In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney sits down with Mandy Morris, LPC — a licensed therapist, executive psychology coach, and co-founder of SoFree, a neuroscience-based app designed to help users reset their nervous system in under two minutes.
Mandy shares how her work as a trauma therapist led her into the executive space, helping high-achieving leaders uncover their blind spots, overcome internal blocks, and align their inner and outer worlds. Her journey from running a private practice to building a mental health tech startup is both deeply personal and inspiring — sparked by the loss of her brother and her desire to make stress relief more accessible to everyone.
She also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship — the uncertainty, self-doubt, and resilience required to keep going year after year. From learning to reframe fear into adventure, to the power of consistency and community support, Mandy’s wisdom is a reminder that emotional and mental health are not just personal pursuits — they’re business strategies.
Episode Links:
Mandy’s Website: mandyemorris.com
SoFree App (Beta Access): getsofree.com
Instagram: @therapist_mandy
Courtney’s Website: www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney breaks down one of the most critical and often overlooked relationships in business: the connection between marketing and operations. While marketing drives demand and brings customers in the door, operations fulfills that demand and ensures promises are delivered. When these two functions operate in silos, businesses waste money, lose trust, and miss out on growth opportunities.
Courtney shares real examples of what happens when marketing and operations are out of sync—from overselling inventory to under-communicating lead times—and explains how to bridge the gap. She highlights the ripple effect misalignment can have on customer satisfaction, cash flow, and brand reputation, showing why a cohesive rhythm between the two teams is essential for scaling sustainably.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to create alignment across both functions, including shared planning rhythms, transparent data sharing, and cross-functional accountability. Courtney also offers simple, actionable steps you can take this week to help your marketing and operations move in sync—so your business can grow stronger, run smoother, and deliver consistently on its promises.
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Wells—founder of Sarah Wells Bags, a mission-driven brand serving new and breastfeeding moms with beautifully designed, truly functional pump bags, cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and nursing/pumping bras. We talk about how a personal pain point became a product line, how to stay mission-anchored when business is hard, and why relationships (with customers, banks, carriers, and community) are the hidden engine of small-business growth.
What we cover
Episode links
In this solo episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney Cook breaks down one of the simplest yet most transformative tools you can use to run your business with clarity: a scorecard.
Without one, you’re making decisions based on gut feel, urgency, or emotion. With one, you have clear numbers guiding every step. Courtney explains what life looks like without a scorecard, what to measure first, and how your business transforms once you start tracking the right KPIs.
You’ll learn:
Why relying on instinct leads to exhaustion and wasted money
Which KPIs to track across marketing, email, paid ads, product development, and customer support
How to avoid common mistakes like under-buying, over-buying, or running unprofitable ads
The “tough truths” your scorecard might reveal about profitability and growth
Three steps to start implementing a scorecard in your business today
By the end, you’ll see how this tool moves you from chaos to clarity and helps every team member take ownership of the numbers that matter.
Episode Links:
Free KPI Guide: https://www.monarchcoo.com/kpi-cheat-sheet
Monarch COO Website: www.monarchcoo.com
Instagram: @monarch_coo
Blog Post: https://www.monarchcoo.com/blog/How-a-Scorecard-Changes-Everything
On this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Lisa Simone, founder of Pearl Spark Pages and creator of the Female Founders Journal. After 20 years in PR and marketing, Lisa felt the need for reinvention. What started as a moment of doubt on stage in front of 150 female founders became the spark for her newest venture: creating a luxury guided journal designed to help women business owners navigate self-confidence, reflection, and growth.
In our conversation, Lisa shares:
Lisa’s story is one of bold reinvention, rapid execution, and building with a long-term vision. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, pivoting your business, or dreaming about your next product idea, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical takeaways.
Episode Links:
Website: pearlsparkpages.com
Instagram: @pearlsparkpages
Free 7-Day Journal Sample: femalefoundersjournal.com
Courtney’s website: monarchcoo.com
In this solo episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I share the story of when I first realized that inventory isn’t just “stuff on shelves”—it’s cash flow. I talk about the lessons I learned early on in my career, from walking a warehouse floor when cash was tight to navigating the challenges of selling seasonal, year-dated product.
You’ll hear why inventory can be both your biggest asset and your biggest risk, and I’ll walk through the systems and processes I now use with clients to ensure it never sinks their business.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Episode Links:
Monarch COO: www.monarchcoo.com
Connect on Instagram: @monarchcoo
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Tom Rauen, founder and CEO of 1-800-Tshirts, to talk about his journey from printing shirts in his parents’ basement to leading a 40-person company that’s been growing steadily for 20 years.
Tom shares:
Tom’s story is a reminder that small, consistent decisions build long-term success. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or scaling your business, this conversation is packed with insights about growth, leadership, and legacy.
Episode Links:
1-800-Tshirts Website: https://www.1800tshirts.com/
Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrauen/
Monarch COO: www.monarchcoo.com
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch_coo/
Today’s episode marks my very first solo conversation with you. I’ll be using these solo episodes as a chance to share the kind of advice I’d give if we were sitting down together over coffee — practical, straightforward, and meant to help you build stronger systems for your business.
In this episode, I dive into the concept of sales pacing:
My encouragement: stop reacting emotionally to one day of sales. Instead, step back, look at the bigger picture, and let the data (not the drama)guide your decisions.
I’d love your feedback on this new format. If you found this helpful, please leave a review and let me know what you think about these solo episodes.
Episode Links
In today’s episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Vanessa Jupe, the founder of Leva, a company on a mission to transform the postpartum and parental support landscape in the United States.
Vanessa shares the personal experience that became the catalyst for creating Leva, the staggering differences between U.S. parental leave policies and those in other countries, and the long journey of learning how to sell B2B in the benefits space.
From navigating breastfeeding struggles while serving as a corporate executive, to building a team of consultants offering everything from lactation to career coaching, Vanessa’s story is both inspiring and deeply practical for anyone building a business out of a personal need.
We also explore:
If you’ve ever wondered how personal challenges can become the foundation of a business that helps thousands, this episode will encourage and equip you.
Episode Links:
Website: www.leva.com
My website: www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Polly Payne, founder and CEO of Horacio Printing and creator of Print School. What started as a side hustle making a Christian-based planner in 2014 has now grown into a thriving business that serves thousands of dreamers.
Polly shares how she went from working in ad tech in New York City to building Horacio Printing, a luxury paper goods company known for its Dream Planner, Bible studies, and journals. She also opens up about the heart behind Print School, where she empowers others to bring their own paper product ideas—like devotionals, planners, and journals—into the world.
We talk about the challenges of those early days, the evolution of her printing process, the importance of community over competition, and what it looks like to combine faith and business. Polly’s story is a powerful reminder that you can do hard things, that failures are just data points, and that our creativity is part of how we live out our purpose.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How a book and a planner sparked Polly’s idea for Horacio Printing
The leap of faith it took to produce her first planner (and what it cost)
The community and collaboration that makes Print School thrive
Polly’s biggest lessons in entrepreneurship and motherhood
Episode Links:
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Heather Markway, owner of Life Garden Style in Kansas City. Heather shares how her lifelong love of flowers and background in horticulture led her from a steady office job to building a thriving business specializing in seasonal container plantings, landscape design, and bouquet subscriptions.
We dive into:
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a business—or simply want to hear a story about faith, creativity, and perseverance—this conversation will inspire you.
Episode Links:
Danica Leporte is the visionary behind Under the Stars KC, a luxury glamping and event experience company that brings people together under twinkling lights and thoughtful design. What started as a creative outlet for a stay-at-home mom has grown into a sought-after brand in Kansas City’s event scene, serving everything from 11-year-old birthday parties to faith-based women’s retreats.
In this episode, we talk about:
How Danica turned a crafty side hustle into a thriving business
What it was like launching in a new city with no connections
Why Profit First changed everything for her business finances
Building community through intentional networking (and prayer!)
The powerful story behind her Camp Connect retreat
Managing physical labor, motherhood, and entrepreneurship with grit and grace
Whether you're building a business from scratch or dreaming about creating meaningful moments for others, this conversation will inspire you to just start—and trust the process.
Episode Links:
Danica's Website: underthestarskc.com
Under the Stars Instagram: @underthestarskc
Courtney's Website: www.monarchcoo.com
Courtney's Instagram: @monarch_coo
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Shawn Lemon of The Digital Organizer. Shawn helps entrepreneurs and busy professionals simplify their systems, clean up their digital clutter, and finally feel in control of their businesses.
We talk about:
Why so many people feel stuck when it comes to organizing email and files
The free quiz on Shawn’s website that shows you how effective your systems really are
The low-hanging fruit you can tackle today to feel less overwhelmed
Shawn’s free email organization guide that will teach you how to get your inbox to zero—and keep it there
If you’ve ever felt buried under email, scattered files, or disorganized processes, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use right away.
Episode Links:
Visit Shawn’s website: https://thedigitalorganizer.com
Follow Shawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalorganizer
Get the free email organization guide
Learn more about Monarch COO: https://www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney sits down with Dr. Lani Jones, a clinical psychologist turned leadership coach who’s on a mission to help high-achieving professionals lead with clarity and confidence. After a decade in private practice, Lani made a bold pivot—closing a thriving clinic to pursue a deeper calling. She now works with entrepreneurs and executives navigating transition, burnout, or simply wondering, “What’s next?”
Lani shares how a six-week sabbatical revealed it was time for change, how being raised in a risk-averse, small-town environment shaped her early views on security, and how she grew into the exact opposite: a mission-driven entrepreneur unafraid of the messy middle.
We talk about the intersection of personal growth and leadership, why employee well-being isn’t just a feel-good concept but a financial strategy, and how she’s learned to embrace the unknowns of entrepreneurship—imperfection and all.
Whether you’re mid-career and questioning your next move or just dreaming of your first leap, this episode will meet you where you are.
In this episode, we cover:
Episode Links:
Website: www.drlanijones.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlanijones/lanijones
Monarch COO: www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney sits down with Rhea Lana Riner, the founder and CEO of Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Events—a national franchise with over 120 locations in 26 states. What began as a small gathering of moms in her living room has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that empowers women, supports families, and offers a smart solution for buying and selling children’s items.
Rhea shares how being a frugal mom and a self-proclaimed accidental entrepreneur sparked her first sale. She opens up about bootstrapping her business, the emotional toll of fighting a 10-year legal battle with the U.S. Department of Labor, and how faith and resilience carried her through.
Whether you're a business owner, mompreneur, or just need a reminder that you're capable of more than you think, Rhea’s story will encourage and inspire you to take the next brave step.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Rhea built a franchise model that fits around family life
Why embracing slow growth helped her long-term success
Her advice to women who doubt their ability to lead
Episode Links:
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I’m joined by Sam Vander Wielen—an attorney-turned-entrepreneur who built the go-to legal education brand for online business owners. From leaving law to launching a health coaching business (that flopped), Sam shares how that “mistake” ultimately led her to a brilliant business idea: downloadable legal templates paired with actionable training for digital entrepreneurs.
Sam opens up about her journey through grief, resilience, and clarity—and how she built a business that now serves over 4,500 customers with just two core products. We talk about SEO strategy, product-market fit, course creation, and the lessons she wishes every entrepreneur knew from day one.
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling an established brand, Sam’s wisdom and transparency will leave you both inspired and equipped.
We cover:
Why her failed health coaching business was her greatest lesson
How she launched and scaled her Ultimate Bundle
The surprising decision that helped her grow quickly
Why separating identity from business is critical
What she would do differently if starting today
Sam's Links
Sam's Instagram: https://instagram.com/samvanderwielen
Sam's website: https://samvanderwielen.com
Shop Legal Contract Templates: https://samvanderwielen.com/shop-templates
Get the Ultimate Bundle®: https://samvanderwielen.com/the-ultimate-bundle
Listen to Sam’s Podcast On Your Terms®: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/podcast
Subscribe to Sam’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamVanderWielen/featured
Order Sam’s book When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy:
https://www.samvanderwielen.com/book/
Visit my website: www.monarchcoo.com
On this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with the incredibly talented Sara Chiodo, founder of Studio Chiodo, a virtual interior design studio based in Kansas City. Sara shares how she went from a career in physical therapy to designing over 125 spaces nationwide—all while being a mom of two and growing her business one step at a time.
We talk about how she found her creative side later in life, the turning point that made her treat her business like a real business, and how her viral kitchen renovation launched a new path. Sara opens up about learning to say no, pricing with confidence, and how she balances work and family while still building something she’s proud of.
This episode is packed with wisdom for any entrepreneur who’s easing into business-building, finding their rhythm, or needing the reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.
In this episode, we cover:
What she learned from launching her first paid service
Why raising her prices helped shift her mindset
The importance of saying no and focusing on aligned projects
Her goals for year two of business and beyond
Episode Links:
Studio Chiodo Website: https://studio-chiodo.com/
Studio Chiodo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_chiodo/
Visit My Website: www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney chats with Chris Ammen, founder of Kaleidoscope — a publishing company transforming how kids engage with the Bible. With over 15 years of experience in children's ministry and a deep passion for discipleship, Chris shares the story behind launching his business in the middle of a global pandemic, the surprising shift from books to Yoto cards, and how he's building a team that shares his vision.
Chris opens up about the challenges of hiring, how StoryBrand is helping sharpen their messaging, and what it's been like to transition out of full-time ministry into full-time entrepreneurship. This episode is packed with wisdom for any entrepreneur navigating growth, clarity, and calling.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Why the gap in Bible resources for 3rd–5th graders sparked a business idea
The surprising moment a dream influencer DM’d him first
Hard lessons learned about hiring and supplier negotiations
How pivoting to Yoto content changed their business trajectory
What Chris would tell his younger, more competitive self
Episode Links:
Website: readkaleidoscope.com
Instagram: @readkaleidoscope
Chris’s Book: chrisammen.com
My Website: www.monarchcoo.com
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Nick Norman, founder and CEO of Polar Protector, a multimillion-dollar e-commerce business that started with an idea sparked by leaves in a cold plunge. From humble beginnings selling childhood items on eBay to building an Amazon business and eventually launching Polar Protector, Nick shares his unique founder journey—one filled with grit, iteration, and surprising customer insights.
We dive deep into how he spotted a niche, validated the concept quickly, found manufacturing partners, and built the business to scale—all while keeping his team lean. We also discuss navigating fear, growing sustainably, and why identifying your “superpower” is one of the greatest advantages any entrepreneur can have.
Whether you’re dreaming up a product or already running a business, this episode is full of powerful insights into starting small, scaling smart, and staying focused.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Nick validated his product idea with zero ad spend
- The value of spotting a hidden niche in an established industry
- The difference between scalable entrepreneurship and lifestyle businesses
- His biggest unexpected challenge (hint: it wasn’t logistics)
Links & Resources:
- Visit Polar Protector online: https://polarprotector.com/
- Visit my website: www.monarchcoo.com
- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchcoo
In this episode, I chat with Heather Harris, the founder of Copper Bottom Design Co., a boutique agency specializing in custom planner design and overseas production. With over 20 years in the print and design industry and a background working with brands like Tiffany & Co. and Barneys, Heather now partners with visionary founders to bring stationery products to life from start to finish. We talk about how one Facebook post jumpstarted her business, the behind-the-scenes reality of overseas production, what it’s like to be the “ghostwriter” of an entire product line, and why she’s committed to growing slow and staying small.
We cover:
- How Heather got her start in the planner industry
- Her unexpected pivot from greeting cards to manufacturing consulting
- Lessons learned from tariffs, pandemics, and production delays
- How she’s stepping into a true CEO role after a decade in business
If you’re a founder developing products or considering overseas manufacturing, this episode is a goldmine.
Episode Links:
Visit Copper Bottom’s Website: https://www.copperbottomdesign.com/
Copper Bottom Design Co on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copperbtmdesign/
Visit Monarch COO: https://www.monarchcoo.com/