SaaS Fuel
By: Jeff Mains
Language: en
Categories: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Society, Culture, Places, Travel
Want to know why some SaaS companies scale while others stagnate? It's not just code and capital. You've found SaaS Fuel, where every Tuesday and Thursday, we're brewing up the kind of conversations you wish you could have over coffee with successful founders and industry experts. Join five-time entrepreneur and adventure seeker Jeff Mains every Tuesday as he gets real with visionary founders and executives who've built stellar software companies. They share the raw truth about their ups, downs, and 'I can't believe that worked' moments. Looking for practical tips you can use right now? Our Thursday 'SaaS Fuel Expert...
Episodes
Citizen Developers and No-Code Platforms: The Future of Enterprise Software | Luv Kapur | 352
Jan 08, 2026In this episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Luv Kapur, a technology leader at Bit who's reshaping how enterprises build software. Luv shares his journey from leading platform engineering at one of Canada's largest pension funds to joining a startup on a mission to help organizations scale development through composability and AI-powered tools.
The conversation explores how AI is fundamentally changing software development—not by writing more code, but by enabling teams to compose better solutions with less custom code. Luv challenges the hype around code generation, arguing that the real bottleneck isn't writing code but translating bu...
Duration: 00:48:57Building Resilient Organizations: Modern Tools and Leadership Strategies for Thriving Teams | Chris Carter | 351
Jan 06, 2026In this episode, Chris Carter reflects on a pivotal leadership mistake that deeply impacted his team—making a team member cry during a meeting.
Chris candidly shares the emotional aftermath, the lessons learned from his mentor and spouse, and how this experience reshaped his approach to leadership. The discussion offers valuable insights for SaaS leaders on empathy, accountability, and team management.
Key Takeaways
[0:00] Chris Carter opens up about a critical leadership error: making a team member cry in a meeting.
[0:11] He discusses the emotional toll and the importance of seeking advice fr...
Duration: 00:52:57The Infinite Workday: How to Stay Focused, Set Boundaries, and Avoid Burnout | Leslie Shreve | 350
Jan 01, 2026Happy New Year and welcome back to the SaaS Fuel Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Leslie Shreve, workload management and efficiency expert, and founder of Productive Day. Leslie shares her proprietary system, Taskology, and dives deep into the real reasons why busy SaaS leaders and professionals feel overwhelmed, despite using the latest tools and productivity hacks.
Together, they unpack the hidden costs of “gray work,” the myth of the infinite workday, and why most task management apps fall short. Leslie offers a practical, actionable framework for regaining control, reducing stress, and making real prog...
Duration: 00:57:23Reimagining Trust in SaaS: Building Lasting Customer Confidence | Varun Jain | 349
Dec 30, 2025This episode of SaaS Fuel features Varun Jain, founder of Comply Jet, discussing how security compliance can transform from a sales blocker into a growth accelerator for SaaS startups. Varun shares actionable strategies for building trust, leveraging AI to simplify compliance, and the importance of embedding security early in the product journey. The conversation also covers leadership lessons, hiring discipline, and how founders can make intentional decisions about growth and capital.
Key Takeaways
00:25 – 02:20 Why trust and compliance matter for SaaS growth.
02:20 – 03:30 Compliance as a sales unlock, not a hurdle.
03:30 – 06:00 Recap of previo...
Duration: 00:45:36CHRISTMAS EPISODE 2025 with Jeff Mains | 348
Dec 25, 2025In this special holiday edition of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains delivers a powerhouse “Best of 2025” episode. After a year of learning from 104 founder, operator, and investor conversations, Jeff Mains distills the top 10 lessons that moved SaaS companies from the $5M plateau to scaling past $50M. He reveals actionable frameworks, from cash flow management to 10x thinking, and gifts listeners a bundle of premium resources for each lesson—available for free until January 15. If you want a crash course on SaaS growth with practical, battle-tested playbooks, grab these notes and get ready to take action.
Key Takeaways
00:0...
Duration: 00:42:54Crafting Customer Stories: The Art of Creating Engaging Experiences | Jason Friedman | 347
Dec 23, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes back Jason Friedman—entrepreneur, author, and customer experience expert. Jason shares his journey from theater and rock-and-roll roadie to building billion-dollar brands, and reveals how the principles of stagecraft and storytelling can transform SaaS businesses.
The conversation dives deep into the “Kinetic Customer Formula,” the importance of designing intentional customer journeys, and why focusing on relationships and retention is the key to sustainable SaaS growth. Jason also discusses his upcoming book, “Addicted to Strangers,” and offers actionable advice for founders looking to create raving fans and reduce churn.
... Duration: 00:56:49Identifying Your Brand’s Villain: Uniting Customers Through Shared Struggles | Jimi Gibson | 346
Dec 18, 2025In this insightful episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency—and a former professional magician! Together, they unpack the art (and science) of connecting with B2B SaaS customers through authentic storytelling, brand strategy, and personal visibility. Jimi Gibson shares his powerful Five Finger Framework for brand building, why founders should put a face to their company, and actionable strategies to create lasting emotional ties and customer loyalty—even in an AI-driven, content-saturated world.
If you’re a SaaS founder tired of beige, forgettable marketing and wa...
Duration: 00:56:01From Corporate Life to SaaS Success: The Evolution of a Startup Journey | Egil Østhus | 345
Dec 16, 2025In this value-packed episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains welcomes Egil Østhus, co-founder and CEO of Unleash—the world’s leading open source feature management platform. Egil dives deep into the journey from thriving in corporate boardrooms to taking the entrepreneurial leap, co-founding Unleash with his brother, and scaling a business using open source and commercial strategies.
The conversation explores critical challenges of serving both community and enterprise needs, the next-generation concept of Feature Ops, the nuanced impact of AI in software development, and the essential synergy between engineering and business for SaaS growth. Whether you’re steerin...
Duration: 00:48:25The Wiser Method: Transforming Business with Purposeful AI Strategies | Anthony Franco | 344
Dec 11, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Anthony Franco—serial entrepreneur, co-author of AI First Principles and the Wiser Method, and host of the How to Founder podcast—to talk about what it really takes to implement AI effectively in SaaS businesses. The conversation breaks past the usual hype, diving deep into the practical messiness of entrepreneurship, building tech that serves real humans (not just outputs), and how intentional iteration leads to successful outcomes.
Anthony Franco shares brutally honest stories of failure, the necessity of understanding end users, and the importance of star...
Duration: 00:44:49The Next Frontier: Integrating Holography and AI for Immersive Experiences | Darran Milne | 343
Dec 09, 2025In this mind-bending episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains chats with Darren Milne, co-founder and CEO of VividQ, about the future of holographic displays and how true 3D experiences will revolutionize everything from automotive HUDs to the way we watch TV, work, and interact with AI.
Darren Milne unpacks his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, describes the defining moment when he saw a real hologram for the first time, and outlines how his team is making science fiction a reality—including progress toward room-scale “holodecks.” Along the way, you’ll learn practical lessons about bridging science and commerci...
Duration: 01:04:31Collaborate to Elevate: Proven Formulas for Revenue Growth | Mark Osborne | 342
Dec 04, 2025In this value-packed episode of SaaS Fuel, Mark Osborne, founder of Modern Revenue Strategies and top 25 marketing technology trailblazer, joins host VO and Jeff Mains for a tactical deep dive into building holistic, scalable revenue systems that go beyond the siloed tactics of old.
Mark reveals why random acts of marketing and sales are growth killers, the transformative impact of aligning marketing, sales, and customer success, and practical steps for identifying and nurturing your ideal customers. You’ll also learn how storytelling and “microscripts” can drive trust and reduce friction, the importance of bow-tie funnels (aka the power...
Duration: 00:49:40The New Playbook: Innovate, Experiment, and Scale Smarter with AI | Amos Bar Joseph | 341
Dec 02, 2025In this groundbreaking episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Amos Bar Joseph, CEO and co-founder of Swan AI, the AI-native company on a quest to build the world’s first truly autonomous business. With only three human founders and a fleet of AI agents, Swann is redefining the startup playbook—targeting $10M ARR per employee and running leaner operations without sacrificing growth or burning out teams.
Amos Bar Joseph shares how Swann scales via intelligent automation and human-AI collaboration, creating systems where both people and agents operate in their zone of genius. Listeners learn acti...
Duration: 00:56:16Startup Success Strategies: Navigating Early-Stage Growth | Klee Kleber | 340
Nov 27, 2025This episode dives deep into the shifting landscape of SaaS growth, investment philosophy, and leadership with Klee Kleber, former Dell and Rackspace executive and co-founder at Build Group.
Klee Kleber shares why he prefers the "long game" model over traditional VC, explains the math behind durable businesses, talks about the importance of relentless execution, and how empathy, self-awareness, and diversity drive lasting success. From stories of luck at Dell to building customer love at Rackspace and the bold ambition of Topwater, this episode is packed with pragmatic wisdom for SaaS founders, operators, and investors.
Key... Duration: 01:03:22
The AI Empowerment Journey: From Tech-Averse to Tech-Savvy | Monica Marquez | 339
Nov 25, 2025This week, Monica Marquez joins SaaS Fuel to dive deep into the real barriers behind successful AI adoption and organizational transformation. With a career spanning Google, Goldman Sachs, and the launch of Flip Work, Monica shares insights on bridging the gap between technology and human behavior, demystifying AI for non-technical teams, and championing change management that works for people—not just processes.
Discover the critical mindset shifts, the role of psychological safety, and why the future of work is about "survival of the fastest." Plus, get firsthand strategies for leaders to drive transformation and build trust with AI...
Duration: 00:46:28Balancing Features and Technical Debt: Effective Engineering Practices | Thanos Diacakis | 338
Nov 20, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Thanos Diacakis shares battle-tested advice for scaling SaaS teams, streamlining delivery, and maximizing developer happiness. Drawing on his experiences at startups and tech giants like Uber, Thanos reveals counterintuitive strategies for improving software output, optimizing technical debt, rethinking backlogs, and harnessing new mental models.
He breaks down the importance of incremental value, cross-functional collaboration, and avoiding the traps of over-planning. Whether you lead a small startup or an enterprise-scale engineering team, this conversation will challenge the way you think about speed, quality, backlog management, and long-term success.
Key Takeaways<... Duration: 00:54:20
AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Business Productivity | Alberto Rizzoli | 337
Nov 18, 2025In this action-packed SaaS Fuel episode, host Jeff Mains welcomes AI entrepreneur Alberto Rizzoli, co-founder and CEO of V7. They dive into the transformative power of AI in automating repetitive and complex knowledge work, discuss the accelerating pace of AI innovation, and unpack how both large enterprises and smaller teams can prioritize, implement, and benefit from next-generation “agentic” AI.
Alberto Rizzoli candidly shares insights on the future of SaaS, practical applications in B2B, go-to-market challenges, the evolving demands on leadership and hiring, and what it takes to stand out in a world where technology is no long...
Duration: 00:44:00From Doers to Leaders: Essential Skills for Management Success | Michelle Griffin | 336
Nov 13, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Michelle Griffin, founder of Griffin Resources, to unpack actionable strategies for building strong, flexible, and founder-friendly teams in scalable SaaS businesses.
Michelle draws on her six years of hands-on experience supporting startups and scaling organizations with fractional HR, recruiting, sales ops, and operational support. Listeners will get insights into modern hiring practices, maintaining workplace culture in remote teams, succession planning, supporting diverse career paths, and practical tips for retention and performance—all tailored for founders ready to lead organizations, not just teams.
Key Takeaways Duration: 00:45:56
Harnessing AI for SEO Success: Smart Automation That Ranks Faster | Carl Holden | 335
Nov 11, 2025In this episode, Carl Holden joins Jeff Mains to dive deep into the evolution of SEO, its marriage with AI, and the realities of scaling a SaaS business honestly in a world awash with hype and misinformation. Carl Holden shares his journey from running a leading agency to launching RankBot, an AI-powered tool that automates SEO backlinks for businesses and agencies.
Together, they discuss the myths and challenges in transitioning from services to SaaS, the role of human expertise alongside automation, and why authenticity and steady results still win over quick fame. Tune in for actionable insights...
Duration: 00:49:57Micro Commitments: The Secret to Boosting Sales and Engagement | Matthew Stafford | 334
Nov 06, 2025In this value-packed episode, e-commerce expert Matthew Stafford shares how understanding and responding to real customer data powers dramatic business growth and website conversion lifts. Matthew describes his journey from ad specialist to conversion optimization guru—driven by necessity, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for data-driven problem-solving.
Together with Jeff Mains, they dive into practical strategies for removing friction from your site, the science of micro-commitments, actionable post-purchase surveys, and how to build websites that truly speak to your ideal customers. Whether you're in SaaS or e-commerce, this episode delivers actionable steps to boost conversions, collect me...
Duration: 00:51:42Behavioral Science Meets Business: Innovative Insights for Smarter Strategy | Rachel Edwards | 333
Nov 04, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Rachel J. Edwards, founder of INSPIRI and creator of the Strategic Personality Blueprint (SPB). Rachel shares her journey from coaching to building a personality assessment tool that provides a holistic, multi-dimensional view of human behavior, bridging the gaps between popular frameworks like Disc, Enneagram, Big Five, and incorporating proprietary strengths and values modules. She discusses the challenges of bringing innovation to market as a non-technical founder, balancing product vision with scaling constraints, and the profound impact of customized personality insights for hiring, team harmony, and organizational success.<...
Duration: 00:47:43Beyond the Norm: Secrets to Achieving Breakthrough Triumphs | Jeff Holman | 332
Oct 30, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, to unravel the legal landmines that can sabotage even the most promising startups. From intellectual property oversights to under-documented agreements, Jeff explains why legal strategy should be baked into your business from day one.
Hear why the conventional “fractional counsel” model often leaves founder needs unmet, and discover how a flexible, team-based legal approach powered by expert attorneys (and some AI augmentation) can protect your innovations and scale with you. Whether you’re an early-stage SaaS founder or gearing up for...
Duration: 00:50:21Genetics and Healing: A New Path in Pain Management | James Piacentino | 331
Oct 28, 2025In this special SaaS Fuel episode, host Jeff Mains welcomes James Piacentino, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics—a company at the intersection of healthcare, genetics, technology, and compassionate mission. James shares his deeply personal connection to the opioid crisis, describing the family loss that shaped his life’s purpose and eventually sparked the founding of Thrive Genetics.
The conversation explores how advances in genetic testing, behavioral analysis, and AI are enabling physicians to proactively identify and mitigate addiction risk—before opioids are prescribed. Along the way, they discuss building solutions in complex, regulated markets, the importance of pil...
Duration: 00:57:21Empowered Perspectives: Conversations That Spark New Possibilities | Casey Woo | 330
Oct 23, 2025In this episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Casey Woo, a renowned tech operator, investor, and co-founder of the Operators Guild. Casey introduces the concept of the “Scaler”—an elite generalist who thrives in the chaotic, ever-changing environment of early-stage SaaS startups.
The conversation dives deep into what makes scalers indispensable, why specialists often struggle in startup settings, and how AI is shifting the landscape for operators and business leaders. Casey offers practical frameworks, shares battle-tested leadership lessons, and explains how founders can build more resilient and focused teams to avoid the burnout common among high-performing scalers and op...
Duration: 00:45:52Simplicity and Success: Streamlining Reputation Management | Vitaly Motuz | 329
Oct 21, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Vitaly Motuz, founder of Reviews On My Website. Vitaly shares his journey from high school side projects to building a successful SaaS business focused on reputation management for local businesses.
The conversation dives deep into product simplicity, scaling challenges, client-centric growth, leadership mindset, the impact of reviews (good and bad), and how AI is reshaping the landscape. Whether you're a SaaS founder, leader, or just passionate about tech, this episode is packed with actionable insights!
Key Takeaways
00:00 "Sparked Idea for Review...
Duration: 00:50:28Resilience in Action: Lessons to Thrive Through Adversity | Nahed Khairallah | 328
Oct 16, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Nahed Khairallah, a global startup strategist and HR leader known for transforming seven-figure startups into nine-figure success stories.
Nahed shares how he revolutionized HR from an administrative afterthought into the rocket fuel for sustainable, scalable growth. With practical lessons gleaned from scaling teams across four continents, Nahed discusses why 70% of scaling attempts fail due to people issues, the dangers of throwing bodies at problems, and how founders can turn HR into a strategic business enabler. It's a masterclass on people operations for tech founders, with...
Duration: 00:57:18The Future of ERP: Transforming Business and Team Dynamics | Harish Chandramowli | 327
Oct 14, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes Harish Chandramowli, CEO of Flare, to unpack the evolution of ERP systems in the age of AI—specifically for fashion brands and SMBs.
Harish shares insights from his unique career path, spanning cybersecurity at Johns Hopkins, engineering at Bloomberg and MongoDB, to tackling unstructured data and workflow automation for modern retailers. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of technology, scalable team building, and founder-led sales—along with candid lessons learned while bootstrapping, selling, and leading distributed teams across the globe.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Tech...
Duration: 00:41:21Sales Techniques for Today’s Market: Mastering the Art of Closing | Christian Jack | 326
Oct 09, 2025In this jam-packed episode of SaaS Fuel, sales expert Christian Jack joins host Jeff Mains to break down everything SaaS founders and sales leaders need to know about effective sales demos, discovery processes, psychological safety in sales, team culture, and the evolving landscape of SaaS sales.
Christian shares his journey from music teaching to sales mastery, the critical lessons he learned about sales psychology, and the costly mistakes most SaaS teams make when it comes to demos and team management. You'll also get hard-hitting tactics to boost conversions, examples of SaaS companies that transformed their sales processes...
Duration: 00:50:08Creative Storytelling: Vibrant Visions That Inspire | Mac Chherawalla | 325
Oct 07, 2025What happens when you challenge the status quo of Agile, throw out bloated teams, and supercharge small pods with AI?
In this episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Mac, founder of Wednesday Solutions, to explore the evolution of product development teams. Mac shares why he believes traditional Agile is obsolete and how his company’s “product pods” are delivering massive impact with lean teams.
Dive into real-world strategies on using AI to automate grunt work, focus on real customer value, and deliver faster than ever. Mac and Jeff also discuss over-engineering pitfalls, the essential Sprint Zero...
Duration: 00:39:25From Sales Hunters to Market Leaders: Building Your First Go-To-Market Team | William Spengler | 324
Oct 02, 2025Are you hiring your first go-to-market team, or looking to scale your B2B SaaS sales organization? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with William Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, to discuss the realities—and pitfalls—of building a high-performing sales team for SaaS startups.
Will reveals why most early sales hires fail, how the staffing industry is undergoing disruption, and his blueprint for assembling a scrappy, effective team in a marketplace crowded with resumes and inflated claims. The conversation ranges from the challenges of hiring senior versus raw talent, the tactical necessity of r...
Duration: 00:51:52Parent-Led Autism Therapy: Innovative Techniques Empower Families | Sean Schroeder | 323
Sep 30, 2025This week on SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains dives into radical innovation at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and human impact. Guest Sean Schroeder, exited founder and product strategist, unpacks his journey from digital content platforms to autism therapy and AI-powered brand storytelling.
The episode covers Happy Ladders’ parent-led autism therapy model, the philosophy behind Reventure Labs' unorthodox venture studio, and the technical artistry fueling Story Cycle Genie—a collective intelligence platform powering authentic brand narratives. If you’ve ever wondered how SaaS can drive real transformation or how founders can operationalize their own unique “vibe” into assets that scale...
Duration: 00:52:57Why Founders Should Stop Pitching and Start Storytelling | David Ebner | 322
Sep 25, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with David Ebner, founder of Content Workshop and author of "A Content Marketing Story." Together, they dive deep into the power of storytelling for brands, especially in a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content. David shares his journey from an MFA in creative writing to agency founder, highlighting how classic storytelling techniques breathe life into business content—even for "boring" brands.
The conversation covers why emotion trumps logic in B2B sales, aligning brand stories with real customer pain points, and how AI is changing (but no...
Duration: 00:52:50Harness AI to Beat Overwhelm & Create Business Opportunities | Jonathan Mast | 321
Sep 23, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes Jonathan Mast, a pioneering AI educator, digital strategist, and founder of one of the fastest-growing AI-focused online communities.
Together, they unpack how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing productivity, streamlining operations, and empowering both leaders and teams across SaaS and B2B businesses. The conversation focuses on AI as an amplification tool—making experienced people even more valuable—and delivers practical, no-hype insights for founders seeking scalable efficiency.
Jonathan delves into the real-world ways AI can give companies a competitive edge, from customer support and sales enablement to o...
Duration: 00:50:57Accessible Storytelling: How Emotional Impact Drives Inclusion | Mike Barton | 320
Sep 18, 2025This episode dives deep into digital accessibility—why it’s more than just ticking a compliance box and how it can unlock business growth, improve user experience, and amplify engagement across your B2B SaaS company.
Jeff Mains chats with Mike Barton, VP at AudioEye, about transforming digital content and experiences to be truly inclusive. Together, they explore practical strategies for simplifying messaging, overcoming the “curse of knowledge,” leveraging AI as a creative partner, and using storytelling to create content that resonates with and includes everyone.
If you’re looking to scale your SaaS, boost SEO, or ju...
Duration: 00:52:38Job Search in the AI Era: Stand Out with Credibility & Connection | Garrett Rice | 319
Sep 16, 2025How can job seekers win in a world where roles attract hundreds—if not thousands—of applicants and the hiring process feels like a black hole? This week, Jeff Mains is joined by Garrett Rice, co-founder and CEO of Callings AI, for a compelling look at how AI and modern SaaS tools are reshaping the job hunt—for the candidates themselves.
Garrett draws on his extensive tech background—including years at Apple—to outline why today’s employment search is fundamentally broken, and how Callings AI equips job seekers with workflow, networking, and optimization tools to regain control, cla...
Duration: 00:51:23Emotional Grounding for Leaders: Resilient Leadership in Uncertain Times | Mitch Weisburgh | 318
Sep 11, 2025What’s holding you back isn’t just strategy—it could be your own brain! In this riveting episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Mitch Weisburgh, veteran educator and author of Mind Shifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success. Together, they explore how understanding the brain’s survival mechanisms (hello, limbic system!) and developing self-awareness can unlock resourcefulness, resilience, and collaboration—skills every SaaS leader needs to thrive in chaos.
Mitch shares practical stories about mindset shifts, the neuroscience behind decision-making, and actionable frameworks to transform failure into feedback. They discuss how to nav...
Duration: 00:54:42Will AI Make Work More Human Than Ever | Juan Betancourt | 317
Sep 09, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains goes deep with Juan Betancourt, CEO of Humantelligence and creator of the AI-powered Ask Aura coach. Juan shares his fascinating transition from leading major corporations like P&G and Siebel Systems to scaling a tech startup aimed at transforming HR and team collaboration.
We dive into the challenges of selling into the HR tech space, how leveraging psychometrics with AI can radically improve engagement, retention, and teamwork, and what it really takes to transition from executive to founder. Juan also reveals hard-earned lessons from multiple pivots, what makes...
Duration: 00:47:06Retention Secrets: Hiring for Culture vs. Skills in High-Growth Teams | Ryan Hogan | 316
Sep 04, 2025In this energizing episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Ryan Hogan—an entrepreneurial powerhouse known for turning murder mystery games into a global business and now shaking up the recruiting world through his company, Talent Harbor. Together, they explore the underappreciated but foundational role of company culture in scaling SaaS organizations, why hiring for values trumps hiring for resumes, and how onboarding, leadership, and learning from failures build resilient, thriving teams.
You’ll hear battle-tested tips on establishing and living real core values (not just slogans), fixing broken cultures, running stellar onboarding programs, mistakes most founders make when...
Duration: 00:53:14Customer-Facing AI: Emerging Trends That Transform User Experience | John Long | 315
Sep 02, 2025In this episode of the SaaS Fuel Podcast, host Jeff Mains sits down with John Long, the visionary behind Think AI, to explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and human empowerment in SaaS businesses. John shares his journey from real estate and HVAC to tech entrepreneurship, revealing how Think AI was born out of a need to streamline sales and customer interactions through advanced AI agents.
The discussion delves into real-world examples of AI adoption—from automating interviewing and reviving old sales leads to transforming customer support in e-commerce. Jeff and John also tackle the boundaries of...
Duration: 00:49:05Reinventing Snack Foods: How Innovation Balances Health & Taste | Josh Sizemore | 314
Aug 28, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with serial entrepreneur and strategic executive Josh Sizemore, a powerhouse in building and scaling consumer brands in retail, CPG, wellness, and ecommerce. Drawing from decades of experience (including billion-dollar brands and innovative startups), Josh reveals the realities of taking niche health products to household names—without losing your brand’s soul or becoming just another “me-too” in a crowded market.
The conversation uncovers the art and science of brand storytelling, making the leap from DTC to retail, the power of deep versus wide expansion, the importance of authe...
Duration: 00:40:57SaaS Growth Mindset: Build Solutions That Scale, Not Just Features | Ghazenfer Mansoor | 313
Aug 26, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO of Technology Rivers, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing SaaS development, scaling, and operations. With a background in healthcare and custom software, Ghazenfer shares his "10x Blueprint," unpacking the frameworks and mindsets founders need to leapfrog the competition without falling into the common trap of feature overload.
The discussion covers the shift from feature-chasing to outcome-driven innovation, managing compliance in healthcare SaaS, harnessing AI-powered development tools, and the enduring importance of process, customer discovery, and balancing customization with scalability. Ghazenfer...
Duration: 00:38:13AI in Education: Unlocking Creativity & Redefining Learning | Evan Schwartz | 312
Aug 21, 2025This thought-provoking episode of SaaS Fuel welcomes Evan Schwartz, a visionary in AI-enabled sustainability and global enterprise transformation.
Together, Jeff and Evan explore the seismic shifts AI is causing in both business and education. They dive deep into how the role of creativity is evolving in an AI-driven world, the pitfalls of hasty tech adoption, and why leaders must focus on documenting processes before layering on the latest tools.
Evan shares hard-won lessons from implementing transformational systems, discusses how customer confusion—not technology—is often the greatest barrier to adoption, and envisions a radically creative futu...
Duration: 00:55:42Building Better Software: Agile Thinking for Founders | Nik Froehlich | 311
Aug 19, 2025In this insightful episode of the SaaS Fuel podcast, host Jeff Mains welcomes Nik Froehlich, founder and CEO of Saritasa. The conversation dives deep into the perennial pain points of custom software development, especially the ongoing challenge of translating business needs into effective technical solutions. Nick reflects on nearly two decades of helping businesses overcome tech hesitation, scale SaaS operations, and avoid major pitfalls in product development and maintenance.
Together, they discuss the misconceptions SaaS founders have—like thinking software is “done” after launch, underestimating ongoing maintenance, and not accounting for technical debt. Nick shares lessons from workin...
Duration: 00:47:36Ego vs. Well-being: How to Reclaim Your Life Beyond Burnout | Scott Anderson | 310
Aug 14, 2025This episode of the SaaS Fuel podcast dives deep into entrepreneurial burnout with Scott Anderson, author of "You're Not Toast" and founder of Double Dare.
Scott blends his unique experience as a business owner, mental health therapist, and executive coach to challenge the traditional hustle narrative. Instead, he champions a values-driven approach to business growth and personal well-being.
Together with host Jeff Mains, the discussion uncovers toxic narratives, the science of stress cycles, actionable mini-vacation techniques, and why internal rewiring—rather than external fixes—creates sustainable, joyful leadership. This episode is a must-listen for high-achieving lead...
Duration: 00:54:35Harnessing Data and Intuition: The Secret to Product-Market Fit | Eli Portnoy | 309
Aug 12, 2025Eli Portnoy joins Jeff Mains on SaaS Fuel to dive deep into the world of B2B customer feedback, leadership, and scaling SaaS ventures.
Eli shares candid stories and practical wisdom from his career, including founding and exiting Sense360 and ThinkNear. He breaks down how BackEngine AI is changing the game for customer retention and voice-of-customer insights by harnessing AI to organize and activate the wealth of organic customer feedback that's already flowing through businesses. The conversation ranges from tactical product decisions and the dangers of confirmation bias, to transformative leadership lessons, distribution vs. product obsession, and...
Duration: 00:47:05Build High-Performing Engineering Teams: Feedback, AI, Technical Debt | Mary Moore Simmons | 308
Aug 07, 2025In this insightful episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains is joined by Mary Moore Simmons, VP of Engineering at Kibo. Together, they dive into the realities of building and scaling high-performing engineering teams, especially in fast-growth SaaS environments.
Mary unpacks the nuanced challenges of evolving organizational processes, cultivating feedback-rich and psychologically safe cultures, handling “brilliant jerks,” and integrating AI to reduce grunt work and boost developer creativity.
Tune in for a practical playbook on scaling teams, optimizing ways of working, and navigating technical debt as a business strategy, not just a developer’s gripe.
... Duration: 00:50:16
Sticky SaaS Product Design: Language Learning Tech That Hooks Users | Daniel Nalesnik | 307
Aug 05, 2025In this compelling episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Daniel Nalesnik, founder of Hack Chinese, to unravel the journey of building a sticky SaaS product designed to master Mandarin through spaced repetition.
Daniel shares how personal frustration and a deep love for language learning fueled his transition from a full-time student in China to the founder of a thriving EdTech platform. The conversation delves into balancing product development with founder sanity, the importance of passionate work, and actionable insights for solo founders navigating slow but steady SaaS growth.
From onboarding masterclass to the nuances of...
Duration: 00:53:59Sustainable Startup Growth with AI & Intent Data | Neil Twa | 306
Jul 31, 2025Why do so many product launches fall flat, even when the market should want them?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Neil Twa, CEO and co-founder of Voltage Holdings, to talk about unlocking product-market fit through AI-powered data engines and customer intent analysis. Neil shares his journey from spreadsheets and guesswork to an intelligence-driven system that has launched multiple 8-figure Amazon brands.
Whether you're in SaaS or physical products, you'll learn how to align your offer with demand, eliminate guesswork, and build a business designed for scale and exit. From...
Duration: 00:47:06Scaling Healthcare SaaS: Aligning Sales, Product & Marketing | Jolly Nanda | 305
Jul 29, 2025Is your SaaS team aligned—or just busy? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Jolly Nanda, GTM advisor and sales strategy expert, to discuss how SaaS founders can build scalable growth by aligning product, marketing, and sales from day one.
Jolly shares insights from scaling teams at SAP, Adobe, and Atlassian, and breaks down what early-stage SaaS leaders can do today to build healthy sales pipelines, improve forecasting accuracy, and foster a culture of truth-telling inside the funnel.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to fix the misalignment betw... Duration: 00:47:48One-Call Sales for SaaS: Build Trust, Stop Closing | Ari Galper | 304
Jul 24, 2025What if the key to closing more deals… is to stop trying to close at all?
In this mind-blowing episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Ari Galper, world-renowned sales strategist and founder of Unlock The Game. Ari dismantles the outdated, pressure-filled sales models and introduces a frictionless, trust-based approach called the One Call Sale.
You’ll learn:
Why relationship-building in discovery calls is a trapThe language patterns that instantly reduce resistanceHow to sell like a doctor diagnoses, not like a pushy repWhy most deals are lost in the first 5 minutes—not at the... Duration: 00:53:46AI-Powered Content Strategy: High-Effort vs High-Volume | Andreas Voniatis | 303
Jul 22, 2025Is traditional SEO dead? In this powerful episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Andreas Voniatis, founder of Atheos, AI-powered SEO strategist, and author of Data-Driven SEO with Python. Dre reveals why traditional keyword-driven SEO is fading fast and how AI is reshaping the content marketing game.
You’ll learn:
Why high-effort, data-driven content outperforms “ultimate guides”How to succeed in AI search by mining real customer conversationsWhy relying on AI to write your content is a trapHow SEO today is like email marketing—still useful, but not game-changingWhat mid-market firms must do now to stay... Duration: 00:52:22Chaos-Free Scaling: Delegate Smart, Grow Simple | Pete Steege | 302
Jul 17, 2025What happens when a brilliant builder becomes the boss with no playbook?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains welcomes Pete Steege, B2B strategist and author of Radical Clarity, to unpack the journey of the accidental CEO. Pete shares frameworks that help technical founders shift from reactive problem-solving to confident leadership, scale without burnout, and delegate without losing visibility.
We explore why clarity not hustle, is the real unlock for growth, how to tell stories that sell, and how to lead with purpose even when your background isn’t in business.
🔑 What...
Duration: 00:46:28Onboarding as Revenue Engine: Win Expansion from Day One | Srikrishnan Ganesan | 301
Jul 15, 2025Most SaaS companies treat onboarding like a checklist Rocketlane turns it into a competitive edge.
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains welcomes Srikrishnan Ganesan , co-founder and CEO of Rocketlane. Sri shares how strategic onboarding builds trust, boosts expansion revenue, and drives customer success from Day 1.
They explore how AI is transforming service delivery from reactive to proactive, and why onboarding is the second sale that most founders overlook. Whether you're scaling a SaaS product, leading a customer success team, or building from zero, this episode is packed with frameworks, strategies, and insight.
<... Duration: 00:48:15How to Make Discipline a Sales Culture, Not a Punishment | Kristie Jones | 300
Jul 11, 2025misaligned roles, missed follow-ups, and misunderstanding what makes a sales pro thrive
In this 300th episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with powerhouse sales coach Kristie Jones, author of Selling Your Way In. Together, they break down how SaaS companies can build accountable sales teams, re-engage cold deals, and align salespeople with their true superpowers.
If your CRM is full of “closed lost” deals, this episode shows you how to revive them, build a seven-touch re-engagement plan, and stop leaving revenue on the table.
🔑 Topics covered:
The real reason SaaS reps mi... Duration: 00:57:15The Human-AI Team: Getting the Future of Work Right | Aaron Godby | 299
Jul 08, 2025How to Scale SaaS with AI-Powered Digital Labor | Aaron Godby - SaaS Fuel
What if AI could replace repetitive work and give your team superpowers?
Aaron Godby, founder of Green Irony, shows how smart companies are scaling with AI-driven “digital labor” that never forgets, works 24/7, and delivers consistent results.
In this episode, we break down:
How to find low-value tasks in your SaaS and automate them with AIWhy ChatGPT isn’t a toy—it’s your next top performerWhat makes Agent Force a game-changer for SaaS opsHow to rethink hiring, team structure, and leader... Duration: 00:44:18Kasim Aslam - Scaling Ethically: What Broke Taught Me About Growth
Jul 03, 2025In this powerful SaaS Fuel episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Kasim Aslam – founder of 3X Freedom and former owner of the world’s #1 ranked Google Ads agency, Solutions 8 – to unpack the real truth about building scalable SaaS businesses in a post-AI world.
From scaling with pro talent and unlocking global teams to solving traffic first, Kasim brings tactical wisdom and hard-hitting insights that every founder needs to hear.
You’ll learn:
Why your first business problem is attention, not operationsHow to build a community-first traffic engineThe new rules of hiring and why average employee... Duration: 00:58:29Scott Cate - Bootstrapping, Partners, and the Future of Link Routing
Jul 01, 2025How SaaS Founders Can Scale with Smart Link Routing, Partner Channels & Pricing Strategy | Scott Cate - SaaS Fuel Podcast
Selling to strangers is hard—especially in SaaS. So how do you break through the noise, bypass the red tape, and sell to enterprise customers without burning out?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Scott Cate, founder of 301.pro, shares how his SaaS leverages dynamic link routing, context-based personalization (down to weather and time of day!), and partner-led growth to scale—without relying on ads or VC funding.
Key Takeaways
00:00 - Intro to s...
Duration: 00:48:05Stacy Bishop - From Pitch to Partnership: Winning Over Bank Buyers
Jun 26, 2025Selling into banks isn’t like selling anywhere else. Risk-averse buyers. Long sales cycles. Endless stakeholder approvals.
In this SaaS Fuel episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Stacy Bishop, founder of Selling FinTech, to unpack how SaaS and fintech founders can navigate the complexities of selling to highly regulated industries like banking and financial services.
You’ll learn how to overcome pricing objections, how to make your buyer the hero (not the guinea pig), and how to build trust in an environment where nobody wants to take risks.
If you’ve ever heard “Not righ...
Duration: 00:51:55Rahul Pangam - Why Your AI Strategy Needs a Human in the Loop
Jun 24, 2025AI without a data science team? It’s not a fantasy it’s the future.
In this week’s SaaS Fuel episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Rahul Pangam, CEO of RapidCanvas and former VP at PayPal, to explore how AI is becoming accessible to every SaaS founder no code required.
We dive deep into the enterprise AI dilemma: where to start, what ROI to expect, and how to avoid wasting budget on hype. Rahul shares how RapidCanvas is transforming messy, unstructured data into real-time insights for non-technical users, and the hard-earned startup lessons that shaped...
Duration: 00:52:31Patricia Fripp - Why Stories Sell: How to Pitch, Persuade, and Present Like a Pro
Jun 19, 2025Can you pitch your SaaS idea in a way that actually sticks?
In this power-packed episode of SaaS Fuel, legendary speech coach Patricia Fripp joins Jeff Mains to unlock the secrets of persuasive communication. Whether you're pitching investors, leading a team, or closing deals—this episode shows you how to make your message memorable, repeatable, and powerful.
You’ll learn how to use storytelling to inspire action, why most founders make fatal presentation mistakes, and how to structure your message for maximum impact.
Perfect for SaaS founders, tech execs, and anyone who wants to l...
Duration: 00:55:06Andrew Seidman - Brand Like You Mean It: GTM Strategy Beyond the Funnel
Jun 17, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Andrew Seidman, former poker player and now co-founder of Digital Reach Agency. Andrew shares hard-earned lessons on B2B branding, go-to-market strategy, and how SaaS founders can scale smarter.
We cover the balance between product-led growth and ABM, the dangers of relying only on bottom-of-funnel tactics, and why your brand must make people feel—not just function.
Whether you're stuck in lead generation purgatory or wondering why your messaging isn’t landing, this episode is your guide to aligning brand, demand, and revenue.
K... Duration: 00:52:36
Natalia Zacharin - Cash Flow Control: Transforming Stress into Strategic Growth
Jun 12, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin & Co Consulting, to talk about financial clarity, fractional CFO strategies, and turning financial chaos into sustainable growth.
They unpack why most SaaS companies operate blind when it comes to money, the dangers of growing too fast, and how founders can stop guessing and start scaling—with confidence.
Natalia also shares how one founder survived a major revenue drop without debt, and the psychology behind smart financial decisions that separate profitable businesses from struggling ones.
Key Takeaways
...
Duration: 00:53:07Laura Bell Main - From Reactive to Proactive: Shifting the Culture of Security in Software Development
Jun 10, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains is joined by cybersecurity expert and SafeStack CEO Laura Bell Main to reframe how SaaS founders think about security. It’s not just compliance or a checklist—it’s a cultural foundation for growth. Laura shares how security, when embedded early, accelerates deals, reduces friction in enterprise sales, and strengthens trust with customers before it's ever questioned.
You’ll learn how to shift developer mindsets, build security into your engineering culture, and avoid the costly mistake of treating security as someone else's job.
Whether you’re a bootstrapp...
Duration: 00:41:28Chris Dayley - The Conversion Rate Revolution: Best Practices for Modern Marketers
Jun 05, 2025What if you could double your conversions just by asking smarter questions?
This week on SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Chris Dayley, founder of Smart CRO and neuro-marketing expert, to dig deep into how psychology-based testing drives better conversions. Chris shares why most A/B tests fail, the real reason copycat tactics don’t work, and how you can optimize for outcomes—not just aesthetics.
You’ll learn how to run smarter experiments, structure content for maximum impact, and why removing content can outperform adding more. Whether you’re early-stage or scaling fast, this epi...
Duration: 00:57:51Danny Tomsett - Digital Humans: Redefining Customer Engagement in the AI Era
Jun 03, 2025What does it take to build a new tech category before the market is ready?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains dives deep with Danny Tomsett, founder and CEO of UneeQ, the global leader in emotionally intelligent AI-powered digital humans. From early breakthroughs to hard pivots, Danny shares how his team navigated the rollercoaster of creating frontier tech, scaling sustainably, and keeping vision and culture alive through it all.
You'll hear the behind-the-scenes story of Nadia, a digital human project with IBM and the Australian Government, the challenge of market timing, and...
Duration: 00:57:05Warner Moore - Negotiate Like a Buyer: Inside the Mind of Procurement
May 29, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains is joined by Warner Moore, founder of Gamma Force and cybersecurity strategist, to dive deep into why early-stage SaaS companies often overbuild security, waste money on compliance, and miss real threats. Warner reveals how to make cybersecurity a strategic advantage—without killing innovation.
From delaying HIPAA compliance for smarter growth to leveraging cloud infrastructure securely by default, Warner shares practical frameworks SaaS founders can use to balance risk, market demand, and growth. If you're building a health tech or B2B SaaS company and wondering when and how to in...
Duration: 00:47:56Lior Weinstein - The Inevitable Growth Model: How to Scale Smarter, Not Slower
May 27, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, we dive deep with Lior Weinstein, a rare combination of fractional CTO and CRO, who helps $20M–$100M founder-led companies break through bottlenecks with simplicity, speed, and systems that scale.
We cover the future of fractional leadership, why “how” is often the wrong first question, how MVP thinkers often miss the real “V,” and how AI, no-code tools, and customer insight are rewriting the playbook for SaaS growth.
🔥 Topics include:
MVP done right (focus on the "Viable")From “Buy” to “Build” economy and what it means for SaaS pricingThe hidden cos... Duration: 00:59:58Mike Lander - Trust Over Relationship: A New Approach to B2B Sales
May 22, 2025Why do deals stall even when your pipeline looks strong?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Mike Lander—former procurement director, dealmaker of over $500M in contracts, and now a sought-after negotiation strategist. Together, they unpack why focusing on buyer risk is the secret to closing more SaaS deals with less friction.
You’ll learn:
How to build trust by focusing on the buyer’s world—not your pitch.Why most sales fail due to qualification, not presentation.How to work fewer opportunities but close more deals.When to walk awa... Duration: 00:53:58Eran Friendinger - Scaling Smart: Balancing Growth Ambitions with Lead Quality
May 20, 2025Want to scale smarter, not just faster? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Eran Friendinger, co-founder and CTO of Volantis, to unpack how predictive analytics and AI-powered signal optimization are transforming marketing performance and customer acquisition.
We explore:
Why cost per lead is misleadingHow to identify high-quality users earlyUsing predictive signals for retention and LTVThe balance between culture and automationHow to build fast-moving, data-led teamsWhether you’re a growth-stage SaaS founder or a data-curious marketer, this conversation will reshape how you think about scale, systems, and success in a...
Duration: 00:51:18Adam Coughlin - Story First, Scale Second: Why Messaging Wins Markets
May 15, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Adam Coughlin — Co-Founder, CMO, and Managing Partner at York IE — to explore how SaaS founders can craft powerful messaging, align teams, and build scalable go-to-market strategies that don’t rely on buzzwords or bloated org charts.
From the power of customer funding and finding your minimum viable audience to avoiding messaging mistakes that kill momentum, Adam shares a blueprint for creating story-driven marketing that actually works. Whether you're an early-stage founder or scaling to Series B and beyond, this episode will change the way you think...
Duration: 00:50:05Harry Masters & Uddhav Mehra - The Human Side of Hiring: Motivation, Fit, and Long-Term Success
May 13, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Uddhav Mehra and Harry Masters from The Inflection Group to unpack one of the most common mistakes early-stage SaaS founders make—hiring the wrong people too early. We explore why big-name hires from large enterprises often flop in scrappy startups, the power of hiring gritty operators over shiny resumes, and how to create a strategic, stage-appropriate hiring roadmap. If you’re looking to scale without bloating your team or burning your cash, this episode is packed with insights on founder-led sales, hiring for impact, and building elite go-to-market team...
Duration: 00:58:37Phil McGilvray - Money Boss: How Entrepreneurs Can Take Control of Their Finances
May 08, 2025Are you running a fast-growing SaaS company but feel like your finances are a mystery? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, financial literacy coach Phil McGilvray breaks down the five (sometimes six) essential numbers every founder needs to track monthly to simplify cash flow, reduce stress, and finally build a financially sound business.
Phil shares how to set up a clean bank account structure, what most financial advisors miss, and why your business's financial system should function like a cascade—where money flows with intention, not chaos.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – The 5-6 numbers every entr...
Duration: 00:52:24Micah Remley - The New Rules of Hybrid Work: How to Lead in a Flexible World
May 06, 2025Hybrid work isn’t going away but most companies are still doing it wrong. In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Micah Remley, CEO of Robin, a workplace management platform that’s helping companies build smarter, more collaborative hybrid environments.
We dive deep into:
✅ Why hybrid is harder than remote or in-office
✅ The huge disconnect between CEOs and employees
✅ How AI can 2–3x productivity without bloating headcount
✅ Rethinking office space for real collaboration
✅ Why 2–3 days in the office is the sweet spot
✅ Leadership ad...
Duration: 01:00:22Roger Crawford - Defeat Is a Choice: How to Win No Matter the Odds
May 01, 2025🎾 From Adversity to Achievement: How to Crush Excuses & Unlock Your Potential | Roger Crawford | SaaS Fuel
What’s holding you back—real limitations or just polished excuses?
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains is joined by Roger Crawford—Division I athlete, bestselling author, and globally renowned speaker—whose journey has inspired millions.
Despite being born with physical challenges, Roger shattered expectations and redefined what’s possible. Today, he shares his playbook on how mindset can turn fear into fuel and excuses into action.
If you’ve ever felt st...
Duration: 00:56:41Richard Walker - Finding the Who, Not the How: Leadership Lessons from Scaling a SaaS
Apr 29, 2025Forget "Grow at All Costs" — Here's How to Build a SaaS Company That Lasts | Richard Walker, CEO of Quik!
💡 Is chasing faster growth putting your business at risk?
On this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains dives deep with Richard Walker, CEO and co-founder of Quik!, to explore why a scarcity mindset can destroy your company—and what it truly takes to build a profitable, sustainable, and values-driven SaaS business.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Why "grow at all costs" is a dangerous mindset
01:14 – How Richard Walker built a 99% recurring revenue business Duration: 00:55:23
Joshua Monge - Operational Excellence: Turning Your Business into a Cash-Flow Machine
Apr 24, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes fractional CEO and systems optimizer Joshua Monge, who reveals the operational secrets that turn chaotic, founder-reliant SaaS businesses into scalable, exit-ready machines.
From escaping burnout to structuring future-proof systems, Joshua shares what it really takes to build a business that thrives without the founder being in every decision. If you’ve ever felt like your company can’t breathe unless you’re in the room—this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
01:15 - SaaS sales as an endurance sport
04:14 - Guest intro: Jos...
Duration: 00:56:10Lance Thrailkill - Innovating the Future: The Intersection of Tech and Affordable Housing
Apr 22, 2025Is 3D printing the future of housing? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Lance Thrailkill — third-generation CEO of All Metals Fabricating and co-founder of Print3d Technologies. Lance shares how he’s merging AI, automation, and 3D printing to disrupt the construction industry and solve the affordable housing crisis. From scaling legacy businesses to building $100K homes faster and cheaper, this is a blueprint for SaaS founders and innovators looking to reshape entire industries.
💡 Learn how to integrate AI without replacing jobs, implement automation without losing your culture, and why “print-to-live” could be the next...
Duration: 00:49:29Tami Reiss - Decision-Making, Delegation, and Influence: Leadership Lessons for Growth
Apr 17, 2025In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains is joined by leadership expert Tami Reiss, creator of the Learn to Lead framework. Together, they dive deep into what it truly takes to lead when your title isn’t enough. If you’re a founder who's scaling fast, feeling like a bottleneck, or unsure how to empower your team without micromanaging — this conversation is your roadmap.
🎯 Tami shares strategies to build an ownership-driven culture, delegate effectively, and influence without authority. Learn how to shift from doer to visionary, scale your team, and create long-term impact. Plus, hear how leadershi...
Duration: 00:50:47Daniel Borba - The Future of Video Marketing: Why SaaS and B2B Brands Must Adapt Now
Apr 15, 2025How SaaS Founders Can Use Video to Shorten Sales Cycles & Boost Conversions | Daniel Borba - Spark Portal
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, we’re joined by Daniel Borba, founder and CEO of Spark Portal, to explore how video as a service is transforming SaaS sales and marketing. If you're still treating video like an add-on asset, this conversation will change how you view your entire GTM strategy.
🎯 Whether you're an early-stage founder or scaling to $20M ARR, this is your blueprint for using video to drive pipeline and build a premium brand.
Key T... Duration: 00:53:41
Mohan Rao - Creating Value Through Tech: How Product Leaders Drive Business Success
Apr 10, 2025Is your SaaS business truly built to last—or are you growing a leaky bucket?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, we dive deep into retention, innovation, and customer-centric scale with Mohan Rao, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Knownwell. Mohan shares battle-tested strategies for building future-proof SaaS companies by focusing on retention before acquisition, solving churn proactively, and aligning teams around customer success.
Key Takeaways
00:00 - Why retention is the real goal of product-market fit
03:00 - Welcome back to SaaS Fuel: growth ≠ scale
07:19 - Mohan Rao joins the show
David Tabachnikov - Building a Marketplace with Purpose: AI, Bootstrapping, and the Road to Scale
Apr 08, 2025🔥 Billions in scholarships go unclaimed every year—not because students don’t need the money, but because the system is broken.
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with David Tabachnikov, CEO of ScholarshipOwl, the largest scholarship marketplace in the U.S. David reveals how they’re using AI, automation, and ethical technology to simplify the scholarship process for students—while helping brands use scholarships as a powerful marketing tool.
And here’s the twist: they’ve done it all bootstrapped. No VC money. Just smart strategy and relentless focus.
Whether you’r...
Duration: 00:51:57Rajiv Nathan - Micro Stories, Big Impact: Turning Your Pitch into a Magnetic Story
Apr 03, 2025Most startup pitches sound the same—AI-powered, disrupting X-billion-dollar markets. But if everyone sounds the same, how do you stand out? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Rajiv Nathan, aka Raj Nation—TEDx speaker, startup storyteller, and founder of Startup Hype Man. Raj breaks down why your storytelling is failing, how to instantly make your audience feel seen, and the simple "K-PASA" formula that transforms your pitch from forgettable to fundable.
Whether you're pitching investors or converting customers, this episode will reframe how you communicate your SaaS solution forever.
Key Take... Duration: 01:00:32
David Hirschfeld - Why Most Startups Fail (And How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls)
Apr 01, 2025What if your MVP isn’t the starting point, but the midpoint?
This week on SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains is joined by David Hirschfeld—founder of Tekyz and the creator of the Launch First framework—to challenge the traditional startup playbook. Instead of building first and hoping customers show up, Launch First flips the script: sell a high-fidelity prototype before writing a single line of code.
David shares how he learned this lesson the hard way, after his second startup failed by trying to build critical mass before generating revenue. Through Techies, he's worked with 90+ startu...
Duration: 00:53:24James D. Wilton - Freemium, Premium, or Hybrid? How to Choose the Right SaaS Pricing Model
Mar 27, 2025Are you leaving money on the table? Most SaaS founders are—and don’t even realize it. In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with James D. Wilton, managing partner at Motivate and former senior pricing expert at McKinsey. James shares how to align pricing with value, avoid the biggest monetization mistakes, and build a pricing strategy that actually supports growth.
We cover the science and psychology behind pricing, the dangers of freemium gone wrong, why founders underprice out of fear, and how to choose the right value metric for your product. If you’ve eve...
Duration: 01:00:48Collin Stewart - Product-Market Fit vs. Go-To-Market Fit: The Mistakes That Could Kill Your Growth
Mar 25, 2025What happens when a failed musician turns into a SaaS sales powerhouse? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Collin Stewart, CEO of Predictable Revenue and host of the Predictable Revenue Podcast. Collin shares raw, real stories from his journey—including early startup failures, the brutal truth about product-market fit, and what founders get wrong when scaling too fast.
We dive deep into customer development, outbound sales strategies, and how AI is shaping the future of SaaS. Whether you're pre-revenue or pushing past $10M ARR, this episode will sharpen your go-to-market strategy and he...
Duration: 00:59:14Donald Kelly - Breaking Through the Noise: Engaging Your Sales Prospects with Authenticity
Mar 20, 2025Are you struggling to scale your SaaS business while keeping your sales process human? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Donald Kelly, sales expert and host of The Sales Evangelist podcast, to discuss how authentic engagement can drive more sales than automation alone.
Donald shares key insights on:
✅ The biggest mistake SaaS founders make when selling
✅ How to balance founder-led sales with product-led growth
✅ The future of B2B sales in the AI era
✅ Practical sales strategies that actually work
If you’re t...
Duration: 00:54:46Gerald Zankl - Balancing Art and Science: The Future of AI in Sales and Customer Intelligence
Mar 18, 2025💡 Why do some sales reps consistently outperform the rest?
Is it talent? Better strategy? Or something else?
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Gerald Zankl, CEO & Co-Founder of Kick Scale, to discuss how AI-driven sales intelligence is revolutionizing the way sales teams operate.
If you’ve ever wondered how to close bigger deals, scale efficiently, and leverage AI to optimize sales, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – The hardest part of making a pivot in sales...
Duration: 00:53:45Peter Benei - Marketing in the AI Era: Future-Proofing Your Strategy for Maximum Impact
Mar 13, 2025💡 AI is everywhere—but most businesses aren’t getting great results. Why?
Most companies think AI can think for itself. It doesn’t. It’s only as good as the inputs you give it. Without the right briefing, strategy, and human oversight, AI-generated marketing content can be generic, uninspired, and even damaging to your brand.
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Peter Benei, Principal Consultant at Intercept Scale, to break down how leaders can use AI strategically to fuel marketing and sales growth without losing human creativity.
Key Takeawa... Duration: 00:56:45
Frank Sondors - Secrets of SaaS Success: Lessons Customer Retention and Expansion
Mar 11, 2025💡 Is your sales strategy actually built for scale, or are you just running faster on a treadmill?
Scaling a SaaS company isn't just about selling more—it’s about selling smarter. If you're bringing in customers but losing just as many on the back end, you’re not growing. You’re just replacing lost revenue.
On this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Frank Sondors, founder of Sales Forge, to uncover how AI and data-driven sales strategies can help you scale without ballooning your headcount.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Why most SaaS...
Duration: 00:53:06Marcus Hamaker - Navigating Business Challenges: Mastering Mindset for Sustainable Growth
Mar 06, 2025Why Leadership, Cash Flow & Emotional Intelligence Are the Keys to SaaS Growth | Marcus Hamaker, CEO of Boost USA
💡 Think a great product is all it takes to scale a SaaS business? Think again. The difference between thriving and barely surviving often comes down to leadership, cash flow management, and team culture.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Why your business is failing (and how to fix it)
06:10 – How leadership shapes business success (or failure)
12:30 – The mindset shift required to grow beyond $3M-$10M
18:55 – How cash flow issues sneak up on founders
25:15...
Duration: 00:47:06Lucas Lovell - Growth Strategies in Global SaaS: How to Transform Challenges into Opportunities
Mar 04, 2025💡 Is your SaaS pricing strategy transparent, or are you unknowingly hurting your brand? If you're expanding globally, do you understand the hidden complexities of international payments and compliance?
On this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Lucas Lovell, VP of Product at Paddle, to discuss the mistakes SaaS founders make with pricing, localization, and global payments—and how to fix them.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Is your SaaS pricing strategy misleading customers?
05:30 – Why global expansion is harder than most founders think
10:15 – The #1 thing that SaaS founders underestimate about local...
Duration: 00:50:44John Horn - From Goals to Metrics: Charting the Future of Digital Advertising
Feb 27, 2025💰 Is your paid ad strategy actually working—or are you just burning money? If you’ve ever felt like your agency is speaking a different language or your ROI isn’t where it should be, this episode is for you.
In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, to break down how businesses can maximize their paid ads, avoid common ad account suspensions, and create high-ROI campaigns that actually convert.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Intro: Are you wasting money on digital ads?
03:30 – Why clear agency commun...
Duration: 00:53:48Ahikam Kaufman - The Evolution of Finance: Integrating AI and Data Integrity
Feb 25, 2025💰 What if one mistake in your company’s financial data could cost millions? It happens more often than you think. In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains talks with Ahikam Kaufman, co-founder and CEO of SafeBooks, about how AI-driven financial data governance is changing the game for CFOs, accountants, and finance teams.
Ahikam has spent years in fintech, SaaS, and corporate finance, and today, he shares how companies can prevent financial errors, ensure compliance, and automate internal controls to avoid disaster.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Introduction: How much is one financial mistake really worth?<...
Duration: 00:52:33Yuliya Gorenko - Building Authentic Relationships: Influencer Marketing for SaaS Brands
Feb 20, 2025What if influencer marketing wasn’t just for fashion brands and B2C companies? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Yuliya Gorenko, an influencer marketing expert at Mischka Agency, to uncover how B2B SaaS companies can leverage influencers for sustainable growth.
Yulia has built influencer programs for SaaS brands like SE Ranking, Hack Chinese, and UnaCheck, scaling them from 0 to 8 figures. In this episode, she reveals how to find the right influencers, build lasting relationships, measure ROI, and avoid the biggest influencer marketing mistakes in the SaaS space.
Ke... Duration: 00:53:36
Kasper Pihl Tornoe - Navigating Tech and Tradition: A Modern Entrepreneur's Guide
Feb 18, 2025What if scaling a company while raising a family was your biggest challenge—not funding, competition, or product-market fit? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Kasper Pihl Tornoe, CEO & Co-Founder of Question Base, to discuss the real-life struggles of entrepreneurship, family life, and scaling AI-powered documentation tools.
Kasper and his wife have been building companies together for over a decade, from launching a consumer app to scaling Swipes (a #1 task manager on the App Store with over 1M users). Now, with Question Base, he's revolutionizing knowledge management with an AI-powered Slack bo...
Duration: 01:07:10Chris Ball - Navigating Market Volatility: Blueprint to Financial Growth
Feb 13, 2025What if hiring the right people and making sound investments were the biggest factors in scaling your business—not just strategy or revenue? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Chris Ball, Managing Partner at Hoxton Wealth, who has grown the firm from $35M to over $2.1B in assets under management.
Whether you're a SaaS founder, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is packed with wealth-building strategies, tax-efficient investing tips, and insights on scaling a high-performing team.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Introduction: How people & investments drive business success
02:15 – Why hi...
Duration: 00:43:09Dan DeGolier - Cash Flow Essentials: Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Feb 11, 2025What if poor financial management was the biggest risk to your SaaS business—not your competitors or even AI? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Dan DeGolier, founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, to dive deep into the financial strategies that separate thriving SaaS companies from those constantly struggling with cash flow, compliance, and scalability.
If you're a SaaS founder, CFO, or executive looking to improve financial efficiency, cash flow visibility, and revenue recognition, this episode is packed with actionable insights you don’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways
00...
Duration: 00:43:33Blair Nichols - Speak to Lead: How SaaS Founders Win Clients Through Storytelling
Feb 06, 2025What if your story was the key to unlocking massive growth in your business? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Blair Nichols, founder of BBN Creative Management, to explore how SaaS founders and business leaders can use speaking engagements, storytelling, and personal branding to elevate their industry authority, attract ideal clients, and drive business growth.
If you’re a SaaS leader, entrepreneur, or coach looking to stand out in your industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you leverage speaking opportunities and build a thought leadership platform that at...
Duration: 00:51:54Alex Levin - AI Meets Empathy: Scale Personalization Without Losing the Human Touch
Feb 04, 2025What if your voice could power your business, drive customer engagement, and revolutionize how you connect with clients? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes Alex Levin, co-founder and CEO of Regal.ai, to discuss how voice AI is transforming the way businesses interact with customers.
From automating customer support to enhancing personalization, Alex shares insights on leveraging voice AI to scale operations while maintaining an authentic, human touch.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Introduction: The rise of voice AI in business
02:00 – Alex Levin’s journey: From Handy to founding Regal.io
... Duration: 00:45:06Michael Greenberg - Scaling Smart: How AI and Automation are Transforming Business Growth
Jan 30, 2025Struggling to streamline your operations and scale effectively? In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Michael Greenburg, founder and CEO of Third Brain Digital Operations, to explore how automation and AI can revolutionize your business processes and drive sustainable growth.
From hiring smarter to leveraging digital workflows, Michael shares his expertise on optimizing workflow teams and tools using cutting-edge technology.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Introduction: Rethinking hiring with a performance-first approach
02:00 – Why firing fast can save your business
06:20 – The five levels of automation and how to scale...
Duration: 00:53:13Luis Garcia - Personalized Learning: Training Employees Don't Sleep Through
Jan 28, 2025Training your team doesn’t have to be boring! In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with Luis Garcia, President of Pete Learning, to explore how AI-driven training solutions are transforming employee development.
Corporate training often feels like a chore—but with the power of AI and personalized learning, businesses can now engage employees like never before. Luis shares his expertise on creating impactful, customized learning experiences that truly stick.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Introduction: The challenges of corporate training
01:45 – Why traditional training methods fail
04:20 – How AI is revolut...
Duration: 00:48:19