What does it take to transition from family business leadership to venture capital, M&A, and sustainable investing? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with John Ziss, President of Coral EV, to discuss his journey through entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategic business growth.

John shares how growing up in a family business shaped his leadership mindset and why stepping away to gain outside experience was a game-changer. He also dives into his work in private equity, renewable energy, and EV infrastructure, offering insights on how businesses can scale strategically while staying ahead of industry shifts.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader looking to navigate growth, embrace change, and leverage sustainability for long-term success, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and lessons learned from decades of experience. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why stepping outside the family business can be the best career move
• How to balance entrepreneurship with leadership in high-growth businesses
• The role of sustainability in modern business strategy
• How personal development and mindset training fuel long-term success
• The biggest lessons learned from operating and scaling businesses
• How to find and maximize opportunities in M&A and private equity
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

John Ziss is the President of Coral EV, helping businesses and institutions simplify EV charging installations. With 20 years of sustainability experience, he specializes in finance, M&A, and strategic growth. John began his career in his family’s business before transitioning into venture capital, private equity, and renewable energy.

Resources:

Connect with John on Linkedin

Coralev.com

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

How do you build a multi-eight-figure company from scratch without taking on debt or investors? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Kyle Shroufe, CEO and Co-Founder at Opal Energy Group, to discuss his journey in the commercial solar industry and the strategies behind his company's massive success.

Kyle shares how he went from working in real estate and project management to identifying a major gap in the solar industry—one that allowed him to build a company that delivers better solutions for clients. He dives into the key principles that fueled his success, from mastering cash flow management to building a strong referral network and staying relentlessly consistent.

Beyond business strategy, Kyle also reveals the mindset shifts that helped him scale Opal Energy, including the power of chasing discomfort, the importance of paying attention to details, and why being the best in your field is non-negotiable.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you scale your own success. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why commercial solar is a revenue-generating asset for businesses
• The cash flow management strategies that helped Kyle bootstrap Opal Energy
• How building a strong referral network transformed his business
• Why consistency, resilience, and attention to detail are the keys to success
• How chasing discomfort and setting the right identity drive long-term growth
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Kyle Shroufe is the CEO and Co-Founder at Opal Energy Group, a leading commercial solar development company. With a background in real estate and project management, Kyle identified inefficiencies in the solar industry and set out to build a company that offered better solutions. Under his leadership, Opal Energy has grown into a multi-eight-figure business without taking on outside investors or debt. Kyle is passionate about business strategy, leadership, and personal growth, applying principles like consistency, discipline, and calculated risk-taking to every aspect of his work.

What happens when you blend the precision of engineering with the strategic thinking of finance? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Ted Stone, Managing Partner at TechCXO’s New York office, to explore how the right systems and leadership can make or break a business.

From his early career as a “recovering engineer” to guiding companies through complex financial and operational decisions, Ted shares valuable insights on what it takes to scale successfully.

Listeners will discover how Ted’s unique ability to connect tech teams with executive leadership has driven growth in companies ranging from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large corporation, Ted’s experiences across industries—from pharmaceuticals to software—offer key takeaways on aligning finance with operations to maximize value.

Curious about when it’s time to bring in a fractional CFO or how to align business goals with execution? Ted breaks it all down, offering actionable advice for companies of all sizes looking to streamline their operations and drive success. Listen now and enjoy!

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why the CFO plays a critical role in bridging the gap between tech and executive teams
• How to know when your business needs a fractional CFO or other leadership support
• The importance of systems in scaling a business, and how to develop them
• How early-stage companies can prepare for investment and growth
• Why aligning finance with operations is crucial for long-term success
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Ted Stone is the Managing Partner of TechCXO’s New York office. With decades of experience as a CFO across industries including pharmaceuticals, software, and consumer products, Ted specializes in helping companies bridge the gap between technical teams and executive leadership. His expertise lies in operational management, financial strategy, and guiding companies through growth, investment, and exit strategies.

Resources:

Techcxo.com

ted.stone@techcxo.com

Book Mentioned:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on...