Work at Home RockStar Podcast

Latest Episodes:

WHR 3.227: Mastering the Art of Predictable Sales Growth with Doug C. Brown Jun 09, 2025

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Mastering the Art of Predictable Sales Growth WHR 3.227: Mastering the Art of Predictable Sales Growth with Doug C. Brown

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Doug C. Brown, Founder of CEO Sales Strategies. Doug shares his incredible journey from selling parts at age 5 to building multiple seven-figure businesses and helping clients generate over $960 million in sales. He breaks down how independent professionals can create reliable, math-based sales growth, embrace AI tools, and develop a business mindset focused on acquisition. This conversation is packed with RockStar Tips for entrepreneurs ready to build stable, predictable income streams from home.

Who is Doug C. Brown? Doug C. Brown is the Founder of CEO Sales Strategies and the creator of Vibitno, a sales automation platform that increases revenue through efficient follow-up and client retention. Over his career, Doug has founded or built more than 35 businesses, driving more than $960 million in revenue. His math-based model for predictable sales growth has helped clients increase their close rates by 143% and boost product sales by over 4,150%. Doug's mission is to help independent professionals scale ethically and confidently in today's economy.

Connect with Doug C. Brown: Website: https://ceosalesstrategies.com Vibitno: https://vibitno.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougcbrown_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dougcbrown123 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: 00:34 — Success Story: Helping a consultant add $245,000 in revenue in six weeks 02:38 — Lessons from Failure: Building a SaaS product without pre-selling, costing over $500k 06:02 — Transitioning from corporate employee to business owner and understanding the business of business acquisition 15:44 — The essence of selling and overcoming rejection 27:24 — How value drives buying decisions beyond price 34:09 — Leveraging AI for sales and business growth 38:58 — Doug's mission to help independent professionals add six figures to their income

WHR 3.226: Lifestyle Entrepreneurship & the Power of Delegation Jun 02, 2025

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Jake Sucoff, founder and CEO of Patient Procure. Jake shares how he turned his side hustle into a sustainable business supporting healthcare organizations with content-driven marketing strategies. He opens up about overcoming failures, building a distributed team, and embracing AI and automation to work smarter—not harder. This episode is packed with real talk and rockstar mindset tips for any entrepreneur looking to grow on their own terms.

Who is Jake Sucoff? Jake is an entrepreneur, marketer, and 4-time best man. As the founder and CEO of Patient Procure, he helps doctors and healthcare organizations attract and retain ideal patients through exceptional content, storytelling, and tech-driven marketing funnels. With 15 years of experience across B2B SaaS, enterprise healthcare, startup incubation, and more, Jake brings a balanced and honest perspective to the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. He's also a proud dad, music lover, and advocate for leveraging AI to reclaim time.

Connect with Jake Sucoff: Website: https://www.patientprocure.com/ Personal Site: https://heyjakey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakesucoff/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsucoff/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Sue_Cough Free Marketing Audit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jsucoff

Host Contact Details: I love connecting with Work at Home RockStars! Feel free to reach out: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: 00:31 – Jake's Story of Success: From side hustle to full-time founder 03:43 – Lessons from Failure: Hiring fast, firing faster, and bouncing back 04:29 – Mindset Mastery: Handling anxiety, setbacks, and the entrepreneur's inner voice 14:09 – Daily Routines: Balancing fatherhood with focus 20:17 – Scaling Smart: Building a team of generals and foot soldiers 24:30 – The Power of a Virtual Assistant 25:21 – Leveraging AI for Hiring and Operations 36:30 – Guest Solo: Automating, scaling, and what's next at Patient Procure

WHR 3.225: Navigating Business Growth with KPIs and Narrative May 26, 2025

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Resilience and Marketing Mastery with Joshua Ramsey WHR 3.225: Navigating Business Growth with KPIs and Narrative

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Joshua Ramsey, a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer and founder of JRCMO. Joshua shares his inspiring journey from getting laid off 30 days before his wedding to building multiple successful businesses from home. He opens up about lessons learned from failure, the power of a personal narrative in marketing, and how setting clear KPIs can make or break your business growth. This episode is packed with RockStar Tips for anyone scaling their business the smart way.

Who is Joshua Ramsey? Joshua Ramsey is a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer and the founder of JRCMO, a full-stack marketing agency. Since 2001, Joshua has executed over 80,000 marketing campaigns across the US. He helps business owners cut costs, streamline strategy, and increase ROI without the burden of hiring a full-time executive. With a passion for clarity, narrative, and measurable results, Joshua empowers entrepreneurs to market with purpose and precision.

Connect with Joshua Ramsey Website: https://jrcmo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrcmo_usa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRcmo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrcmo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshuaramseycmo?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuaramseyfraccmo

Host Contact Details Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode 00:25 – Story of Success: Laid off before his wedding, now running four companies 04:00 – Lessons from Failure: Burnout and bankruptcy from growing too fast 07:15 – Rockstar Tip: Use your personal story as your USP 13:01 – Delegation through small team pods 16:39 – Setting and tracking KPIs to ensure accountability 25:26 – Test Before You Invest: Marketing smart on any budget 28:51 – Guest Solo: Joshua's narrative-driven approach to CMO consulting

WHR 3.224: Unlocking an Extra Hour: Strategies for Maximizing Time with Mark Ellwood May 19, 2025

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Unlocking an Extra Hour: Strategies for Maximizing Time WHR 3.224: Mark Ellwood

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim sits down with productivity expert Mark Ellwood, President of PACE Productivity Inc., to dive into the science of how we spend our time. Mark shares his journey as an inventor and entrepreneur, highlighting how a simple pivot turned a clunky device into a widely embraced tool for time studies. From practical delegation to managing business cash flow with spreadsheets, this conversation is full of actionable advice for remote workers and business owners looking to maximize every hour.

Who is Mark Ellwood? Mark Ellwood is an internationally recognized productivity consultant and the creator of the TimeCorder, a unique device that helps organizations track and improve employee time use. With over three decades of experience working from home, Mark blends innovation, humor, and data to inspire businesses to focus on what matters most. His work extends into strategic facilitation, executive time research, and team development in both corporate and First Nations contexts.

Connect with Mark Ellwood: Website: https://www.getmoredone.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markellwood1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkEllwood

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: 00:00 Story of Success: How the TimeCorder became a breakthrough tool 02:00 Lesson from Failure: Why the original product didn't sell 08:00 Delegation tips from a solo entrepreneur who contracts with purpose 15:00 The truth about fans, SEO, and the power of Google Ads 22:00 Building a practical, flexible cash flow system that actually works 28:00 Guest Solo: Mark's current research on executive women and First Nations 33:00 Why admin work hasn't disappeared and how to spend time wisely

WHR 3.223: From Hollywood to Home Office – How Steven Puri Built a Happiness-Driven Company May 12, 2025

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Finding Focus and Freedom with Steven Puri WHR 3.223: From Hollywood to Home Office – How Steven Puri Built a Happiness-Driven Company

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. Steven shares his journey from producing Hollywood blockbusters like Independence Day and Star Trek to building a tech company that helps remote workers reclaim their time and joy. He reveals how listening to real user feedback transformed his focus app, how failures in early ventures shaped his leadership, and why his mission now is rooted in happiness, not hustle. This conversation dives deep into tenacity, parenting, AI, and the evolving meaning of work.

Who is Steven Puri? Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. His mission is to help millions of remote workers focus better, work smarter, and ultimately live happier lives. Before launching Sukha, Steven had an impressive career in both film and tech—starting out as a newscaster, then a software engineer, and eventually producing CGI effects for Oscar-winning films. He served as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, managing major franchises like Die Hard and Star Trek. Today, from his home base in Austin, TX, he's focused on using technology to create a more mindful and balanced remote work experience.

Connect with Steven Puri: Website: https://thesukha.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpuri

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: At 00:41, Steven shares the origin of the Sukha Company, including how a user's feedback inspired its name and mission. At 06:57, he opens up about walking away from Hollywood to rediscover purpose and fulfillment through tech. At 12:00, he talks about how tenacity—not talent—was the key to long-term success, both in film and entrepreneurship. At 15:06, Steven offers insight into raising a child with values and freedom to explore their passions. At 22:09, the conversation turns to AI and the philosophical question of truth in a digital world. At 28:12, in the Guest Solo segment, Steven gives us a deep dive into the Sukha platform and how it's helping engineers, designers, and writers focus better and work less.

WHR 3.222: Building an Authentic Coaching Business with Katie O'Malley May 05, 2025

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Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Katie O'Malley, Executive Coach and Founder of (en)Courage Coaching. Katie opens up about her leap from higher education into full-time entrepreneurship, the power of self-compassion, and the invisible forces that challenge leadership. From launching her business at 40 to giving a TEDx talk, Katie brings actionable wisdom for anyone striving to build a purposeful and flexible work-from-home life.

Who is Katie O'Malley? Katie O'Malley is an Executive Coach and Leadership Educator with twenty years of experience in nonprofit, education, and corporate spaces. She founded (en)Courage Coaching to make leadership and career development more accessible and empowering. Her work is recognized by Fast Company and Thrive Global, and she's spoken at SHRM, Women in Retail, and TEDx Boston.

Connect with Katie O'Malley: Website: https://encouragecoaching.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/encouragecoachchicago/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENCOURAGECOACHCHICAGO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: 00:33 – Katie shares her journey from higher ed to launching her coaching business 04:24 – Authentic client relationships and how she avoids "salesy" pressure 07:45 – A leadership failure and what it taught her about accountability 12:31 – How she managed stress after an attempted break-in 18:37 – Her morning routine for energy, clarity, and balance 20:44 – Why self-compassion is critical for sustainable success 24:36 – Her take on modern leadership and freedom in the workplace 30:24 – The TEDx talk: how it came to be and what it's about 34:47 – Katie reveals her favorite rockstar and her music influences

WHR 3.221: Unlocking Potential: Pain, Purpose, and Performance with Chad E. Cooper Apr 28, 2025

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson jams with Chad E. Cooper, a world-renowned executive coach, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. Chad shares his story of personal transformation through the Marine Corps, revealing how embracing pain helped him unlock his true potential. They dive into essential lessons about personal growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and giving back. Chad also talks about his exciting mission to make high-level coaching accessible worldwide through micro-content libraries for developing nations.

Who is Chad E. Cooper? Chad E. Cooper is a distinguished performance coach, bestselling author of "Time Isn't the Problem, You Are," and motivational speaker. He empowers individuals to unlock their potential and live with passion and purpose. His coaching blends practical strategies with transformational leadership insights, helping high achievers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to master time, overcome challenges, and create a life of significance.

Connect with Chad E. Cooper: Website: https://www.chadecooper.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadecooper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChadCooperAuthorSpeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooperchad/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqaCtoDE_61DVgyLhAOriSw

In this Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:34 Chad's Journey: From Marine Corps to Success 02:30 The Role of Pain in Success 04:48 Trauma and High Performers 12:24 Corporate Challenges and Personal Decisions 16:13 Maintaining Excellence: Personal and Business Practices 18:31 Creating a Professional Home Office Environment 20:10 Focusing on Outcomes, Not Activity 21:10 Understanding Value Over Time 23:09 The True Meaning of a Mastermind 27:21 The Importance of Taking Breaks 29:27 Exciting New Ventures and Giving Back 33:33 Qualities of Ideal Coaching Clients 36:03 Final Thoughts and Favorite Rockstar

WHR 3.220: Navigating Solo Success with Bert terHart Apr 21, 2025

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WHR 3.220: Navigating Solo Success with Bert terHart

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Bert terHart — a sailor, scientist, entrepreneur, and relentless problem solver. Bert shares incredible stories of his solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe and a solo canoe trip across Canada, highlighting the grit and discipline needed to pull off such feats. But it doesn't stop there — he also talks about building his business LeadBrain.ai and how he's helping local businesses stay relevant and visible in today's AI-driven world. From solo adventures to smart delegation and leveraging tech, Bert's journey is an epic blend of old-school endurance and modern innovation.

Who is Bert terHart? Bert terHart is a self-proclaimed soldier, sailor, scientist, adventurer, and serial entrepreneur. He's a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Explorer in Residence for the BC Historical Society, and founder of the Canadian Interactive Waterways Initiative. With over 50,000 miles of solo ocean sailing and a background in math, physics, and oceanography, Bert brings a deep passion for nature, exploration, and digital innovation. As CEO of LeadBrain.ai and CTO at the Obesity Medicine and Diabetes Institute, he helps businesses connect with customers exactly when they're searching — turning visibility into results through smart use of IT and AI.

Connect with Bert terHart: Website: https://bertterhart.com AI Solutions: https://leadbrain.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertterhart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the5capes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svseaburban

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode:00:00 Welcome to the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast 00:26 Meet Bert Terhart: Adventurer and Entrepreneur 02:05 Lessons from Failure: The Importance of Reaching Out to Customers 03:43 Polarizing Your Audience for Business Success 10:37 The Discipline of Working from Home 18:49 Understanding Customer Needs 19:03 Improving Market Position 19:36 Logistical Friction in Business 20:36 Leveraging AI for Business Success 21:28 AI in Customer Engagement 25:08 AI in Healthcare 26:49 AI for Small Business Growth 29:49 The Golden Age of AI 32:48 Guest Solo: Exciting Business Insights 35:11 Connecting with Bert Terhart

WHR 3.219: Mastering Cash Flow, Pricing, and Client Relationships Apr 14, 2025

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Liz Steblay, Founder of Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA) and ProKo Agency. Liz shares how an unexpected layoff led to a thriving solopreneur career. She unpacks essential lessons on managing finances, setting the right rates, and building businesses through relationships rather than cold sales tactics.

Who is Liz Steblay? Known as the "Yoda of Solopreneur Success," Liz Steblay brings decades of firsthand experience mentoring thousands of independent consultants and coaches. She's the author of "Succeeding as a Solopreneur" and founder of PICA, a nationwide community supporting solo professionals. Liz is passionate about helping people launch and grow fulfilling independent careers.

Connect with Liz Steblay: Website: https://www.sixkeys.info/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/independentconsulting/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Liz4consultants Personal Website: https://www.lizsteblay.com/ PICA Network: http://www.picanetwork.org

In this Episode: 00:01:00 – Liz's Story of Success: From layoff to thriving solopreneur 00:06:45 – Lessons from Failure: Planning ahead for taxes and cash flow 00:15:00 – Tools for Success: Building a "Secret Bank" for tax savings 00:22:15 – Pricing Right: Overcoming the fear of charging what you're worth 00:44:00 – Guest Solo: Launching her book "Succeeding as a Solopreneur"

WHR 3.218: Transforming Failures into Riches through Storytelling with Danny Brassell Apr 07, 2025

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with the high-energy and inspiring Dr. Danny Brassell, co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™. Known as "Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.," Danny shares how his journey through journalism, education, devastating financial loss, and reinvention as a speaker and storytelling coach led him to help entrepreneurs harness the power of story. You'll walk away from this episode with actionable tips to grow your business using compelling narratives, plus strategies to build resilience and amplify your voice.

Who is Danny Brassell? Dr. Danny Brassell is a global keynote speaker, storytelling coach, and author of 19 books including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. With over 3,500 presentations delivered worldwide, he co-founded The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, a platform that empowers leaders to turn their personal experiences into stories that spark engagement and drive results. A former inner-city teacher, Danny blends educational expertise with practical business strategies.

Connect with Danny Brassell: Website: https://www.dannybrassell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realDannyBrassell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyBrassell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DannyBrassell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DannyBrassell

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com

In this Episode: 00:01:00 From Journalist to Educator to Entrepreneur 00:02:24 Losing Everything in a Real Estate Scam – and the Pivot that Followed 00:04:47 The Truth About Storytelling and Business Growth 00:10:00 The "Bandaid" Story – a Masterclass in Humor & Presentation 00:23:18 Morning Routines and the Power of Thought Walks 00:33:01 Building a Scalable, Story-Driven Business

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