Fixing the People Problem | Why Right Seats Matter Most

    Fixer & Fractional COO Lizzy Blasko on why great teams aren’t built on process—they’re built on people. In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Lizzy Blasko shares how she evolved from a natural problem-solver to a trusted integrator helping founders escape the grind. She opens up about missteps in leadership, the power of right people/right seats, and how EOS tools bring structure to chaos. Lizzy also explores the emotional intelligence behind visionary-integrator trust—and why your career might be your greatest adventure yet. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fixers & Founders02:40 Becoming a Fixer04:14 Aligning Vision and Operations07:07 Why Long-Term Issues Matter08:23 Failing Forward as an Integrator09:24 Trust, Communication, and Leadership10:56 Knowing When to Let Go12:46 Right People, Right Seats15:19 Advice to My Younger Self17:19 Small Joys That Refuel Connect with Lizzy Blasko:🌐 https://lizzyblasko.com/📧 lizzy@lizzyblasko.com🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzyblasko/ Mentioned in this episode:📘 Traction by Gino Wickman (EOS)📘 Good to Great by Jim Collins (Right People, Right Seats) Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    20 min

  9. 11/05/2025

    Fixer Founder Friction | How Saying “No” Breaks Trust

    Fractional COO Ben Speich on learning that leadership isn’t about saying no — it’s about showing how. In this episode of Fixers and Founders, Benjamin Speich, a Fractional COO and EOS integrator, shares his journey from being a curious child to becoming a fixer in the business world. He discusses the importance of aligning vision and operations, the challenges of working with visionaries, and the significance of trust and humility in relationships. Benjamin also reflects on his experiences with failure, the systems he implements for success, and the freedom that comes with being a fractional COO. He concludes with advice for his younger self and shares a surprising fact about his role as a family cook. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fixers and Founders 02:14 The Journey of a Fixer 04:27 Aligning Vision and Operations 08:11 The Role of Visionaries 10:22 Learning from Failures 11:12 Building Trust in Relationships 14:05 Handing Off Responsibilities 15:56 The Importance of Scorecards 18:02 The Ups and Downs of Being a Fractional COO 19:36 Advice to My Younger Self 21:11 Surprising Facts About Ben 22:39 Outro Connect with Benjamin Speich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminspeich/ https://www.speichconsulting.com/ Intro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    24 min

  10. 11/02/2025

    Fixers & Founders Teaser

    Conversations with founders who fuel—and fixers who forge. Flagship episode drops Wed Nov 5, 2025. Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin Used with permission under a non-exclusive license. Bandcamp: ⁠https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

    1 min

Trailer

About

Fixers & Founders is a podcast about the partnership between visionary founders and the fractional executives who help them bring structure, clarity, and scale. Each episode features candid conversations with founders and the operators who steady the ship—highlighting how ideas get fueled, how systems get fixed, and how businesses move forward when vision and execution finally meet.

Information

  • Creator
    Forrest Derr and Tony Lilja
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Forrest Derr and Tony Lilja
  • Show Website
    Fixers & Founders