Zachary Hedges (Customer Model AI)

Zachary Hedges (Customer Model AI)

Host Jessie Warner sits down with Zachary Hedges, CEO and co-founder of Customer Model AI, to discuss how businesses can replace marketing guesswork with data-driven customer insights. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing, automation, and enterprise technology, Zach shares lessons on scaling companies, leveraging AI responsibly, and building sustainable growth strategies. What You'll Learn: * Why understanding your ideal customer is the foundation of effective marketing and business growth. * How businesses can use data to make smarter decisions instead of relying on assumptions or intuition. * The evolution of AI from analytics and automation tools to today's generative capabilities. * Why advanced data science and customer modeling are becoming accessible to businesses of all sizes. * How trust, education, and consistent communication drive modern customer acquisition. * Why entrepreneurs often underestimate the amount of time and repetition required to see meaningful results. * The importance of staying committed to proven strategies long enough for momentum to build. * How adaptability and a willingness to pivot can help businesses navigate changing markets and opportunities. Throughout the conversation, Zach emphasizes that long-term success comes from combining data, technology, and patience. His perspective highlights the importance of understanding customers at a deeper level, embracing innovation thoughtfully, and remaining committed to the long game of building a business that lasts. To learn more about Zachary Hedges and his work, visit customermodel.ai.

Riley Epps (State Tax Advisors)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Riley Epps, founder and managing partner of State Tax Advisors, to discuss the complexities of state and local tax compliance, building a niche business, and what it takes to scale a specialized professional services firm. Riley shares lessons from decades in the industry, including how he grew his company from a solo practice into a 22-person team serving clients nationwide. What You’ll Learn: * Why specializing in a niche market can create long-term growth and differentiation * How referral partnerships with CPA firms can become a powerful and sustainable sales channel * The importance of identifying “nexus” and tax exposure before it becomes a costly issue * How AI is transforming back-office operations and dramatically improving efficiency * Why hiring ahead of growth can unlock more revenue opportunities * The role of delegation and trust in scaling beyond the early stages of business * How remote work expanded access to talent and changed the hiring landscape * Why maintaining culture and communication becomes even more important as teams grow remotely Riley’s story highlights the power of staying focused on a core competency while continuously evolving to meet client needs. From launching new services to embracing technology and building strong referral networks, his approach shows how consistent execution, trust in your team, and adaptability can fuel sustainable growth over time. His journey also reinforces that growth often comes with complexity—but for those willing to lean into it, the opportunities can be significant. To learn more about Riley Epps and his work, visit statetaxadvisors.com.

Paul Adams (Sound Financial Group)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Paul Adams, CEO and founder of Sound Financial Group, to explore how financial planning, leadership, and long-term thinking intersect. Paul shares his unconventional approach to wealth management, building a values-driven business, and why designing your life first is the foundation for financial freedom. What You’ll Learn: * Why separating financial advice from product sales creates greater trust and better long-term outcomes for clients * How adopting a “design-build” model in business can create more transparency and empower customers to make better decisions * Why giving employees autonomy and flexibility leads to stronger loyalty, better performance, and healthier company culture * The difference between learning principles versus chasing shortcuts, and why principles create sustainable success * How creating content without holding back can build trust, attract aligned clients, and establish authority over time * Why AI should be used to reduce cognitive load and improve team performance, not replace people * How regularly re-evaluating your systems, software, and processes can reveal hidden inefficiencies and opportunities for growth * Why defining your personal ambitions before your career goals can help you build a life aligned with your values instead of drifting into someone else’s version of success Paul Adams offers a compelling reminder that financial success isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about intentionally designing a life worth living. Through his client-first philosophy, innovative business structure, and focus on personal contentment, Paul challenges conventional thinking around money, work, and fulfillment. His approach shows that clarity, planning, and values alignment can create both financial freedom and a meaningful life. To learn more about Paul Adams and his work, visit sfgway.com.

John Morgan – Pelagic

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with John Morgan, Founder and CEO of Pelagic, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building resilient supply chains for high-growth consumer brands. John shares lessons from his journey through SpaceX, startup leadership, and scaling Pelagic into a trusted partner for companies navigating rapid growth. What You’ll Learn: * Why supply chain excellence can become a major competitive advantage for growing consumer brands. * How John’s experience at SpaceX and Seed Health shaped his approach to solving complex operational challenges. * The importance of building systems and processes that can scale alongside a fast-growing business. * Why community, referrals, and trust have been more powerful growth drivers than traditional marketing. * How focusing on high-quality clients helps protect team culture, performance, and long-term success. * Why controlled growth is often healthier and more sustainable than pursuing every opportunity. * How investing in employee development creates stronger organizations and future leaders. * The role AI may play in training, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency within service-based businesses. John Morgan’s story highlights the often-overlooked importance of supply chain strategy in business growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that sustainable success comes from investing in people, maintaining strong cultural values, and building systems that empower teams to deliver consistently as organizations scale. His perspective offers valuable lessons for founders seeking to balance rapid growth with operational excellence. To learn more about John Morgan and his work, visit pelagic.co.

Sanjay Bhatia (Runday.ai)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Sanjay Bhatia, CEO and founder of Runday.ai and a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience building AI-driven companies. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming sales, marketing, and customer engagement, while highlighting the importance of combining human expertise with AI-powered systems. What You’ll Learn: * Why traditional advertising is becoming less effective and how data-driven outreach is creating new opportunities for growth. * How AI-powered brand ambassadors can identify, qualify, and engage ideal buyers before a salesperson ever enters the conversation. * The importance of focusing on buyer intent and timing rather than relying on broad marketing campaigns and lead-generation funnels. * Why community-building through webinars, masterminds, and industry ecosystems can outperform purely transactional marketing efforts. * How businesses can use AI to empower employees, eliminate repetitive tasks, and improve productivity rather than replace human talent. * Why demographic workforce trends may create labor shortages for years to come and how AI can help organizations bridge those gaps. * The value of adopting a true omnichannel approach that combines email, phone, social platforms, messaging apps, and AI-driven engagement. * Why hiring people you genuinely enjoy working with can have a greater long-term impact than hiring solely based on credentials or experience. Throughout the conversation, Sanjay presents a vision of AI as a tool for creating more meaningful and efficient connections between buyers and sellers. Rather than replacing people, he believes AI can enhance human capabilities, improve targeting, reduce wasted effort, and help businesses build stronger relationships with the right customers at the right time. His perspective offers a practical roadmap for organizations looking to grow in an increasingly data-driven and AI-enabled marketplace. To learn more about Sanjay Bhatia and his work, visit Runday.ai.