The EO Visionary Voices Podcast

Hosted by Brent W. Peterson

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Jun 2026

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I'm Brent Peterson from the Minnesota chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization, and I believe every entrepreneur's journey is a marathon worth sharing. EO Visionary Voices brings you raw, honest conversations with founders who understand that building a business isn't about the sprint—it's about strategic endurance. Each episode, I sit down with EO members, startup founders, and seasoned Entrepreneurs who've learned that success comes from preparation, persistence, and the willingness to adjust mid-race. We dig into the pivots that changed everything, the mistakes that taught the most, and how these leaders use frameworks like EOS to turn complexity into clarity. You'll hear stories about balancing growth with purpose, leveraging peer learning, and building companies that can go the distance. Because entrepreneurship isn't just about crossing the finish line—it's about how you run the race. Whether you're starting mile one or approaching mile twenty-six, these conversations will give you the insights and inspiration to keep moving forward. After all, we're all in this ultramarathon together. Welcome to EO Visionary Voices—where entrepreneurs share the strategies that matter most.

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June 9, 2026Episode 9127 min

Tech as a Force for Good, Merging Brands, and Leading with Purpose with Sheryle Gillihan

In this episode of EO Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Sheryle Gillihan, CEO and owner of CauseLabs, a web agency that has been leveraging technology as a force for good since 2003. Sheryle shares how she and her husband merged their agencies, chose to keep the more established brand, and navigated the unique challenges of being partners in both business and life.Sheryle dives into the world of CauseLabs, explaining how they go beyond typical web development to serve as true strategic partners for nonprofits and social impact organizations. She shares a compelling story about guiding a nonprofit away from building the wrong product — reminding us that building the right thing matters far more than just building something fast.The conversation shifts to the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), where Sheryle has served in multiple board roles and is stepping into the presidency of EO Fort Worth. She talks about the transformative power of forum, the importance of slowing down for genuine self-reflection, and why EO shouldn't remain "the best kept secret." Sheryle's vision for her chapter includes elevating the member experience and growing brand awareness in the Fort Worth community.Brent and Sheryle also bond over the joys and struggles of working with a spouse, setting boundaries between business and personal life, and the entrepreneurial instinct to turn everything into a business opportunity. They discuss the value of EO's global events — from GLC in Hawaii to regional conferences — and how those connections with entrepreneurs around the world create lasting friendships and growth.Whether you're a business owner considering EO, a nonprofit leader thinking about your next tech investment, or an entrepreneur navigating a partnership with your spouse, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom.Learn more about Sheryle and her work:🔗 CauseLabs: https://www.causelabs.com🔗 Sheryle's Personal Site: https://www.sherylegillihan.com🔗 EO Fort Worth: https://www.eofortworth.orgChapters:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Sheryle Gillihan02:00 – Passion for Tech as a Force for Good02:40 – The Dad Joke Break03:11 – Working with Your Spouse: Highs & Lows05:09 – Code Words & Setting Boundaries06:24 – Merging Brands: Choosing the Right Name08:49 – What Drew Sheryle to EO11:09 – The Power of Forum & Intentional Reflection14:32 – Growing Through EO: GLC, Regional Events & Global Connections18:11 – Serving on the EO Board & Upcoming Presidency21:09 – Making EO Known in the Community25:06 – CauseLabs: Strategic Partners, Not Just Developers28:05 – The 90% vs. 100% Rule for Tech Investment29:05 – Shameless Plugs & Closing Thoughts

May 11, 2026Episode 9026 min

From Exit Strategy to Life Strategy: Lessons in Scaling, Leverage, and Giving Back with Troy Hoffman

In this episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with serial entrepreneur Troy Hoffman, who currently works across roughly 40 companies and is the driving force behind FNDRS — a platform dedicated to helping founders scale, exit, and re-enter with purpose.Troy opens up about the stages most entrepreneurs go through — from the early hustle of building systems, teams, and processes, to the often-overlooked "exit prep" phase that can make or break your financial future. He breaks down the three pillars he teaches at FNDRS: the businessman, the business plan, and the exit promised land. Troy explains why your estate plan, tax plan, team plan, company plan, and re-entry plan all need to be in alignment long before you sign a deal — and why most founders are dangerously underprepared when it comes time to sell.Drawing from hard-won experience and wisdom from fellow entrepreneurs — including a conversation with a founder who owns a home on Richard Branson's Mosquito Island — Troy shares the top mistakes entrepreneurs make after exiting: jumping into real estate, investing in too many companies, and failing to give themselves permission to rest. He's candid about his own missteps and how ego can silently hold any entrepreneur back from growth.The conversation goes deeper than business. Troy talks about the importance of energy, clarity, and continuous learning. He shares how Warren Buffett's discipline of reading three hours a day inspired his own habits, and how he's adapted his learning style around a traumatic brain injury he sustained as a child. He advocates for trusting your intuition, investing in coaching across every area of life — from business to marriage — and architecting a schedule that balances body, being, balance, and business.Brent and Troy also explore the tension between the "40-hour work year" philosophy and the 120-hour work week mentality championed by founders like Elon Musk. Troy's take? It's about leverage. The goal isn't to work less for the sake of it — it's to become so leveraged that your company grows without you, making it exponentially more valuable and sellable.At its core, this episode is about living with intention. Troy's passion for serving others — from building a youth church of 800 kids as a young man, to supporting a children's hospital in Kenya, to pouring into the next generation of founders — shines through every answer. His message is clear: entrepreneurs are society's innovators, and when we support them holistically, everybody wins.If you're an entrepreneur thinking about your next chapter — whether that's scaling, exiting, or figuring out what comes after — this conversation is for you.Follow Troy Hoffman on Youtube: ⁨@troyhoffman837⁩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoffmantroy/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/troy-hoffmanChapters00:00 - Introduction and Meet Troy Hoffman00:44 - Troy's Passions: Serving Leaders and Adventure Sports02:29 - The Free Joke Project03:46 - The Midpoint Most Entrepreneurs Miss04:55 - Stages of Entrepreneurial Growth and Exit Prep07:19 - Top Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make After Exiting09:44 - Why Ego Is the #1 Growth Killer10:14 - The Power of Continuous Learning13:11 - 40-Hour Work Year vs. 120-Hour Work Week14:23 - Finding Your Purpose and Architecting Your Life17:24 - Body, Being, Balance, and Business20:10 - Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury and Trusting Intuition22:02 - Energy as the Entrepreneur's Greatest Asset22:40 - First Things First: Prioritization and Calendar Planning26:28 - Shameless Plug: What FNDRS Does for Founders29:38 - Closing Thoughts

March 27, 2026Episode 8922 min

Scaling Financial Success with Brooke Lively

Running a business demands constant attention to detail, specifically regarding fiscal health. In a recent episode of the Talk Commerce podcast, host Brent Peterson discusses critical financial management strategies with guest Brooke Lively. They examine how business owners can move beyond basic accounting to implement structural changes that foster long-term profitability. This conversation offers a practical look at how firm leaders, struggling with complex data, can gain clarity and achieve operational growth.Key TakeawaysBusiness owners often face stagnation due to a lack of understanding regarding their core financial metrics.Prioritizing profitability over top-line revenue growth creates a more sustainable and valuable enterprise.Delegation remains a crucial skill, allowing owners to move away from day-to-day operations to focus on strategy.Implementing structured frameworks, such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), helps leadership teams align goals and execute plans effectively.Cash flow forecasting serves as a vital tool to prevent unforeseen financial surprises and ensure ongoing stability.About BrookeBrooke is the founder and president of CathCap, a firm specializing in providing fractional CFO services and profitability consulting. Working primarily with fast-growing businesses, Brooke brings expertise in analyzing operational data to drive financial improvement. By helping founders understand their numbers, she enables them to scale profitably. Leveraging her background as a former administrator for a successful law firm, Brooke offers actionable advice tailored to the challenges entrepreneurs encounter when trying to transition from a small operation to a high-performing organization.Episode SummaryDuring the episode, Brooke highlights the necessity of transforming financial data into a roadmap for growth. She emphasizes that many entrepreneurs suffer from paralysis by analysis because they lack clear, concise metrics. "When you have the right data," she explains, "you can make informed decisions that change the trajectory of your business."The dialogue moves into the mechanics of building a company that functions independently of the owner. Brooke discusses the importance of creating scalable processes, noting that "a business should provide the owner with options, not just another full-time job." She details how CathCap assists clients by installing financial discipline and operational rigor, which ultimately makes a firm more attractive for potential investors or future buyers.Final Thoughts:Achieving true business independence requires shifting focus from owner-centric operations to systems that produce predictable results. By prioritizing accurate financial reporting and strategic planning, founders can secure their firm’s future and realize their personal goals. Remember, if your business cannot function without your constant input, it is time to rethink your strategy.This has been produced in cooperation with Content Cucumberhttps://www.contentcucumber.com/Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

November 25, 2025Episode 8822 min

CRM Secrets That Boost Sales 29% | Why 70% of Businesses Fail at Data Management with Jason Kramer

Discover why nearly 70% of businesses fail at implementing their CRM and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic. Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize and known as the "Yoda of CRM," reveals how a well-organized CRM can boost sales by 29%, generate 50% more sales-ready leads, and reduce marketing costs by 30%.In this episode of EO Visionary Voices, Jason shares his journey from advertising designer to data expert, breaking down the essential components every business needs in their CRM system. Whether you're using HubSpot, building custom solutions, or still relying on paper files, this conversation will transform how you think about customer data.Learn why email marketing should live inside your CRM, how to implement lead scoring to identify your hottest prospects, and why that "How did you hear about us?" dropdown could be the most valuable element on your website. Jason also shares actionable strategies for Black Friday preparation and how to leverage holiday traffic data for Q1 success.If you're frustrated with disconnected marketing and sales efforts, struggling to prove marketing ROI, or just starting your CRM journey, this episode provides the blueprint for turning customer data into your most valuable business asset.Key Takeaways:The three essential components of an effective CRM systemHow to bridge the gap between marketing spend and sales resultsWhy your accounting software isn't enough for customer managementLead scoring strategies to prioritize high-intent buyersHow to reconnect with churned customers and increase lifetime valueVisit afterthelead.com for Jason's free fit assessment and download "The Blueprint For Lead Nurturing" ebook.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Jason Kramer1:02 - Passion for Boating on the Hudson River1:44 - The Free Joke Project2:51 - Why 70% of CRM Implementations Fail5:51 - What is a CRM? The Three Essential Components7:40 - Why Every Business Needs a CRM9:21 - Integrating CRM with ERP Systems10:26 - Single Source of Truth Strategy13:07 - Where to Start: Finding Your Customer Data15:13 - Lead Scoring and Qualification17:47 - Reconnecting with Past Customers19:01 - Black Friday Preparation Strategies20:44 - The "How Did You Hear About Us?" Secret21:58 - Shameless Plug and ResourcesFor more interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders, follow Talk Commerce: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceThis has been produced in cooperation with Talk CommerceFollow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

November 18, 2025Episode 8718 min

Fractional CMO Reveals: Why 90% of Solopreneurs Underprice Their Services | Carly Ries

Carly Ries, Fractional CMO at LifeStarr and co-author of "Solopreneur Business for Dummies," shares the brutal truth about building a sustainable solo business. After escaping the RV walls of corporate slavery, she discovered the three critical areas where every solopreneur struggles—and how to fix them.In this conversation, Carly breaks down why most solopreneurs think they need 50 clients when they actually need just 3-5 at the right price point. She reveals the mindset shifts required to transition from busy work to productive growth and explains why relationship-driven marketing beats SEO every time for solo businesses.Whether you're planning your corporate escape or already flying solo, this episode delivers actionable insights on pricing your services, building your support network, and creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Carly's Role at LifeStarr01:22 Training for Pike's Peak & Personal Passions03:28 The Three Core Challenges Every Solopreneur Faces05:51 Mindset Shifts from Corporate to Solo Business08:24 The Virtual Assistant Investment & Trading Services10:44 Balancing Fractional CMO Role with Entrepreneurship12:57 Designing Your Ideal Work-Life Integration14:32 Why Solopreneurs Hit Income Ceilings16:38 Relationship-Driven Marketing Strategy18:39 Shameless Plug: Solopreneur Business for DummiesThis has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

November 6, 2025Episode 8618 min

How a Former Air Force Pilot Transformed Software Development | Military Leadership in Tech with Nate Amidon

In this compelling episode of EO Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Nate Amidon, CEO of Form 100 Consulting, to explore the fascinating intersection of military aviation and modern software development. Nate's unique journey from flying C-17 cargo planes in the Air Force to leading an agile consulting firm reveals powerful insights about leadership, communication, and executing under pressure.Discover how military principles translate seamlessly into software development success. Nate breaks down why plans never survive "first contact with the enemy" and how agile methodologies mirror combat aviation strategies. He shares battle-tested frameworks for alignment, communication, and implementing what he calls the "MVP" – Minimum Viable Process – that prevents both organizational chaos and process paralysis.This conversation goes deep into the critical importance of documentation, two-way communication, and why your software team needs to answer one fundamental question: "Why do we exist?" Nate reveals how hiring former military officers brings exceptional leadership to enterprise software organizations and shares insights on helping veterans transition successfully into the private sector.We explore the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS), Nate's experience in the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and how structured frameworks create business success. The discussion tackles AI's role in software development, distinguishing hype from reality, and how these tools serve as "nail guns versus hammers" – still requiring expertise to build the house.Whether you're leading a software team, transitioning from military service, or seeking better project management strategies, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's navigated both high-stakes aviation and enterprise software development.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & Opening Joke1:20 - Nate's Background: From Air Force Pilot to Agile Coach4:28 - Agile vs Waterfall: Why Plans Don't Survive First Contact7:04 - The Minimum Viable Process Framework8:16 - Documentation & Communication: Learning from Military Bureaucracy10:11 - EOS and Entrepreneur Operating System Principles12:00 - The Value of EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization)13:28 - How Aviation Checklists Improve Software Development15:23 - Balancing Coaching with Advice-Giving17:47 - AI's Role in Software Development: Separating Hype from Reality21:08 - Shameless Plug & How to Connect with NateConnect with Nate Amidon:Website: https://form100consulting.comEmail: nate.amidon@form100consulting.comLinkedIn: Nate Amidon

November 5, 2025Episode 858 min

How Robotically Handwritten Letters Transform Customer Engagement with James Schutrop

In this conversation, James Schutrop from Scribe discusses the innovative approach of using robots to create handwritten letters, emphasizing the importance of personal touch in a world overwhelmed by digital communication. He explains how Scribe's technology integrates with CRM systems to automate the process of sending personalized thank-you letters, enhancing customer engagement. The discussion also covers the significance of authenticity in marketing, particularly through the removal of postmarks to maintain the illusion of a personal touch.TakeawaysScribe automates handwritten letters to enhance customer appreciation.People are overwhelmed by digital communication and crave personal interaction.Handwritten letters can significantly improve customer engagement.The technology uses real pens to create authentic-looking letters.Postmark removal is crucial for maintaining authenticity in marketing.Automation allows businesses to send personalized letters without manual effort.The handwritten letters are designed to look like they come from a friend or family member.Scribe's system integrates seamlessly with existing CRM platforms.The event highlights practical strategies for e-commerce businesses.Authenticity in marketing is essential to avoid customer skepticism.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scribe and Handwritten Automation02:57 The Importance of Personal Touch in Marketing05:42 Postmark Removal and Authenticity in Handwritten Letters

October 30, 2025Episode 8423 min

Finding Success Beyond the Checkbox with Saahil Mehta

In this episode of EO Visions, Saahil Mehta shares his journey as an entrepreneur and coach, discussing the importance of peer learning within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). He reflects on his personal definition of success, which led him to create a framework based on the 'seven summits' of life. Saahil emphasizes the need for balance between personal and professional life, sharing insights on how to avoid burnout and empower others in business. He also discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on asking the right questions to help clients find their own answers. The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on seeking feedback and fostering personal growth.TakeawaysSaahil runs four businesses and enjoys skiing and mountaineering.Peer-to-peer learning in EO was a key motivator for Saahil.Success is a personal definition, not a societal standard.The 'seven summits' framework helps define success in life.Balancing business responsibilities with personal life is crucial.Empowering others in business leads to better outcomes.Coaching should focus on asking questions, not giving advice.Small steps lead to significant changes over time.Feedback should focus on future improvements, not past mistakes.Personal development is essential for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Saahil Mehta02:07 Saahil's EO Journey and Peer Learning05:05 Redefining Success: The Seven Summits10:02 The Seven Areas of Happiness and Success12:54 Navigating Business Challenges and Delegation16:03 Coaching Philosophy: Empowering Through Questions19:55 Closing Thoughts and Feed Forward Concept

September 25, 2025Episode 8321 min

Blind CEO Runs 17 Marathons & Transforms Lives | EO Visionary Voices with Dr. Randy Pierce

In this episode of EO Visionary Voices , Dr. Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future Insight, shares his journey of overcoming challenges as a visually impaired runner and how it parallels with business success. He emphasizes the importance of goal setting, teamwork, and accountability in both running and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pierce also discusses the impact of AI on business dynamics and the necessity of maintaining human connections in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights into the mission of Future Insight and the importance of community in supporting those with vision loss.TakeawaysDr. Randy Pierce is the CEO of Future Insight, focusing on vision rehabilitation.Running has become a team sport for Dr. Pierce due to his visual impairment.Setting goals is crucial for personal and professional growth.The journey of training for a marathon mirrors the process of achieving business goals.Teamwork is essential; together everyone achieves more.Accountability should be viewed as a positive reward, not a punitive measure.AI is transforming business landscapes, but human connections remain vital.The process of achieving goals should be enjoyable, not just focused on the end result.Listening to negative thoughts is passive; one should actively change the narrative in their head.Building community is key to supporting individuals with vision loss.Chapters00:00Introduction to Dr. Randy Pierce and His Role02:09The Journey of Running and Overcoming Challenges04:03The Importance of Goal Setting and Action06:07Connecting Running with Business Goals08:48The Role of Teamwork in Achieving Success11:48Navigating Accountability in Business13:54Comparing Running and Mountain Climbing16:11The Impact of AI on Business and Team Dynamics19:01Closing Thoughts and Future Insight19:45UE - Outtro All AV version 1.mp4

September 3, 2025Episode 8221 min

From People-Pleaser to CEO: How to Say No and Build Boundaries in Business | EO Visionary Voices with Jen Fry

In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Dr. Jen Fry, CEO of Coordle and author of "I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk." As a professional speaker specializing in conflict resolution and culture, and founder of a tech company revolutionizing group travel and sports tourism, Jen brings invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no.Jen shares her journey from being a "kind asshole" (her words!) to becoming a successful entrepreneur who helps others build essential boundary-setting skills. She reveals why conflict is actually a mental health issue and how leaders can create cultures where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career-ending event.Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll discover practical strategies for setting boundaries without being a jerk, how to handle rejection in business, and why your best entrepreneurial lessons come from your worst failures. Jen also breaks down the critical difference between being nice versus being kind, and shares her unique approach to leadership that encourages innovation while maintaining accountability.Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, looking to improve your leadership skills, or building your own business, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and decision-making in professional settings.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Fry and Coordle01:30 The Free Joke Project02:49 The Origin of "I Said No"05:29 Applying Boundaries to Business Leadership07:13 Setting Feelings Aside in Business Decisions10:02 When Leaders Should Listen vs. Say No13:59 Learning Entrepreneurship Through Failure15:37 Teaching Teams to Learn from Failure19:59 Shameless Plug: "I Said No" BookFollow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/