Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

Why Saying “No” Builds Better Businesses - Rusty Fulling - S6 - E13

What happens when burnout lands you in the hospital?

In this episode, Rusty Fulling shares how overwhelming stress and unhealthy work habits pushed him to completely rethink his career and eventually launch his own accounting and fractional CFO business.

Rusty opens up about the early years of entrepreneurship, balancing faith, family, and business, and the lessons he learned about saying “no” to the wrong opportunities, even when they looked financially attractive.

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Guest Info

Rusty Fulling serves as founder and CEO of Fulling Management & Accounting, Inc. in Olathe, KS. Since April 2000, Fulling Management & Accounting has been focused on helping business leaders make sense of their numbers, grow their profits, and gain peace of mind. For over 25 years, Rusty and the Fulling Management team have provided virtual accounting and CFO services to small business leaders in industries such as Animal Health, Bioscience, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and more. An avid reader and continual learner, Rusty actively engages with business leadership programs such as EntreLeadership and Path for Growth. Over the years he has been selected to participate in strategic leadership programs including Kauffman’s Entrepreneurs’ Boardroom and HEMP (Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program). He has served on business advisory boards with local Kansas City universities as well being an active board member at his local church. Rusty and his wife, Pam, have been Olathe residents since 1989 and have recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. They love spending time with their two daughters, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters.

About this Episode

What happens when burnout lands you in the hospital?

In this episode, Rusty Fulling shares how overwhelming stress and unhealthy work habits pushed him to completely rethink his career and eventually launch his own accounting and fractional CFO business.

Rusty opens up about the early years of entrepreneurship, balancing faith, family, and business, and the lessons he learned about saying “no” to the wrong opportunities, even when they looked financially attractive.

Highlights

  • Early Career: Worked long hours at a CPA firm before experiencing major burnout.
  • Big Challenge: Stress and unhealthy habits eventually landed him in the hospital.
  • Turning Point: Started his own accounting and fractional CFO firm in 2000.
  • Personal Growth: Used running and purpose-driven work to improve health and mindset.
  • Business Success: Built long-term client relationships spanning more than two decades.
  • Core Philosophy: Entrepreneurs thrive when they surround themselves with strong community and support.

Resources

👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rusty Fulling

Website: https://www.fullingmgmt.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustyfulling/

Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulling-management-&-accounting

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