Rising Tide Startups

In this episode of Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Hailey Brooke Weiss, founder and CEO of Power Move Marketing, shares how her journey from collegiate volleyball captain to marketing agency leader has shaped her approach to business and leadership. With a passion for adaptability and innovation, Hailey has built a remote-first agency that offers tailored, integrated solutions to startups, acting as an in-house marketing partner for businesses. Hailey reveals how her team navigates industry shifts, from leveraging AI to adjusting to new trends and legislation, while balancing creativity and analytics to help clients achieve tangible results. As a leader of a 30+ person remote team, she emphasizes the importance of trust, delegation, and letting creative people be creative, drawing from her athletic background to focus on accountability and leading by example. This episode provides practical advice on leadership, marketing trends, and the mindset needed to grow a successful business. If you're looking to eleva

How does a flight instructor turn financial struggles into a groundbreaking fintech? Jason Schappert, founder of Moola, shares his journey from teaching aviation to empowering financial literacy through innovative fintech solutions. From being a college dropout to building a multi-million-dollar online flight school, Jason turned challenges into opportunities and now helps others navigate their own paths to success. In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, Jason talks about the lessons he learned from running and selling his aviation business, and how he found markets that needed help to create Moola, a platform made to make personal finances easier. He gives useful tips on finding your niche, trying out business ideas, and building a successful business.  Jason has broken down the complex into simple, actionable steps, and empowered countless aspiring entrepreneurs and everyday individuals to reach their goals.  Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: Leverage early adopter platf

In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS and host of “Above The Business”, shares how small business owners can scale sustainably by designing systems that drive growth and efficiency, and free up their time. Having experienced firsthand the shift from burnout to balance, Bradley introduces his SCALE framework—Sustainable Revenue, Consistent Growth, Ample Time Away, Leverage, and Efficient Operations—which helps entrepreneurs grow without sacrificing their well-being. Bradley explains how shifting from being the “rainmaker” to the “architect” of your business allows you to create systems that operate independently. He highlights the importance of taking strategic breaks to recharge, arguing that time away can actually fuel long-term growth. Finally, Bradley encourages owners to work “above” their business, dedicating time each week to strategic thinking and long-term planning. His insights empower small business owners to break free from the daily grind an

Building a niche website is one thing, but turning it into a thriving SEO agency? That’s a whole different game. On this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, Kevin Prewett sits down with Nile Frater, founder of Masse SEO and former owner of NoCode.Tech. Nile shares his journey from creating a no-code tech site to selling it and launching his next big venture in SEO. He dives into the highs and lows of selling a business—navigating buyer interest, tough negotiations, and ultimately sealing the deal. With 8+ years in the no-code space, Nile has tested over 250 platforms and taught businesses of all sizes. He also explores how AI has evolved in content creation, helping writers overcome creative blocks and produce more content faster, though the balance between facts and opinions still poses challenges. Nile doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges of scaling Masse SEO, revealing key strategies for growth while maintaining quality. Whether you're into SEO, content creation, or curious about the

Can a single tool grow into a thriving business with thousands of loyal customers?  In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, host Kevin Prewett sits down with Bilal Ararou, the visionary founder of Nuelink, to unpack his journey from a freelance web designer to the creator of an innovative social media automation platform. Bilal reveals how Nuelink, originally built to streamline his agency's social media tasks, quickly evolved into a robust tool packed with AI-driven features that simplify everything from scheduling posts to automating podcast updates. What sets Nuelink apart is Bilal's ability to spot a real need in the market. After earlier ventures failed due to lack of demand, he hit the mark this time by solving a problem faced by countless businesses. Nuelink's cutting-edge features, like automated content creation and task automation for podcast updates and Google reviews, have transformed the social media management landscape. Bilal's entrepreneurial roots trace back to his childhood w

James Pietruszynsk, CEO of SoulSight, brings a unique perspective to branding. He believes that effective brands are built on genuine emotional connections and a deep understanding of human behavior. James recognizes the challenge of balancing innovation with brand consistency, emphasizing the importance of meaningful changes that enhance consumer experiences rather than superficial alterations. At SoulSight, James fosters an environment that encourages both strategic thinking and creativity. He values collaboration and honest feedback, grounding his approach in behavioral analysis and empathy. His expertise in strategic insight and design has led to successful partnerships with major companies including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, General Mills, Pfizer, Unilever, and Hershey's. James' work has garnered recognition from various industry publications and awards programs, including Graphis, How, Print, Communication Arts, and Pentawards. Despite these accolades, James remains focused on his core mis

From working in his family's Michigan restaurant to running his own tech company, Dexter Zhuang's story shows that hard work and smart planning can take you where you want to go. Dexter is the founder of Money Abroad, an online education platform that helps high-performers design their independent money paths. He started his career in San Francisco but has lived and worked across Southeast Asia and Latin America for the past six years. With over 10 years of experience building products and teams at public companies like Dropbox and scaling startups like Xendit, Dexter turned a side project into his main gig. In this episode, he shares that many startups, including his, come from scratching a personal itch.  His work has been featured in global outlets like Business Insider, CBS, US News & World Report, and Tech in Asia. Now, Dexter runs his own company, helps other startups, and offers advice based on his extensive experience. His journey, which includes guiding companies to go public and graduating from Da

From the bustling streets of Vietnam to the competitive business landscape of Australia, Linh Podetti's entrepreneurial journey is one of grit and innovation. As the founder of Outsourcing Angel, Linh transformed her experiences as a single mother into a business model that champions flexibility and remote work. Her story challenges conventional notions of success, showing how personal challenges can spark creative business solutions that resonate globally. Linh's path wasn't always smooth. She evolved from an e-commerce startup to creating Outsourcing Angel, a company that connects virtual assistants in the Philippines with businesses in Australia and the US. Along the way, she learned crucial lessons about delegation, efficiency, and client focus. In this episode, Linh reveals key strategies for scaling a business without sacrificing personal freedom. She shares practical tips on building effective remote teams, implementing systems for growth, and maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur. Linh's

Alex Chompff's career trajectory spans from military service to the epicenter of Silicon Valley's internet boom, culminating in his current role as a venture capital expert. Drawing from his experience as both a seasoned investor and a father of five, he emphasizes the critical nature of business partnerships. Alex asserts that selecting the right business partner is as consequential as choosing a life partner, underscoring the long-term impact of these professional relationships. During his tenure as Director of Technology at Kleiner Perkins amid the dot-com era, he witnessed firsthand the industry's volatility and innovation. His experiences offer invaluable insights into the period's groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of incubation centers and investments in pioneering companies that shaped the digital landscape. At Evolution Ventures, Alex is redefining the role of a regional accelerator. Under his guidance, the firm has evolved into a comprehensive support system for emerging busines

Lizzy Brooks is the visionary behind Virtually Brooks, a thriving virtual assistant agency that creates flexible job opportunities for American women. After transitioning from a corporate logistics career to entrepreneurship in 2018, Lizzy has grown her team to over 50 assistants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her agency is known for its professionalism, seamless communication, and commitment to working within the same time zones as clients, ensuring efficiency and personalized service.   Lizzy's heartfelt passion for creating flexible work opportunities shines through in her strategic insights and intuitive business approach. She emphasizes the importance of time-tracking systems to maximize client value and maintain accountability. By focusing on the art of delegation, Lizzy has built a supportive environment that allows her clients to concentrate on their core business tasks.   Tune in to Rising Tide Startups to hear Lizzy's inspiring journey. She shares how her blend of intuition, strategic

What if you could enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and Wi-Fi? Jennifer Scholz's journey from a conventional office job to becoming an accomplished virtual assistant exemplifies this possibility. In this episode of the Rising Tide Start-Up Podcast, we explore how Jennifer turned her side project into a successful full-time business. Her experience highlights the growing popularity of remote work. It offers guidance for anyone wishing to break away from the 9-to-5 grind, sharing how she overcame concerns about the golden handcuffs, and health insurance and embraced her newfound freedom.   Jennifer Scholz is an experienced virtual assistant with over two decades in administrative and executive assistant roles. Her journey into virtual assistance began as a side gig doing transcription work to supplement her income. Over time, Jennifer's services expanded to include social media, blogging, infographics, Executive-Level administrative duties, research, event planning, and C

Can you build your dream home with virtual assistance? In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Michael Tidwell joins us to share his journey.   Join host Kevin Prewett as he explores how Michael Tidwell built his dream home, grew his family, and expanded his business empire—all with the help of virtual assistants. Michael's story and his decade-long partnership with a VA show how trust and clear communication can turn remote relationships into pillars of success.    Michael Tidwell is a business owner who comes from a family of entrepreneurs. In 2012, he started his business with less than $500 in a competitive market, offering only one high-end product. He still owns that business today, utilizing VAs to help him create a lifestyle business. He is also a business broker with Nashville Business Brokers, where he helps business owners sell their businesses by using the same timeless principles he used to build his business. He was able to differentiate himself from his many competitors by offering stellar

Imagine the freedom of detaching from the day-to-day grind of your business. Many small business owners fantasize about the freedom to explore the world while their business flourishes—Scott Cox has made this dream his reality.   In this episode, Scott shares his journey from being hands-on in his business to become a global digital nomad. He reveals how small changes in routine and environment can spark creativity and make lifestyle freedom possible. Scott’s story is a testament to how entrepreneurship can harmoniously blend with nomadic life, bringing joy and success.   Scott Cox, an entrepreneur and consultant, helps small business owners craft fulfilling lives by drawing on his successful shift from hands-on management to remote entrepreneurship. Through his consultancy, STX Consulting, he specializes in developing strong systems and processes that enhance remote work efficiency. Scott’s expertise extends to hiring and managing remote teams and optimizing business operations and marketing strategies. 

Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from the dream of a sports career to making a global impact as an entrepreneur? Let us introduce you to International Business Consultant Steve Collins, who's transcended borders and boundaries to revolutionize startups and leadership training. Explore Steve's journey from corporate newcomer to international leader, along the way emphasizing passion and strategic alignment for success. We discuss the critical role of leadership in team building, offer insights from industry titans like Sam Walton, and share personal anecdotes. Tune in for practical advice on servant leadership, mentorship, and the broader impact of purpose-driven organizations.   Steve Collins, a seasoned global leader and business developer, brings diverse expertise to his current role as Global Training Director for LEAD International. With an MBA from Wake Forest University, he honed his skills during eight years in China and a fifteen-year tenure in the Middle East, holding pivotal roles in organizat

Reclaim your time with Jaime Jay, the pioneering mind behind Bottleneck Virtual Assistants, as he shares his journey from U.S. Army paratrooper to entrepreneur extraordinaire, navigating the transition from the rigid structures of corporate America to the creative realm of virtual assistance. We're excited to welcome Jaime Jay back for his third appearance on Rising Tide Startups, and is labelled by our host as the internet's embodiment of kindness. His story is a testament to the transformative power of passion for processes, culminating in the creation of the world's first dedicated Distant Assistant company, reshaping our understanding of work-life balance.   Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for founders in this space. When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the count

In this episode of The Rising Tide Startups, we chat with Taylor Black, a dynamic entrepreneur whose roots trace back to high school ventures and now extend into the innovative ecosystem of Microsoft's venture studio. Taylor's narrative is woven from his formative years launching a B2B SaaS enterprise during his legal studies, to his strategic role in shepherding early-stage companies towards market success such as Conduit Venture Labs and Fizzy Ventures. Whether he's sharing the nuts and bolts of product development or recounting the strategic pivot of Altis.io, an AI platform, Taylor's story is a masterclass in business acumen and adaptability.   Taylor Black is a Seattle-based entrepreneur and intrapreneur with an impressive tech industry track record. He currently works in Microsoft's internal Venture Studio. He  also mentors startups through Fizzy Ventures, and founded Altis.io, an AI platform designed to support user researchers.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   The Intrapre

Ever feel caught in a race against time as work consumes every precious moment? Mike Abramowitz, a seasoned expert in time management for high-earners, joins our host, Kevin Prewett in this episode of The Rising Tide Startups to address this struggle, unveiling strategies honed through personal experiences. From humble beginnings at Cutco to enduring financial setbacks post-college, Mike's narrative is one of resilience and transformation.  Mike Abramowitz is a #1 Amazon bestselling author,  impactful philanthropist achieving six figures in earnings, and a partner with "Better Than Rich." Mike's passion lies in uplifting others, guiding entrepreneurs to maximize efficiency, and embracing purpose-driven business through programs like 'Operator to Owner.' Co-host of "The Better Than Rich Show" podcast, he imparts valuable business insights, encouraging listeners to make a positive impact. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: The "Time Rich Six" strategy helps leaders prioritize high-impact tas

Join us on Rising Tide Startups as we welcome Brittany Brewer, Senior Account Executive at FreeUp Marketplace, for a candid discussion about her transition from a freelancer to a pivotal role in a freelancer hiring platform. Brittany shares her unique perspective on navigating the complexities of matching clients with top-tier freelancers to ensure businesses overcome their challenges through strategic hiring.  She also shares FreeUp's unique approach to building a global community of virtual service providers. They explore the balance between integrity and autonomy, where freelancers set fair rates and clients find scalable solutions. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: FreeUp Marketplace is a curated community that simplifies the process of hiring freelancers. It connects clients with freelancers and agencies from diverse industries. Quality Over Quantity: FreeUp is a platform that accepts only the top 1% of freelancers through a rigorous vetting process. Unlike larger platforms lik

When you meet someone like Chris McShanag, you can't help but feel energized by the passion they bring to their work. In this latest episode of the Rising Tide Startups, our host, Kevin Prewett, had the pleasure of chatting with this virtual assistant industry trailblazer, whose story of transitioning from the asset-intensive sector to launching MedVA, BizVA, and OrthoVA is as inspiring as it is informative. These services are not just addressing staffing issues and refocusing professionals on their core activities but truly revolutionizing how healthcare providers and entrepreneurs tackle their workload. Chris McShanag is a transformational leader who brings extensive experience in delivering successful business solutions through innovative and scalable solutions. As a natural entrepreneur, Chris has led numerous organizations, ranging from startups to established enterprises, across diverse industries such as healthcare, mining, utilities, and consulting, consistently steering them toward success. Here ar

Imagine having a strategic partner working remotely yet closely with you, handling complex tasks that go beyond the traditional virtual assistant's to-do list. That's the reality Gina's company, Athena Executive Services, offers to swamped business owners.   In the latest episode of Rising Tide Startups podcast, we interview Gina Cotner, the founder and CEO of Athena. Gina is a driven individual who is passionate about helping others live lives of their own design. She firmly believes that many people go through life feeling like they just have to survive, without realizing that they can design their lives the way they want. With this passion in mind, she founded Athena Executive Services in 2016.  Athena pairs high-caliber, virtual Executive Assistants around the United States with successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives. Through her work, Gina helps her clients achieve their goals and live their lives to their fullest potential. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: The P