Inventive Journey | The Startup Rollercoaster 🎢

When Jacob Dean looks back on his career, the through-line isn’t a straight path — it’s a steady climb built on curiosity, discipline, and the courage to rethink what success should look like. Raised in Northeast Ohio in a family of educators, Jacob grew up with a traditional definition of stability: find a good job, work hard, and build a dependable life. Entrepreneurship wasn’t part of the conversation. Yet over time, Jacob discovered that he was drawn to something bigger — the intersection of law, business, and strategy. After majoring in finance, Jacob chose law school at a time when the economy was uncertain and job prospects were slim. But that step opened the door to a series of defining opportunities: working in the tax department at Procter & Gamble, clerking for the U.S. Tax Court, completing an LLM at Georgetown, and gaining meaningful experience in both law firm and in-house roles. Each chapter gave him new layers of expertise — tax structure, corporate operations, nonprofit compliance, and business management. Despite the steady progression, something deeper was brewing. Jacob realized that what energized him most wasn’t just the practice of law — it was understanding how businesses run, how decisions get made, and how structure shapes success. He enjoyed the legal work, but he felt most at home thinking like an operator and strategist. Then came a turning point: turning 40. Instead of seeing it as a crisis, Jacob treated it as a moment of reflection — a chance to pause long enough to ask, What do I want the next decade to look like? The answer was clear: it was time to build something of his own. With support from family and colleagues, Jacob made the leap into entrepreneurship and launched his own firm. Unlike many attorneys who see the business side as a distraction, Jacob embraces it. He believes law firms should operate like true businesses — strategic, structured, and growth-minded — rather than relying on outdated norms or reactive hiring. His combined experience in tax and corporate law gives him a unique ability to help founders avoid pitfalls and build with intention. In this episode of The Inventive Journey, Jacob shares the decisions that shaped him, the pressure he once felt to take opportunities out of fear, and the mindset shift that now guides his career. He talks openly about learning to trust himself, redefining what a “successful” legal career looks like, and why entrepreneurship still excites him every day. His advice for new founders is refreshingly simple: get good help. Whether you’re forming a company, raising capital, managing risk, or planning for growth, trying to do everything alone can cost far more than it saves. Good advisors, good structure, and good decision-making create the runway that businesses need to thrive. Jacob’s story isn’t just about leaving a job — it’s about stepping into a role he was already preparing for through every chapter of his career. It’s a reminder that experience compounds, reflection matters, and it’s never too late to build a business on your own terms.

Discover how entrepreneur Jon Stamell built a multimillion-dollar agency, consulted CEOs, and now leads AI innovation to uncover the motivations behind customer behavior. From Detroit to global trade shows to pioneering psychographic AI, Jon’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, curiosity, and strategic thinking. ⭐ Learn the biggest mistakes he made, the insights he gained, and his best advice for today’s founders.

In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devin Miller interviews Kristie Jones, a sales strategist who turned her early experiences in athletics, hospitality, and SaaS leadership into a consultancy helping startups build strong sales foundations. Kristie shares why waiting tables taught her more about sales than any corporate role, how she navigated multiple reorganizations, why startups mis-hire so often, and how AI is transforming go-to-market strategy forever. Perfect for founders, sales leaders, and anyone building a modern revenue engine.

🎙️ Overcoming Trauma Through Art — Lisa Lappi In this deeply moving episode, artist and creative storyteller Lisa Lappi opens up about losing her father at 17, navigating grief and addiction, rebuilding her life through creativity, raising a family through military deployments, and becoming an award-winning artist. Lisa discusses trauma, recovery, education, military family life, and the power of art to help rebuild identity. A powerful and emotional journey filled with resilience, reflection, and reinvention.

✨ Creative Roots to Fractional CMO — Denine Harper In this Inventive Journey episode, Devin Miller talks with Denine Harper about her unusual and inspiring career path. From early motherhood to 3D animation, Manhattan agency life, the .com boom and crash, and the shift into brand marketing and fractional CMO work — Denine’s story is packed with lessons on resilience and reinvention. Great for founders, creatives, and anyone navigating a career pivot. 🎙️ Tune in for practical insights, inspiration, and real talk about building a creative career in a changing digital world.

🚀 In this Inventive Journey episode, Richard Turcott walks us through his path from Liberal Arts major to seasoned marketer, dot-com operator, CMO, and now small-business consultant. Learn how clarity, fundamentals, and internal collaboration shaped his career—and why he now empowers small businesses through Collaborative Growth Partners. 🌟 Topics include marketing fundamentals, clarity of customer, startup experiences, big mistakes, leadership lessons, and scaling with limited resources. 🌐 Connect with Richard at collaborativegrowthpartners.com 🎙️ Want to be a guest? inventiveunicorn.com ⚖️ Need patents or trademarks? strategymeeting.com

🎙️ From broadcast dreams to corporate healthcare to a purpose-driven agency, Jaime Ellithorpe shares how mindset, marketing, and intentional systems built a reliable LinkedIn pipeline. ✨ Highlights: quitting without “the moment,” finishing one system, side-hustler strategies, and her Triple-M framework. 🔗 Guest: 540strategies.com • jaimeellithorpe.com ➡️ Be a guest: inventiveunicorn.com 🛠️ Patents & trademarks: strategymeeting.com

🎙️ Join Devin Miller on The Inventive Journey as he chats with Jeremy Ames, a former teacher-turned-real-estate-entrepreneur who discovered success through adaptability, mentorship, and self-awareness. 👨‍🏫 From Teaching to Entrepreneurship:Jeremy began his career path in education, but quickly realized the classroom wasn’t where his long-term passion lay. After navigating early uncertainty, he transitioned into the restaurant industry—an environment that tested his leadership, problem-solving, and business instincts. 🏠 The Leap into Real Estate: A key conversation with a mentor inspired Jeremy to explore real estate investing. Through hands-on experience with an investment group, he learned the ropes and recognized untapped opportunities in retirement account-based property investments. 💡 Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs: ✨ Embrace self-awareness—know when to pivot. ✨ Leverage mentors for real-world learning. ✨ Stay flexible when plans change. ✨ Build confidence through action, not perfection. 📈 The Takeaway: Jeremy’s story is a blueprint for anyone questioning their current career path or wondering if it’s too late to start something new. His journey proves that with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to evolve, new opportunities are always within reach. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Jeremy turned uncertainty into a thriving real estate career—and how you can apply his principles to your own entrepreneurial path.

🚀 Meet Dianne D. Campbell, a powerhouse who transitioned from decades in corporate tech sales with Fortune 50 companies to founding her own business,Your Productivity Pros. 🎓 Her JourneyDianne’s career began at Long Beach State University, where she earned her degree in business and marketing. After discovering her passion for connecting people and solutions, she pursued a career in sales — eventually becoming a key player during major waves of tech transformation. 💼 From Corporate to CreatorAfter years of helping top companies thrive, Dianne recognized a pivotal truth: longevity in corporate life often has an expiration date. Over 50 and ready for her next challenge, she leveraged her experience, resilience, and insight to build a company helping small businesses streamline processes and uncover hidden profit. 🔁 Pivots and PersistenceLaunching a startup came with rapid learning curves — three major pivots in less than a year. Each iteration refined her business focus as she learned from market shifts, client feedback, and the ever-changing landscape for small businesses. 📈 Her MissionToday, Dianne helps small businesses grow smarter by documenting processes, optimizing SOPs, and building systems that scale. She believes in helping founders “fall in love with structure” — because structure unlocks profit. 💬 Key Insights from Dianne’s Journey: ✨ Keep moving forward even when uncertain. ✨ Trust instincts — red flags matter. ✨ Great opportunities still require due diligence. ✨ Tenacity beats talent if you don’t stop. ✨ A shiny offer means nothing without a solid foundation. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎯 Why sales is one of the best business skill sets. 📊 How to turn corporate expertise into entrepreneurial independence. 🧠 Why SOPs and process design drive small business profitability. 🔥 How to keep adapting even when you think you’ve “figured it out.” 🌐 Connect with Dianne: 🔗 Website: yourproductivityprosp.com 💼 LinkedIn: Dianne D. Campbell

In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devin Miller talks withDarrin Wurz, a former high school science teacher who transitioned into the world of finance and became a trusted advisor to law firm owners. Darrin shares how his early passion for education and curiosity led him from teaching ninth-grade biology in Cincinnati, Ohio, to building a successful financial advisory business that serves attorneys nationwide. After years in the classroom, Darrin faced burnout and began seeking a new challenge—one that would allow him to help others, apply his analytical mind, and build something lasting. He went back to school, earned a degree in finance, and—without a client base—put a sign in his front yard. Through networking, marketing experimentation, and persistence, he slowly built a thriving practice. His firm grew through authentic relationships and strategic positioning, eventually niching down to serve law firms. Today, Darrin’s clients rely on him not just for numbers but for insight, growth strategy, and financial mentorship. Darrin also discusses writing his first book, launching his own podcast, and the ongoing process of refining his business model to meet professional clients’ needs. Listeners will gain valuable insights on career transitions, business growth, and the power of niching down. 🎙️ Topics Covered: If you’ve ever considered reinventing your career or are looking to scale your professional service business, Darrin’s story offers clear, practical wisdom on how to make that leap confidently.

Avy Schondorf’s inventive journey is one of adaptability, insight, and purpose. From social services and nonprofit fundraising in Israel to founding a U.S.-based virtual assistant agency, Avy’s story illustrates how resilience and systems thinking can turn disruption into innovation. After relocating from Israel to the U.S. just before COVID-19, Avy transformed uncertainty into opportunity by identifying a powerful niche: supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs through Alisto, her specialized virtual assistant agency. In this conversation, Avy unpacks lessons on leadership, adaptability, self-awareness, and how to build a business that serves a community’s unique needs. Discover why structure is essential for creativity, how systems free people to focus on impact, and why charging for your value is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a startup founder, service provider, or lifelong learner, this episode will change how you think about growth, neurodiversity, and business design.

Annie Davis’ career began far from boardrooms and tech startups — it started at IKEA and McDonald’s. In this episode of The Inventive Journey, host Devon Miller sits down with Annie to explore how her bold move from Reno to Utah on a whim evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial career. Annie shares how she learned to lead teams across borders, embrace remote collaboration long before it was mainstream, and grow from project manager to CEO in a digital development firm. Her story is one of fearless adaptability, pragmatic leadership, and turning challenges into streamlined systems — including her “one-touch” policy for productivity that helped her scale a web business efficiently. Listeners will gain insights into: If you’re a startup founder or small business owner ready to refine your operations and culture, Annie’s practical journey will resonate.

Be motivated to truly understand what you’re getting into, because in the beginning, all the focus will be on you. If it’s something you’re passionate about—something you genuinely care for and love doing—make sure you have a clear understanding of what that journey involves.

My single, non-negotiable rule is simple: listen more than you speak. Equally important for anyone entering business is to understand that government is typically not an ally. Speaking from years of experience buying and selling a wide range of businesses — car washes, gas stations, convenience stores, development and operating companies, trucking firms, woodworking shops, and more — I’ve found government involvement often creates friction for entrepreneurs. Its focus tends to be on compliance and oversight, not on fostering individual business success.

I’ve learned that businesses rise and fall with people, not spreadsheets. When I started with a couple of partners, those relationships proved invaluable—mentorships, the right connections, the right centers of influence. You can’t figure it all out on your own. There’s a saying: nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. That applies to both your internal team and external partners. If you want to build something lasting, you need to show genuine care—not just impress people with numbers or how smart you are.

Many startup CEOs and entrepreneurs often get stuck on their first idea, treating it like their baby. They hold onto it for too long, draining resources and relationships instead of adapting. The key is to listen to the market and your customers—they’ll guide you in the right direction. Pivoting or iterating isn’t failure, even if it feels that way at first. It’s simply a shift in mindset toward growth.

Forget about having a traditional work-life balance. I’ve heard this echoed by many other startups and small business owners, and even a few well-known entrepreneurs. Personally, I set boundaries on only a handful of things—like my birthday and Christmas—but beyond that, most of my “social life” happens at conferences or networking events. I often work weekends, and it’s not unusual for me to be up working until 3 a.m. The night-owl side of me, probably the astrophysicist in me, makes that routine feel almost natural.

A key rule of thumb is to test as much as possible before officially launching. Market research can be tricky—asking people “Would you come if I opened an Italian restaurant here?” doesn’t always give reliable answers. But for certain types of businesses, especially low-cost ones like cleaning services, you can start small and validate demand right away. Go out, find a few clients, and talk directly to potential customers. Many businesses allow you to do this kind of groundwork, reducing risk before you fully commit to launching.

If you’re starting a business for the first time, one of the most important steps is to carefully decide what kind of product or service you want to offer. Take the time to really think it through and brainstorm your ideas thoroughly.Many people see an opportunity and jump in right away without proper preparation. They often don’t fully understand why they are selling a particular product or offering a certain service. This lack of clarity can lead to problems later on.That’s why the most crucial step is to deeply consider what you’re offering, why you’re offering it, and how it will provide value to others before you move forward.

If you're just starting a startup or small business, the most important thing—based on my experience and those I've worked with—is to focus entirely on your product or service. Whether you're offering a service, selling a physical item, or building a SaaS platform, make sure it's something people genuinely want. Then, identify exactly who those people are. Spend 99% of your time refining your product or service and understanding your target audience.