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From Stuck to Scaled: Growth Strategies for SMBs

From Stuck to Scaled: Growth Strategies for SMBs

By: Julio Gonzalez
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About this listen

Running a business is hard. Scaling one is harder. This podcast makes it less so. Julio Gonzalez spent over 35 years growing businesses. Every week, he sits down with entrepreneurs and leaders to unpack what actually works when you're trying to move from scrappy to sustainable. Operations. Leadership. Sales systems. Technology. The real stuff nobody teaches you when you start a business and the things that hold you back from scaling! From Stuck to Scaled — because your business should work for you, not the other way around.Julio Gonzalez Economics
Episodes
  • Small Tweaks to Unlock Massive Efficiency
    Apr 21 2026

    In this episode of the From Stuck to Scaled podcast, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with Jeremy Hass, founder of Prefix Ops and expert in operational excellence. With a wealth of experience in transforming complex operational environments, Jeremy shares insights on how small adjustments can lead to massive efficiency gains in growing businesses.
    Many founders mistakenly believe that scaling requires major restructuring or costly new tools. However, Jeremy reveals that the most significant improvements often come from identifying and addressing minor friction points in daily operations. Throughout the conversation, they explore how founders can analyze workflows, enhance communication, and streamline internal processes to reclaim productivity—often without increasing headcount or adding complexity.
    Jeremy offers practical tips, including the importance of early operational focus, leveraging project management tools, empowering teams, and using AI to enhance productivity. Tune in to discover how you can implement these small tweaks to unlock your business's full potential!
    Connect with Jeremy Hass:
    Website: www.prefixops.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hass
    Follow host Julio Gonzalez on:
    - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/
    - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution
    - Webpage www.opticution.com.
    Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

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    43 mins
  • Scaling Retail Operations
    Apr 14 2026

    In this episode of the From Stuck to Scaled podcast, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with retail operations expert Monika Espinoza to explore the pivotal role operations play in scaling businesses. With 25 years of experience in Risk Management, Performance, and Operations, Monika is passionate about unlocking the untapped profit potential within operations organizations.
    Join us as Monika shares her insights on elevating operations departments through effective Strategy, Team engagement, Efficiency, and Performance. She discusses practical approaches to enhance frontline engagement and underscores the critical connection between developing associates and achieving top-line growth.
    Monika encourages leaders to activate a Commercial Mindset within their teams, challenging the status quo and creatively integrating sales into operations. Discover actionable steps to engage your teams, identify and leverage strengths, and transform everyday tasks into profit-driving activities.
    Ready to scale your retail operations? Tune in!
    Connect with Monika Espinoza:
    Website: https://www.betterwayops.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/monikabwo
    Follow host Julio Gonzalez on:
    - LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/
    - Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution
    - Webpage www.opticution.com
    Email Julio at julio@opticution.com with any comments, questions or suggestions!

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    52 mins
  • From Sales Strategy to Business Growth — A Fractional Approach to Business Development
    Apr 7 2026

    In this episode of the Opticution podcast, host Julio Gonzalez sits down with Mariangelica Alvarado, Founder and CEO of Luminary Catalyst — a fractional business development firm helping businesses accelerate growth through custom sales strategies, data-driven marketing, and high-value partnerships.

    Tune in as Mariangelica shares how small and midsize businesses can stop leaving growth on the table by getting intentional about their sales process, their messaging, and the partnerships they pursue. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of what a fractional BD model looks like in practice — and whether it might be the missing piece in your own growth strategy.

    In this conversation, you'll hear Mariangelica's take on:

    - Why most businesses skip the strategy and go straight to tactics — and why that's costing them.

    - How to identify your ideal market and find the right decision-makers before you ever pick up the phone.

    - What data points actually matter when tracking sales performance.

    - How fractional business development works and when it makes sense for your business.

    - Building high-value partnerships that expand your reach without expanding your overhead.

    If you're ready to build a smarter, more sustainable growth engine, this episode is your starting point.


    Connect with Mariangelica Alvarado:

    Website: www.luminarycatalyst.com

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alvaradomariangelica


    Follow host Julio Gonzalez on:LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticution/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube at @opticution

    Webpage www.opticution.com


    Email Julio at podcast@opticution.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions!

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    40 mins
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