Hello Chaos

Jennifer Sutton
  • 4.4 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Every day, entrepreneurs all over the world roll out of bed and say: Hello, Chaos. And more often than not, we’re having that conversation in our own heads. It’s time to crack the dialogue wide open. Hello Chaos is a weekly podcast dedicated to entrepreneurs and founders, published every Sunday. It is another platform brought to you by OrangeWIP. It is a megaphone and round table created specifically to welcome bright, stubborn, visionary minds to a conversation founders have been craving. Here, founders have permission to vent—or be vulnerable. To bring the wildest ideas. Their greatest obstacles. And find a national sounding board for solutions. Here, we want founders show off—or allow them to speak their truth. To meet challenges head-on. To make hyper-local community connections. And share “aha!” and “oh shit” moments. Welcome to Hello Chaos. Founders, it's time to unmute yourself.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 187 Garrett Peters

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ If it needs you, it will break A business built entirely on the founder eventually becomes the bottleneck. Garrett learned that real scale starts when you offload the work that drains you and build systems that move without you. If your ecommerce business pauses when you step away, that is your signal to redesign the engine, not push harder. 2️⃣ Protect the brand before the balance sheet Short-term revenue fixes can quietly damage long-term trust. When Duncan and Stone faced a misprinted product run, the team chose brand protection over fast cash, even when it hurt. Founders who play the long game understand that reputation, not inventory, is the asset that compounds. 3️⃣ Alignment beats hustle every time Founder burnout often comes from misalignment, not lack of effort. Weekly leadership alignment, clearer roles, and better communication removed pressure Garrett could not grind his way out of. When teams know the goal and their lane, energy shifts from busy work to real momentum. Timestamps 00:13 Welcome to Hello Chaos 00:58 Starting Duncan and Stone in 2020 02:04 From corporate life to founders 03:27 Finding the product gap 04:13 Staying true to the vision 05:17 The name Duncan and Stone 06:04 Building with spouse and friends 08:16 Creating real boundaries 10:58 Going full time and burning out 12:19 Learning to offload work 14:06 The freedom myth 18:20 Identity and founder pressure 20:18 Coaching changed everything 26:43 Planning and alignment rhythms 30:19 The communication code 31:48 Life outside the business 35:25 Two things he would change 39:19 Pickleball dreams 42:37 The next big win 43:33 The misprint lesson 49:17 One word for the journey 50:35 One word for what’s next 51:51 Grounded founder advice 52:50 Where to find Duncan and Stone Explore Duncan and Stone or connect with Garrett below. Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettlpeters/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/ Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    55 min

  2. FEB 1

    Ep. 186 Matt Olin

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Connection Beats Perfection Every Time Waiting until something feels perfect costs you momentum. Matt built community and credibility by shipping ideas early, gathering people fast, and letting connection do the heavy lifting. Founders grow faster when they move forward imperfectly instead of hiding behind polish. 2️⃣ Social Capital Is A Real Business Asset Relationships create leverage long before revenue shows up. Matt treated community building as infrastructure, not a nice to have, and it opened doors money could not. Founders who invest in people early create options they cannot spreadsheet their way into later. 3️⃣ The Runway Never Stops Moving Whether nonprofit or for profit, the cliff is always there. Matt’s experience shows that sustainability comes from staying proactive, asking bigger, and extending the runway before panic sets in. Founders win by facing the math early and choosing momentum over comfort. Timestamps 00:14 Welcome to the messy middle and meet Matt Olin 01:46 The accidental nonprofit founder journey 03:55 What creativity really means and who it includes 04:50 Shifting Charlotte from a banking city to a creative city 06:17 Early support from sponsors and civic partners 08:43 Teaching creatives to think like entrepreneurs 09:25 Social capital as the most untapped resource 10:42 From small meetups to 10000 people, convening at scale 11:49 The COVID decision to serve first and grow anyway 13:05 Learning collaboration as a leadership strength 14:24 Co founder discipline and protecting the partnership 20:40 Why creative economies fuel city growth 23:48 The biggest challenge, fundraising and the cliff 25:26 If fear disappeared, going bigger on the ask 26:24 Magic wand changes, staff growth and faster momentum 27:49 Measuring success through funding and national stories 29:33 Best advice, connection not perfection 32:48 Finding inspiration through community and curiosity 33:39 One word for the journey, messy 35:08 Defining the next chapter with joy 39:04 How to support Charlotte Is Creative and give a HUG Community grows through connection. Here’s where to follow Matt’s work and explore Charlotte Is Creative. Website: https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattolin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cltiscreative/ Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    41 min

  3. JAN 25

    Ep. 185 David Sauers

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Build from real frustration The strongest businesses start by solving a problem you actually lived. David did not chase an idea. He fixed something that bothered him deeply. If the problem hits close to home, your solution will be sharper and more durable. 2️⃣ Own what you build Platforms can vanish and contracts can trap you. Reviews, websites, images, and data should live where you have control. If you do not own it, you are exposed when chaos hits. 3️⃣ Step back to scale Staying busy can keep you stuck. Real growth comes from working on the business, not just inside it. Systems, boundaries, and support free founders to build something bigger than themselves. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Chaos 00:55 The Inspiration Behind Royal Restrooms 02:51 The Importance of Clean Restrooms at Events 05:18 Designing a Unique Product for a Common Problem 07:55 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship 10:30 Myths of Entrepreneurship 13:21 Personal Sacrifices in Business 15:57 Working with a Spouse in Business 16:51 Challenges and 'Oh Shit' Moments 19:33 Navigating Google Business Challenges 22:29 Ownership and Control of Digital Assets 25:00 Franchising and Expansion Challenges 27:52 Surprises in Business Growth 30:21 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 32:51 Looking Ahead: Growth and Legacy 35:22 Celebrating Wins and Cohesion 37:55 Final Thoughts and Advice If you want to keep up with David and the work he’s doing at Royal Restrooms, here’s where to connect. Website: https://royalrestrooms.com/ Personal Website: https://www.davidsauers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsauers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsauersjr Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    49 min

  4. JAN 18

    Ep. 184 Aleksandra Simanovsky

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Your Name Opens Doors. Your Business Earns Trust Aleksandra learned quickly that past credibility helps start conversations but it does not close them. Founders still have to prove value again and again. Show your work, stay consistent, and let results speak louder than your resume. 2️⃣ Patience Is a Founder Skill You Must Build Leaving corporate speed behind forces a mindset shift. Without an army or brand name pushing things forward, progress comes from steady follow up and long term thinking. Founders who last learn to move with intention instead of urgency. 3️⃣ Purpose Creates Momentum Money Cannot What keeps Aleksandra moving is not deals or titles but impact. When founders align their work with real purpose, the right partners show up and growth compounds naturally. Purpose sharpens focus and gives the work staying power when things slow down. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Hello Chaos 01:09 The story behind Adige Advisory 03:52 Life inside institutional finance 06:59 Discovering private lending 08:14 Neighborhood impact through capital 10:25 Creating the first rated deal 12:08 The gap Adige Advisory fills 13:40 The myth of instant traction 16:38 Building trust beyond a corporate name 21:34 Using data and technology to scale 25:55 Learning patience as a founder 27:25 Finding community and support 31:32 The power of consistent follow up 32:47 Purpose and the next chapter If you want to connect with Aleksandra or follow the work she is doing, you can find her here. Website: https://adigeadvisory.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-simanovsky-3ab9bb1/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adige-advisory/ Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    36 min

  5. JAN 11

    Ep. 183 Lael AnnMarie

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Build Values In, Not Later Bootstrapping a product based startup forces clarity fast. When values like ethical sourcing and sustainability are baked in from day one, they guide manufacturing decisions, wholesale sales strategy, and who you say no to. The right constraints protect your energy and your brand as you scale. 2️⃣ Stop Chasing Yes and Get to No Selling into hospitality sales and big corporations is not about one decision maker. It is about navigating red tape, vendor approvals, and slow timelines without burning out. Design your conversations to reach a clear no faster so you can focus on real opportunities that actually move revenue. 3️⃣ Let the Process Work on You Building a sustainable luxury product will surface every fear you have around worthiness, money, and success. Resilience is not forcing outcomes but surrendering to the long game while staying consistent. When you trust the process, confidence follows and momentum compounds. Timestamps 00:14 Meet Lael AnnMarie and Hello Chaos 01:22 The paper straw problem that sparked EcoLux Goods 02:28 Designing a luxury reusable product 04:30 Manufacturing chaos and early prototypes 06:48 Ethical sourcing and recycled materials 08:24 Losing a business during COVID 11:34 Shifting from DTC to wholesale 13:21 The reality of selling to big corporations 17:29 Stop chasing yes and get to no faster 22:24 Surrendering to the founder process 26:33 Worthiness healing and impact driven business 32:15 Resilience and defining the next chapter Want to keep up with Lael and what she’s building next? Here’s where to connect. Website: https://ecoluxgoods.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laelbarry/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoluxgoods/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lael.ecolux/ Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    38 min

  6. JAN 4

    Ep. 182 Mido Said

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Peace creates freedom before profit does Chasing more revenue without strong systems leads straight to founder burnout. When peace comes first, clarity improves and the business stops running you. Time freedom is a sign the foundation is working. 2️⃣ Plug profit leaks before scaling Most small businesses do not need more leads. They need fewer leaks. Weekly audits, knowing your numbers, and cutting wasted effort create more freedom than chasing another growth tactic. 3️⃣ Growth means doing less yourself If your task list keeps growing, burnout is close behind. Delegation, fractional support, and firm boundaries help founders stop being the bottleneck and start leading the business. Timestamps 00:14 - Welcome and who is Mido Said 00:59 - The first business, selling candy as a kid 02:44 - Early entrepreneurship and restaurants 03:46 - The 2010 car wreck and recovery 07:09 - Rebuilding and learning how businesses run without the owner 09:02 - The trap of more and losing freedom 10:02 - Peace is the new profit 12:24 - Building resources for business owners, free community support 14:19 - The real founder need, time not more revenue 15:16 - Jennifer on tactics vs strategy, and agency red flags 20:49 - What peace looks like day to day, time with family 23:38 - Business Owner Venting Machine community 25:11 - The most common vent, burnout 26:11 - Delegation and shrinking the founder task list 27:15 - Fractional support vs full time hires 32:03 - Cost per lead, acquisition cost, and knowing your numbers 35:15 - Coachability and being ready for help 37:34 - One year vision, spreading peace over profit 39:17 - Boundaries, scheduling, and avoiding rabbit holes 42:45 - Journaling prompts and the brain dump method 47:26 - Calendar blocking for focus 50:14 - Advice, do not let the business run you 51:06 - Money cycle and weekly audits 51:33 - Four square priority filter 52:24 - One word for the journey, oh my god 53:26 - Next chapter, peace and freedom 53:39 - Where to connect with Mido For founders who want more clarity, better systems, and a little more peace in their business, here’s where to find Mido. Website: https://www.midosaid.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mido-said/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themidosaid/ Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    55 min

  7. JAN 1

    Ascension Happens Quietly First

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Ascension happens quietly first Real growth rarely feels dramatic. It shows up as clarity, confidence, and internal alignment long before momentum or visibility arrive. 2️⃣ Clarity beats scale 2025 was not about getting bigger. It was about getting sharper. When founders get clear on who they are and how they lead, growth becomes intentional instead of exhausting. 3️⃣ Cultivate before you radiate Momentum only works when it is built on something solid. Tending habits, relationships, and inner growth makes sustainable impact and visibility possible later. Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    14 min

  8. 12/28/2025

    The Year We Shed & Learned to Run

    Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Growth requires shedding before momentum appears The most meaningful progress in 2025 came from letting go of legacy habits, misaligned systems, and comfortable assumptions. Founders who released what no longer served them created space for clearer execution and stronger forward motion. 2️⃣ Brand clarity must start internally Marketing efforts only accelerated once leaders aligned purpose, people, and processes. When internal clarity came first, external messaging, performance, and confidence followed. 3️⃣ Discipline and curiosity move founders through chaos Consistent habits and a curious mindset outperformed waiting for certainty. Founders who stayed disciplined and open to learning kept moving forward even while answers were still forming. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and why this year in review matters 03:10 2025 as a year of shedding and strategic growth 09:30 Recognition, validation, and redefining success 16:00 Turning the brand lens inward at Bright and OrangeWIP 26:45 Brand clarity, alignment, and facing hard truths 38:30 OrangeWIP evolution and scaling founder stories 52:10 Discipline, habits, and the six for one challenge 1:07:30 Family milestones and personal growth 1:18:45 From shedding to momentum entering 2026 1:23:30 Final reflections and moving forward Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. We encourage you to join our community HERE and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and more great content. Connect With Us: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Every day, entrepreneurs all over the world roll out of bed and say: Hello, Chaos. And more often than not, we’re having that conversation in our own heads. It’s time to crack the dialogue wide open. Hello Chaos is a weekly podcast dedicated to entrepreneurs and founders, published every Sunday. It is another platform brought to you by OrangeWIP. It is a megaphone and round table created specifically to welcome bright, stubborn, visionary minds to a conversation founders have been craving. Here, founders have permission to vent—or be vulnerable. To bring the wildest ideas. Their greatest obstacles. And find a national sounding board for solutions. Here, we want founders show off—or allow them to speak their truth. To meet challenges head-on. To make hyper-local community connections. And share “aha!” and “oh shit” moments. Welcome to Hello Chaos. Founders, it's time to unmute yourself.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Sutton
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Orange Wip
  • Show Website
    Hello Chaos