Zero To 5000

ZeroTo5000
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Zero To 5000

We interview the founders of America’s fastest growing companies and share habits, rituals, mindsets, lessons, and tactics that help them be the best, and lead some of the best organizations in America.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Rebuilding a Failing Law Firm: Lessons from Derek Martin

    In this episode of Zero to 5000, host Drew McClure sits down with Derek Martin, co-founder of Driver Defense Team, a Chicago-based criminal defense law firm specializing in DUIs, traffic tickets, and other criminal cases. Since taking over a failing firm eight years ago, Derek has grown it into a thriving business with 25 employees and national recognition, landing on the Inc 5000 list for two consecutive years. Derek shares the highs and lows of his journey, from taking over a defunct firm to implementing transformative strategies like radical transparency, weekly scorecard meetings, and EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). He reveals how focusing on a niche and delivering exceptional client service has not only helped the firm stand out but also turned challenges into opportunities. This inspiring conversation dives into leadership, scaling a service-based business, and the power of delivering more than just a service—delivering an experience. Key Takeaways: Transparency Builds Trust: Weekly scorecard meetings and openness about the firm’s financial status helped Derek win over employees and rebuild morale after acquiring the business. Customer Experience as a Growth Driver: Derek’s shift to providing "white-glove" client service—proactive communication and regular updates—transformed Driver Defense Team into a law firm of one in a crowded market. The Power of Niching: By focusing solely on DUIs and traffic cases, Derek has positioned the firm as a market leader, avoiding the trap of being a jack-of-all-trades. EOS for Scaling: Implementing the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System gave the firm structure and efficiency, making it easier to manage and scale. Leadership Evolution: Derek highlights the importance of hiring smarter people, delegating responsibility, and stepping back to focus on managing the business rather than working in it. Notable Quotes: “You don't know what you don't know. EOS and mastermind groups were game-changers for my mindset and operations.” "People won't remember the outcome of their case, but they'll always remember how you made them feel." "When you provide exceptional service, you stop competing on price and start competing on value." "Our firm’s growth isn’t just about great legal work. It’s about being proactive, transparent, and exceeding expectations."

    34 min

  2. DEC 10

    Building a Venture-Backed Company with Casted CEO Adam Patarino

    In this episode, Drew McClure sits down with Adam Patarino, CEO and Co-Founder of Casted, a media repurposing platform for B2B marketers. Adam shares the origin story of Casted, highlighting its roots in the High Alpha Venture Studio and the company’s growth during the digital boom of the pandemic. He provides insights into the transformative power of podcasting for businesses, emphasizing its ability to build trust, extend brand reach, and create lasting value through repurposed content. The discussion dives deep into leadership, psychological safety, and the importance of vulnerability in building high-performing teams. Adam also reflects on his personal journey through anxiety, his exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and the importance of fostering creativity. Packed with actionable advice for leaders, small business owners, and aspiring podcasters, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and human connection. 🌟 Key Takeaways: Podcasting as a Business Asset: Podcasts build trust, showcase expertise, and humanize brands. Repurposing content from podcasts can fuel newsletters, social posts, and SEO strategies. Leadership & Vulnerability: Transparency with investors and teams fosters trust and long-term collaboration. Sharing failures and asking for help can build stronger, more cohesive teams. Psychological Safety: Discussing and modeling psychological safety leads to a more open and productive work culture. Personal Growth: Creativity outside of work can help leaders manage stress and find fulfillment. Therapy and techniques like IFS can enhance self-awareness and emotional resilience. 🗨️ Notable Quotes: “A podcast gives your brand a voice—literally—and builds trust in a way other mediums can’t.” – Adam Patarino “Vulnerability in leadership isn't a weakness; it’s a strength that invites support and connection.” – Adam Patarino “Changing routines, even small ones, can retrain your brain and make transitions easier.” – Adam Patarino

    49 min

  3. DEC 3

    Empowering Women: The Story Behind pH-D Feminine Health

    In this episode of the Zero to 5000 podcast, Drew McClure chats with Deeannah Seymour, CEO and Co-Founder of pH-D Feminine Health, one of the leading feminine care brands in North America. Deeannah shares how her personal health struggles and pharmaceutical background led her to develop holistic, science-backed solutions for feminine health issues, starting with boric acid suppositories. Despite early challenges, including self-doubt and navigating an unfamiliar retail landscape, Deeannah and her team built a category-leading brand available in over 50,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada. The conversation delves into the grit required to scale a bootstrapped business, the cultural and operational strategies that sustained their growth, and the profound impact of their products on women’s lives. Deeannah also highlights the importance of trust, effective partnerships, and staying true to one’s mission. Key Takeaways: Solving a Personal Need Can Spark Innovation: Deeannah's journey began with finding a solution for her own feminine health challenges, leading to the creation of a widely impactful product. Bootstrapping Success: Without external funding, pH-D Feminine Health grew into a $35M company by fostering strong banking relationships and managing cash flow strategically. The Power of Reviews: Early sales on Amazon flourished, propelled by women’s enthusiastic reviews describing life-changing experiences. Building the Right Team: Investing in talented, culturally aligned employees was critical for scaling operations and sustaining momentum. Entrepreneurial Leap: Taking risks and trusting her gut allowed Deeannah to transition from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship. Retail vs. E-commerce: Balancing retail partnerships and online platforms is crucial for optimizing revenue streams. Notable Quotes: “Sometimes we have to be made really uncomfortable in our comfortable situations to make a change.” “Every centimeter of shelf space in retail equals dollar signs—if you don’t perform, you’re out.” “Life isn’t happening to you; it’s happening for you.”   📸 Follow Deeannah and pH-D: Instagram: @phdfemininehealth Facebook: pH-D Feminine Health LinkedIn: Deeannah Seymour

    50 min

  4. NOV 26

    The Future of Schools: Design, Culture, and Impact with Kay Twelve Co-Founder Kevin Stoller

    On this episode of Zero to 5000 with host Drew McClure, Kevin Stoller, co-founder of Kay-Twelve, shares his journey from traditional business beginnings to transforming over 700,000 students' learning environments. Kay-Twelve, a Michigan-based company, is a leader in designing active learning spaces, and its mission has landed the company on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. Kevin delves into the pivotal moment that changed Kay-Twelve’s trajectory from merely selling school furniture to driving cultural shifts in education. He also introduces his nonprofit, Second Class Foundation, and its docuseries, What We Show Them, which seeks to ignite conversations about reshaping education through compelling storytelling. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of scaling a mission-driven business, the importance of designing engaging classroom spaces, and how tools like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) have helped Kevin build a successful, scalable organization. Key Takeaways Kay Twelve’s Evolution Started as a school furniture business but transformed into a mission-driven organization. Focuses on designing flexible, modern spaces that promote active learning and engagement. Transforming Education Traditional classroom models serve a minority of students effectively. Flexible, hands-on learning environments supported by data improve outcomes for students. Scaling with Purpose Kevin leveraged EOS tools like accountability charts and prioritization to grow Kay-Twelve effectively. Community support through organizations like EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) has been key to overcoming challenges. Impact Through Media The docuseries What We Show Them aims to spark national conversations about reimagining education. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to drive societal and cultural change. Personal Reflections Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey highlights the importance of aligning passion with purpose, embracing collaboration, and creating systems for sustainable growth. Notable Quotes “We’re not selling furniture; we’re selling a vision for better learning environments for kids and teachers.” “Traditional classrooms haven’t evolved in over 150 years—it’s time for a cultural shift.” “Entertainment and media have always driven societal change; education is no different.”

    54 min

  5. NOV 19

    Cracking Google’s Algorithm with Search Atlas Founder Manick Bhan

    Welcome back to the 0 to 5000 Podcast! In this episode, hosts Drew McClure sits down with Manick Bhan, Founder and CTO of Search Atlas and a leading voice in SEO innovation. From building eight-figure SEO companies to launching the groundbreaking AutoSEO tool, Manick shares his journey from entrepreneurial struggles to exponential success. Broadcasting from Medellín, Colombia, he dives deep into the secrets of SEO, leadership lessons, and finding purpose in both life and business. 🔑 Key Takeaways The Journey to SEO Mastery Manick’s first tech company taught him the importance of mastering Google’s algorithm, leading to his obsession with SEO. Early struggles with visibility sparked his curiosity to reverse-engineer Google’s search formula, paving the way for Search Atlas. Building Authority Online Backlinks function like "votes of trust" from high-authority sites (e.g., Forbes). Developing scalable systems for backlink building was critical to Search Atlas's rapid growth. Experimentation with real websites and correlation studies helped uncover actionable SEO insights. Entrepreneurial Lessons Growth often requires letting go of distractions: Manick reflected on how early investments in real estate diverted focus from scaling his business. Success is iterative—embrace failure as a teacher, and leverage it to refine strategies. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Mentorship and community are critical for pushing past self-doubt. Manick credited his coach and mastermind groups for unlocking growth and inspiration. The power of themed workdays: Context-switching can be exhausting; dedicating specific days to focused tasks keeps energy high and output consistent. Finding Purpose Beyond Profit Rediscovering meaning in service transformed both Manick and his company culture. Initiatives like team-selected philanthropy fostered deeper connections within his organization. 📢 Notable Quotes "You have to bet on yourself. If you don’t, no one else will." "The sites that link to you are like votes. The better the site, the more those votes count." "Success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about having the courage to keep going when things fall apart." "Themed days saved my energy—one focus, no multitasking. It was a game changer for my productivity." "Purpose comes from service. When I connected my work to helping others, everything clicked."

    52 min

  6. NOV 12

    Accounting and KPIs for Entrepreneurs from Universal Accounting’s Roger Knecht

    In this episode of the 0 to 5000 Podcast, host Drew McClure sits down with Roger Knecht, president and CEO of Universal Accounting Center, to dive into the often-overlooked world of accounting as it pertains to business growth and profitability. Roger shares his journey from communications and sales to becoming a leading figure in accounting education, offering vital insights for business owners on the importance of KPIs, interpreting financial statements, and evolving one’s business model to stay profitable. Roger breaks down common misconceptions business owners have about accounting services, explaining the distinctions between bookkeeping, tax preparation, and CFO-level strategy. He emphasizes the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and leading indicators to foster proactive decision-making that drives growth. Roger also discusses the concept of "necessary endings," shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise when business owners let go of legacy products or services to align with current profitability goals. This episode provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs who want to leverage their accounting knowledge to build a robust, sustainable business. Key Takeaways: KPIs and Leading Indicators: Roger highlights the significance of leading indicators and how tracking them allows business owners to take early action, creating a direct impact on lagging indicators like revenue and profit. Distinguishing Accounting Services: Many business owners misunderstand the services they receive from accountants. Roger explains the differences between bookkeeping, tax preparation, and CFO services, urging owners to know exactly what they are paying for and to seek guidance on strategy rather than mere compliance. The Value of Accounting in Decision-Making: By interpreting balance sheets and income statements effectively, business owners gain insights into trends, seasonality, and opportunities for growth. Roger emphasizes that accounting is the "language of business," essential for sound decision-making. Creating a Culture of Engagement: For those managing teams, Roger shares strategies to inspire employees beyond the 9-to-5 mentality, motivating them to invest creatively in the company’s success. Learning from Failures and Necessary Endings: Roger discusses the hard choices business owners face, like closing divisions that are no longer profitable. This "necessary ending" approach allows companies to refocus resources on high-impact areas. Notable Quotes: "Whatever you measure improves; whatever you measure and report will accelerate the improvement." – Roger Knecht "The language of business is accounting. Think of it like a foreign language—if you’re not fluent, you need a translator to understand what your business is telling you." "How do you get more people to buy more from you, more often? That's the ultimate question for growth." "There’s a difference between being a great accountant and being a great accounting entrepreneur. Running a business takes a different skill set."

    46 min

  7. NOV 5

    Surviving the Startup Roller Coaster: Lauryn Sargent’s Guide to Growth and Pivots | Stories Inc.

    In this engaging episode of Zero to 5000, Drew McClure sits down with Lauryn Sargent, co-founder of Stories Inc., an innovative agency helping companies communicate their culture through employee stories. Lauryn shares her entrepreneurial journey—from winning a business plan competition to growing Stories Inc. into an industry leader in employer branding and recruitment marketing. Lauryn and Drew discuss the pivotal moments, co-founder dynamics, and resilience required to turn vision into reality, with Lauryn emphasizing patience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting your instincts. Listen in as Lauryn offers valuable insights for founders on the importance of meaningful connections, staying true to your mission, and the ever-evolving nature of building a successful business. Key Takeaways: The Power of Partnership: Lauryn explains how finding the right co-founder, Scott Thompson, provided complementary skills and a shared vision that helped Stories Inc. grow and succeed. Pivots and Patience: Lauryn shares how early pivots, including shifting from a family storytelling concept to a business-oriented approach, enabled Stories Inc. to find its niche. Customer-Centric Development: The importance of customer feedback has been integral to Stories Inc.’s development, helping the team continuously improve their processes and products. Entrepreneurial Resilience: Lauryn discusses near-death experiences in business, from market pivots to the challenges brought by COVID-19, and the mindset needed to weather tough times. Expanding the Impact: As Stories Inc. grows, Lauryn shares her insights on scalability, future goals, and the possibility of reaching new audiences while remaining true to their core values. Notable Quotes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” “The weird part is, you don’t really get the clarity you’re looking for until you move.” “Our business was built on the belief that if you make your people profitable, your business will be profitable.” “Some pivots are necessary; others, you just have to be patient and stay the course.” “The perfect time is now. Trust yourself and give it everything you have." Themes: Entrepreneurship Business Growth Employee Stories Startups Partnerships Company Culture Recruitment Marketing Co-founders Resilience in Business Startup Strategy

    1h 4m

  8. OCT 29

    Navigating Business Challenges & Personal Balance with Jim Paolino

    In this episode of the Zero to 5000 podcast, hosts Drew McClure and Jim Paolino dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Jim Paolino, CEO and co-founder of LodeStar Software Solutions. Since its founding in 2013, LodeStar has twice made the Inc. 5000 list, providing essential closing cost data solutions for mortgage lenders across the U.S. Jim shares the keys to LodeStar’s sustained growth and what it took to create Settlewise, LodeStar’s new national title agency. He reflects on early business challenges, revealing his mindset for overcoming obstacles and the advice that kept him focused when success seemed elusive. Jim highlights the role of peer coaching in his business growth, particularly how his involvement in groups like Vistage provided critical feedback that improved his decision-making and company culture. He also discusses personal balance, offering practical insights on balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with family life. As LodeStar enters its next growth phase, Jim reveals his approach to scaling sustainably and fostering a team environment that values feedback, growth, and resilience. Key Takeaways Small Wins Fuel Long-Term Success: In the early years of a startup, the focus should be on survival rather than immediate success. Jim’s advice to “keep the lights on one more day” builds the foundation for sustainable growth. Embracing Peer Coaching: Jim emphasizes the value of coaching and mentorship, highlighting how peer feedback accelerates problem-solving and fosters growth. This practice enabled him to navigate the real challenges of business ownership without burnout. Scaling Sustainably: Balancing growth with operational stability is crucial. Jim advises against scaling too quickly and highlights the benefits of hiring generalists in early stages before bringing in specialists. Work-Life Balance Matters: Entrepreneurs need to protect personal boundaries for mental and emotional health. Jim speaks about managing work pressures alongside family responsibilities, drawing from a key ritual to transition out of work mode to family mode. Intentional Feedback: Both praise and constructive criticism should be routine, making feedback a natural and consistent aspect of team communication, which helps create a more trusting and less defensive work culture. Notable Quotes "The goal in the early stages is just to keep the lights on one more day and give yourself the chance for success." "When we can normalize feedback—both positive and corrective—it becomes less daunting and more productive." "I only question your inputs if your outputs are struggling. Focus on results, not micromanagement." "When you commit to recognizing team achievements as much as problems, it shifts the culture toward trust and growth."

    47 min
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4.9
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About

We interview the founders of America’s fastest growing companies and share habits, rituals, mindsets, lessons, and tactics that help them be the best, and lead some of the best organizations in America.

Information

  • Creator
    ZeroTo5000
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    257
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Mitchell McClure
  • Show Website
    Zero To 5000

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