At The End Of The Day

Chris Raimo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Fire In Me Aspiring Entrepreneur Community shares and reveals the mindset, technique, resources, and discipline required to become an successful entrepreneur. Whether creating something from scratch, buying, or franchising, you will learn how to break through the barriers to startup. Whatever your challenges, Chris and his entrepreneur guests discuss all the REAL things about  small business to help you gain the confidence you need to break through into entrepreneurship for the first time.

Episodes

  1. What Can Entrepreneurship Learn from Military Leadership with Janet Polach?

    Jun 8

    What Can Entrepreneurship Learn from Military Leadership with Janet Polach?

    What separates great leaders from overwhelmed managers? Why do some businesses thrive while others struggle with burnout, turnover, and stalled growth? And what can entrepreneurs learn from someone who spent 20 years leading in the United States Marine Corps? In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Janet Polach, leadership strategist, executive coach, Marine Corps veteran, and founder of In the Lead. Drawing from her experience in the military, global consulting, and entrepreneurship, Janet shares practical lessons on leadership, delegation, decision-making, and building organizations that can grow beyond their founders. Whether you're leading a team, starting a business, or navigating uncertainty, this conversation offers valuable insights on becoming a stronger and more strategic leader. What You Will Learn in This Episode  How military leadership principles apply to entrepreneurship  Why leaders often become the bottleneck in their own businesses  The hidden cost of the "I alone can fix it" mindset  How to delegate effectively and empower your team  Why employee engagement starts with leadership  How economic uncertainty impacts business decisions  Why AI is creating new challenges for leaders  The realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of resilience  How to build a support system that helps you succeed  Why strategic thinking becomes more important as businesses grow.Key Takeaways  Great leaders focus on a few critical priorities rather than trying to do everything  Delegation is essential for growth and long-term sustainability  Employee retention often starts with effective leadership  Services-based businesses can be easier to launch than product-based businesses  Entrepreneurship can be lonely, making support systems essential  Strategic leaders spend more time thinking ahead than reacting to problems  Success requires both discipline and adaptability .About Janet Polach Janet Polach is a retired Marine Corps officer, executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of In the Lead. After earning her PhD in Organizational Development and working with a global consulting firm in China, she launched her own consulting practice, helping hundreds of organizations worldwide improve leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and business performance. Drawing on her military leadership experience and decades of consulting work, Janet helps organizations reduce turnover, strengthen leadership teams, and create cultures where people and profits can thrive. Known for her no-nonsense yet lighthearted approach, she delivers practical strategies that create lasting results for leaders at every level. She is also the author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset. Connect with Janet Polach  Website: https://janetpolach.com/ Email: janet@janetpollock.com Free Strategic Leadership Assessment and chapter download available on her website.If this episode changed the way you think about leadership and entrepreneurship, share it with a fellow entrepreneur, manager, or aspiring business owner. Follow At the End of the Day for more conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders who share the lessons they've learned building successful businesses and meaningful lives. Connect with Chris Raimo on LinkedIn:  Chris Raimo Follow the podcast on LinkedIn:  At the End of the Day Podcast LinkedIn Page Subscribe, follow, and share the podcast to help more aspiring entrepreneurs learn from leaders who have built, scaled, and sustained successful businesses.

    41 min
  2. Are You Letting Fear Delay Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

    Apr 30

    Are You Letting Fear Delay Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

    What if fear is the only thing standing between you and starting your business Are you waiting until you feel confident enough  Or is that fear quietly keeping you stuck where you are In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Leesa Blankert, founder of LAB Online Agency, to talk about what really holds people back from starting their entrepreneurial journey. From layoffs to building her own agency, Leesa shares honest insights on fear, taking action, and why starting before you feel ready is often the only way forward. What You Will Learn in This Episode  How fear shows up when starting a business  Why most people delay their entrepreneurial journey  How Leesa transitioned from traditional work into entrepreneurship  The reality of building a digital agency from scratch  The role of AI in business and why fundamentals still matter  Why human connection remains a competitive advantage  How community and networking can accelerate your growth  Why rejection is part of the process and not something to fear About Leesa Blankert Leesa Blankert is the founder of LAB Online Agency with a background in marketing and psychology. She works with small business owners to build effective marketing campaigns across web development, SEO, PPC, and digital strategy Her journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by unexpected challenges, career shifts, and the decision to move forward despite uncertainty. Connect with Leesa  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labagency.online/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesa-blankert-7b1bb789/If this episode helped you rethink what is holding you back share it with someone who is ready to start but still hesitating  Follow the podcast for more real conversations about entrepreneurship and leave a review to help more people discover the show.

    47 min
  3. Are you waiting until you feel fully ready before starting your business?

    Apr 23

    Are you waiting until you feel fully ready before starting your business?

    What if that moment never comes  And what if taking action before you feel ready is actually the advantage In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Nathan Turner to break down what it really takes to start and grow a business. From franchising to house flipping to note investing, Nathan shares how taking action without having everything figured out led to real results. What You Will Learn in This Episode  Why most people wait too long before starting their entrepreneurial journey  How Nathan transitioned from teaching into entrepreneurship  Lessons from franchising, real estate, and note investing  Why running the numbers is critical before making decisions  The reality of failure and how it shapes long term success  How to evaluate business opportunities with clarity  The importance of setting boundaries while working from home  Why you do not need to know everything to get started About Nathan Turner Nathan Turner is an experienced mortgage note investor and the founder of Earnest Investing, where he helps investors generate passive income through note investing. His journey includes owning Curves franchises, flipping houses, and building a business focused on buying and selling residential mortgages across the United States He is also the host of The Real Estate Notes Show and the organizer of the Diversified Mortgage Expo, where investors and experts come together to learn and build connections. onnect with Nathan  Website: https://earnestinvesting.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-turner-a9a1b510  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.turner.35110

    39 min
  4. Are You Building a Business That Gives You Freedom or One That Traps You?

    Apr 17

    Are You Building a Business That Gives You Freedom or One That Traps You?

    Did you start your business for freedom but now feel more stuck than ever Why do so many entrepreneurs end up working more instead of less  And what if the problem is not your effort but how your business is structured In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Jason McKenzie, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Boise Web and the Zora Business Movement, to unpack one of the biggest hidden challenges in entrepreneurship Jason shares powerful insights from years of coaching business owners and his own journey of building, struggling, and rebuilding businesses that actually support your life instead of controlling it. What You Will Learn in This Episode  Why so many entrepreneurs unknowingly build businesses that trap them  The mindset shift needed to move from overwhelmed to in control  The 10 percent rule and how delegation unlocks growth  How to hand off responsibilities without losing control of your business  Why your business will never outgrow you without systems  The difference between task management and time management  How ADHD can be a strength in entrepreneurship  Why redefining success is key to building a business you actually enjoy Key Takeaways  Freedom in business requires structure not just effort  Delegation is essential if you want to scale your time and impact  Your business reflects your mindset and personal growth  Success should be defined by your life not just your revenue  Small consistent steps create long term progress  Entrepreneurship is one of the most intense forms of personal development About Jason McKenzie Jason McKenzie is an author, dynamic speaker, and entrepreneur known for his high energy and story driven approach to business. As one of 17 siblings, his journey has shaped his resilience and perspective on growth and leadership. He is the founder of Boise WEB, the Grazora Business Movement, and the Small Business Big Visibility Podcast. Jason has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs simplify business growth, take actionable steps, and build businesses they genuinely enjoy rather than ones that trap them. Connect with Jason McKenzie  Website: https://www.jason-mckenzie.com/  Podcast: https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallBusinessBigVisibility  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.mckenzie.3745 If this episode made you rethink how you are building your business share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it  Follow the podcast for more real conversations about entrepreneurship and leave a review to help more people discover the show

    41 min
  5. Are You Ignoring Burnout in Entrepreneurship? How to Honor Your Natural Cycles and Build a Sustainable Business

    Apr 9

    Are You Ignoring Burnout in Entrepreneurship? How to Honor Your Natural Cycles and Build a Sustainable Business

    What if burnout is not something to push through but a signal you are ignoring Why do so many entrepreneurs keep going until they crash  And what would happen if you built your business around your energy instead of fighting it In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Anni Eza, co founder of Seeds of Bliss, to explore a different approach to entrepreneurship rooted in healing, awareness, and honoring your natural cycles. With over 10000 healing sessions and more than 15 years of experience, Anni shares powerful insights on burnout, the nervous system, and why rest may be the missing piece to sustainable success. What You Will Learn in This Episode  Why burnout happens even to high performing entrepreneurs  The role of the nervous system in business growth and decision making  How overstimulation and constant consumption affect your productivity  Anni’s simple 3 2 1 rule for better rest and recovery  Why rest is not a weakness but a strategy for higher performance  How honoring your natural cycles can increase creativity and clarity  The truth about accountability and taking ownership of your life  Why outsourcing what drains you can unlock exponential productivity Key Takeaways  Burnout is a signal not a failure  You cannot operate in constant high performance cycles forever  Rest creates clarity creativity and better decision making  Sustainable businesses are built around energy not hustle  Your best ideas often come when you are not working  Bringing your full humanity into business is the new paradigmAbout Anni Eza Anni Eza is a catalyst for transformation, master healer, ego death doula, teacher, and co founder of Seeds of Bliss. With over 10000 healing sessions and certifications in more than ten modalities, she created Awakening the Seeds, a transformational process that guides people to reconnect with who they are beneath fear, conditioning, and survival patterns. Her work exists in the space between light and darkness, helping individuals embrace both with awareness and skill. Through her journey, Anni has come to understand that her sensitivity and depth were never a burden, but a gift that allows her to support others in healing, leadership, creativity, and personal evolution. Connect with Anni  Website: https://seedsofbliss.life/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeds.of.bliss  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeds.of.bliss/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SeedsofBliss  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seeds.of.bliss If this episode shifted your perspective on burnout and productivity, share it with someone who needs this reminder.  Follow the podcast for more honest conversations about entrepreneurship and leave a review to help more people discover the show.

    28 min
  6. Can You Build a Successful Entrepreneurship Journey While Running Two Businesses at Once?

    Apr 3

    Can You Build a Successful Entrepreneurship Journey While Running Two Businesses at Once?

    What does it really take to leave your 9–5 and bet on yourself? Are you ready for the pressure, the uncertainty and the 3AM doubts no one talks about?  And can you actually scale two businesses at the same time without burning out? In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Darren Tompkins, founder and CEO of Vader-Rey Companies, to break down the real journey of entrepreneurship, from leaving stable employment to building multiple ventures from the ground up. Darren shares the unfiltered truth behind scaling teams, accessing global talent, navigating failures, and why mindset and structure matter more than most entrepreneurs realize. What You’ll Learn in This Episode  How to transition from a stable job into full-time entrepreneurship  Why setting a “no turning back” date is critical for success  The reality of scaling teams using global talent and remote professionals  How to build a business that goes beyond transactional recruiting  The importance of leadership, delegation, and trust when growing a team  Why most entrepreneurs struggle with the emotional side of the journey  Lessons learned from building multiple businesses at the same time  How to stay focused without getting distracted by competitorsAbout Darren Tompkins Darren Tompkins is the founder and CEO of Vader-Rey Companies, a global recruiting and workforce solutions firm helping businesses scale through elite engineering, recruiting, and remote professionals. With years of experience in recruiting and business development, Darren built Vader-Rey to challenge traditional hiring models and replace them with strategic talent partnerships. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling teams, and the future of work, frequently sharing insights to help businesses grow through smarter hiring and global talent access. Connect with Darren  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-tompkins-21b86814/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaderreycompanies/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ If this episode gave you a new perspective on entrepreneurship, share it with someone building their own business.  Follow the podcast for more real conversations about what it actually takes to grow, and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

    34 min
  7. Is Entrepreneurship Harder for Introverts? How to Network with Purpose and Confidence

    Mar 26

    Is Entrepreneurship Harder for Introverts? How to Network with Purpose and Confidence

    Do you feel like networking just isn’t “you”? Do you struggle to talk about your business without feeling awkward or salesy? What if confidence in entrepreneurship isn’t about being louder, but being more aligned? In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Angela Schalow, founder of SWAN (Strong Women Arise Network), to explore how introverts can thrive in entrepreneurship by leaning into authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection. Angela shares how she transformed her own challenges with networking into a powerful framework that helps women communicate their value, build real relationships, and grow sustainable businesses with confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why introversion is actually a strength in entrepreneurship  How to network with purpose instead of pressure  The key to crafting a compelling value proposition  Why authenticity builds trust and attracts the right opportunities  How fear shows up in business (and how to move through it)  The truth about launching before you feel ready  How to build a network that supports your long-term successKey Takeaways  Introverts succeed by being intentional, not louder  Confidence comes from clarity, not personality type  Networking is about connection, not performance  Fear often hides behind overthinking and hesitation  Your authenticity is your biggest business advantage  The right community can change everything in your journey About Angela Schalow Angela Schalow is the founder of SWAN (Strong Women Arise Network), a community dedicated to helping women grow through education, connection, and inspiration. She specializes in Networking with Purpose and Confidence, teaching women how to communicate authentically, craft strong value propositions, and build relationships that lead to real opportunities. Her practical and approachable strategies empower women to avoid early-stage business mistakes, build confidence, and create strong foundations for long-term success. Connect with Angela & SWAN  Website: www.swansuccess.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-schalow  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenAriseNetwork SWAN Facebook Groups:  West Michigan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swanwestmichigan/  Lansing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swanlansing/  Kalamazoo: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swankalamazoo/ If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s building their business and needs this reminder.  Follow the podcast for more real conversations about entrepreneurship, and leave a review to help more people discover the show.

    36 min
  8. Why Do So Many Entrepreneurs Struggle Despite Working Hard with Sean Atkinson

    Mar 19

    Why Do So Many Entrepreneurs Struggle Despite Working Hard with Sean Atkinson

    Why do so many entrepreneurs work hard but still feel stuck? What if the problem is not effort, but misunderstanding the rules of the game? And how often are founders solving the wrong problems without even realizing it? In this episode of At the End of the Day, Chris Raimo sits down with Sean Atkinson to unpack the real reason many entrepreneurs struggle. Sean shares how situational awareness, understanding constraints, and working backwards from your definition of success can completely change how you build and grow a business. What You Will Learn Why effort alone does not guarantee success in entrepreneurshipHow to identify the hidden constraints holding your business backThe importance of understanding the rules and gatekeepers in your industryWhy many founders solve the wrong problemsHow to transition from corporate to entrepreneurship strategicallyThe role of milestones in tracking progress and maintaining alignmentWhy support systems matter more than most entrepreneurs realizeHow to avoid the validation trap that keeps businesses stuckKey Takeaways Hard work without clarity leads to frustration, not resultsUnderstanding your business environment is key to making better decisionsStrategy starts with defining what success actually looks like for youFailure is part of the process and provides valuable dataA strong foundation allows you to grow without constantly starting overAbout Sean Atkinson Sean Atkinson is a Business Strategy Architect with over 40 years of experience across brand, agency, publishing, and ad tech. He helps founders develop situational awareness around their businesses by identifying hidden constraints, blind spots, and structural challenges so they can stop solving the wrong problems and start making clearer strategic decisions. Connect with Sean Atkinson Website  https://seanmatkinson.com/link-tree/ LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-atkinson-b854152/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to At the End of the Day Podcast, leave a review, and share it with an entrepreneur who is working hard but needs more clarity. New episodes drop every Thursday featuring real conversations on entrepreneurship, growth, and building something that lasts.

    46 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

The Fire In Me Aspiring Entrepreneur Community shares and reveals the mindset, technique, resources, and discipline required to become an successful entrepreneur. Whether creating something from scratch, buying, or franchising, you will learn how to break through the barriers to startup. Whatever your challenges, Chris and his entrepreneur guests discuss all the REAL things about  small business to help you gain the confidence you need to break through into entrepreneurship for the first time.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Raimo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 At The End Of The Day