Episode 343: Why Most Businesses Stay Stuck at $1M and How to Break Through with Ernesto Mandowsky

GUEST: Ernesto Mandowsky, Founder of The Million Dollar Machine

– Subscribe to the podcast or write a review –

Spotify – Stitcher – TuneIn – Apple Podcasts

What if you could transform your small business into an actual million-dollar machine? In this episode of The B2B Revenue Executive Experience, host Cory Cotten-Potter speaks with Ernesto Mandowski, Founder of The Million Dollar Machine, to dive into why so many entrepreneurs get stuck at the $1M mark and how to break through.

Ernesto is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, author, and business consultant specializing in transforming businesses into momentum-driven machines. With over 15 years of experience, including leading the turnaround of a $100 million family-owned steakhouse chain, he has developed deep expertise in helping small businesses harness the power of technology for sustainable growth.

‍

The 5-Recipe Framework for Scaling

Scaling a business is like running a restaurant, where there is a recipe for success. Ernesto lays out five essential steps: transformation, connection, communication, organization, and actualization. The most challenging one is step four as most entrepreneurs stay stuck as solopreneurs because they struggle to let go and build a true organization. If you want to scale, you must create systems that allow your business to thrive beyond just you.

‍

“Every business has five recipes to go from a pop-up pilot to a Michelin-starred masterpiece.”

Ernesto Mandowsky, Founder of The Million Dollar Machine

‍

The One Tool Every Small Business Needs

The secret to scaling a small team without chaos goes down to consistency in process and continuous improvements. Ernesto highlights the importance of a shared project management tool so everyone operates from the same playbook. Just as crucial is embedding risk management into weekly meetings to proactively address blockers before they escalate. And when it comes to growth, small daily refinements make a big impact.

‍

“I believe in a daily tinkering practice. Just 10 minutes a day solving a small problem compounds into massive improvements over time.”

Ernesto Mandowsky, Founder of The Million Dollar Machine

‍

Why Business Owners Unknowingly Sabotage Their Own Growth

Entrepreneurs often think ownership means keeping control, but in reality, they're the ones slowing things down. Whether it's approving tasks, managing marketing, or handling sales, if everything runs through you, you're in the way of progress. The real question to ask is: How do I get out of the way? That could mean hiring, automating, or simplifying, whatever it takes to free up time and remove yourself as the roadblock.

‍

“You have to be ruthlessly disciplined with your digital workspace.”

Ernesto Mandowsky, Founder of The Million Dollar Machine

‍

Now that you know how to break through the $1M barrier, discover the full list of episodes at The B2B Revenue Executive Experience. If you enjoy the show, instructions to rate and review it are found here.

‍