In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Steve and Melissa Fultz — founders of The Fultz Group, authors of Family Business Facelift, and consultants helping family businesses unlock hidden revenue and embrace digital transformation.
From uncovering inefficiencies worth hundreds of thousands to guiding owners through AI adoption, Steve and Melissa share practical strategies for future-proofing businesses while keeping the human touch at the core.
Whether you’re a founder, family business owner, or investor, this conversation will open your eyes to how technology and automation can transform businesses without losing what makes them human.
About the Guests
Steve & Melissa Fultz are co-founders of The Fultz Group. Melissa brings decades of Fortune 500 leadership experience in healthcare and automation, while Steve combines family business roots with psychology and marketing expertise. Together, they help business owners scale, modernize, and find freedom through systems and technology. They are co-authors of Family Business Facelift.
Key Takeaways
• Why many business owners wear “velvet handcuffs” — and how to break free.
• The hidden revenue formula that uncovers $50K–$100K without extra marketing spend.
• How AI and automation can serve as a “board of advisors” for small businesses.
• Why tech readiness assessments are the first step to digital transformation.
• The importance of human connection in a tech-driven world.
What You’ll Learn
• How to identify inefficiencies and hidden revenue streams in your business.
• Practical ways family businesses can modernize without massive budgets.
• How to overcome resistance to technology and build team-wide adoption.
• The role of coaching, community, and mentorship in digital transformation.
Episode Highlights
• [00:05] The “velvet handcuffs” problem: when businesses own their owners.
• [00:12] Why many companies resist modernization — and how to overcome it.
• [00:20] How to set realistic expectations for AI adoption.
• [00:28] Coaching, community, and group learning as transformation catalysts.
• [00:35] Case study: helping a business owner scale and pursue her passion.
• [00:45] Future of AI, automation, and the importance of the human touch.
Resources Mentioned
• Family Business Facelift (Book + Workbook) – https://a.co/d/jfvef06
• Steve’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefultzphd/
• Melissa’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahufffultz/
