What happens when a visionary ex-cop decides to build not one, but two companies that disrupt the security industry? In this episode of Constructive Interference, Rufus Cressend sits down with Chad Perez — retired NOPD officer and founder of Pinnacle Security and Aegis — to explore what it really takes to transition from public service to powerhouse CEO.

They cover:
🔹 How Chad built Pinnacle from scratch after 15 years in law enforcement
🔹 The mindset shift from “employee” to entrepreneur
🔹 The launch of Aegis: a national solution easing the burden on police departments
🔹 Scaling a company with wisdom, not ego
🔹 Why bad leadership is often just indecision in disguise
🔹 The challenges and rewards of staying grounded while leading fast-growth ventures

This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to turn experience into innovation — and build something bigger than themselves.

🧭 Learn more about Chad’s ventures:
→ https://www.securitybypinnacle.com
→ https://www.aegisresponseteam.com

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Sharpen your vision.

Full show notes at: ⁠⁠rufuscressend.com/podcast

Tags: entrepreneurship, leadership, security industry, law enforcement, startup stories, veteran-owned business, Aegis, Pinnacle Security, visionary leadership, Constructive Interference

What happens when your business starts to own you instead of the other way around? In this powerful episode, Rufus sits down with Kristi Boccato — founder of The Basketry and now retail business coach behind The Retail Lab — to unpack the journey from creative burnout to sustainable, scalable success.

Kristi shares the real story behind selling her business, what it means to step outside your business and lead like an investor, and how she helps owners transform their companies into team-led machines. They dive into why most retailers ignore their profit margins, how to exit on your terms, and what it really takes to get unstuck without losing your spark.

🔑 Topics include:

• How to reclaim your time and freedom as a founder

• Building a leadership team that actually leads

• Scaling without losing the personal touch

• Why you should run your business like you’re selling it — even if you’re not

• The power of vulnerability and vision-driven coaching

  
  

• 🎙 Whether you're in retail or just stuck inside your own business, Kristi’s story will hit home — and help you sharpen your vision.

  
  

  🎧 Full show notes at: ⁠rufuscressend.com/podcast

  
  

  #ConstructiveInterference #BusinessScaling #EntrepreneurshipJourney #LeadershipTips #RetailSuccess #RufusCressend #WaterfrontWealthManagement #KristiBrocato #TheRetailLab

What happens when a visionary steps back from the drafting table… and starts building people instead?

In this episode of Constructive Interference, Rufus sits down with Justin Greenleaf, founder of Greenleaf Architects, to talk about the evolution from creative technician to culture-building CEO. Justin shares how he went from designing buildings to designing systems, teams, and a business that reflects his values — without losing the spark that got him started.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or growth-minded leader, this episode will shift how you think about delegation, leadership, and the true role of a visionary.

Inside this episode:

• Why communication is the foundation of great design

• How to extract a client’s vision when they “can’t put it into words”

• Letting go of control without losing quality

• The difference between being the expert… and building the experts

• What failure taught him about ownership, mindset, and growth

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  Justin also unpacks what it means to listen deeply — not just to clients, but to your own team. And why building culture on purpose isn’t a luxury… it’s the architecture of long-term success.

  If you’ve ever struggled to scale your impact without burning out, Justin’s story will resonate deeply.

  
  

  🎧 Full show notes at: rufuscressend.com/podcast

  
  

  #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessMindset #ArchitectLife #ConstructiveInterference #VisionaryLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GrowthCulture #CreativeBusiness #JustinGreenleaf #GreenleafArchitects #RufusCressend #TeamCulture #FounderMindset