What Every CEO Needs to Know about Scaling

Tex Criqui of The North Coast Jobs Factory joins Rose Odette on the Bullish on Business Podcast

In this episode of the Bullish on Business Podcast, Rose Odette sits down with Francis "Tex" Criqui, one of Northern Michigan's most experienced startup mentors, innovation strategists, and champions of economic development. With a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years at General Motors, leadership roles in innovation consulting, startup commercialization, and entrepreneurship education, Tex has helped nearly 400 startups navigate the challenging journey from concept to execution. Phone - 517.518.1446 email - flcriqui@gmail.com Tex shares lessons learned from decades of working with entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators, discussing why many startups struggle to move beyond the excitement of launching and into sustainable growth. He explains his powerful Discover, Define, Develop, Deploy framework and reveals how founders can answer one of the most important questions in business: "What do we do next?" The conversation also explores the future of entrepreneurship in Northern Michigan, the opportunities emerging from the region's growing freshwater innovation and blue economy sectors, and the vision behind Tex's newest initiative, The North Coast Jobs Factory, which is focused on helping startups create jobs, scale responsibly, and build businesses that endure. Whether you're a startup founder, business owner, investor, economic development leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world wisdom from someone who has spent decades helping companies succeed. In This Episode: • What separates successful startups from those that stall out • Why founders often struggle with disciplined execution • The Discover, Define, Develop, Deploy framework explained • Lessons from General Motors that still apply to startups today • The dangers of scaling too quickly • Emerging opportunities in Northern Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem • The future of the blue economy and freshwater innovation • The vision and mission behind The North Coast Jobs Factory • How startup founders can move from inspiration to sustainable growth About Tex Criqui Francis "Tex" Criqui is a startup mentor, innovation strategist, former mayor, and entrepreneur advocate. Following a distinguished 40-year career with General Motors, Tex became a leader in startup mentoring, commercialization strategy, and innovation ecosystem development. He has coached more than 100 companies into early-stage operations and worked with nearly 400 startups through programs including Lawrence Technological University's I-Corps initiative, TC SCORE, and 20Fathoms. Today, he is leading The North Coast Jobs Factory, a new venture dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable companies that create jobs and long-term economic impact. Key Takeaway "Ideas are exciting. Execution creates jobs, growth, and lasting businesses." — Tex Criqui Connect with Bullish on Business Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, executives, investors, and leaders who are shaping the future of business. Bullish on Business Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLArqnhD6mjUatxYtD81uHVrqK-UfMtEfN&si=YXqprr8KHHu2tBvL [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLArqnhD6mjUatxYtD81uHVrqK-UfMtEfN&si=YXqprr8KHHu2tBvL] Hosted by Rose Odette, entrepreneur, author, founder, and business growth strategist.

What Every CEO Needs to Know about Scaling

Start Your 30-Day Free Trial to Bullish on Business Executive Information System: https://www.bullishonbusiness.com [https://www.bullishonbusiness.com] Book a Free Live Demo Call: https://link.bullishonbusiness.com/widget/booking/spUI5lRAPSlH3RVG13nC [https://link.bullishonbusiness.com/widget/booking/spUI5lRAPSlH3RVG13nC] If you're new to my channel, I'm Rose Odette. I help entrepreneurs, executives, and experts turn their knowledge, experience, and ideas into scalable businesses, books, courses, and lasting wealth. Our results include: Software Sales: $100M+ in sales Users: 200,000+ Most business owners don't fail because they lack tools. They fail because they lack a proven system for execution. Bullish on Business EIS combines software, AI, education, coaching, community, and accountability into one complete platform designed to help entrepreneurs grow faster, execute better, and win bigger

Scott Perry with 2Bays DJs join Rose Odette with the Bullish on Business Podcast

Bullish on Business Podcast Episode Title: Building a Trusted Event Brand: How Scott Perry Grew 2 Bays DJs into a Regional Success Story Episode Description What does it take to build a business that people trust with some of the most important moments of their lives? In this episode of the Bullish on Business Podcast, Rose Odette sits down with Scott Perry, founder of 2 Bays DJs, to discuss the journey of building a successful event entertainment company from the ground up. Scott shares how he entered the DJ industry, the challenges of growing a service-based business, and the systems and mindset required to consistently deliver memorable experiences for clients. Whether you're an entrepreneur, event professional, or business owner looking to build a stronger brand, this conversation is packed with practical insights on customer service, trust-building, leadership, branding, and business growth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: * How Scott got started in the DJ and events industry * The early challenges of building 2 Bays DJs * What separates exceptional service providers from average competitors * How trust becomes a competitive advantage in the events business * The biggest obstacles Scott faced while scaling his company * The importance of preparation and process management * Handling high-pressure situations when things don't go according to plan * The role of social media and branding in business growth * Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs entering the events industry * What's next for 2 Bays DJs and future expansion plans Key Takeaways Success in the events industry isn't just about music—it's about creating experiences, building relationships, and consistently delivering on promises. Scott's story demonstrates that long-term business growth comes from: * Professionalism * Reliability * Customer trust * Strong systems and processes * Continuous improvement * A commitment to excellence About Scott Perry Scott Perry is the driving force behind 2 Bays DJs, a company known for bringing energy, professionalism, and unforgettable experiences to weddings, parties, corporate events, and special occasions throughout the region. Through a commitment to customer service and quality execution, Scott has built a trusted brand that clients rely on for life's most important celebrations. Connect with 2 Bays DJs Website: https://2baysdjs.com [https://2baysdjs.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2BaysDJs [https://www.facebook.com/2BaysDJs] About the Host Rose Odette is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and founder of Awake Technologies Corporation. She hosts the Bullish on Business Podcast, featuring entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders who are building companies, creating jobs, and making an impact in their communities. Resources from Rose Odette Charge Like a Bull: 7 Strategies for Relentless Business Growth https://a.co/d/hF64gYh [https://a.co/d/hF64gYh] Charge Like a Bull – Your Game Plan for Relentless Business Growth https://a.co/d/6Os9qwS [https://a.co/d/6Os9qwS] Bullish on Execution: Turning Big Goals Into Bigger Wins https://a.co/d/gSa9NrM [https://a.co/d/gSa9NrM] Lead Like a Lioness: 7 Archetypes. 100 Challenges. One Lioness Legacy. https://a.co/d/hwEIYnk [https://a.co/d/hwEIYnk] Bullish on Immigration: How EB-5 Builds Wealth, Mobility & Multigenerational Security https://a.co/d/8EfrZAK [https://a.co/d/8EfrZAK] Best Quest – From Records to Results: How Agentic AI Orchestrates the Future of Healthcare https://a.co/d/6Vci69k [https://a.co/d/6Vci69k] Book an appointment with Rose: https://link.bullishonexecution.com/widget/booking/spUI5lRAPSlH3RVG13nC [https://link.bullishonexecution.com/widget/booking/spUI5lRAPSlH3RVG13nC] Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Bullish on Business Podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more stories, strategies, and insights from business leaders who are making a difference. Bullish on Business — Where entrepreneurs share what it really takes to build, scale, and succeed.

Lauren Kroells of Colliver Technology Group joins Rose Odette on the Bullish on Business Podcast

The Human Element of Scaling: Why Trust Wins in an AI-Driven World Episode Summary In a world flooded with automation, AI tools, and templated messaging, one truth is becoming more valuable than ever: Trust is the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode of Bullish on Business, Rose Odette sits down with Lauren Kroells, Operations Manager and Marketing Strategist at Colliver Technology Group, to unpack what it really takes to scale a business without losing the human connection that drives revenue. Lauren brings a powerful perspective from inside B2B tech and operations—where she helps companies simplify complexity, standardize workflows, and create systems that actually support growth instead of slowing it down. Together, they break down why most AI strategies fail, how operational discipline fuels authenticity, and what businesses must do right now to stay relevant in 2026 and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode * Why "people buy from people" is more important now than ever * The hidden risk of over-automation in your business * Why you can't scale a messy operation * How standardization creates freedom—not restriction * The real reason AI-generated content feels generic (and how to fix it) * How to maintain a personal, high-touch experience as you grow * Simple workflows that save time and improve customer trust Key Takeaway If your internal systems are broken, no amount of AI will save you. The companies that win this decade will be the ones that use technology to enhance human connection—not replace it. About Lauren Kroells Lauren Kroells is an Operations Manager and Marketing Strategist at Colliver Technology Group, where she specializes in streamlining internal operations to drive external growth. She is known for bringing structure to fast-moving teams, improving efficiency, and helping companies execute with clarity and precision. With experience across B2B tech, demand generation, and marketing strategy, Lauren helps organizations simplify complexity and build systems that scale. Connect with Lauren & Colliver Technology Group LinkedIn (Lauren Kroells): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkroells [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkroells] CTG Website (Custom Lead Magnets): https://www.colliver.io/custom-lead-magnets/ [https://www.colliver.io/custom-lead-magnets/] CTG ICYMI Newsletter (Stay Updated): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ctg-s-icymi-newsletter-7423091946346291200 [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ctg-s-icymi-newsletter-7423091946346291200] CTG YouTube Channel (Automation Tutorials): https://www.youtube.com/@collivertechnologygroup5621 [https://www.youtube.com/@collivertechnologygroup5621] Sponsor / Partner Mention Whether you need an extension of your current team or a custom lead magnet to build trust with your audience, Colliver Technology Group provides the operational and marketing support to keep your business moving forward. Call to Action If this episode challenged the way you think about scaling, share it with a colleague or team member who needs to hear it. And if you're serious about building a business that actually scales—with the right systems, strategy, and execution—stay connected. About the Host – Rose Odette Rose Odette is a founder, CEO, and business strategist who built a $100M company from the ground up. She is the author of Charge Like a Bull and the voice behind Bullish on Business, where she teaches entrepreneurs and executives how to scale with precision, discipline, and relentless execution.

Ramon Williams of FlmLnk on the Bullish on Business Podcast

From Side Hustles to AI Platforms: How Ramon Williams Builds Real Businesses In this episode of Bullish on Business, Rose Odette sits down with Ramon Williams, entrepreneur, AI builder, and founder working across multiple ventures, including Faire Rideshare, The AI Standard, and FlmLnk. Ramon shares his journey from early side hustles to building AI-driven platforms and how he turns ideas into real, usable products. This is a conversation about execution, adaptability, and building in today's fast-moving technology landscape. What You'll Learn How Ramon started as an entrepreneur with early side hustles The transition from traditional work to building his own businesses What Faire Rideshare is and how it challenges the current gig economy model How The AI Standard helps founders turn ideas into real products What FlmLnk is and how it is changing film marketing and distribution How AI is accelerating entrepreneurship Why most people stay stuck at the idea stage The mindset required to build and execute consistently Building Across Multiple Ventures Ramon is not focused on just one business. He is building across multiple platforms: Faire Rideshare A rideshare platform focused on choice, transparency, and trust for both drivers and riders The AI Standard A system that helps non-technical founders turn ideas into real products using AI and no-code tools FlmLnk An AI-powered platform that helps filmmakers turn content into marketing assets, track engagement, and build audiences This reflects a core theme of the episode: Execution is not about one idea. It is about building systems that bring ideas to life. Key Takeaways Ideas are easy. Execution is rare AI is a tool, not a strategy Speed matters, but direction matters more You don't need to be technical to build today The winners are the ones who take action consistently The Real Problem Most people don't fail because they lack ideas. They fail because they: never move past planning don't build systems don't execute consistently They stay stuck. Your Next Step You don't need another idea. You need a system that forces execution. Join the Bullish on Business SaaS system at https://bullishonbusiness.com This is where you learn how to: turn ideas into action track what actually drives results build a weekly execution cadence operate like a real business About the Guest Ramon Williams is an entrepreneur and AI-focused builder working across multiple ventures, including Faire Rideshare, The AI Standard, and FlmLnk. He focuses on helping founders turn ideas into real, usable products through execution and technology. About the Host Rose Odette is a business growth strategist and host of Bullish on Business, focused on helping entrepreneurs scale through execution, systems, and relentless action. Call to Action Subscribe to Bullish on Business and share this episode with someone ready to stop thinking and start building.