QFF: From AI to Empathy: Stephen Sakach, Founder of Zero Company & AI CMO.io, Reveals How Emotional Connection, Purpose-Driven Marketing, and His ‘Bliss Business’ Philosophy Are Redefining the Future of Modern Brand Growth. (Episode 736 - Stephen Saka
Release Date: 10/16/2025
Success in Business by Working Smarter, Not Harder with Sam Carpenter (Centratel) — How Systems Thinking Built a $7M Call Center, 25–30% Profit Margins, Total Freedom, and the “Work the System” philosophy. (Episode 762 - Sam Carpenter)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder and CEO of , shares how he built a $7M emergency call center business by focusing on systems instead of hustle. Sam opens up about working 80–100 hour weeks, hitting burnout, and the mindset shift that changed everything. He explains his “Work the System” philosophy and how documenting processes created freedom, profit, and scale. The conversation dives into pricing courage, delegation, and building a business that runs without you. A powerful lesson on achieving real success in business through...
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From Concrete to $15M Online Sales: Matthew Stafford of Build Grow Scale on E-Commerce Growth, CRO+, Scaling Teams, Cash Flow Challenges, and the Real Mindset Behind Long-Term Business Success. (Episode 761 - Matthew Stafford)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares his journey from running a commercial contracting business to generating over $15M in e-commerce sales. He explains how data, analytics, and user experience—not just CRO—drive predictable growth. Matthew opens up about cash flow stress, scaling teams, and hard lessons from rapid growth. He also dives into mindset, self-belief, and why the business owner is often the real bottleneck. A must-listen for entrepreneurs serious about sustainable, long-term success. Why would you wait any...
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From earning $35 a week to leading a thriving salon, owner of Hairport One reveals insights on consistency, leadership, Facebook ads, team growth, and scaling a hair and beauty business through lockdowns and rapid expansion. (Episode 760 - Maya Khoweiss)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , owner of , shares her journey from earning just $35 in a week to building a high-performing salon with a large, dedicated team. She talks about the power of consistency, personal growth, and stepping into the role of a true business leader. Maya explains how understanding your audience and smart use of Facebook ads helped scale her business. She also opens up about navigating COVID lockdowns, managing rapid growth, and leading through uncertainty. The episode is packed with real lessons on resilience, culture,...
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Success in Business: Building a Scalable Sports Tech Company Through Smart Pivots and Data-Driven Growth, Co-Founder of Athlete Agent — Creating the IMDb for Athletes and Turning Vision into a Profitable Platform. (Episode 759 - Ryan Rottman)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , Co-Founder of , shares how he built a scalable sports tech platform by identifying market gaps and making smart pivots. He explains the power of data-driven decisions, focus, and customer feedback in driving sustainable growth. Ryan also discusses leadership lessons, managing teams, and adapting quickly in competitive industries. This conversation highlights how resilience and clarity turn ideas into profitable ventures. A practical story of building long-term success in business. Why would you wait any longer...
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From Corporate Payroll to $3M Growth: Natalee Leach of The Payroll Collective shares how she scaled fast, built a values-driven team, retained clients, avoided burnout, and turned payroll into a people-first powerhouse. (Episode 758 - Natalee Leach)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares her journey from a corporate payroll career to building a fast-growing consultancy on track for $3M in revenue. She breaks down how values-driven leadership, people-first culture, and client retention fueled rapid growth. Natalee also opens up about managing fast scaling, hiring at the right time, and the mental strain of entrepreneurship. She explains why foundations, systems, and the right team matter more than aggressive sales. A candid conversation on sustainable growth, leadership, and...
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From $1,500 to a $4.2M Powerhouse: Ryan Hughes of Phil Hughes Office Solutions on Family Legacy, Scaling Smart, Valuing People, and Doing ‘Cool Stuff’ While Building a Thriving Business in Tasmania. (Episode 757 - Ryan Hughes)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin speaks with , Director of . They explore the remarkable journey of a family business that scaled a $1,500 investment into a $4.2 million, technology-led enterprise in Tasmania. Ryan details the pivotal move from traditional stationery to digital solutions, the counterintuitive strategy that doubled sales during COVID-19, and the core philosophies of valuing people and fostering a resilient culture. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating family business dynamics, adaptive leadership, and the pursuit of...
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From Disney to Deliver Service Now: How Vance Morris Built a High-Growth Service Empire, Mastered Customer Experience, and Scaled Multiple Home Service Businesses While Working Just 90 Minutes a Week. (Episode 756 - Vance Morris)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy , the founder of , joins the podcast to share his journey from a decade at Disney to building and scaling multiple successful home service businesses. He talks about creating premium customer experiences, growing his companies to a point where he now works only 90 minutes a week on operations, and the strategies he uses to retain loyal clients. Vance also explains how he transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, overcame major financial challenges, and built a strong team culture. His story highlights resilience, smart...
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QFF: From Stalled Growth to Scalable Success: Mike Goldman Shares How Strong Leadership Teams Fix People Problems, Restore Momentum, Boost Profit, and Build Businesses That Run Smoothly Without Burnout or Micromanagement. (Episode 755 - Mike Goldman)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob...
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From Filmmaker to 4,000+ Members: Bobby DeMars of Blind Barrels shares how he built a double-blind whiskey membership, scaled fast, beat industry hurdles, and created a community-driven craft spirits brand. (Episode 754 - Bobby DeMars)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how a simple blind whiskey tasting turned into a fast-growing membership business. He talks about scaling from a small idea to 4,000+ members with strong community and experience-driven branding. Bobby breaks down the challenges of regulations, marketing, and cash flow in the alcohol industry. He also shares mindset lessons on resilience, meditation, and long-term thinking as an entrepreneur. A real, honest conversation about growth, risk-taking, and building something...
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QFF: Andrew Griffiths joins the Grow A Small Business Podcast to discuss his book ‘Someone Has to Be the Most Expensive,’ showing how premium pricing boosts business, attracts clients, and elevates owner mindset. (Episode 753 - Andrew Griffiths)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey...
info_outlineQFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!
Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.
Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!
In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Stephen Sakach, Founder of Zero Company and AI CMO.io, to explore how empathy and purpose can transform modern marketing. Stephen shares his groundbreaking “Bliss Business” philosophy—building love into scalable systems—and explains how emotional connection drives brand loyalty and long-term success. From integrating AI with authentic storytelling to creating marketing that truly feels human, this conversation uncovers how businesses can grow with both heart and strategy.
Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:
Build Emotional Connections: Brands that connect emotionally with customers enjoy higher loyalty and up to 300% greater lifetime value.
Lead with Purpose: Defining your business’s “why” gives meaning to your work and helps attract engaged employees and ideal clients.
Adopt the Bliss Philosophy: Build Love Into Scalable Systems—turn random acts of kindness into structured habits within your business culture.
Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?
Use AI with Intention: Leverage AI tools to save time and enhance creativity, but ensure your message stays authentic and human-centered.
Create Surprise and Delight: Small, thoughtful gestures toward customers can foster emotional bonds and brand differentiation.
Empathy = Profitability: Data shows empathetic businesses not only build trust but also outperform competitors financially.
One action small business owners can take:
According to Stephen Sakach, one action small business owners can take is to build love into scalable systems – find small, meaningful ways to infuse empathy, care, and purpose into everyday business processes so that kindness and connection continue to thrive, even when you’re not directly involved.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
Marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about creating emotional connections that make people feel seen and valued — Stephen Sakach
Build love into scalable systems so kindness becomes part of your company’s DNA, not just a random act — Stephen Sakach
AI should help us become better humans, not replace what makes us human — Stephen Sakach