Going All In: How Russ Ruffino Went from Bartender to $100M CEO

Russ Ruffino spent his 30th birthday sobbing into his bourbon because he felt like a failure. He had spent the last decade bartending while clinging to his dream of becoming a movie star. So, how did he go from bartender to CEO of a $100 million business? He took his first step by applying his acting skills to writing persuasive sales copy. In this episode, Russ shares his incredible journey, offering lessons on leveraging unique skills, taking bold risks, and building a values-driven team to build a thriving business.

Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a company that has generated over $100 million in revenue. He helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants attract their ideal clients at the right price, anytime they want.

In this episode, Ilana and Russ will discuss:

- Translating his acting skills into compelling sales copy

- Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship

- Going from zero to $250K 

- Scaling from small offers to a $100M empire

- The problem with scaling too quickly

- Why marrying the right person is a superpower

- Building a solid team by focusing on mission

- Why your company needs a "no jerks" policy

- Accepting that obstacles will come

- His rule of thumb for firing people

- Why entrepreneurs need acting classes 

- Celebrating wins and enjoying the journey

- And other topics…

Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a high-ticket sales company that has generated over $100 million in revenue by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. After struggling as an actor and bartender for a decade, Russ discovered online marketing. He took the plunge into entrepreneurship and today, he helps coaches, consultants, and service providers attract the right clients, at the right price, anytime they want. 

Connect with Russ:

Russ’s Website: https://russruffino.com/ 

Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russruffino/ 

Resources Mentioned:

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 

The Ultimate Sales Letter: Attract New Customers. Boost your Sales. by Dan S Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Attract-Customers/dp/1440511411 

How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp/1591842719