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SaaS Builder Podcast
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SaaS Builder Podcast

Author: Randy Wootton, Maxio CEO

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Being a SaaS founder is hard.

Product-market fit. Customer acquisition. Culture. Cash flow. Scaling… It’s a lot!

There’s no roadmap, no magic formula—just hard-earned lessons from those who’ve been there.

The SaaS Builder Podcast cuts through the noise to bring you actionable tactics and fresh perspectives from SaaS founders, growth strategists, and finance leaders.

Join Randy Wootton—CEO of Maxio and seasoned SaaS leader—as he hosts conversations with the voices shaping the SaaS industry. From founders scaling startups to CFOs mastering financial growth, Randy & his guests unpack the decisions, strategies, and challenges that define success in SaaS.

No fluff. No filler. Just the conversations that move your SaaS business forward.

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P.S. We're always on the lookout for SaaS experts. For speaking inquiries, fill out this form. For all other inquiries, email podcast@saasbuilderpod.com.






Produced by I Hear Everything


71 Episodes
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Jay Thayer, founder of Jay Thayer Consulting, explores the future of executive engagement, predicting a significant shift back towards meaningful human interaction. He emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with genuine social intimacy to foster authentic relationships in an increasingly automated world. Discover how these insights can help navigate business chaos and cultivate stronger connections at the leadership level.Connect with:Jay Thayer: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jay Thayer, founder of Jay Thayer Consulting, dives into the critical choice between personalized engagement and scalable solutions for executive programs. He explains why personalized experiences are essential for fostering authentic relationships and shares tactics for transforming insights from these high-touch interactions into valuable knowledge for a broader audience. Listen to his expert advice on leveraging executive engagements to drive growth and insights within an organization.Connect with:Jay Thayer: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jay Thayer, founder of Jay Thayer Consulting, dives into the intricacies of building strategic executive relationships and their critical role in driving business success. With a backdrop of experiences ranging from Salesforce to working with high-profile leaders like Mark Benioff and George W. Bush, Jay shares his insights on the importance of authentic human connections in an increasingly automated world. Learn how to navigate the balance between scaling operations and maintaining meaningful engagements, transforming customers into passionate advocates, and embracing hard truths to foster long-term growth and loyalty.Connect with:Jay Thayer: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joel Trammell, Chairman and Founder of the Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S), delves into the transformative role of AI in SaaS operations over the next decade. Gain insights into how personal productivity tools can redefine efficiency and why adopting AI is essential for staying competitive. Joel addresses common fears around job displacement and emphasizes the commodity nature of AI technology in today’s market.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joel Trammell, Chairman and Founder of the Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S) Company, discusses how AI will shape the future of SaaS operations over the next decade. He highlights the critical role AI plays in boosting personal productivity and why it's more about augmentation than replacement of jobs. Joel provides insights into why adopting AI is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and how its commoditization levels the playing field for all businesses. Learn how embracing AI-driven efficiencies can make or break a company's success, offering actionable advice on incorporating these tools to avoid obsolescence in an evolving market.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joel Trammell, chairman and founder of the Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S), delves into the dilemma SaaS CEOs face when choosing between niche markets and horizontal growth. Joel emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and gathering market information before committing to a specific path. He also shares insights on aligning with investor visions and the critical role of the board in a company's strategic direction.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joel Trammell, chairman and founder of the Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S), underscores the importance of an unyielding pursuit of truth for scaling a SaaS company. He discusses basing strategies on reality over optimism and shares actionable tips for CEOs to set high standards and foster accountability within their teams.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joel Trammell, chairman and founder of the Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S), explores why the trend of product-led growth may be overhyped for SaaS companies. He argues that sales teams play a crucial role in maximizing perceived customer value, which can't always be achieved through the product alone. Learn how blending PLG with sales strategies can unlock greater growth and create deeper customer engagement.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Building your CEO OS

Building your CEO OS

2025-01-1322:20

Joel Trammell, Chairman and Founder of The Chief Executive Operating System (CEO-S), offers strategic insights on transitioning from project-based to enterprise-level CEO. Learn how to enhance decision-making, align your team with clear targets, and balance shareholder, customer, and employee demands. This episode provides actionable strategies for developing predictable performance and meaningful internal communication, vital for scaling a business.Connect with:Joel Trammell: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's final lightning round on the SaaS Builder Podcast, Brian, CEO and co-founder of Bigfoot Capital, examines the power of alternative financing in enabling SaaS companies to achieve scalable growth without sacrificing control. Highlighting success stories like MailChimp and ServiceNow, Brian underscores the importance of balancing profitability and growth while maintaining flexibility in capital structure. With practical advice for navigating financial risk and crafting a deliberate growth strategy, this episode is a must-listen for SaaS leaders seeking to align their business trajectory with their long-term vision.Connect with:Brian Parks: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Parks, CEO and co-founder of Bigfoot Capital, continues the conversation with Randy sharing his nuanced perspective on the key decisions SaaS founders face when scaling their businesses. This episode explores the interplay between debt and equity funding, emphasizing how a CEO's long-term vision and company architecture influence the optimal capital structure. Brian highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership and decision-making, offering insights from his own fundraising experiences. For SaaS CEOs navigating the challenges of financial growth, this episode provides essential strategies to balance risk, performance, and opportunity.Connect with:Brian Parks: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Parks, CEO and co-founder of Bigfoot Capital, returns to the SaaS Builder Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of capital structure for SaaS founders. In this episode, Brian explores the growing trend of diversifying funding strategies with debt financing alongside equity. He shares practical advice on building a peer network, finding mentors, and assembling an advisor bench to navigate complex financial decisions. Whether you're considering non-dilutive growth options or seeking insights on balancing debt and equity, this episode offers actionable guidance for early-stage founders aiming to make informed fundraising choices.Connect with:Brian Parks: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Parks, CEO and co-founder of Bigfoot Capital, is back with Randy to discuss the key metrics SaaS founders should master before seeking equity or debt financing. In this insightful conversation, Brian explores the importance of customer and revenue data, retention metrics, and MRR components for assessing growth potential. He explains the significance of historical performance in shaping future expectations and achieving milestones, offering actionable advice on using non-dilutive capital to bridge the gap to critical growth stages. Whether you're preparing for your next funding round or optimizing your SaaS business metrics, this episode provides valuable strategies to unlock your company's potential.Connect with:Brian Parks: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Parks, CEO and co-founder of Bigfoot Capital, delves into various financing options for SaaS companies, focusing on non-dilutive growth alternatives to traditional venture capital. He explains the distinctions between venture debt, ARR lending, and revenue-based financing, highlighting their advantages and potential pitfalls. Brian also shares insights on optimizing capital structure to achieve successful exits and maintain control, offering practical advice on making your SaaS business more attractive to potential lenders.Connect with:Brian Parks: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steven Forth, Co-founder and CEO of Ibbaka, shares his expertise in creating efficient pricing strategies for early-stage SaaS businesses. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations about pricing within the company and with customers, rather than relying on annual reviews. Steven also highlights the need for continuous education, competitive analysis, and data-driven decision-making to ensure your pricing strategies are effective and adaptable in a rapidly evolving market.Connect with:Steven Forth: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steven Forth, Co-founder and CEO of Ibbaka, joins the discussion to dive into the strategic nuances of pricing models for SaaS companies. Addressing whether founders should double down on refining their pricing models or diversify their offerings, Steven emphasizes the critical role of focus in driving growth. His insights offer practical advice on maintaining discipline and leveraging pricing strategies to unlock new growth curves.Connect with:Steven Forth: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steven Forth, Co-founder and CEO at Ibbaka, dives into the nuances of strategic pricing and customer value management for B2B SaaS companies. He discusses the importance of hybrid pricing models and how aligning usage with value can boost ARR. Learn why not all usage contributes to value and the future role of AI in pricing strategy.Connect with:Steven Forth: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steven Forth, Co-founder and CEO at Ibbaka, shares insights into the critical importance of customer feedback over internal analytics for optimizing SaaS pricing models. Discover a real-world example highlighting the pitfalls of assuming value features without direct customer input. Learn how to construct and validate value models through customer conversations and why straightforward, honest communication matters. Uncover practical tips for addressing customer value dimensions, especially when dealing with innovative tech solutions.Connect with:Steven Forth: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steven Forth, Co-founder and CEO of Ibbaka, dives deep into SaaS Gen AI-powered pricing technologies, providing cutting-edge insights on optimizing your pricing strategies. Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing the ability to build value models in hours rather than months, offering a game-changing approach to adaptive and dynamic pricing. Gain valuable perspectives on capturing customer value effectively and the crucial steps to leverage AI for smarter pricing decisions.Connect with:Steven Forth: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's final Lightning Round on the SaaS Builder Podcast, host Randy Wootton and guest Glenn Gow, CEO Success Coach, shine a spotlight on standout leadership in the SaaS industry. Key highlights include: Glenn’s pick for a remarkable SaaS leader: Samir Huja of GameChanger, a company revolutionizing youth sports.Lessons in leadership from Samir’s journey, including his ability to inspire a shared vision and foster aspirational growth within his team.Insights into how great leaders motivate their organizations to exceed expectations while navigating challenges.This episode underscores the power of visionary leadership and the impact it has on driving exceptional performance and innovation.Connect with:Glenn Gow: Website // LinkedInRandy Wootton: Website // LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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