Get Up and Scale Podcast
Get Up and Scale is a dynamic podcast for entrepreneurs eager to elevate their small businesses. Hosts Justin Buzz and Kai Kai Kaapro, seasoned veterans in the tour and activity industry, share invaluable insights on growing and scaling operations. From transforming a local venture into a franchise to leveraging technology, this podcast offers a goldmine of strategies and real-life experiences. Tune in for engaging discussions, expert advice, and the inspiration to take your business to the next level. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ScalingSuccess
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Ep. 30 What Do Women Want? Marketing Experiences That Actually Convert (with The Batch App)
01/26/2026
Ep. 30 What Do Women Want? Marketing Experiences That Actually Convert (with The Batch App)
What makes women say yes to one experience and scroll past another? In this episode of Get Up And Scale, we’re joined by Madison and Shauna from The Batch App, a leading marketplace for bachelorette parties and group experiences, to unpack how women discover, evaluate, and book experiences—and what operators can do to stand out. From the rise of at-home hibachi and drag brunches to the importance of video, social proof, and emotional language, this conversation is packed with real examples and conversion-driving insights. We explore why women plan trips around “hero experiences,” how small wording changes can dramatically impact bookings, and why personality-driven, interactive entertainment is dominating the group travel space. If you market to women, sell group experiences, or want to improve your conversion rates, this episode delivers practical, immediately applicable takeaways. Topics include: Experience design for female buyers Content and imagery that actually convert Social proof and pricing psychology Emerging trends in group travel and entertainment How platforms like Batch “Batch-ify” listings to increase bookings Learn what women want—and how to build experiences they can’t stop talking about. 👉 Learn more about Batch at letsbatch.com
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Ep. 29 TourScale 2x, AI vs. SEO, and GaryVee’s Painful Truth for Franchisees
07/07/2025
Ep. 29 TourScale 2x, AI vs. SEO, and GaryVee’s Painful Truth for Franchisees
In this packed reunion episode, the hosts dive deep into what’s been going on behind the scenes—including big acquisitions, marketing experiments, and the ever-evolving impact of AI on the tour industry. 💥 Topics Covered: TourScale’s acquisition of Cruisin’ Tikis and integrating 45+ locations Kai's strategy for managing change with nervous franchisees (yes, even overlapping markets!) Justin’s conversation with Gary Vee and the “create pain” philosophy for business alignment The unstoppable rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and how it’s already shifting traffic and customer behavior Why experiential businesses might be the most future-proof segment out there Kai's bold vision: making Cruisin’ Tikis a household name What Airbnb’s new app and OTA platforms mean for tour operators S easonal pivots, off-season marketing tactics, and the power of hyper-local adaptation Ending tradition? A surprise cameo from Kai’s son, August, with a new signature outro: “Dad, it’s dinner time!”
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Ep. 28 From Missed Calls to Booked Tours: Dustin Miller on Scaling Smart w/ Conversion Assist
05/20/2025
Ep. 28 From Missed Calls to Booked Tours: Dustin Miller on Scaling Smart w/ Conversion Assist
In this insightful episode, hosts Justin Buzzi, Kai Kaapro, and Brett Ridenour sit down with Dustin Miller to explore how his platform Conversion Assist is helping tour operators turn missed opportunities into booked tours using cutting-edge automation and CRM systems. You’ll hear how smart businesses are recovering lost revenue by automatically texting missed calls, customizing email flows for repeat guests, and engaging customers with real-time messaging. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at AI call routing, voice bots, and how to optimize your post-tour journey for maximum reviews and retention. If you're running a busy tour company, this episode will show you how to work smarter—not harder. 🎯 Visit to learn more.
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Ep. 27 Scaling Fun Businesses with Ryan Lloyd
02/25/2025
Ep. 27 Scaling Fun Businesses with Ryan Lloyd
In this interview, Ryan Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of his success, sharing the story of how the Pedal Tavern concept started, the hurdles of expanding to new cities, and the key factors that have kept the business thriving. Ryan also talks about the future of his business, the impact of growing a lifestyle brand, and what it takes to keep that spark alive as an entrepreneur.
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Ep 26. People Over Profit: Insights from Cameron Clark
02/11/2025
Ep 26. People Over Profit: Insights from Cameron Clark
Cameron Clark talks about how his journey in the tourism industry has shaped his approach to scaling businesses with a human-first mindset. Learn the strategies and values behind his growing ventures, from Alaska to San Francisco Bay, and why people matter more than profits. Find Cameron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronclark/
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Ep. 25 Ryan O'Grady On Why Giving Away Photos is the Secret to Scaling Your Tourism Business
01/22/2025
Ep. 25 Ryan O'Grady On Why Giving Away Photos is the Secret to Scaling Your Tourism Business
Join us as we sit down with Ryan O’Grady, the CEO of Fotaflo, who’s spent 17 years working with tour and activity operators to transform how businesses engage their customers. Ryan shares the origin story of Fotaflo, from filming adventure TV shows around the globe to building a company that’s revolutionizing tourism marketing. Discover why giving away media can drive more referrals, repeat customers, and long-term revenue than traditional photo sales—and how Ryan’s insights can help any experience-based business thrive in the digital age.
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Ep. 24: CRM Talk, Goals for 2025, and Season 2 Begins!
12/17/2024
Ep. 24: CRM Talk, Goals for 2025, and Season 2 Begins!
In the kick-off episode of Season 2 of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Brett Ridenour, Justin Buzzi, and Kai Kaapro discuss their experiences and growth over the past year. They highlight the challenges and successes they faced, particularly during the busy conference season. The hosts delve into the new systems they've implemented, including an innovative customer relationship management (CRM) system designed to enhance the customer journey before and after bookings. They also provide a preview of exciting projects for 2025, including creating a comprehensive back-office solution for their franchisees that covers marketing, customer service, and bookkeeping. The episode is filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming year, underlining the core values of working hard, scaling businesses, and continuous improvement.
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Ep 23. Pete Kootsikas on Scaling Big with Trial and Growth
12/11/2024
Ep 23. Pete Kootsikas on Scaling Big with Trial and Growth
In this episode of Get Up and Scale, we’re joined by Pete Kootsikas, an entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted tour and activity empire. From launching one of the first party bike businesses in Nashville to branching into boats, retail, and even transitional housing, Pete’s story is one of diversification, persistence, and innovation. Recorded live at the Arival Conference, Pete shares the highs and lows of scaling his businesses, including how he navigated unexpected challenges like a bankrupt pontoon supplier and the Nashville tourism boom. He also dives into lessons learned, such as the importance of respecting employees, adapting to market needs, and just trying new ideas—even if they fail. Whether you’re an established operator or just starting out, Pete’s journey is filled with actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes for anyone looking to scale their business.
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Ep. 22 DIY OTA? Travis Vaughan on Turning Ideas into Businesses
12/04/2024
Ep. 22 DIY OTA? Travis Vaughan on Turning Ideas into Businesses
In this special live episode from the Arival Conference, we chat with Travis Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of TourBase. Travis shares how his company empowers tour operators and entrepreneurs to build their own online travel agencies (OTAs) with a localized, personal touch. We dive into the journey of TourBase, from its origins in Alaska to expanding franchises across the U.S. and Caribbean, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in scaling a travel-tech business. Discover how TourBase is reshaping the travel industry by supporting operators with cutting-edge tech, streamlined marketing strategies, and a franchise model that emphasizes local expertise. Whether you’re a tour operator, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about innovative travel solutions, this episode is packed with insights. Learn more about TourBase at TourBase.com and join us in exploring the future of curated travel experiences!
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Ep. 21 Mastering Meta Ads: Boost vs. Ads Manager – What Really Works
09/18/2024
Ep. 21 Mastering Meta Ads: Boost vs. Ads Manager – What Really Works
In this episode, Justin and Brett dive deep into the world of social media advertising, revealing why boosting posts is only scratching the surface. They discuss the power of the Meta Ads Manager, how to properly target customers, and strategies to boost your return on ad spend. Whether you’re just starting with paid ads or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss! Hosts: Justin Buzzi (CEO of Get Up and Go Kayaking) & Brett Ridenour (Director of Technology & Marketing at TourScale) Key Topics Discussed: Why boosting posts isn’t enough for effective social media advertising. Breaking down Meta’s Ads Manager for Facebook and Instagram ads. Essential targeting strategies: who, what, when, and where of ads. The difference between prospecting and retargeting campaigns. How to leverage customer data for better ad performance. Setting up conversion tracking for maximum ROI. Practical tips for improving creative content in ads. Managing ad budgets and understanding important metrics.
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Ep. 20 Boost Your Tourism Business with Spencer Finch’s Google My Business Hack
08/07/2024
Ep. 20 Boost Your Tourism Business with Spencer Finch’s Google My Business Hack
Join us for an engaging episode with Spencer Finch, founder of Mad Moose Rentals & Tours and a partner at RISE Executive Partners. Spencer discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling an adventure tourism business, transitioning from hands-on operations to strategic growth, and the innovative methods he uses to optimize sales and manage seasonal fluctuations. Get insights on creating impactful sales teams, leveraging reviews for marketing, and using creative strategies to stay ahead. Perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to scale and succeed. Don’t miss out! Spencer Finch on LinkedIn: Rise Executive Partners on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseexecutivepartners/
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Ep 19. From Overwhelm to Organized: Effective Time Management Tips
08/01/2024
Ep 19. From Overwhelm to Organized: Effective Time Management Tips
How do you currently manage your time, and are you truly making the most of your day? In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of running a business: time management. They share their personal experiences, favorite tools, and practical tips for managing tasks effectively. Whether you’re a solopreneur juggling multiple roles or a leader looking to optimize your team’s efficiency, this episode is packed with insights to help you get things done and grow your business. Tune in to discover how to turn your to-do list into a powerful tool for success.
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Ep 18. How Business Operators Adapt to Climate Hurdles
07/24/2024
Ep 18. How Business Operators Adapt to Climate Hurdles
In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive into two pressing issues facing business operators today: weather-related challenges and the complexities of marketing funds. The team discusses how unpredictable weather, particularly heavy rains in the Midwest, impacts boating businesses, sharing insights from a small boating shop in Oshkosh and their own franchisees. They also tackle the ongoing legal battle between Bojangles and its franchisees over the transparency of their marketing fund. Tune in to hear expert advice on weatherproofing your business and managing marketing funds effectively. WE DO NOT OWN ANY CONTENT IN THIS VIDEO. THIS VIDEO ONLY EXPRESSES OUR OPINIONS. SOURCES:
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Ep 17. Exploring Private Equity and Franchising in Tourism
07/16/2024
Ep 17. Exploring Private Equity and Franchising in Tourism
Welcome to the Get Up and Scale Podcast with hosts Kai Kaapro and Justin Buzzi. In this episode, we dive into the latest news in the tourism industry, with a primary focus on private equity's growing interest in franchising. We examine why franchising is less prevalent in tourism, discuss the potential for replication in various types of tours, and consider both the challenges and advantages of converting existing businesses into franchises. The hosts also analyze successful strategies from leading franchises like Crumbl Cookies and discuss the impact of technology on making franchising more efficient. Finally, they explore the opportunities for high-margin bolt-ons and the importance of networking within the industry for growth. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Catch-Up 01:02 4th of July Plans and Traditions 02:07 Private Equity in the Franchise Industry 03:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism Franchising 09:14 Fastest Growing Franchises 13:10 Conversion Franchising and Bolt-On Concepts 17:14 Conclusion and Networking Insights
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Ep 16. The Six Stages of Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship
07/09/2024
Ep 16. The Six Stages of Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship
In this episode, we dive into the story of Zoom Room, a dog training franchise that faced significant challenges early on. We explore their initial mistakes, such as picking wrong franchisees and growing without a plan, which led to a two-year moratorium on sales. With a new CEO, strategic improvements, and a focus on unit economics, the franchise rebounded, expanding from 10 to 45 locations. Source: We also discuss the six stages of the franchisee-franchisor relationship, addressing common struggles and the importance of financial performance and support systems in nurturing a successful and happy franchisee ecosystem. Source: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Zoom Room's Franchise Journey 00:20 Challenges and Initial Struggles 00:39 Turning Point: New Leadership and Strategy 01:30 The Importance of Happy Franchisees 01:59 Understanding Franchisee Satisfaction 02:39 The Six Stages of Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship 04:22 Detailed Breakdown of the Six Stages 08:57 Final Thoughts on Franchisee Relationships
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Ep 15. Damn Good Advice: Franchising Q&A with Jonathan Breines
07/02/2024
Ep 15. Damn Good Advice: Franchising Q&A with Jonathan Breines
In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour sit down with Jonathan Breines, the business owner of Damn Good Beer Bus, to delve into the world of franchising. Jonathan, ready to franchise his thriving beer tour business, asks insightful questions about franchising strategies, market potential, and the importance of robust systems and processes. Kai and Justin share their experiences and advice on how to scale effectively, the significance of knowing your market, and the challenges and rewards of the franchising journey. Tune in to gain valuable insights from industry leaders and learn whether franchising is the right path for your business.
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Ep 14. Optimizing Tour Design for Memorable Experiences with Kelsey Tonner
06/27/2024
Ep 14. Optimizing Tour Design for Memorable Experiences with Kelsey Tonner
In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett sit down with Kelsey Tonner from Guest Focus, a tour business coaching practice that has helped over 2,000 tour operators from 75+ countries since 2015. Kelsey shares his journey from being a tour guide in the Canadian Rockies to becoming a renowned tour business coach. They delve into the secrets of creating memorable and profitable tour experiences through Kelsey’s Unforgettable Product Pyramid, the importance of understanding and targeting your ideal guest, and effective strategies for scaling a tour business. Whether you’re a small tour operator or looking to expand across multiple states, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to elevate your tour business. Follow Guest Focus on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@guestfocus
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Ep 13. Douglas Quinby on Segmenting Customers and Embracing Technology
06/18/2024
Ep 13. Douglas Quinby on Segmenting Customers and Embracing Technology
In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Justin Buzzi, Kai Kaapro, and Brett sit down with Douglas Quinby, a key figure in the tourism industry and counterpart to Bruce from Arrival. Douglas brings a wealth of information as they delve deep into the dynamics of the tourism industry, including OTA (Online Travel Agency) trends, customer segmentation, and market strategies. They explore the importance of understanding different customer cohorts and discuss the technological advancements that are shaping the future of tourism. Douglas also shares his outlook for the remainder of the year, offering valuable insights and actionable strategies for tourism operators. This episode is packed with practical advice and expert perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone in the tourism sector.
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Ep 12. Brennen Bliss on Future-Proofing Your Travel Business
06/13/2024
Ep 12. Brennen Bliss on Future-Proofing Your Travel Business
In this episode of the Get Up and Scale Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Brennen Bliss, CEO of Propellic, an SEO agency renowned for its expertise in the travel industry. Brennen has an impressive track record, starting with humble beginnings and growing into a leader in digital marketing. Join us as we delve into Brennen’s journey and explore the latest trends and strategies in SEO and paid media for travel and tourism businesses. Key topics include: • SEO Fundamentals: Understanding the core aspects of SEO, including content strategy, technical SEO, and authority building. • Impact of AI on SEO: How Google’s shift towards AI-generated search results is changing the landscape and what businesses need to do to adapt. • Practical Tips: Brennen’s advice on conversion tracking, effective ad budgeting, and local SEO strategies for tours and activities. • Future of Paid Media: Insights on new ad formats and how to leverage first-party data for retargeting in a world without third-party cookies. • Case Studies: Real-life examples of SEO successes and challenges faced by travel companies. Find Brennen Bliss His Agency: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennenbliss/ Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable tips to help you scale your travel business.
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Ep 11. Crafting a Franchise: Inside City Brew Tours with Chad Brodsky
06/07/2024
Ep 11. Crafting a Franchise: Inside City Brew Tours with Chad Brodsky
In Episode 11 of the Get Up and Scale Podcast, Kai and Justin welcome Chad Brodsky, founder of City Brew Tours and CBT Group. Chad started City Brew Tours back in 2008 and has since grown it into a thriving franchise business. Join us as we delve into Chad’s journey, from starting a brewery tour in Burlington, Vermont, to expanding across multiple cities, and his recent foray into kid-focused scavenger hunts with Kid Crawl. Key topics include: • Starting Out: Chad shares how the Great Recession and a love for craft beer sparked the idea for City Brew Tours. • Early Challenges and Growth: Insights into the initial hurdles and how Chad balanced a full-time job while growing his business. • Expansion and Franchising: The journey from opening additional corporate locations to franchising, and the importance of marketing and operational changes. • Pandemic Pivot: How City Brew Tours adapted during COVID-19 and the birth of Unboxed Experiences. • Innovating with Kid Crawl: Chad’s latest venture and his plans to create engaging, tech-driven scavenger hunts for families. Chad’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of franchising. Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes. Stay tuned, subscribe, and get ready to scale your tourism business with insights from industry leaders!
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Ep 10. Tourism Trends and Predictions for 2024
05/28/2024
Ep 10. Tourism Trends and Predictions for 2024
In Episode 10 of the Get Up and Scale Podcast, Kai, Justin, and Brett dive deep into the current market conditions for tourism experience operators in 2024. They discuss their observations from the first half of the year and share actionable strategies to prepare for the future. Key topics include: Market Performance: Justin shares how his business has seen a remarkable 13.7% year-to-date growth despite industry-wide reports of a soft year. Economic Factors: The team explores the unpredictable economic environment, inflation's impact, and how different segments of the tourism industry are affected. Marketing Innovations: From the effectiveness of YouTube shorts and TikTok to the surprising trends in Google Ads, discover the marketing tactics that are driving results. Operational Adjustments: Learn about the changes and innovations in operations, such as the introduction of trip protection and value-added services, that are helping businesses thrive. Future Predictions: The team speculates on the second half of 2024, discussing potential economic impacts, election year uncertainties, and strategies for resilience. Join us for this insightful episode filled with practical tips and expert predictions to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry. Stay tuned, subscribe, and get ready to scale your tourism business in 2024!
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Ep 9. Building the Ultimate Party Platform with Mike Petrakis
05/21/2024
Ep 9. Building the Ultimate Party Platform with Mike Petrakis
Join us on the Get Up And Scale podcast where hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Mike Petrakis, the Founder and CEO of Batch. Mike shares the story behind Batch, a groundbreaking platform that is revolutionizing the way groups plan and book unforgettable experiences. From launching in six new cities in Q1 2024 to creating seamless party planning processes, Mike’s journey is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to scale their business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers valuable lessons on growth, innovation, and the power of creating memorable experiences. Show Notes Introduction to Mike Petrakis and Batch Mike's background and the inception of Batch Transition from Bachelorette app to a comprehensive party planning platform Key milestones: Launching in new cities, web improvements, and team growth Importance of building a strong company culture The challenges and rewards of raising venture capital Future plans for Batch and expansion into new markets Insights on trends in the travel and tourism industry Importance of user feedback and adapting to market needs Q&A with hosts: Kai, Justin, and Brett on business growth and innovation Closing thoughts and how to get involved with Batch as a user or partner. Join the Party: https://letsbatch.com/
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Ep 8. Greg Fisher: Digital Disruption in Tourism
04/30/2024
Ep 8. Greg Fisher: Digital Disruption in Tourism
In this electrifying episode of "Get Up and Scale," join us as we catch up with our good friend, Greg Fisher, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Tripshock and WaveRez. From his early days managing a hotel to steering two of the tourism industry’s most impactful companies, Greg’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Dive deep into the story of how Tripshock revolutionized the Florida Panhandle's tourism scene, transforming it into a hub for thrilling boat tours and seamless adventure bookings. Hear firsthand about the challenges Greg faced and the innovative solutions that propelled his companies to the forefront of the tourism tech world. Greg also pulls back the curtain on his less-known entrepreneurial ventures, like running a magic show and setting up a theater in Destin, showcasing the creativity and versatility that drive his success. Plus, he shares insider tips on how to leverage OTA platforms and digital marketing to amplify your business's reach and efficiency. The Awkward Watersports Podcast: https://www.watersportpodcast.com/ Tripshock: https://www.tripshock.com/ WaveRez: https://www.waverez.com/
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Ep 7. The Intersection of Travel & The Internet with Bruce Rosard
04/19/2024
Ep 7. The Intersection of Travel & The Internet with Bruce Rosard
Join us on this episode of "Get Up and Scale" as we sit down with the eminent Bruce Rosard, a titan in the tourism and activity industry with over four decades of transformative contributions. With a career that spans the advent of the internet in travel to mentoring budding entrepreneurs through TechStars, Bruce shares his unparalleled insights into the evolution of tourism, the impact of technology, and his personal journey through the industry. Dive deep into a conversation filled with wisdom, anecdotes, and forward-thinking ideas that will inspire both industry veterans and new entrants alike.
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EP 6. Kevin O'Neil Explains How Experience and Partnerships Are Key to Scaling Businesses
04/09/2024
EP 6. Kevin O'Neil Explains How Experience and Partnerships Are Key to Scaling Businesses
In this episode of "Get Up and Scale," join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Kevin ONeil, a dynamic entrepreneur whose ventures span from the high seas of Florida's water sports scene to the digital domain of boater education. Kevin, the force behind Destiny Water Adventures and TakeMyBoatTest.com, shares his journey into the software as a service (SaaS) industry, specifically within the water sports sector. With a wealth of experience from B2C businesses, he dives deep into the sales, management, and operational strategies that have fueled his success. Kevin's backstory is nothing short of fascinating—a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of growth. From renting out jet skis and boats to launching a boater education platform and even venturing into event rentals, Kevin's entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running multiple ventures, the importance of community and customer safety, and how a seemingly offhand decision to invest in bounce houses turned into yet another business adventure. 😂 Kevin ONeil: takemyboattest.com https://destinywateradventures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-oneil-787798156/
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EP 5. The American Dream: Brian Cain and the Growth of Crawl Entertainment
04/02/2024
EP 5. The American Dream: Brian Cain and the Growth of Crawl Entertainment
In this energizing episode of "Get Up and Scale" hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour had the pleasure of sitting down with the ever-ambitious Brian Cain from Crawl Entertainment Group. Brian, a true entrepreneur at heart, shared his journey from launching his pub crawl in New Orleans five years ago to scaling his business to four cities, including an international leap into London. Our conversation traversed the early days of face-to-face sales, the challenges of opening up in new cities, and Brian's current endeavors in strategizing for future expansions and considering his exit plan. Check out Crawl Entertainment Group: https://crawlentertainment.com/
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EP 4. Annual Review Essentials: Metrics, Marketing, and Making Customers Stick
03/21/2024
EP 4. Annual Review Essentials: Metrics, Marketing, and Making Customers Stick
In this engaging episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, join hosts Kai Kaapro and Justin Buzzi, along with Brett, as they dive deep into the essentials of conducting effective annual business reviews. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs and business owners alike, focusing on the bedrock of any successful business: understanding and optimizing key metrics. The trio kicks things off by discussing the importance of email marketing campaigns, revealing strategies to make the most of your customer lists. They don't stop there; the conversation naturally evolves into building and maintaining customer loyalty, a critical aspect of any business looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. But perhaps the most valuable part of today's discussion revolves around customer retention. Kai, Justin, and Brett share their experiences and advice on how to keep your customers coming back for more, increasing their lifetime value, and ultimately, securing the long-term success of your business. Whether you're looking to refine your approach to annual reviews, enhance your email marketing efforts, or unlock the secrets to customer loyalty and retention, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world advice that you won't want to miss.
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EP 3. Augmented Reality Tours, QR Codes, and Creative Marketing
03/21/2024
EP 3. Augmented Reality Tours, QR Codes, and Creative Marketing
In this episode, we dive deep into the confluence of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and innovative marketing strategies, unveiling how these technologies are reshaping the landscape of business and leisure. Discussing the expansive potential of VR in enhancing virtual tours and social experiences, we explore the forefront of digital innovation. Additionally, we delve into the realm of creative marketing, discussing the role of QR codes in engaging customers, the strategic use of social media, and the emerging importance of personalized content creation in fostering brand loyalty and driving growth. This episode is a journey through the latest in technology and marketing, offering insights into leveraging these tools for business success and enhanced customer experiences.
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EP 1. Justin and Kai’s Story of Scaling Up
03/12/2024
EP 1. Justin and Kai’s Story of Scaling Up
How do you transform a local venture into a multi-unit powerhouse? What strategies can elevate your small business to a franchise model? How does consumer behavior, especially of Gen Z, reshape the future of business? Get the answers and more from the first episode of 'Get Up and Scale.' Dive into an engaging session with hosts Kai Kaapro and Justin Buzzi, as they unravel the secrets of business growth and adaptation. Packed with real-world experiences, this episode is a must-listen for every aspiring entrepreneur. You won’t want to miss this special edition featuring Kai K and Justin, where wisdom meets practicality in the art of scaling your business.
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EP 2. Scaling Success: The Franchise Blueprint
03/12/2024
EP 2. Scaling Success: The Franchise Blueprint
In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of franchising as a powerful tool for business growth. Justin Buzzi, founder of Get Up and Go Kayaking, and Kai Kaapro, founder of Tourscale, share their personal journeys towards choosing franchising as their strategy for expansion. They explore the significance of developing a strong business culture, the process of hiring the right team, and the critical steps in creating efficient operational processes. This discussion is not limited to current or prospective franchise owners but extends valuable insights to any business owner looking to scale, especially those considering opening multiple locations. Listen in for a comprehensive guide on leveraging franchising for business growth, understanding the pivotal moments that shape a business's journey, and the importance of documentation and systematization in scaling operations. Key Points Discussed: Why Choose Franchising: Justin and Kai discuss their reasons for choosing franchising as their growth strategy, highlighting the flexibility and speed it offers for scaling businesses. They emphasize franchising's ability to empower other entrepreneurs and the benefits of sharing a proven business model. Eureka Moments in Business: The guests share their pivotal 'Eureka' moments that significantly impacted their business strategies. From the initial excitement of starting a business to the realization of the importance of documenting processes for scalability. Operational Challenges and Solutions: The conversation explores the operational hurdles faced when scaling through franchising and the innovative solutions implemented. The discussion includes the value of creating a comprehensive knowledge base and the impact of efficient procedures on time management. Franchisee Selection and Engagement: Justin and Kai discuss the traits they look for in potential franchisees, such as accountability, passion, and flexibility. They also touch on the importance of hands-on involvement and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Learning from Franchisees: The episode highlights how franchisors can learn from their franchisees, sharing examples of innovative solutions and creative ideas that have emerged from the franchise network. Company Culture and Community: The importance of fostering a strong company culture and a supportive community within a franchise network is discussed, emphasizing open communication, shared values, and mutual growth. The Future of Franchising: Reflecting on the potential of franchising, the conversation touches on its broader applicability across various industries and the potential benefits for entrepreneurs looking to enter new markets with a proven business model.
/episode/index/show/ef919183-7c6c-40fc-852a-6d122ecef35d/id/30343033