Eric Crews is the Founder and CEO of Crews & co., a management consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses increase revenue, profitability, and salable value. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, he is an EOS Implementer®, helping companies implement a business operating system into their organizations. In 2021, Eric launched the Growth Method℠, a proprietary business operating system designed to propel companies to new heights. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of CE Painting, one of New England's largest commercial painting businesses.

Scaling a business is no easy feat. Many entrepreneurs hit roadblocks that stall growth, drain resources, or create inefficiencies. Whether it’s financial missteps, leadership blind spots, or an unclear strategy, these challenges can quickly derail even the most promising ventures. So what separates companies that scale successfully from those that struggle to grow?

According to Eric Crews, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist, sustainable scaling starts with financial clarity and strategic alignment. He highlights the importance of setting a three-year vision tied directly to financial planning, ensuring that every decision contributes to long-term growth. By leveraging OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), companies can align priorities from leadership to frontline employees, creating accountability and momentum. Without these foundational elements, Eric warns, businesses risk wasting resources on ineffective initiatives or hiring the wrong talent, both costly mistakes that can stunt growth.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Eric Crews, Founder and CEO of Crews & co., to discuss the key principles of scaling a company while avoiding common pitfalls. Eric explains how to build a financial framework that supports expansion, the role of OKRs in driving alignment, and the biggest hiring mistakes that hinder growth. He also shares insights on structuring businesses for long-term profitability and exit potential.

Jonathan (Jon) Bunten is the Co-founder and CEO of RecorGroup, a consumer goods brokerage agency that connects consumer goods manufacturers with retailers. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Finance from The College of Idaho and has a diverse background in finance, trade marketing, and sales with major manufacturers like Smuckers. Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Jon served 14 years in the US Army, where he honed his leadership skills as a finance and contracting officer. In 2024, he also co-founded Big Delta Capital, which focuses on empowering women with the tools, education, and opportunities to become financially active and build generational wealth.

Many companies struggle with delivering the level of service that fosters long-term success, often cutting corners to boost short-term profits. So, what does it take to create a business that not only grows but sustains success through exceptional client service?

According to Jon Bunten, a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of business growth, the key lies in prioritizing relationships over transactions. He highlights how many large brokerage firms, despite their size, fail to provide the attention and service their clients truly need. Instead of following the traditional industry model, Jon built a company focused on white-glove service, personalized solutions, and a people-first culture. This client-centric approach has driven double-digit growth year after year, proving that when businesses focus on delivering real value, success follows.

In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Jon Bunten, Co-founder and CEO of RecorGroup, to discuss how prioritizing client service helped him build a thriving brokerage business. They explore how Jon’s military background shaped his leadership style, why he saw a huge gap in the industry, and how he turned that insight into a fast-growing business. Jon also shares how self-reflection and personal growth played a pivotal role in his journey to success.

Roger Einstoss is the Co-founder and CEO of Braintly, a company that connects US businesses with top engineering talent from Latin America. With over 12 years of experience in tech talent acquisition, he has helped companies like Volkswagen and T-Mobile build remote engineering teams. Roger specializes in bridging the gap between businesses and skilled developers, offering solutions in staff augmentation and agile team management.

The tech talent gap is a growing challenge for businesses worldwide, with many struggling to find skilled engineers who align with their company culture. As demand for software developers surges, companies are searching for efficient and cost-effective ways to scale their teams. Could the key to solving this problem lie in Latin America’s booming engineering talent pool?

According to Roger Einstoss, a seasoned entrepreneur specializing in tech talent acquisition, Latin America offers a unique combination of skilled engineers, cost efficiency, and cultural alignment that makes it an ideal destination for US companies. He highlights how businesses often underestimate the complexity of hiring and vetting engineers, especially when working across borders. By bridging this gap, companies can not only find exceptional talent but also create more diverse and innovative teams that thrive in today’s global market.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Roger Einstoss, Co-founder and CEO of Braintly, to discuss how US businesses can build remote engineering teams with Latin American talent. Roger shares the biggest mistakes companies make when hiring technical talent and Braintly’s approach to vetting engineers. He also gives insight into fostering a strong remote work culture and maintaining high performance in distributed teams.

Nick A. (Ollie) Olivero is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Boxcar Theatre, a production company specializing in immersive and interactive theater experiences. He is also the creator of The Speakeasy, a long-running 1920s-themed immersive show in San Francisco, and has produced over 60 live experiences, including magic shows and haunted houses. With over 25 years of experience in theater, Ollie has raised millions of dollars in funding, built large-scale productions, and expanded into venue management and corporate events.

Attendance is declining in traditional theater, and immersive experiences are emerging as the new frontier. What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar immersive theater business that keeps people coming back?

Visionary immersive theater creator Nick A. (Ollie) Olivero says that engagement comes from blending artistic innovation with business strategy. While immersive theater can be a powerful experience, it must also be commercially viable to survive. Ollie’s journey began with small experimental productions and evolved into large-scale, interactive experiences like The Speakeasy, which required a $2.5 million venue build-out and $1.5 million in fundraising. He maintains that understanding audience psychology, creating memorable real-world experiences, and adapting through challenges have been critical to sustaining and growing his business.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Nick A. (Ollie) Olivero, Co-Founder & Executive Director at Boxcar Theatre, to discuss how he built a thriving immersive theater business. He shares how he built The Speakeasy, the strategy behind turning theater into a sustainable business model, and how he successfully raised funding for large-scale productions.

Devin Koch is the Founder and Chairman of Teamswell, a company specializing in nearshoring talent solutions to help businesses scale by hiring skilled professionals in nearby time zones. He is also the CEO of Oasis Broadband, a provider of wireless internet services for rural and underserved communities. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, Devin has built and managed technology, consulting, and telecommunications businesses, focusing on innovative solutions and customer-centric operations.

Remote and nearshore talent solutions are becoming a lifeline for companies looking to scale. Businesses must navigate the complexities of hiring, onboarding, and managing a global team, so how do you transform the outsourcing model into a seamless extension of your company?

According to Devin Koch, an entrepreneur with decades of experience building businesses from scratch, the key lies in prioritizing both talent and infrastructure. He highlights that successful nearshoring depends on identifying skilled professionals who align with your company culture and providing them with the tools, training, and incentives to thrive. By focusing on employee satisfaction and creating a supportive environment, businesses can overcome common pitfalls, such as high turnover and inconsistent performance, while reaping the benefits of cost savings and operational efficiency.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran speaks with Devin Koch, Founder and Chairman of Teamswell, to discuss how nearshoring talent solutions have transformed modern businesses. Devin shares lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey, strategies he used to build a scalable and effective nearshore team, and the impact of creating meaningful employee experiences.

Eric Evans is the CEO of HyperTarget Marketing, a performance marketing agency specializing in generating leads for industry sectors such as legal, insurance, and financial services. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of Pipes.AI, an AI-powered sales engagement platform that automates and optimizes lead follow-up processes. With a background in performance marketing and technology development, Eric builds innovative solutions that transform how businesses connect with customers to drive conversions.

Lead generation and customer engagement techniques are evolving faster than ever, with technology transforming how businesses connect with potential clients. In an age where speed and personalization are critical, how can companies ensure they’re reaching the right people at the right time — and converting them into loyal customers?

According to Eric Evans, customer acquisition and AI technology leader, the key lies in leveraging AI-driven systems that combine speed, precision, and automation. He highlights that businesses often lose valuable leads due to delayed follow-ups or inefficient processes. AI-powered platforms like Pipes.AI can solve this by streamlining lead nurturing through automated SMS, calls, and voicemails. By integrating smart technology into their workflows, companies can enhance lead conversion rates while creating a seamless and effective customer journey.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz meets with Eric Evans, CEO of HyperTarget Marketing and Co-founder and CEO of Pipes.AI, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing lead generation and customer engagement. They dive into the importance of "speed to lead," the power of automation to simplify workflows, and how personalized follow-ups can turn prospects into long-term clients.

Dan Gramann is the Co-founder of Cultivate Advisors, a business growth advisory firm that helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses, increase profitability, and prepare for eventual exits. Under his leadership, Cultivate Advisors has grown to work with businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, across diverse industries. With experience launching and leading hundreds of franchises across industries, Dan has supported thousands of entrepreneurs in achieving measurable growth through tailored advisory strategies.

What does it take to build an agile business that can capitalize on future opportunities? From scaling operations to preparing for a potential sale, how can entrepreneurs position their businesses for sustainable growth?

According to Dan Gramann, a seasoned entrepreneur and advisor, building a scalable and sellable business starts with mastering the fundamentals: clear systems, strong leadership, and a focus on measurable growth. He highlights the importance of defining precise processes for sales, marketing, and talent acquisition and creating systems that ensure long-term profitability. Dan also recommends aligning operations with long-term goals, ensuring the business can function independently of its owner and stand out to potential buyers.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Dan Gramann, Co-founder of Cultivate Advisors, to discuss how entrepreneurs can create scalable and sellable businesses. They talk about the key components of a successful business growth strategy, the importance of aligning leadership and talent, and tools for entrepreneurs to measure and improve their business’ health.

Jim Lutz is the Founder and President of Vaya Adventures, a company specializing in tailor-made travel experiences to destinations around the world. After starting his career as a lawyer, Jim transitioned into entrepreneurship, combining his passion for travel and deep knowledge of Latin America to build a thriving business. Since its founding in 2004, Vaya Adventures has expanded to offer custom itineraries across South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond, focusing on creating meaningful and personalized journeys for travelers.

Building a business around your passion may sound like a dream, but the journey is often filled with challenges and unexpected detours. Is it possible to turn your passion into a thriving global enterprise while navigating obstacles like economic downturns and a pandemic?

According to Jim Lutz, a passionate traveler turned entrepreneur, success is possible, and it starts with a genuine connection to your vision. He explains that leveraging his own travel experiences and knowledge of Latin America helped him identify a niche and create personalized, high-quality trips that resonate with clients. By staying true to his passion while learning to adapt to market changes during uncertain times, he grew his business steadily. Jim emphasizes that building a thriving enterprise also requires surrounding yourself with the right team and remaining focused on the value you provide to customers.

In this episode, John Corcoran is joined by Jim Lutz, Founder and President of Vaya Adventures, to discuss his journey from practicing law to becoming a travel industry entrepreneur. Jim shares how he transformed his love for travel into a successful global business, the role adaptability played in overcoming challenges, and the strategies he used to expand into international markets.