The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive

Most business owners are told that property and passive investments are the safest way to build wealth. But what if buying the right business — structured and funded properly — could deliver stronger returns, faster cash flow, and greater control? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by commercial finance expert Sidd Bahree to break down how business acquisitions really work and what banks actually look for when funding them. This conversation challenges common assumptions and helps business owners understand how acquisitions can become a powerful wealth‑building strategy. What you’ll learn in this episode: Paul and Sidd also explore why many sellers leave value on the table, how buyers can uncover hidden opportunities, and why realistic forecasting is essential. If you’re considering buying a business — or want to make your current one more valuable — this episode will help you approach acquisitions with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Sidd Bahree is the commercial finance expert, strategic thinker, and the driving force behind Xpress Finance. With a deep passion for helping small to medium-sized business owners grow and thrive, Sidd is all about getting the right funding in place — fast, smart, and stress-free. After more than a decade in the banking world — in roles like Asset Finance Specialist, Small Business Banking Specialist, and Business Development Executive — Sidd knew it was time to shake things up. He’s consulted with over 4,500 businesses across Australia, earning a rock-solid reputation for tailored, no-nonsense finance solutions that actually work. That’s where Xpress Finance comes in. Sidd founded it to raise the bar in commercial broking — offering a fresh, streamlined approach that puts clients first. He’s on a mission to help clients make smarter finance moves, avoid debt traps, and fund their growth with confidence. Contact Sidd at sidd@xpressfinance.com.au LinkedIn www.siddbahreee.com.au www.xpressfinance.com.au Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Many business owners believe their biggest challenges are rising costs, staffing issues, or external market pressures. But what if the real threat to profit, growth, and freedom is something far less visible? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with fractional COO and operations coach Forrest Derr to uncover what they call the accountability gap—a silent drain that can cost businesses up to 30% of their revenue and keep founders trapped in day-to-day decision-making. This conversation is essential listening for any founder who feels indispensable to their business, struggles to step away without constant interruptions, or wants to build a company that can scale, perform, and ultimately exit without depending solely on them. Forrest shares practical, experience-backed insights into how structure, clarity, and self-accountability can transform a founder-dependent operation into a business that truly functions as a system. In this episode, you’ll learn: 5–7 core responsibilitiesoninGet a clear framework for closing the accountability gap in your own business and a better understanding of what it takes to build a company that runs efficiently without burning out the owner. If your phone never stops ringing with internal questions and decisions, this conversation may be the turning point you didn’t know you needed. Forrest Derr is a Fractional COO, integrator, and operations coach committed to helping small and mid-sized business owners regain control, build structure, and scale sustainably. With over 28 years of experience across industries such as tech, SaaS, telecom, construction, and landscaping, Forrest specializes in empowering leadership teams, creating accountability, and freeing overwhelmed founders from day-to-day operations. His career began with hands-on roles in retail and warehousing before rising to executive leadership in tech companies, where he led operations, finance, sales, and marketing. Today, through his firm Derr Consulting, Forrest equips businesses with proven systems, playbooks, and practical tools to align their vision, delegate effectively, and prepare for future growth or exit strategy. www.derrconsulting.com LinkedIn Fixers & Founders Podcast Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

What if your products are great, your website looks professional, and your SEO has been solid for years — yet customers are quietly disappearing? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with e‑commerce growth expert Matthew Stafford to unpack one of the biggest shifts business owners are facing right now: how AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Grok are completely changing how customers discover and decide what to buy. Traditional SEO alone is no longer enough. Customers are increasingly asking AI for answers — and those AI tools are making trusted recommendations without sending people to Google results pages. If your business isn’t visible or “understandable” to these AI engines, you risk losing a significant share of warm, high‑intent traffic. This episode explains what’s changed, why it matters urgently, and what practical steps you can take right now to make sure your products are still being found. What you’ll learn: over half of Google searches now result in no clicksIn a world where customers may never even visit your website before making a purchase decision, this conversation is a wake‑up call — and a roadmap. Matthew shares practical, achievable advice that business owners can start implementing immediately, without waiting for the “next update” or perfect clarity. If you want to protect your visibility, future‑proof your growth, and ensure your business is recommended when customers ask AI for the best option, this episode is essential listening. Matthew Stafford Over the past three decades, Matthew Stafford has been entrepreneurial and successfully building several businesses across various industries, including Concrete, Brick and Mortar Locations, POD, and Software-based ventures. Matthew Stafford, the Managing Partner of Build Grow Scale and an equity owner of some in-house Ecommerce brands, has knowledge and expertise, enabling him to mentor thousands of store owners through paid Ecommerce groups and live events. His experience has also allowed him to help hundreds of ecommerce brands scale past the million-dollar mark - with many hitting the $10 million mark. To top it off, he's been speaking on stages about ecommerce optimization for the past seven years! In fact, before COVID-19, BGS hosted the largest yearly Ecommerce-focused event in North America - BGS LIVE. Book a call www.buildgrowscale.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve built a great product or developed a powerful idea and are thinking about taking it global, one critical question quickly arises: how do you protect your intellectual property internationally without burning through your cash? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with experienced patent attorney Austin Bonderer to demystify international patents and explain how small and medium businesses can protect their ideas, expand globally, and stay competitive — without making costly mistakes. With more than two decades of experience and over 700 issued patents, Austin breaks down complex patent concepts into clear, practical insights. Together, Paul and Austin explore why patents aren’t just for large corporations, how international patent systems actually work, and how business owners can take a strategic, staged approach to protecting their IP while preserving precious start-up capital. What you’ll learn in this episode: Paul and Austin also tackle misconceptions around disclosure, cost, timing, and global enforcement, offering real-world examples that help business owners make smarter, more confident decisions about their intellectual property. Whether you’re preparing to scale globally or simply want to safeguard the ideas you’ve worked so hard to build, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Austin Bonderer is a seasoned patent attorney with over two decades of experience. Austin's impressive portfolio boasts over 700 issued U.S. patents, underscoring his expertise and dedication to the field. Before his distinguished career as a patent attorney, he honed his skills as a U.S. Patent Examiner for the USPTO. Austin's professional journey has also taken him across the globe, enriching his perspective and broadening his knowledge. His extensive experience and international exposure make him a knowledgeable asset in the world of intellectual property. Notably, Austin also led the U.S. Nanotechnology prosecution for a Forbes World 100 company. Today, Austin is the principal at the Law Office of Austin Bonderer, PC, where he specializes in obtaining patents for his clients. His extensive experience and international exposure make him a valuable asset in the world of intellectual property. www.bondererpatents.com/contact-us LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

What does true wealth really mean — and who gets to define it? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth & Wellness, for a powerful conversation that challenges traditional ideas about money, success, and legacy. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur — particularly a woman navigating growth, responsibility, and long‑term planning — this episode will help you rethink how health, wealth, and values intersect, and why aligning all three is essential for sustainable success. In this episode, you’ll learn: legacy planning is about purpose, not just assetsWith decades of experience across wealth management, philanthropy, and women’s leadership, Nancy Griffin offers timeless insights that are more relevant than ever. This episode is a reminder that your life is your greatest asset — and that building wealth without considering health, values, and legacy is an incomplete strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your business journey, this conversation will encourage you to own your life, lead with intention, and create impact that lasts well beyond the balance sheet. Nancy Griffin is a connector and influencer. She attributes her success to personal courage, determination, and joy, when focusing on women’s health and wellness, hence creating Women, Worth & Wellness®. Nancy enjoys every opportunity to inspire and inform women about their personal health and wealth, net worth and self-worth, philanthropy and legacy—so that women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and on top of their game every day. Nancy Griffin established Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor for her female clients and their families. Nancy continues to promote and inspire Daring & Caring Leaders, encouraging them to step up and lead in the world, following in the footsteps from many other powerful Women Leaders in the past. Nancy’s overall purpose is to connect and influence for positive impact every chance she gets. LinkedIn www.womenworthwellness.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Most business owners open LinkedIn with a sense of dread. Cold pitches, generic messages, and wasted time have led many to believe the platform simply doesn’t work. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by LinkedIn expert John Nemo to challenge that belief and reveal how LinkedIn can become a powerful, predictable source of genuine business opportunities — without posting content every day or chasing the algorithm. John shares the simple, proven framework he’s used since 2012 to build a seven-figure business almost entirely through LinkedIn. This conversation cuts through the noise and shows business owners how to stop using LinkedIn like an online CV and start using it as a practical lead‑generation tool that actually delivers results. In this episode, you’ll learn: If you’ve been unsure how to use LinkedIn effectively, or you’ve felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this episode provides clarity and a refreshingly simple approach. It’s a must‑listen for any business owner who wants better conversations, better leads, and better outcomes from LinkedIn — without adding more complexity to their day. John Nemo is a bestselling LinkedIn Author & Trainer who has been featured by The New York Times, LinkedIn's official marketing blog, Social Media Examiner, Entrepreneur on Fire, Inc. Magazine, Huffington Post, Business Insider and many others. He runs Nemo Media Group, which provides “Done For You” LinkedIn Lead Generation for Small Business Owners, Business Coaches and Consultants. LinkedIn Get a free copy (audiobook or digital version) of John's Bestselling Book "LinkedIn Riches" online at www.nemomediagroup.com Listen to John's Podcast "Nemo Radio" online at www.nemoradio.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

In a digital world where it’s easier than ever to create and distribute content, many business owners and creators are unknowingly losing value from the assets they’ve already built. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Paul Goldman, Founder and CEO of Muserk, to explore how hidden value slips through the cracks — and how technology can help recover it. Using the music industry as a case study, the conversation reveals why protecting and properly managing creative assets is now a critical business skill, not just a legal concern. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: This episode highlights a powerful truth: value creation doesn’t end once the work is done. Through insights from the global music industry, Paul Goldman shows how clear agreements, accurate data, and the smart use of technology can transform overlooked assets into long‑term value. The lessons extend well beyond music, offering business owners a fresh perspective on protecting what they’ve built and uncovering opportunities already within reach. Paul Goldman is the Founder and CEO of Muserk, a global digital rights management company dedicated to ensuring music and video creators are properly compensated in today’s fast‑moving digital economy. Through Muserk’s patented Blue Matter™ AI platform, Paul has helped uncover millions in lost royalties by enabling accurate, large‑scale rights administration across streaming platforms, social media, and digital services worldwide. Since its launch, Muserk has grown to represent over 20 million works across 98 countries and has been recognised multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list and is one of America’s fastest‑growing private companies. Before founding Muserk, Paul spent decades as an award‑winning composer, producer, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he built a successful career in New York City creating music, sound design, and visual content for film, television, advertising, and major global brands. His discovery that significant international royalties from his own work were never being collected led him to build Muserk with a clear mission: to create a transparent, technology‑driven system that empowers creators, protects intellectual property, and ensures artists are paid fairly wherever their work is used. www.muserk.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Is it possible to build wealth and freedom without quitting your day job or sacrificing your family life? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney is joined by Billy Keels, former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, to explore a smarter path to generational wealth. If you’re a high‑performing professional who feels stuck on the corporate treadmill but unsure how to create freedom without blowing everything up, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a proven alternative. In this episode, you’ll learn: If you’re successful on paper but craving more control over your time and life, this episode offers a practical place to start. Billy Keels is an expert executive coach, best-selling author, and host of the top-ranked "Going Long Podcast with Billy Keels”. As an internationally renowned business strategist, Billy boasts over two decades of experience leading global teams generating over $500 million as a top sales leader at SAP and working alongside household names like Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Ken Chenault, John Chambers and more. Through his podcast and national best-seller "Grow Your Money the Smart Way," Billy shares strategic and actionable advice on how to make your corporate role optional. Whether founding a private equity firm raising over $12.5 million with Accredited Investors or advising Fortune 500 clients, Billy draws on his experience from working in over 80 countries. Based in Barcelona, Billy Keels is the go-to Strategic Advisor for enterprise-level executives who want to excel in their careers while safely and securely building an additional stream of predictable income so that their jobs become optional. He has worked with leaders from industry titans like SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and Microsoft on multiplying their options from within their current role. Fluent in five languages, he has spoken at prestigious venues worldwide on his approach for unlocking new professional and personal opportunities. Billy's mission is helping mid 6 & 7 figure executives achieve extraordinary career growth without requiring a change in employment. He provides a blueprint for excelling in your career, leveraging your transferable skills, and building your business on the side. Accomplish this while maintaining your current career’s security and stability! LinkedIn www.billykeels.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

What would actually happen if you injected $250,000 into your business tomorrow—would it create real value, or disappear into unfocused spending? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rodrigo Rodriguez-Novás to tackle one of the most common (and costly) challenges facing founders and business owners: the gap between big ideas and disciplined execution. If you’ve ever felt confident in your vision but uncertain about where to invest time, money, or people, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward. Rodrigo is the founder and CEO of NORDES Consulting, a former global finance leader, business school professor, and author of The CFO Myth. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across finance and operations, he introduces his practical CPR Framework—Core, Priorities, and Resources—a simple but powerful way to stop building your business backwards and start allocating resources where they actually create value. Throughout the episode, Rodrigo explains why raising money is often easier than using it wisely, and how many businesses fail not from lack of capital, but from poor spending discipline. He unpacks the idea of “building backwards,” where founders focus on shiny tools, roles, or growth initiatives before validating the core problem they are solving. You’ll also hear why responsible spending culture matters at every level of a business, why not every company needs a CFO (yet), and how treating company money with the same care as your own can dramatically improve sustainability. This is a grounded, common-sense conversation about slowing down to grow stronger—perfect for business owners who want to turn vision into execution without burning cash or momentum. Rodrigo Rodríguez-Novás is the Founder and CEO of NORDES Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in financial leadership, operational efficiency and M&A execution. With more than 20 years of global experience in finance, operations, and executive leadership, he brings a sharp, strategic mindset to every challenge—paired with the steady focus of a former competitive freediver. Rodrigo holds an MBA from EGADE Business School and has pursued advanced studies at The London School of Economics, Wharton, and the University for Peace. A certified Project Management Professional, author, entrepreneur and business school professor, Rodrigo is passionate about building resilient businesses, leading with purpose, and helping others navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. LinkedIn www.cfomyth.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’re a business owner thinking about private equity, growth, or an eventual exit, this episode could save you years of stress — and potentially millions of dollars. Most founders only learn how private equity really works after they’ve signed a term sheet, when it’s often too late to negotiate from a position of strength. Paul Sweeney is joined by Alexis Sikorsky, founder of KnightScale Partners and a former CEO who successfully scaled and sold his own software company in a $100M+ private equity exit. You'll learn: beforeThis conversation is an essential listen for founders approaching the $5–15 million revenue mark, feeling stuck at a growth plateau, or wondering whether private equity is the right exit path for them. It’s a practical, honest look at how to prepare your business, protect your interests, and make informed decisions about your next chapter. Alexis Sikorsky is a strategic advisor to founders who are serious about scaling fast and exiting strong. With a nine-figure private equity exit under his belt, Alexis isn’t speaking from theory—he’s lived the entrepreneurial highs and lows across decades of company building, boardroom negotiation, and international leadership. His flagship book Cashing Out lays out the APEX methodology, a four-part framework (Assess, Plan, Execute, Exit) that demystifies the journey to private equity for founders feeling stuck or overwhelmed by growth and decision fatigue. Alexis founded, scaled, and sold New Access, a Switzerland-based software company, ultimately closing a $100M+ exit and transitioning into a new chapter as a Special Advisor to ambitious CEOs. Today, through Sikorsky Consulting and KnightScale Partners, he works with growth-stage businesses, typically doing $5M+ in annual revenue, who want to engineer their next chapter or PE exit. A straight-talking alternative to cookie-cutter coaches, Alexis is often referred to as "The CEO Whisperer" for his candid insight and ability to diagnose issues in minutes. He supports leaders who are weighed down by their own business, helping them build vision, unlock cash flow, and scale toward freedom. He's also on a mission to serve founders priced out of one-to-one consulting through his mastermind programs, offering a rare blend of lived experience and practical strategy. LinkedIn www.asikorsky.com www.knightscalepartners.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

What happens when you want to grow your business—but you refuse to lose its heart in the process? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Nuttha Goutier, founder of Sabai Thai Spa, to explore how small business owners can scale, franchise, and systemise without sacrificing values, culture, or authenticity. If you’re worried that growth might dilute what makes your business special, this conversation offers both reassurance and a practical roadmap. Nuttha shares her remarkable journey from growing up in rural Thailand—where wellness, community, and natural healing were part of everyday life—to building an award-winning spa franchise in Canada. She explains how her early experiences shaped a deeply human-centred approach to business, one focused on care, consistency, simplicity, and genuine connection rather than transactions. Throughout the conversation, Nuttha breaks down how she translated “heart” into systems—developing repeatable customer and staff journeys that preserve culture at scale. She explains how Sabai Thai Spa trains teams, selects franchise partners, adapts across cultures and generations, and maintains a deeply personal customer experience across multiple locations. This episode is a powerful reminder that systems don’t have to make businesses cold—and that franchising can be a force for connection, purpose, and impact when done intentionally. For founders considering expansion, franchising, or simply wanting to build a more meaningful business, Nuttha’s story offers inspiration and practical insight grounded in real-world experience. Nuttha Goutier Growing up in a Thai village without running water or electricity, Nuttha Goutier saw healing as part of life, not a luxury. Days spent gathering herbs with local healers and learning from her grandmother taught her that wellness was about community, presence, and simple daily practices. When she moved to Canada, she was struck by how spas often felt sterile, rushed, and focused on transactions instead of connection. She dreamed of creating a space where guests felt welcomed like family, somewhere that could bring the sensory richness of Thai hospitality to a new place. Nuttha opened Sabai Thai Spa to offer guests more than a service: from warm greetings to calming scents, every element was chosen to help people slow down and feel cared for. The immediate response from the community confirmed the need for a spa that offered genuine warmth. Over nearly two decades, she has expanded Sabai Thai Spa into a franchise recognized for its immersive Thai-inspired environments and consistently attentive service. Through franchising, Nuttha aims to make wellness a regular part of life for more people, helping communities embrace massage and self-care as everyday practices rather than rare indulgences. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that taking care of ourselves helps us be better in every role, from parenting to work to simply showing up for ourselves. www.sabaithai.com LinkedIn Instagram Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Most business owners don’t start their companies dreaming of 80-hour weeks, missed family milestones, and being trapped as the bottleneck — yet that’s exactly where many end up. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who feels time-poor, overworked, or guilty about trading family moments for business growth. You’ll learn how to reclaim 10–20 hours per week, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and build systems that support both your business and your life. Instead of sacrificing personal priorities for revenue, you’ll discover how both can grow together. In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and business mentor George Rivera, who went from grinding 80-hour weeks and running a $20M company as a single-point bottleneck, to creating a true “father-first” operating system that enabled him to scale to $50M while only working ~30 hours/week. George shares the deeply personal story that shaped his mission — from his father missing nearly all his childhood basketball games, to a powerful final promise during his father’s terminal illness: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” Through that lens, George explains how he redesigned his business and now teaches other owners to do the same. You’ll learn: Whether you’re a parent who feels torn between business and family or a founder who’s simply drowning in tasks, this episode offers a blend of emotional insight and practical frameworks. It’s a conversation about systems, delegation, leadership — but also legacy. George Rivera helps 7, 8, and 9-figure founders buy back 10-20 hours a week and scale profits, without becoming the bottleneck. He’s the creator of the Father-First Owner OS and author of Buy Back Time Formula. George watched his dad miss his games and later regret it, and he gave George one piece of advice: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” After grinding through 80-hour weeks, George rebuilt his companies to run without the founder using three levers, people who own outcomes, systems that create consistency, and AI that multiplies efficiency... the core of his $10K/Hour Filter. On this show he’ll share how to end key-person dependency, delegate outcomes (not tasks), and pass the Two-Week Vacation Test, because no one on their deathbed says, “I’m glad I skipped my kid’s game for a client meeting.” www.buybacktimeformulat.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever wondered why digital transformation projects fail or felt unsure about what “disruption” actually means, this episode brings much-needed clarity. You’ll learn the difference between digitalisation, transformation, and disruption — and how each impacts your business differently. Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Juan Jose “J.J.” de la Torre, CEO of Raven and author of the award-winning book Transformation Designed. J.J. explains why more than 80% of transformation efforts fail, why starting with technology is the wrong approach, and how a design-led mindset puts customer needs and value creation first. He also shares real examples of how companies reinvent industries by removing friction instead of adding more tools. Whether you’re trying to improve systems, rethink your business model, or understand how AI fits into the picture, this conversation gives you a practical lens for making change stick — without wasting time or money. Juan Jose de la Torre A world leader in digital businesses, disruption, and digital transformation, Juan Jose (J.J.) de la Torre is an expert in the areas of strategy, innovation, and all things digital. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top eighteen digital transformation leaders and a top five digital marketing influencer. J.J. holds an MBA from INSEAD, a master’s degree from La Salle, and an industrial engineering degree from Adolfo Ibanez. J.J. is a senior executive with decades of experience across the globe. Following his return to his home country, Chile, after twenty years of a successful international career, J.J. joined Virtus Partners as a senior partner. At Virtus, J.J. led the organization’s digital endeavors, which turned into Raven, a unique consulting boutique solely focused on business disruption and acceleration. As Raven’s CEO, J.J. pools strategy, design, technology, and analytics to help clients across industries embrace digital enablers and technologies. He has founded and successfully traded three start-ups and is also an angel investor for fourteen start-ups, a mentor for more than 150 companies, and the founder of the first information and communications technology incubator in Saudi Arabia as well as the first 360 accelerator in the Middle East. He has even advised the United Nations and has delivered more than two hundred keynotes on entrepreneurship, gaining recognition from Forbes, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and more. A father of three and a loving husband to his wife, Maria, J.J. is a former professional DJ and now music composer, a PADI diving instructor, and a mountain bike and golf aficionado. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and adventure sports. www.jjdelatorre.co Get J.J.'s book Transformation. Designed. www.raven.inc/en LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to grow and scale a business without compromising on the values it was founded on, this episode will give you the blueprint. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how PLNT Burger has expanded rapidly in a highly competitive industry—while staying firmly rooted in its purpose of creating joyful, sustainable, inclusive food experiences. Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with consistency, or feeling pressure to drift away from your mission, this episode shows you how to scale with integrity, empower your team, and make smarter decisions under pressure. In this inspiring interview, Chris Treloar—CEO of PLNT Burger—shares the origins of the brand, why mission-driven food businesses are gaining momentum, and how his team used unexpected disruption (including COVID) as an opportunity to grow. He talks openly about leadership, staying humble, learning from mistakes, and giving teams the autonomy they need to deliver exceptional customer experiences. You’ll also hear how Chris builds scalable systems, why he believes in “yes-first” business thinking, and how PLNT Burger educates customers about their environmental impact in a fun, non-intrusive way. If you’re a small or medium business owner looking for practical, values-aligned strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Chris Treloar has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of. www.plntburger.com Instagram LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gives you the roadmap to enter a market worth over $700 billion annually. Paul Sweeney is joined by Eric Coffie, founder of GovCon Giants, bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in US federal procurement. Eric breaks down why the US government actively seeks overseas vendors, which industries are in highest demand, and how small business owners can leverage their agility, responsiveness, and lower overheads to outperform major corporations. You’ll also hear practical advice on using AI and government platforms like SAM.gov to find opportunities, how to prepare before a tender is released, and why mindset—not resources—is the biggest obstacle for most business owners. If your business sells anything—goods, services, trades, logistics, tech, professional expertise—there may be a US government contract waiting for you. This episode shows you exactly where to start. Eric Coffie is the Founder and CEO of GovCon Giants, an education and consulting firm helping small and minority-owned businesses enter the US federal contracting space. He build his career in government construction, where his company, Evankoff Construction, secured millions in federal contracts. Today, Eric leads GovCon Giants in providing training, mentorship, and resources for businesses pursing govenrment contracts. His clients have collectively secured tens of millions in federal awards, and his work is grounded in real-world experience collaborating with agencies, small business programs, and prime contractors. Outside of work, Eric is known for his approachable, no-nonsense style and for sharing lessons from his personal journey in business. He's passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and navigate government contracting with confidence. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook www.govcongiants.org www.sam.gov Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now building a global community supporting creative entrepreneurs. In this episode, Joel shares how business owners can evolve from “doing everything themselves” to leading a business that is visible, sustainable, connected, and profitable. You’ll discover how learning the fundamentals of business, building the right relationships, and shifting from isolation to community can be the catalyst for long-term success. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, trade business, or service provider—the principles Joel shares can transform how you operate and grow. You'll learn: artThis episode is filled with wisdom, real-world experience, and actionable insights for any entrepreneur ready to stop hiding in the shadows and start building a business that’s truly seen, valued, and in demand. Joel Pilger helps creative studios and production companies — typically generating $1–10M in annual revenue — master the art of the business so they can attract better clients, command bigger budgets, and build the studio of the future. For 20 years, Joel helmed Impossible Pictures until exit. Now, through Joel's ecosystem of accelerators, community, and connections, he guides hundreds of studios worldwide — names like Sarofsky, STATE, Laundry, Giant Ant, Polyester, Kill 2 Birds, and Antfood — and many more on the rise. No theories. No consultants. No wannabes. Just real-world experience from one who has built, scaled, and sold a studio… and now helps others do the same. Is your studio future ready? Take the quiz Try the 14-day free trial: Forum free trial LinkedIn www.joelpilger.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life. In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both sides of the table — acquiring more than 50 businesses for private equity firms before switching focus to helping owners maximise their sale value. Cameron reveals the key factors buyers look for, the most costly mistakes sellers make, and what you should start doing now, even if selling feels years away. You’ll learn: Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want a stronger, more resilient business, this episode will reshape how you think about value — and what it takes to unlock it. Cameron Bishop is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving exceptional growth and transformation across diverse industries. He began his career in publishing, culminating in his leadership of Intertec Publishing, where he scaled the company from a small business to a $400 million enterprise with a global footprint. Subsequently, he co-founded Ascend Media, a high-growth media company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to build successful organizations from the ground up. Beyond his corporate successes, Cameron has dedicated himself to advising and mentoring business owners. His experience spans various roles, including CEO of SkillPath Seminars, where he spearheaded a company-wide transformation, and his work with Capitus, guiding businesses through strategic transitions and maximizing their value. Cameron is passionate about empowering business leaders to achieve their full potential and continues to leverage his deep expertise to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success. www.raincatcher.com LinkedIn Instagram X YouTube Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending? In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, or growth. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or trying to improve margins, this episode will help you recognise the difference between cutting costs and optimising them. Michael shares practical strategies including how to: hidden inefficienciesListeners will walk away with a clearer, more confident approach to costs—one that strengthens operational discipline and business value rather than weakening it. Michael Haskell is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow smarter and faster. He’s taken companies public and now serves as the managing partner of Navitas Consulting, a firm that helps businesses scale by placing top finance talent - remotely and cost-effectively. Michael has worked across New Zealand, Singapore, and the U.S., and is passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and impactful. He’s also a dynamic speaker who shares real-world advice on growth strategy, cost management, and leadership. LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your mess into meaningful insights that help you grow. In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Sonya Corkery from Clear Plans Consulting—an expert in business systems, operations and strategic planning. Sonya shares why business owners become overwhelmed with data and systems, the biggest risks of messy or outdated information, and the powerful role data plays in decision-making and long-term planning. She breaks down what “cleaning up your business” really means—from choosing the right software to setting up systems properly, creating meaningful dashboards, and using both data and intuition to steer your business forward. Sonya also explains the importance of engaging specialists, building a strong advisory team, and structuring your operations so you can scale safely and profitably. Whether you’re a sole trader, a fast-growing trade business, or a larger organisation managing complex projects, you’ll walk away with clear steps to regain control, reduce stress, and set your business up for sustainable success. Get the Profit First book here – Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Sonya Corkery has worked in business operations and data management for many years, and offers listeners practical solutions to streamline their business operations and achieve their goals. Sonya offers actionable strategies to 'clean up' their businesses and gain clarity on their trajectories. She is a business owner, wife, and mother that helps to empower fellow business owners to take control of their enterprises and design the lives they desire. www.clearplanconsulting.com.au Get 1:1 support cleaning up and understanding the overall health of your business. De-code your business health in 20 minutes with a friendly obligation-free chat. LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers. Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapping growth — from hiring his first employees and scrambling to meet payrolls to mastering sales, building systems, and creating sustainable growth without debt or shortcuts. He breaks down the mindset shifts every business owner must make to move from doing all the work themselves to building a team that drives the business forward. Listeners will learn: Whether you’re running a service business or building a start-up, Bryan’s insights on leadership, growth, and resilience will inspire you to think bigger — and execute smarter. Bryan Clayton has been recognised as one of Inc. Magazine's "Top Entrepreneurs" and has built GreenPal to over 300,000 customers and $30 million a year in revenue. He is a serial entrepreneur with 22 years of experience in the lawn, landscaping, and garden industry. Before GreenPal, he built Peachtree Inc. to over $10 million a year before selling it. Bryan is a thought leader in the green industry, often sharing his insights through various media outlets and speaking engagements. www.yourgreenpal.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram