Scaling Up Success Podcast

How Do You Stand Out in Today’s Overcrowded Marketplace?

In this compelling conversation, communication strategist Shelby Jo Long sits down with Ryan Van Ornam to explore what it truly takes to build a visible, impactful personal brand in today’s digital age. From strategic positioning to meaningful relationship-building, Shelby shares the tools every professional needs to rise above the noise.

“Your net worth is ...

What if a single moment could completely rewrite the direction of your life?

For Dr. Liz Blanding, that moment came in the form of a devastating car accident. One second, she was a thriving real estate agent, next, she was being told she might never walk again after hydroplaning into a tree. But Dr. Liz refused to accept that prognosis as her truth. Instead, she began a deep, personal healing journey that would eventually ...

What happens when a firefighter brings his values of service, integrity, and leadership into real estate?

Meet Tristan Calabro, founder of The Calabro Group, whose remarkable journey from emergency services to real estate entrepreneurship proves that trust and heart still have a place in business. Driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and take back control of his schedule, Tristan transitioned from fire tru...

Tom Reber pulls no punches when it comes to business. “You have a glorified job with overhead and a shitty boss,” he says, if you can’t get out of your own way. 

As the founder of The Contractor Fight and Simplify Painting, Tom sits down with host Ryan Van Ornum to unpack the mindset shifts that separate business owners who stay stuck from those who scale with purpose and success.

He shares the real story behind g...

What happens when skilled tradespeople, machinists, welders, and engineers step into business ownership?
Many hit a wall around $2–4 million in revenue. In this powerful episode, Dave McFarland of Focus Op-X breaks down why so many “accidental business owners” stall at that point, and how scaling up requires a shift in mindset, not just more hustle.

“You can't read the label from inside the jar,” Dave says, remind...

Scaling a business isn’t just about tactics, it’s about breaking through the fear that keeps entrepreneurs stuck in cycles of hesitation and survival mode. In a powerful conversation with Brent Holtman, founder of Kairos Profit Coach, we explore what really holds small businesses back from sustainable growth. Brent introduces the "buffalo strategy", facing challenges head-on instead of waiting them out. Through real-world...

Think rejection hurts? Imagine facing it every day as part of your job. Dr. Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent with over 21 years in the industry and founder of Bramante Artists, knows this reality well. "The truth is, you're going to hear more no's than yeses, no matter your talent," he says. His transformative advice: reframe rejection. “Use the no as a gentle reminder that your services aren’t needed tod...

What if you could reclaim 10–12 hours of your week while building a business that aligns perfectly with your strengths and purpose? Dr. Eric Goodman, former business school dean turned AI entrepreneur, reveals how this is not only possible but practical at the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership development, and personal growth. From selling candy as a child to launching companies during college, Dr. Goodman’s entre...

Ryan Van Ornum welcomes Noelle Peterson of Start Smart Systems to the Scaling Up Success podcast for an insightful conversation on business automation, finding your niche, and the power of relationships. Noelle shares how her entrepreneurial journey unexpectedly blossomed from supporting her husband's ministry into launching a thriving business of her own. With a diverse background in government and overseas ministry, she disc...

Tired of feeling like you have to choose between success and a fulfilling personal life? You’re not alone, and Mel Cunningham, founder of Now and Zenergy, is here to prove that you don’t have to choose at all. On this episode of the Scaling Up Success podcast, Mel shares insights from six years of coaching high-achieving professionals, revealing a powerful truth: it’s entirely possible to thrive in both business and life. Her journ...

From humble beginnings as an 11-year-old construction worker, Chris Pohl has built a thriving custom home business that exemplifies the American dream, creating something meaningful through hard work and integrity. Alongside business partner Brooke Muttsbauer, Chris has helped shape Divergent Homes into a standout player in Colorado’s competitive construction scene by focusing on what matters most: delivering exceptional client exp...

Andy Taylor's journey from the tax resolution industry to his role as a senior project manager at Red Rock Roofing is a story of pursuing purpose over mere profit. Although financially successful in his previous career, Andy longed for work that allowed him to sleep better at night, knowing he was genuinely helping others. Seven years ago, he began building his expertise from the ground up, canvassing neighborhoods, managing p...

Laura Armstrong’s journey from a three-time world champion martial artist to a wealth mastery expert is a testament to the power of discipline, community, and strategic thinking. With a diverse background spanning Filipino martial arts, holistic practices, and corporate trading, Laura brings a unique perspective to wealth-building. Her turning point came during a world championship in Manila, where she faced unexpected adversity—he...

Have you ever felt that post-COVID struggle to truly connect with others face-to-face after growing so accustomed to digital interactions? Jordan White understands this challenge and has crafted a solution through his company, GATE (Games and Trivia Entertainment). As a mobile game show host, Jordan brings interactive fun directly to homes, workplaces, and events throughout Colorado—and even beyond for those willing to cover travel...

Ready to transform your life at sea? In this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Eva Minari introduces her revolutionary Alaskan Healing Cruise—a profound journey of mind, body, and spiritual renewal through what she calls “quantum healing.” This isn’t your average vacation. It’s a deeply immersive experience designed to help you move beyond fear, obligation, and uncertainty, aligning you with your greater purpose. Drawing f...

Meet Thomas Reed III – a football player, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for student-athletes often overlooked by traditional recruiting systems. In this powerful conversation, Reed shares his journey from Deer Park, New York, to professional football, including the life-altering decision to give up his own scholarship opportunities to care for his father during a medical crisis in Colorado. His story is not just about athlet...

Are you ready to turn your speaking talent into a thriving business? In this episode of Scaling Up Success, Marty Dickinson joins Ryan Van Ornum to break down how speakers can build momentum and attract clients by leveraging their unique expertise. With nearly three decades of experience, Marty introduces his mascot “Action” — a symbol for moving past procrastination — and explains why true growth demands more than just activity. I...

Imagine being told you have three months to live—then later, just 14 days—all before graduating high school. Now imagine not only surviving, but going on to achieve what no one in human history has accomplished. Sean Swarner’s extraordinary journey began with a dire prognosis and ended atop the world’s highest peaks. As the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest, and with only one functioning lung, Sean has since scaled the ...

Jeff McLarty’s journey from successful business owner to leadership coach highlights a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: losing the passion that once fueled their ventures. After growing his own company from a three-person team to 25 employees before eventually selling it, Jeff now dedicates himself to coaching others through similar transitions. His focus is on “technical founders”—those who built businesses around a speci...