In a recent episode, host Josh Elledge sat down with Dr. Thomas Powell, founder and CEO of The Founder’s Office, to discuss what it really takes to raise capital, refine business models, and build sustainable ventures in today’s competitive market. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and advising founders, Dr. Powell offers a rare blend of strategic insight and practical wisdom for business leaders at every stage of their journey.

Dr. Powell has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs overcome the biggest challenges in growing a business—securing funding, scaling operations, and achieving long-term impact. Through The Founder’s Office, his team partners with founders to refine business strategies, align with the right investors, and build the financial and operational foundations that sustain growth.

He emphasizes that raising capital isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity, credibility, and communication. Founders who understand their business deeply and can articulate their vision effectively are far more likely to attract investors and strategic partners. Dr. Powell also highlights the importance of balance—focusing on both short-term wins and long-term resilience to ensure businesses thrive in any market condition.

For emerging founders, Dr. Powell’s approach provides a roadmap: be data-driven, build meaningful relationships with investors, and never lose sight of your mission. The goal isn’t just to raise capital—it’s to build something that lasts.

Dr. Thomas Powell is the founder and CEO of The Founder’s Office, where he and his team help entrepreneurs raise capital, refine their business models, and create sustainable, impactful companies. With decades of experience as an investor and advisor, Dr. Powell has guided startups and established businesses through complex financial and operational challenges, always with a focus on strategic growth and long-term success.

The Founder’s Office provides end-to-end advisory services for entrepreneurs, helping them navigate capital raises, improve business efficiency, and strengthen their organizational structures. The firm’s mission is simple: empower founders to make smarter decisions, attract the right investors, and scale responsibly. Learn more at www.founders-office.com/.

• The Founders Office's Website
• Dr. Thomas Powell LinkedIn Profile

• The biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital
• How to communicate your business model to attract investors
• The importance of balancing short-term execution with long-term strategy
• Building investor trust through transparency and data-driven planning
• Why sustainable growth beats fast, reactive scaling

Dr. Thomas Powell’s conversation with Josh Elledge underscores a vital truth: successful entrepreneurship isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, clarity, and purpose. By combining strategic financial planning with a deep understanding of business fundamentals, founders can secure capital, scale effectively, and create companies that stand the test of time.

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In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Rhett Molitor, CEO and co-founder of Basis 365 Accounting, to explore how outsourced accounting is transforming small and mid-sized businesses. Rhett shares how fractional accounting services help companies move beyond simple bookkeeping to strategic financial management. He also discusses how AI and automation are reshaping the accounting landscape and why proactive financial oversight is the key to scaling with confidence.

Rhett Molitor founded Basis 365 Accounting in 2012 to fill a crucial gap for businesses earning between $1M–$20M in revenue—companies that have outgrown basic bookkeeping but don’t yet need a full-time accounting team. Instead of focusing on compliance alone, Basis 365 partners with CEOs to turn accounting into a growth lever.

Molitor breaks accounting into four key levels: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, and CFO—each representing a stage of financial maturity. A proactive approach means using data for decision-making, forecasting cash flow, and improving profitability over time. He also cautions that while AI and automation have made accounting faster, expert human oversight remains essential for accuracy and strategy.

For SMB leaders, Rhett’s message is clear: don’t treat accounting as an afterthought. It’s not just about managing expenses—it’s about creating visibility, confidence, and insight to drive growth. Partnering with the right fractional accounting team gives businesses access to senior-level expertise without the overhead of full-time hires.

Rhett Molitor is the co-founder and CEO of Basis 365 Accounting, a U.S.-based outsourced accounting firm specializing in digital agencies, SaaS companies, and consultancies. With over a decade of experience helping SMBs scale efficiently, Rhett champions proactive, transparent financial management supported by technology and expert insight.

Basis 365 Accounting provides outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, and fractional CFO services designed for growth-focused businesses. By combining automation tools with expert financial guidance, Basis 365 helps companies gain clarity, reduce risk, and improve profitability. Learn more at basis365.com.

• Basic 365 Accounting Web
• Rhett Molitor LinkedIn Profile

• The 4 levels of accounting: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, CFO
• Why proactive financial management drives scalability
• How AI and automation are reshaping accounting workflows
• Common pitfalls SMBs face when they “outgrow” basic bookkeeping
• Actionable steps to make accounting a strategic business advantage

Outsourced accounting isn’t just about saving money—it’s about gaining visibility, expertise, and strategic advantage. Rhett Molitor’s approach at Basis 365 Accounting shows that when SMBs invest in proactive financial systems and fractional expertise, they set the stage for smarter growth and long-term stability.

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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Young Han, multi-entrepreneur, founder of Always Han and Thesis, and host of The Girl Dad Show. Young shares his experience as a fractional COO/CFO, helping companies between $10M and $100M in revenue make data-driven, sustainable growth decisions. The discussion dives into how founders can scale methodically, balance emotion with logic, and build systems that create long-term stability instead of short-term excitement.

Young explains that scaling a business requires more than ambition—it requires structure, clarity, and discipline. As a fractional COO/CFO, he brings high-level strategy and operational focus to businesses that are ready to grow but not yet large enough for a full executive team. He emphasizes separating emotion from decision-making and using quantifiable data to guide growth, helping founders see where they can take calculated risks versus emotional leaps.

A key part of his process is understanding the founder’s actual goals—whether it’s income, freedom, or eventual sale—and aligning operational and financial strategies around those priorities. Young believes in the power of methodical, “boring” business-building: creating repeatable systems, managing risk intelligently, and using debt strategically rather than emotionally. His philosophy proves that success doesn’t require chaos or constant reinvention—it comes from consistency, structure, and clear decision frameworks.

Young also encourages founders to embrace what he calls “Built Boring,” a mindset focused on long-term results over flashy short-term wins. By grounding strategy in data and disciplined execution, leaders can create scalable businesses that endure—ones that don’t rely solely on the founder’s daily grind to survive.

Young Han is a fractional COO/CFO, serial entrepreneur, and founder of Always Han, where he helps companies scale through structured financial and operational strategy. With a portfolio of over 20 growing businesses, Young specializes in guiding founders through the complexities of sustainable growth, decision frameworks, and strategic risk management. He is also the host of The Girl Dad Show, where he shares his insights on leadership, parenting, and entrepreneurship.

Always Han is a business strategy and leadership development firm founded by Young Han, focused on helping entrepreneurs and business owners scale sustainably through data-driven decision-making, operational clarity, and financial discipline. By offering fractional COO/CFO services, personalized coaching, and educational resources, Always Han empowers founders to separate emotion from strategy and build businesses that endure. Through frameworks, tools, and real-world insights, Always Han helps leaders grow logically, lead confidently, and achieve sustainable success.

• Always Han Website
• Young Han LinkedIn Profile

• Fractional executives bring strategic expertise without full-time cost.
• Founders must separate emotion from data when making big decisions.
• Sustainable scaling means building “boring,” repeatable systems.
• Understand your risk tolerance—debt can be a powerful growth tool if used wisely.
• Success is built through structure, consistency,...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Jordan Peace, CEO and Co-founder of Fringe, a platform transforming how companies design and deliver employee benefits. Jordan shares how Fringe helps employers create personalized, meaningful, and easy-to-manage benefit programs that boost engagement and retention. The conversation explores the rise of lifestyle benefits, the limitations of traditional programs, and why personalization and simplicity are key to supporting today’s workforce.

Jordan explains that traditional benefits—like health insurance and retirement plans—only help employees in moments of crisis, leaving a gap in daily well-being. Modern workers expect more personalized, relevant benefits that support their everyday lives and families. That’s where Fringe comes in: a lifestyle benefits platform that consolidates hundreds of perks—from streaming subscriptions and meal delivery to childcare and wellness services—into one intuitive system.

The platform empowers employees to choose benefits that matter most to them using company-funded “Fringe Points.” This personalization drives engagement and makes employees feel genuinely valued, while employers gain insight into benefit usage and preferences. Jordan also highlights Fringe’s Four-Filter Approach—focusing on offerings that save time, reduce stress, impact families, and spark joy—ensuring that every benefit delivers real value.

Instead of offering generic cash bonuses or one-size-fits-all perks, Jordan emphasizes the emotional and cultural impact of personalized benefits. They foster connection, increase retention, and create what he calls a “flywheel of engagement.” With Fringe, companies of any size—from startups to global enterprises—can offer world-class benefits that elevate employee experience while simplifying HR management.

Jordan Peace is the CEO and Co-founder of Fringe, an innovative benefits platform that helps companies offer personalized, lifestyle-based perks to their employees. With a background in financial planning and a passion for people-first culture, Jordan is redefining how organizations think about employee engagement, recognition, and well-being in the modern workplace.

Fringe is an employee benefits platform that consolidates rewards, recognition, wellness programs, and lifestyle perks into one seamless experience. Through the use of customizable “Fringe Points,” employees choose benefits that fit their individual needs—ranging from mental health apps to travel experiences. By simplifying benefit management and emphasizing personalization, Fringe helps companies of all sizes attract, retain, and support happier, more engaged teams. Visit https://www.fringe.us/ to learn more.

• Jordan Peace LinkedIn Profile
• Fringe Website

• Traditional benefits often miss the mark—employees want support that improves daily life.
• Fringe’s platform personalizes perks using “Fringe Points,” empowering employee choice.
• The Four Filters—time savings, stress reduction, family impact, and joy creation—guide benefit selection.
• Personalized benefits boost engagement and retention far more effectively than cash...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Claudio Gambin, CEO and Founder of GFG Solutions, about transforming the way business owners approach financial planning. Claudio shares how his flat-fee, strategy-first model helps entrepreneurs—especially in construction and trades—optimize taxes, protect assets, and plan for the future with transparency and confidence. The discussion focuses on actionable strategies for smarter business finances and building companies with long-term value in mind.

Claudio explains how his frustration with the traditional commission-based financial model led him to launch GFG Solutions—a firm that provides conflict-free, strategy-only advising. By removing product sales incentives, Claudio’s team delivers truly unbiased, actionable guidance focused on measurable results rather than commissions. His client base primarily includes construction and trade business owners, where GFG’s deep industry knowledge allows for highly tailored tax and financial strategies.

A cornerstone of GFG’s process is proactive tax planning, which goes beyond end-of-year accounting. Claudio emphasizes meeting with advisors early to forecast income, identify credits like R&D, and maximize depreciation and deductions. He also highlights the power of long-term exit planning, helping business owners build companies that run smoothly without them—boosting enterprise value whether they plan to sell or not.

What truly sets GFG apart is its boutique approach—serving only about 30 clients at a time to ensure a deep, personalized partnership. The firm collaborates directly with each client’s CPA, attorney, and internal team to execute strategies and deliver results. For Claudio, financial advising isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating clarity, security, and flexibility for business owners who want to grow with purpose.

Claudio Gambin is the CEO and Founder of GFG Solutions, based in Orlando, Florida. With a background in wealth management and a passion for helping entrepreneurs, Claudio specializes in strategy-first financial planning for business owners in construction and trades. His mission is to empower clients with transparent, conflict-free advice that drives profitability, reduces tax burdens, and prepares businesses for sustainable, long-term success.

GFG Solutions is a financial strategy firm providing flat-fee, strategy-only services for business owners. The company focuses on proactive tax planning, asset protection, growth strategy, and exit planning—helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more valuable businesses. By working collaboratively with clients’ existing advisors, GFG ensures every financial decision aligns with long-term goals. Learn more at https://gfgsolutions.com/.

• GFG Solutions Website
• Claudio Gambin LinkedIn Profile

• Claudio shares how transparency and specialization can redefine trust in financial advising.
• He breaks down proactive tax strategies, including early income projections, tax credits, and accelerated depreciation.
• Discussion on why construction and trade...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Yuliia Solovyeva, CEO of CSV Group, about how companies can accelerate growth through smarter strategy, psychology, and AI integration. Yuliia shares her expertise in helping startups and global brands enter new markets, win public tenders, and scale operations sustainably. The discussion offers actionable advice for business leaders looking to combine human insight with data-driven systems for measurable results.

Yuliia explains that sustainable business growth starts with understanding people—whether clients, partners, or teams. She introduces transactional analysis, a psychological framework that helps leaders recognize communication patterns and tailor their approach for better outcomes. By identifying whether someone is operating from a directive, logical, or emotional mindset, entrepreneurs can improve negotiations, build stronger relationships, and resolve conflicts effectively.

She also highlights CSV Group’s hands-on approach to business development, embedding its experts directly into client operations to deliver real, measurable results. From crafting go-to-market strategies to managing public and commercial tenders, the firm supports clients through every step of the process. Their blend of strategic execution, legal expertise, and AI-driven automation helps businesses streamline operations and open new revenue channels globally.

AI, Yuliia explains, is not a replacement for human connection—it’s a tool to amplify efficiency and insight. By automating repetitive processes and analyzing customer data, companies can free up teams to focus on creativity, strategy, and relationship-building. With the right balance of human intelligence and AI capability, businesses can scale faster and compete more effectively across markets.

Yuliia Solovyeva is the CEO of CSV Group, a business development leader helping companies expand internationally through psychology-based strategy, market entry expertise, and AI-powered optimization. With deep experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, Yuliia focuses on practical execution—turning insights into measurable outcomes that drive sustainable growth.

CSV Group is a global business development firm specializing in helping startups and enterprises scale across new markets. The company provides go-to-market strategy, tender support, CRM automation, and AI-driven process optimization. By integrating legal, compliance, and strategic expertise, CSV Group ensures its clients achieve tangible, lasting growth. Learn more at thecsvgroup.com.

• Yuliia Solovyeva on LinkedIn
• CSV Group Website

• Yuliia shares how understanding psychology through transactional analysis helps leaders communicate and negotiate more effectively.
• She explains CSV Group’s unique hands-on approach, embedding business development experts directly into client teams.
• Discussion on leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and free up teams for strategic work.
• Yuliia details how public and commercial tenders can accelerate growth and...

In an era where AI and digital media are rewriting the rules of communication, modern PR demands more strategy, agility, and authenticity than ever. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Amy Rosenberg, Founder and President of Veracity, to explore how small businesses and PR professionals can adapt to today’s fast-changing media landscape. Amy shares actionable tactics for building credibility, leveraging AI, and crafting stories that truly resonate with audiences.

Amy explains that public relations has shifted from focusing solely on press releases and media placements to building holistic brand visibility across multiple platforms. In today’s fast-changing world, credibility and consistency are the new currencies of PR success. She introduces the emerging concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—the process of optimizing your brand’s presence not only for Google but also for AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT. By creating high-value, trustworthy content, brands can ensure they show up in AI-generated responses that influence decision-making.

For small businesses, Amy offers practical ways to take control of their own PR efforts. She encourages using editorial calendars to time pitches with industry trends, focusing on earned media rather than paid placements, and telling authentic, human-centered stories. Even without a large budget, entrepreneurs can make an impact by consistently sharing relevant insights and staying connected to their audience’s needs.

Amy emphasizes that while technology like AI is transforming PR, the human element remains irreplaceable. Storytelling, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building still drive meaningful visibility and trust. By blending smart digital strategies with authentic communication, brands can thrive in an AI-powered, content-saturated world.

Amy Rosenberg is the Founder and President of Veracity, a Portland-based public relations and digital marketing agency. With over two decades of experience, Amy helps organizations and PR professionals navigate modern media through strategic communication, training, and her acclaimed book A Practical Guide to Public Relations for Businesses, Nonprofits, and PR Leaders.

Veracity is a PR and digital marketing agency specializing in strategic communications, media relations, and reputation management. The firm empowers businesses and marketing leaders to build credibility, enhance visibility, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. Learn more and access free resources at www.veracityagency.com/.

• Amy Rosenberg on LinkedIn
• Veracity Website

• PR success in 2024 depends on credibility, consistency, and digital visibility.
• Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the next evolution of PR and SEO strategy.
• Small businesses can leverage editorial calendars and strong storytelling to earn coverage.
• Earned media delivers more long-term value than paid placements.
• AI tools are powerful, but authentic...

In today’s fast-paced business world, balancing growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency is more challenging than ever. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Adam O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., to explore how outsourcing and AI can help businesses scale without sacrificing quality. Adam shares how Gear Inc. combines global expertise and advanced technology to deliver customer support solutions that strengthen operations and empower internal teams.

Adam explains that outsourcing is no longer a cost-cutting tactic but a strategic enabler for companies of all sizes. By partnering with experienced business process outsourcing (BPO) providers, companies can access global talent, improve service quality, and focus on high-value initiatives. Gear Inc. operates across 24 countries, offering multilingual support in over 75 languages, and tailors its services to align seamlessly with each client’s workflow.

While AI continues to revolutionize customer support, Adam emphasizes that technology alone can’t replace human connection. Gear Inc. integrates AI tools to automate repetitive tasks and analyze customer data, but its focus remains on empathy-driven communication and personalized service. “AI enhances efficiency, but it’s the people behind it who make customer experiences meaningful,” Adam says.

For leaders considering outsourcing, preparation and partnership are key. Adam advises documenting clear processes, defining expectations, and viewing outsourcing as a collaboration—not just a transaction. Businesses that approach BPO strategically can unlock scalability, consistency, and the flexibility needed to thrive in a competitive market.

Adam O’Connor is the Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., a global business process outsourcing company helping organizations streamline operations through AI integration and human-centric customer support. With extensive experience in scaling multinational teams, Adam specializes in helping brands achieve operational excellence and build customer loyalty worldwide.

Gear Inc. is a global BPO leader offering outsourcing solutions for customer support, trust and safety, social media management, and software development. With a presence in 24 countries and support for over 75 languages, Gear Inc. helps businesses optimize performance, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.gearinc.com.

• Adam O’Connor on LinkedIn
• Gear Inc. Website

• Outsourcing is a strategic growth driver, not just a cost-saving measure.
• AI enhances efficiency but human empathy remains essential in customer experience.
• Gear Inc. operates in 24 countries with multilingual support for global scalability.
• Success in outsourcing requires clear documentation, defined goals, and partnership.
• Combining AI insights with human expertise helps businesses scale sustainably.

This conversation highlights how outsourcing and AI can transform the way companies scale, communicate, and deliver...