Advertise on podcast: Influencer Blueprint Show

Andrea Dobkin is the founder of Guide to Franchising, where she helps aspiring business owners explore franchise opportunities and existing business resales that fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle. With over 12 years on the brand side of the franchising industry before launching her own practice in 2024, Andrea brings an insider's understanding of what makes a franchise system work, and what candidates should watch out for before signing on. Her interest in entrepreneurship started early. Andrea's father ran a lawn care franchise in the 1970s, and watching that business up close, its promise and its pitfalls, shaped how she thinks about ownership, accountability, and what it really takes to run a business well. That early exposure planted a seed that grew into a career spent helping others make smarter, more informed decisions about business ownership. Today, Andrea works with candidates across the country, guiding them through the research and discovery process so they can find opportunities that align with their skills and life goals, rather than just chasing a trend. She's based in Park City, Utah. During the show we discuss: Why franchising can offer an alternative to starting a business from scratch by providing an established business model, operational guidance, and a blueprint for success. How Andrea's personal experience with her father's failed lawn care franchise shaped her passion for helping people make informed business ownership decisions. The four categories of aspiring business owners Andrea identifies: entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, franpreneurs, and wannapreneurs, each with different needs for independence, structure, and support. Why franchise opportunities extend far beyond restaurants into senior care, home services, pet services, healthcare, childcare, and other growing industries. Resources: https://guidetofranchising.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-dobkin/

What happens when your business wins the opportunity you've been waiting for… but you don't have the cash to fulfill it?  For a growing business, more revenue doesn't always mean more cash. You can win the contract, deliver the work, and still be waiting 30, 60, or 90 days to get paid.  Today, we're talking about that gap between earning revenue and actually having the cash to operate and grow… and how business owners can think about working capital before cash flow becomes the thing holding them back.  Joining us today is Josh Register, Business Development Officer with United Capital Funding. Josh specializes in receivable-based financing and working capital solutions, helping businesses navigate the financial challenges that come with growth, new contracts, and changing cash-flow needs. During the show we discuss: How factors evaluate invoices, customer creditworthiness, payment history, and the risk of disputes or fraudulent invoices before approving funding. Why government contractors must understand contract requirements, billing procedures, payment schedules, and working capital needs before accepting large contracts. How rising payables, slow-paying customers, and excessive customer concentration can signal potential cash flow problems. Resources: https://ucfunding.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-register/

Scott brings over 20 years of experience in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, and middle-market investing. Most recently, he spent nine years as a Principal and Portfolio Manager at a fund managing over $3 billion in assets, where he gained deep insight into business operations, capital strategy, and growth. Previously, he co-founded a $325 million technology-focused investment fund and worked at Citigroup, executing more than $2.7 billion in financing transactions. With his extensive experience in business finance, lending, private equity, and capital markets, Scott would provide valuable insights for your audience of business owners and finance professionals. During the show we discuss: Why investors evaluate more than revenue and profit, including leadership, trust, risk, growth potential, and whether a business is worth investing in. The difference between a fundable business, which demonstrates its ability to repay debt, and an investable business, which offers the potential for substantial investment returns. Why unit economics, working capital cycles, and customer concentration matter, especially when a large order requires significant upfront spending or creates dependence on one customer. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkwhalen/ https://www.rueone.com/scott-whalen

Patrick Manning is a recognized leader in the alternative finance industry, with more than 10 years of experience helping small and midsized businesses access the capital they need to grow. Over the past decade, Patrick has assisted in providing more than $1 billion in small business financing and currently serves as CEO of ROK Financial, an industry leader in innovative working capital solutions for businesses across all 50 states. As CEO, Patrick leads an experienced team of alternative lending advisors while developing a growing network of strategic partners and small business clients. His approach combines deep industry knowledge, relationship-driven financing, and a commitment to integrity and client success. Under Patrick's leadership, ROK Financial is focused on delivering innovative, cutting-edge financing programs designed to help businesses of all sizes overcome capital challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and achieve their goals. Patrick is passionate about building strategic partnerships and creating better pathways for entrepreneurs to access the financing they need. During the show we discuss: The different financing solutions available to business owners, including SBA loans, merchant cash advances, equipment financing, invoice factoring, real estate financing, bridge loans, and lines of credit. How business financing has evolved to serve everyone from small businesses generating $5,000 per month to established companies seeking millions in funding. What lenders consider when evaluating applications, including credit scores, monthly revenue, cash reserves, business performance, and available collateral. How asset-based financing and business HELOCs can help owners access equity in equipment or property and potentially consolidate expensive short-term debt. Resources: https://www.rok.biz/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rokfinancial/

Matthew Pollard is an internationally recognized business strategist, speaker, and bestselling author known as "The Rapid Growth® Guy." As the Founder and CEO of Rapid Growth, LLC, he has helped over 3,500 businesses achieve rapid, sustainable growth by focusing on niche marketing, differentiation, and scalable sales systems. An introvert himself, Matthew developed powerful sales methodologies designed specifically for those who don't fit the traditional "extroverted salesperson" mold. His work has transformed how entrepreneurs approach sales by emphasizing storytelling, authenticity, and strategic positioning instead of high-pressure tactics. Before the age of 30, Matthew was responsible for five multimillion-dollar business success stories. Today, he is a globally sought-after speaker and the author of the bestselling Introvert's Edge series, where he teaches business owners how to attract, convert, and retain clients in a natural and effective way. Matthew is passionate about helping entrepreneurs eliminate overwhelm, stand out in crowded markets, and build systems that drive consistent revenue and make their businesses more attractive to lenders and investors. During the show we discuss: Why business growth often depends on improving your sales process rather than simply generating more leads. How Matthew Pollard overcame his struggles with sales after knocking on 93 doors before making his first sale. Why introverts can excel at sales by using their natural strengths in listening, empathy, preparation, and storytelling. How creating a repeatable sales system helps business owners communicate value, build trust, and close more deals without relying on aggressive persuasion. Why specializing in a particular audience makes it easier to differentiate your business, attract ideal clients, and avoid competing on price. Resources: https://matthewpollard.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewpollardspeaker/  https://twitter.com/MatthewPollard_

Cole brings significant experience in commercial finance and factoring, with DARE having funded over $6 billion in receivables and built long-term relationships with thousands of businesses. Their focus on working capital, construction factoring, and lines of credit gives Cole a strong perspective on helping businesses manage cash flow and take on larger growth opportunities. He also has experience with factoring partnerships and technology through DARE's BRS program and proprietary NN6 platform, which could provide an interesting perspective on the evolution of factoring, risk management, and technology in commercial finance. I think Cole's experience in factoring, working capital, construction finance, and supporting growing businesses would make for a valuable and engaging conversation. During thye show we discuss: How to scale a business without creating unnecessary complexity Why accountability matters as teams and operations grow How to identify and measure the activities that drive revenue Why clear communication and consistent processes improve customer outcomes How to identify credit risks before they threaten your business Why customer concentration can put a business at risk How factoring can help businesses facing cash-flow challenges How technology can improve efficiency while keeping customers at the center You can learn more about Cole here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleharmonson/ https://darebizcapital.com/about/

Mark founded Logic Advance in 2015 with the mission of helping small and mid-sized businesses access fast, flexible working capital. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a direct business funding provider offering financing from $5,000 to $1 million, with streamlined underwriting, rapid approvals, and same-day funding for qualified businesses. He represents a technology-enabled direct lender focused on serving the SMB market through efficient underwriting and a customer-first approach. With his background in alternative finance and experience building a modern lending platform, Mark could share valuable insights on fintech lending, access to capital for small businesses, underwriting innovation, and the evolving alternative finance landscape. During the show we discuss: How to determine whether borrowing will help or postpone a problem Why delayed payments can create working-capital shortages How revenue-based financing can help bridge cash-flow gaps Why AI alone may not capture a business's full financial situation How to use a lender's decline as a next step toward approval How to identify trustworthy funding providers Why the right financing product depends on the purpose of the funds How to prepare by understanding your credit score and cash flow You can learn more about Mark here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-davidov-1b7a0327/ Website: https://www.logicadvancegroup.com/

Luke Hessler is a branding strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of Ace Branding, where he helps businesses and personal brands stand out, scale their visibility, and create lasting impact in competitive markets. With a strong focus on digital presence and brand positioning, Luke specializes in helping entrepreneurs clarify their message, attract the right audience, and turn their brand into a powerful growth asset. Through his work, he has helped clients elevate their online presence using strategic content, social media, and modern branding techniques that drive engagement and revenue. Luke is passionate about empowering business owners to build authentic brands that not only look great—but convert, influence, and grow. During the show we discuss: Why visibility alone does not create credibility How social proof influences customer decisions Why personal branding can create long-term business leverage How to evaluate your Google, social media, and AI presence How podcasts and press can strengthen online credibility Why the consideration phase can quietly leak potential customers How to build a brand without making the business dependent on the owner How to use the Blueprint, Build, and Boost framework Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-hessler-9759ab138/

Eddie DeAngelis is a seasoned entrepreneur and business funding expert with more than 30 years of business experience. From his early days as a street vendor in Philadelphia to becoming the Founder and CEO of QualiFi, Eddie has built a career centered on helping entrepreneurs achieve growth and success. Through QualiFi, Eddie works closely with business owners to provide customized financing solutions, including term loans, equipment financing, lines of credit, and other funding products designed to help businesses access the capital they need to scale. His hands-on experience as both an entrepreneur and funding professional gives him a unique perspective on the challenges business owners face when seeking financing and navigating growth opportunities. Eddie is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and capital necessary to build successful companies. His expertise in business funding, lending solutions, entrepreneurship, and industry trends makes him a valuable guest for our audience of business owners, lenders, brokers, and entrepreneurs. During the show we discuss: Why you do not need significant capital to start a business How taking action can be more important than having a perfect business plan Why businesses need systems and people to scale effectively How to determine what type of capital your business actually needs Why the cheapest or largest funding option is not always the best fit How debt consolidation can improve cash flow Why businesses should address financial problems before seeking more capital How to build a stronger long-term relationship with funding providers Links Company Website: https://goqualifi.com/about-the-ceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-edward-deangelis-ceo-qualifi-llc

Jason Blumer is the Founder and CEO of Thriveal, a community and consulting organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurial CPA firm owners grow through coaching, education, and leadership development. Since launching Thriveal in 2010, he has supported thousands of firm owners in building more intentional, scalable, and purpose-driven businesses. In addition to Thriveal, Jason is the CEO of Blumer & Associates, CPAs, an advisory firm serving creative and agency-based businesses. He was an early adopter of the virtual firm model and has spent years helping firms transition from compliance-focused services to higher-value advisory relationships. Jason is widely recognized as a thought leader in the accounting industry, having been named one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. He is also a speaker, writer, and podcast host, known for his work on firm growth, capacity management, and building purpose-driven organizations that scale sustainably. Through his work, Jason helps firm owners simplify complexity, build stronger teams, and create businesses that are not only profitable, but also attractive to lenders, investors, and long-term growth opportunities. During the show we discuss: Why revenue does not automatically mean growth How to reduce owner dependency Why fast growth can create operational problems How to manage business complexity as you scale Why non-revenue-generating roles can support growth How to distinguish profit from available cash When debt can support a business and when it can become a burden How cash reserves and working capital can improve funding readiness Resources: https://thriveal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonblumer/ https://x.com/jasonmblumer?lang=en

Nellie Akalp is a serial entrepreneur, small business advocate, and the Founder and CEO of CorpNet, a leading business formation and compliance service that has helped hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs start and maintain their businesses across all 50 states. With over two decades of experience in the incorporation industry, Nellie has built multiple successful companies focused on simplifying the startup process for business owners. She is widely recognized for her expertise in business formation, compliance, and entrepreneurial growth strategies. Nellie is a passionate advocate for small businesses and frequently shares insights on how entrepreneurs can properly structure their companies, stay compliant, and position themselves for funding and long term success. Her work has empowered countless business owners to confidently launch and scale their ventures. Through CorpNet, Nellie continues to make business ownership more accessible by providing streamlined solutions, expert guidance, and ongoing support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. During the show we discuss: Why choosing the right entity matters How LLC and corporation structures differ How S corporation tax elections work Why business compliance must continue after formation How to maintain separation between personal and business finances Why documentation matters for business expenses How compliance can support long-term growth and funding Why businesses should generally consider where they actually operate when choosing a formation state Resources: https://www.corpnet.com/

Sebastian Sanders, widely known as "The Youth Principal," is an author, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing economic mobility through youth development and community innovation. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, he is the founder of Sanders Hand, a nonprofit that has impacted over 5,000 youth and college students across the U.S. and Ghana through financial literacy, leadership, and digital education. In 2024, the organization earned recognition as a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) by the Texas Education Agency—one of only 10 in the state. Sebastian also created the Young Billionaires Club, a hands-on entrepreneurship program for youth, and leads SJS Enterprises, where he advises businesses and schools on growth and impact strategy. A former leader at PepsiCo and Frito-Lay, he holds a BBA and an MBA in Management. He is the author of The Art of Giving, a TED Talk speaker, and host of "Money Mondays," empowering communities through practical financial education. During the show we discuss: Turning experience into credibility and influence Building a brand around a mission people believe in Lessons from corporate leadership and entrepreneurship Using discipline, planning, and customer service to build a business Testing ideas and building proof of concept before scaling Building credibility through results, relationships, and testimonials Differences between younger and established entrepreneurs The responsibility that comes with influence and audience trust Resources: https://www.sandershand.org/

Bridger Pennington is a fund manager, entrepreneur, and co-founder of multiple investment funds dedicated to making private investing more accessible. In 2019, he co-founded Fund Launch, an incubator helping emerging managers launch and grow investment funds. Today, the platform has more than 141,000 users and has helped launch 390 funds representing over $7.1 billion in reported AUM. In 2026, Bridger co-founded Fund Launch AI, an end-to-end platform designed to simplify fund and SPV formation, legal structures, administration, and vendor management. He also co-founded Fund Launch Partners, a $32 million GP Stakes fund focused on partnering with emerging fund managers, with more than $341 million in aggregate portfolio AUM. Through these ventures, Bridger is working to democratize Wall Street and make sophisticated investment opportunities and infrastructure accessible to a broader generation of fund managers.  During the show we discuss: Why an investment fund is essentially a pool of capital How to determine whether a fund could fit an existing business strategy How funds can help scale real estate investing Why fund structures can provide portfolio diversification How syndications differ from investment funds How blind-pool funds work How real estate funds differ from private equity funds How venture capital funds invest in startups Resources: https://www.fundlaunch.com/

Raphael Lavin is a seasoned financial executive and entrepreneur with deep expertise in financial and credit analysis, leasing, and enterprise risk management. His experience spans operating a private equipment leasing company where he oversaw credit structuring, pricing, collections, and litigation—giving him a comprehensive understanding of multiple industries. He began his career in a fourth-generation family-owned metals business, gaining hands-on experience across operations before transitioning into sales, where he expanded market reach and revenue. As the industry evolved, Raphael developed a strong focus on efficiency, cost management, and strategic change. Later, he helped transform a small leasing operation by implementing modern business practices, adopting early credit scoring models, and building risk-based pricing systems. Raphael has also served in leadership roles across nonprofit and community organizations, applying his risk management expertise to governance and security initiatives. He holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from the University of Chicago, along with a CLFP designation. Raphael resides in Chicago with his family. During the show we discuss: Why how you finance equipment matters more than what you buy When leasing beats owning and how to choose the right structure for your business How to preserve cash flow while still scaling operations Why smart capital structuring increases profitability and flexibility The biggest mistakes business owners make with equipment financing How to use financing as a growth tool instead of a burden Why working capital is king—and how to protect it during expansion How experienced lenders evaluate deals and structure smarter financing Resources: https://www.standardproserv.com/

Frank Tumminello is the founder of FileForms, a company focused on simplifying business compliance and filing requirements for entrepreneurs and companies across the U.S. With a strong background in business operations and regulatory processes, Frank has helped streamline how businesses stay compliant with state and federal requirements. Through FileForms, he provides practical solutions that save business owners time, reduce risk, and eliminate the complexity of ongoing filings—allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growth and scaling their companies. During the show we discuss: Why business compliance is often overlooked Annual reports and maintaining good standing How missed filings can affect financing Compliance requirements when operating across multiple states Nexus triggers involving employees, assets, property, sales, and revenue Costly compliance mistakes and franchise taxes How compliance can affect business sales and due diligence Technology, APIs, and AI in compliance Resources: https://fileforms.com/