The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡

[89] How to Build a Thriving Pickleball Club in a Crowded Market

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Michael Glover went from Lehman Brothers to an #entrepreneur of one of Long Island's new showcase #pickleball clubs. He'd be the first to tell you he had no idea what he was doing when he started.

In this episode, we talk about how Michael stumbled into pickleball, why he jumped into a second, bigger facility even as competition was exploding, and what actually keeps people coming back to his club even with a flood of new facilities on Long Island.

We also get into why this game caught fire the way it did, what the banger vs. dinker debate says about where pickleball is heading, and why the rating system drives people crazy. Michael has great insights and advice on how to keep Pickleball sane and fun.

For existing and would-be entrepreneurs, the best part of this conversation is what Michael says is the only way you keep customers coming back. Spoiler-alert, it has nothing to do with marketing, sponsors or big events.

[88] Why Employees Won’t Step Up Until the Owner Changes This!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500

If you are a small business owner, a founder, or an entrepreneur, this episode offers insights from clinical psychologist Dr. Manuel Blasini-Mendez, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Performance Psychology and Eco-Leadership Coaching, who has helped executives and teams navigate burnout, leadership transitions, and culture transformations with clarity and purpose.

Discover how Dr. Manuel Blasini uses his clinical psychology background to help entrepreneurs and small business owners rethink growth and align their business strategies with personal values and purpose. This episode covers why understanding people is vital to business success, the role of listening and empathy in leadership, and how hidden workplace dynamics affect productivity. Gain practical advice on resolving conflicts, building trust, and harnessing emotions as strengths.

[87] Stop Selling. 97% of Your Audience Isn't Ready!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Are your paid ads failing? Are you worried AI is making your marketing obsolete? You're not alone. Marketing expert Noa Eshed reveals why 97% of your audience isn't ready to buy and how the shift from "search engines" to "answer engines" changes everything.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch sits down with Noa Eshed , owner of the Bold Digital Marketing Agency , Amazon #1 bestselling author , and host of the top 10% ranked podcast, "Real Life Superpowers." They discuss the single biggest mistake founders make, why "trust" is your most important metric, and how to adapt your marketing for a world run by AI.

#B2BMarketing #StartupMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AIMarketing #SEO2025 #StartupAdvice

[86] How To Lead Without Selling Your Soul

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

If you’re an aspiring manager, a seasoned leader looking to up your #leadership, or you're a member of the #neurodivergent or #lgbtq community, this episode is for you.

In this inspiring conversation, Laurence shares her deeply personal journey—from studying film in Montreal to leading marketing for Vestas, the world’s largest wind energy company. 🎬

Along the way, Laurence opens up about:

✅ Burnout and the pressure of fitting into traditional leadership molds

✅ The power of vulnerability in creating safety, respect, and inclusivity

✅ Finding the courage to be authentic, even when it feels risky

Laurence’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about humility, honesty, and staying true to your principles.

If you want to learn how vulnerability can build stronger teams and better workplaces, you won’t want to miss this episode.

[85] The Pickleball Entrepreneur. From Police Officer to Sales to Mega Success

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Ashley Owen, co-founder of Court Reserve, discusses her amazing transformation from law enforcement to sales professional to pickleball industry leader in this captivating episode.

Having no formal entrepreneurial experience, Ashley shares personal insights into the struggles and achievements of creating disrupting club court reservation software. Discover how Ashley's resilience, dedication, and Southern charm transformed Court Reserve from bootstrapped start-up to pandemic-fueled success. Learn about CourtReserve's innovative features, its social impact, and the role it plays in the explosive growth of the game.

00:44 Introducing Ashley Owens

02:09 The Birth of Court Reserve

04:54 Challenges and Growth

06:32 The Importance of Relationships

08:31 Court Reserve's Technological Innovations

14:43 Hiring the Right People

22:14 Future of Pickleball and Court Reserve

32:48 Concluding Thoughts

[84] From Au Pair to Franchisor. The Single Mom That Won't Quit

Fri, 16 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

How to go from a tiny studio to a thriving small business, all while raising two kids and dealing with life-changing crises?

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Perry, founder of The Giggling Pig Arts and Pottery Studios, to learn about her amazing entrepreneurial journey.

HIGHLIGHTS:
➡️ How to build a business with no background in #entrepreneurship
➡️ Recovering from a devastating disaster and a life-changing challenge
➡️ Hannah's key to success is how she picks franchisees
➡️ The role of community support in small business
➡️ How to achieve happiness with no regrets

Connect with Hannah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-perry-a8117b23/
Web: http://www.thegigglingpig.com/

[83] The Shocking Truth About Depression And Entrepreneurial Success

Fri, 09 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Listen to my fascinating conversation with Dr. Shan Siddiqui, a Harvard Medical School NeuroPsychiatrist. Dr. Sidiqqui provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and his experience with entrepreneurship.

As an expert in brain stimulation, Dr. Siddiqui offers hope for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions, while his insights on depression and addiction underscore the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental factors.

Aspiring founders can benefit from his practical advice on common startup pitfalls, which emphasizes strategic focus, adaptable technology, and genuine problem-solving commitment.

His personal journey and advocacy for destigmatizing mental illness add an interesting human element to his scientific expertise.

Highlights:

The Brain as the "Last Frontier" and the Limits of Understanding
Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Health (Addiction and Depression)
Understanding and Destigmatizing Depression, Especially in Successful Individuals
Observations on Startup Challenges & the #1 Mistake Entrepreneurs Make

Most notable quote: "When a metric becomes a goal, it ceases to be a good metric."

Connect with Dr. Siddiqui:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shan-siddiqi-abb63418/

Email: siddiqi.bwh.harvard.edu

[82] From autism diagnosis to becoming a mega successful bestselling author

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Bestselling thriller author JD Barker shares his journey from his Autism diagnosis at 22 to corporate finance to becoming a full-time mega successful novelist. In this candid interview, he reveals his entrepreneurial approach ("selling bananas") to writing and how he stands out in an increasingly crowded market.

KEY INSIGHTS:
➡️ The entrepreneurial mindset of a bestselling author

➡️ Why authors must dare to think differently

➡️ The best strategy of building an author brand and expanding readership

➡️ Successful book promotional strategies

➡️ The creative business magic of co-authoring

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to JD Barker
00:35 JD Barker's Writing Journey
01:08 Balancing Corporate Life and Writing
02:07 Transition to Full-Time Author
03:00 Marketing and Entrepreneurship in Writing
13:32 Overcoming Writer's Block
16:50 Finding Inspiration for Stories
18:53 Turning a House into a Haunted House
19:32 Promoting the Book with a Haunted House Contest
21:19 The Importance of Author's Platform in Publishing
24:35 Collaborating with James Patterson
28:07 Writing Process and Inspirations
31:50 Living with Asperger's and Its Influence on Writing
33:20 Thoughts on AI in Writing
34:42 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Writers

Connect with JD:

https://jdbarker.com/

[81] A Breakthrough in Injury Prevention & Recovery

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Darren Lancaster is a serial entrepreneur. We discuss his journey from computer engineering to founding Go Sleeves, a company producing performance-enhancing athletic sleeves.

Darren highlights his entrepreneurial philosophy, emphasizing iterative testing and collaboration with experts. He explains the science behind Go Sleeves, combining kinesiology tape principles with compression sleeves to improve recovery and performance.

Our intimate and open conversation also covers Darren's insights into brand building, market validation, and the challenge of shifting consumer perception of the product from a remedial tool to a proactive performance enhancer.

***GET 15% OFF WITH MY SPECIAL CODE: https://www.gosleeves.com/zev

Connect with Darren Lancaster:

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

Email: darren@LTVDigital.com

[80] Why Self-Improvement is Key to Business Success

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Entrepreneurs take notice: Before you work on your business, work on yourself! Join me for an intimate and revealing conversation with George Andriopoulos and learn about his unconventional path to entrepreneurship success. George will share how paying his dues, embracing setbacks, and prioritizing strategic planning shaped his journey.

Discover the power of timing, the value of collaboration ("Mazzie"), and why real-world experience is worth more than any textbook. Listen to get actionable insights, especially if you want to grow your business without compromise.

HIGHLIGHTS:
☛ The best advice for would-be entrepreneurs
☛ Making the best of an unfulfilled ten-year corporate career
☛ The personal transformation that changed George's life
☛ Why patience and timing matter
☛ The biggest reason to use public speaking
☛ The root causes of why a business needs a turnaround
☛ The importance of committing to a non-profit cause

Connect with George:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeandriopoulos/
Web: https://launchpad516.com/
Personal:https://georgeandriopoulos.com/

[79] From Startup Burnout to Breakthrough

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500

In this profoundly reflective episode, Foti Panagiotakopoulos, the founder of the immensely successful GrowthMentor platform (featuring over 700 mentors and nearly 50,000 mentoring hours), shares his transformative startup burnout awakening, rediscovering purpose and balance in life.

Takeaways

➡️ What is entrepreneurial or startup burnt?
➡️ The relationships between burnout and purpose
➡️ The absolute MUSTS after dealing with burnout
➡️ The warning signs and impact of too much tech and action steps to mitigate its
adverse impact
➡️ The importance of small, consistent wins

If you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone seeking a more profound purpose beyond the grind, this episode offers practical advice and powerful insights to help you grow without compromise.

📌 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Have you faced similar challenges or undergone a transformative journey? We'd love to hear your story!

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with more inspiring episodes.

[78] The Entrepreneurial Mindset Of A Young Musician

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the intersection of music, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to succeed as a musician in today’s world?

Join me for an intimate conversation with Dudley Salmon, a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and educator. Dudley shares his inspiring journey, revealing the gritty reality behind the glamorous facade of the music industry.

From the hustle of his early days to the strategic moves that led him to success, Dudley shares how his entrepreneurial mindset contributes to his ability to grow his business. Dudley performed and supported artists like Talib Kweli, Sublime with Rome, Slightly Stoopid, Patti Labelle, and Gladys Knight.

Learn about the power of connection, the importance of understanding music's cultural roots, and the relentless effort required to achieve mastery.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an entrepreneur, or a small business owner, you'll find invaluable insights for achieving success.

Takeaways

The music industry requires a blend of creativity and business acumen.
Opportunities in music are abundant but require proactive pursuit.
Art can be challenging to monetize, but it's not impossible.
Connection and experience are essential in live performances.
Education in music can take many forms beyond traditional teaching.
Networking and relationships are vital for career advancement.
Understanding the history of music genres enriches performance.
A musician's journey is often filled with unexpected turns. Opportunities frequently arise from personal connections rather than just talent.
Sharpening your skills is essential for success in any field.
Hip-hop is a complex art form that tells diverse stories.
Understanding the cultural context of hip-hop enhances appreciation.
The journey of mastering a craft is as important as the destination.

Discover & Connect with Dudley:
Website: https://www.dudmusic.com/
Purchase Music: https://kweliclub.com/
Connect/Book: Bookingdud@gmail.com

[77] Happiness Is Closer Than You Think

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Can you control your happiness? Is there a secret to achieving a consistent state of being happy?

Engage in my heartfelt conversation with Sara and understand that achieving happiness is neither a secret nor a daunting challenge. Your journey must start with an introspective assessment of your present circumstances.

Sara and I talked about her journey as a fitness coach and how she transitioned to helping clients find their purpose, which ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness.

Notable quote: "Feelings are fictional because of subconscious patterns. "

Takeaways

How to create positive impact and joy.
The benefit of overcoming challenges.
The key to maintaining energy and happiness.
The Importance of recognizing that we have choices.
Feelings are fictional and driven by subconscious patterns
Happiness is an internal journey, not an external pursuit.
Personal responsibility is essential for growth and change.
The role of spirituality in personal development.

Connect with Sara:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saraschroedercoaching
Web: saraschroederbusinesscoach.com

[76] Unveiling The Connection Between Entrepreneurial Success, Spirituality, & Purpose

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This podcast is for everyone, whether you are spiritual, religious, or an atheist!

In this lively and insightful conversation, filled with both depth and humor, I talk with Dr. (Minister) John Page as we explore the intersection of #entrepreneurship, #spirituality, #leadership #personalgrowth.

We discuss the importance of resilience, the role of a deeper purpose in business, and the need for humility in leadership. We touch on the differences between religion and spirituality, the problem of evil, and the significance of personal accountability. Through anecdotes and insights, we emphasize the value of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others in both personal and professional contexts.

Whether you're spiritual, religious, or an atheist, this podcast is for you!

In Dr. John's words, "I am a retired minister. I'm not here to rope you into something or recruit you into a belief system. "

TAKEAWAYS:

Resilience and grit are essential for success.
A higher purpose drives entrepreneurial success.
Spirituality can enhance personal and professional life.
Understanding different religious roles fosters connection.
Transformation can happen suddenly or gradually.
Religion provides structure, while spirituality offers flexibility.
Humility is crucial for effective leadership.
Personal accountability is key in business and life.
Effective communication builds strong relationships.
Recognizing employee contributions is vital for business success.

Connect with Dr. Page:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-john-page-2b227823b

[75] Using Innovation to Revolutionizing Healthcare

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

❓ Have you ever wondered why your doctor doesn't inform you about available innovative medical treatments?
❓ Why are so many doctors required to use standard-of-care instead of
individualized patient-centered care?"

My guest, Dr. Robert Bard, knows the answer. He is a passionate physician with over 50 years of experience, not just a doctor but a visionary championing diagnostic and treatment innovations that improve outcomes and save lives.

Dr. Bard has been honored with the 2022 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his lifelong dedication to Cancer Imaging and Clinical Research. He is a highly respected and sought-after expert in diagnostic and noninvasive treatments, working to disrupt the status quo in medicine and improve patient outcomes. His work focuses on pioneering cancer diagnostics and noninvasive therapies that minimize cancer recurrence and offer numerous other benefits.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dr. Bard's father's legacy as a war doctor influenced his career.
The importance of hands-on experience in understanding patient care.
Embracing new technologies is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
The medical community faces challenges due to insurance constraints.
Innovative treatments can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Toxic exposure is a growing concern for firefighters and veterans.
Genomics and advanced imaging can revolutionize cancer treatment.
Patients should be proactive in seeking alternative treatments.
The healthcare system needs to adapt to new medical advancements.
Dr. Bard's personal experiences drive his commitment to patient care.

Connect with Dr. Bard:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bard-md-52359414a/
Web: https://bardcancercenter.com/

[74]The Startup Entrepreneur Who Solved The Alcohol Morning-After Effects

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

"I didn't start a company to cure hangovers...there was this incredible technology that allows us to engineer a bacteria to perform a function that people will benefit from."

Join me for an exciting conversation with a young scientist with a Ph.D. in microbiology. We'll discuss his journey into entrepreneurship and his mission to utilize science and the body's natural processes to enhance lives. Specifically, we'll dive into his work on developing a remedy for the effects of excessive alcohol consumption or a hangover.

Zach openly discusses why he became an entrepreneur despite negative publicity and marketing against genetic engineering. He shares his business startup challenges, including raising money, scaling, and building a solid team (emphasizing the need for a co-founder who complements his lack of business knowledge).

Highlights:
☛ Why is our microbiome so underrated?
☛ How ZBiotics aims to change perceptions of GMOs (Genetically Modified
Organisms) by creating products people want and understand.
☛ Genetically engineered probiotics can provide specific health benefits, such as
breaking down alcohol byproducts.
☛ The science behind alcohol metabolism.
☛ Zach's decisive moment about becoming an entrepreneur.
☛ The source of the stigma associated with genetic engineering.
☛ Building a solid partnership with trust and open communication is essential for
startup success.
☛ Zach's takeaways on start-up challenges.
☛ The key to surviving and thriving against the odds.

Connect with Zach:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zaabbott
Web: https://zbiotics.com/

[73] The entrepreneur on a mission to disrupt a broken medical model.

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Doctors experience burnout regularly because they must work in ways they know can be improved. The business model of medicine has adulterated the relationship between the physician and the patient. Decisions are made about what solutions to offer you, not because it's best for you or the least disruptive in your life. It's because that's how doctors make a living, and that's how the organization they work for makes a living.

Russ Allen (yes, he fused his first and last name) has been an entrepreneur since he was 12.

While in college, he chose to share a room with two quadriplegic college students, an experience that changed his perspective on life. He quit college and started a food bank that became a national model.

RussAllen's multiple entrepreneurial journeys include transforming a cleaning company into a multi-million dollar business and other small tech and software businesses he started and grew.

It was Russ' obesity journey that led him to focus on wellness.

RussAllen teams up with NFL Hall of Famers to form the NFL Alumni Tackle Obesity group to help former players improve their lives. It later morphs into a national business, tackleobesity.com, that boosts weight reduction odds by pairing clients with professional coaches.

Russ Allen dedicates his career to improving our broken, bureaucratic, inefficient medical model. He's investing and opening wellness centers that offer proven non-invasive medical solutions to improve patient outcomes and lives.

Connect with RussAllen:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russ-allen-8272753
Web: wellnessnow.com
Web: tackleobesity.com
Email: russ@wellnessnow.

[72] Why I Became My Family's Business Competitor

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Amish Shaw walked away from three generations of his family's diamond business to innovate an industry long overdue for change—a passionate leap into entrepreneurship that risked everything.

In the traditional diamond industry, a diamond passes through eleven distribution points before it is displayed at a store. Each 'handler' adds their profit margin, resulting in only 1% of consumers being able to afford a diamond.

Amish has a bold vision for his lab-grown diamond company, which bridges the gap between desire and affordability. Already, 62% of engagement rings are made with lab-grown diamonds.

Highlights:

The unknown history and facts about the traditional diamond industry
The key factors that drive success in the Jewelry business
Disruption is not destruction
The lab-grown diamond innovation combines sustainability and affordability

Famous Quote:
"The value of jewelry lies in the emotional connection and the moment it represents, rather than the origin of the diamond." - Amish Shaw

Connect with Amish:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amishshah-nyc
Website: jevar.co
Email: amish@riamgroup.com

[71] Mastering the Art of Sales From Cold Calling to Closing

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Alex Bruschi has spent his entire career in sales, making him uniquely qualified to uncover the secrets of successful sales reps and the skills and mindset that propel them.

"Sales is a powerful equalizer. Regardless of your background or education, you can do exceptionally well if you're good." - Alex Bruschi

We explore the development of sales roles, the reasoning behind appointment setters and closers, how to foster a work environment that minimizes sales staff turnover, and much more.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The key to building trust and rapport with potential customers
The difference between meeting setters and sale closers
Do sales gurus matter?
The value of learning by selling
Why start-up founders must learn how to sell
The art of cold calling and why it still exists
How to stop salespeople turnover

Connect With Alex:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexbruschi
Website: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ssirl

[70] How To Negotiate Your Next Raise

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

From selling cars to helping employees unlock their true earning potential. Keri-Lynne (KL) shares her journey and mission: teaching women (and men) how to advocate for themselves.

If you're an executive, manager, or employee aspiring for recognition and proper compensation, listen to this podcast and avoid leaving money on the negotiation table.

KL has been in your shoes. With her candid approach and real-world examples, she discusses negotiation tactics, salary transparency, and the importance of investing in yourself.

TAKEAWAYS:

Self-advocacy and negotiation skills are crucial for individuals in the corporate world, especially for women.
Closing the gender pay gap requires advocating for yourself.
Leadership plays a critical role in inspiring and driving performance in organizations.
Proving oneself as a high performer is essential before advocating for a raise or promotion.
How researching market ranges is critical for salary negotiations
Talking in ranges rather than specific numbers.
Why salary transparency and pay equity increase employee engagement and reduce turnover.

Connect with KL:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keri-lynne-shaw
Website: thesalarybump.com
Email: kl@saywhatcoaching.com

[69] How To Break Free From Soul-Crushing Corporate Job Trauma

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Feeling trapped in a soul-crushing job? Is choosing entrepreneurship your escape from misery? Before you leap into the deceptively unknown, watch this podcast.

Karen Cooper's YouTube video might be the eye-opener you need.

Karen is an ex-corporate professional and a coach. She shares her raw journey as a working mother juggling it all. She tackles the rarely discussed topic of corporate trauma and its unique impact, especially on women entrepreneurs.

This isn't just another burnout story. Karen's journey is about transformation and rediscovering purpose. She offers honest insights on:

- Shedding outdated identities and limiting beliefs
- Setting crucial boundaries
- Embracing trust to unlock new opportunities

Whether you're a seasoned professional questioning your path or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking validation, Karen's message speaks to anyone who's felt pressured to conform at the expense of their authentic self.

This video isn't about quick fixes. It's a heartfelt look at women's real challenges in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. Karen proves it's never too late to change course and find fulfillment.

If you crave authenticity and a reminder of your resilience, watch this. Karen's insights might be the gentle nudge you need to live a more aligned, passionate life if you choose entrepreneurship as your new career.

TAKEAWAYS:
➡️ The Silent Career killer: How Corporate Trauma affects women
➡️ Releasing old identities & limiting beliefs is crucial for personal and professional growth.
➡️ The importance of Trust & Surrender
➡️ Why Entrepreneurship is an option but not an escape from Trauma

Connect with Caren:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carencooper
Email: carencooper1123@yahoo.com

[68] The Working Mom's Secret To Success

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400

"The word sales immediately generates an icky feeling." - Ashley Beck Cuellar

If you're a working mom, entrepreneur, small business owner, or anyone focused on growing your business, this podcast is for you. Join me for an exciting and fun conversation with sales expert Ashely Beck Cuellar (pronounced Kway-R), who describes herself as a Sales Mama doing Yoga.

Yes, sales may be 'icky', but without revenue, your business will disappear.

Ashley cautions that sales success is not about closing deals but forging genuine connections and providing exceptional value. We dive into a thought-provoking conversation in which Ashley shares her insights on the art of sales, the power of LinkedIn, and the importance of authenticity in building lasting relationships.

Key Takeaways:

Cold calling is outdated and ineffective – building relationships and making genuine connections is the key to sales success
The right way to use LinkedIn to build meaningful connections
Salespeople should approach sales with empathy and a customer-centric mindset and understand the power of marketing
Authenticity and genuine interest in helping others are the foundation of successful sales
Why saying "yes" to everything will set you back from achieving your goals
How practicing Yoga can impact work-life balance

Connect with Ashley:
LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/ashley-beck-cuellar-6b723a7
Email: ashleybcuellar@gmail.com

[67] Breaking through the million dollar revenue barrier

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Ever wondered how to scale your small business from a million-dollar enterprise to a multi-million-dollar powerhouse? Can you crack the top-line revenue number you've been stuck on? Join me for a dynamic, intimate conversation with growth marketing expert Hamlet Azarian.

From a modest background as the son of a single-mom hairdresser, Hamlet Azarian has carved a unique path, helping startups break through the one-million-dollar revenue barrier. His journey is a testament to the power of real-world experience and data-driven strategies. Discover how his story can inspire and guide you to grow your business.

In this episode, Hamlet Azarian doesn't just share insights; he provides actionable strategies. Learn how to track key metrics, set ambitious goals, and master the art and science of scaling.

A few takeaways from our discussion:

✅ Tracking key metrics is crucial for startups to ensure they are on track to reach their goals.
✅ Goal setting is critical for startups.
✅ Scaling a business requires a combination of art and science. It is important to
avoid common pitfalls and focus on sustainable growth.
✅ The transition from a million-dollar business to the next level of growth requires
a mindset shift and a willingness to seek professional coaching and mentoring.
✅ Business success requires hard work, taking risks, and not fearing failure.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:05 From Buyer to Entrepreneur
08:00 Marketing Strategies in the Retail Industry
15:07 Empowering Undocumented Immigrants Through Small Business Loans
24:58 The Influence of Hamlet Azarian's Armenian Heritage
33:30 Introduction and Consumer-Centric Marketing Strategies
36:17 The Science of Marketing and Adjusting to Change
38:26 Tracking Key Metrics and Running Experiments
43:31 The Art of Scaling and Sustainable Growth
50:53 Transitioning from a Million-Dollar Business
59:07 Doing the Hard Work and Taking Risks

Connect with Hamlet:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hamletazarian
Website: hamletazarian.com/

[66] Unmasking Hidden Opportunities: The Data Analytics Detective's Playbook

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Data analytics is way more exciting than it sounds!

Luke Komiskey, founder of Data Drive, explains how start-up entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses can harness the power of data to challenge assumptions and help them make smarter decisions.

Without tech talk, Luke explains complex concepts like data engineering. Data is like detective work. When done right, it often uncovers growth and profit opportunities, like a science museum that found donors by looking at their data.

Whether you're a data newbie or a business owner looking to up your game, the secret to success often lies right under your feet or in your hard drive.

TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Why data analytics is crucial for small and mid-market organizations
✅ What is Data Engineering
✅ Data can challenge assumptions and help scale a business by providing a
common foundation for decision-making.
✅ While numbers don't lie, they still need to be interpreted correctly
✅ What is required to ensure data accuracy
✅ One thing Luke has done and encouraged others to do that inspires
unconventional thinking in life and entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

Why data analytics is crucial for small and mid-market organizations
What is Data Engineering
Data can challenge assumptions and help scale a business by providing a common foundation for decision-making.
While numbers don't lie, they still need to be interpreted correctly
What is required to ensure data accuracy
One thing Luke has done and encouraged others to do that inspires unconventional thinking in life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Luke:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/komiskey
Website: goDataDrive.com (Company)
Email: luke@godatadrive.com

[65] The Game-Changing Impact Of Gen-AI On Marketing Sales & Customer Service

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0400

This quote sums up Vikram Ekambaram's fascinating journey: "I hated computer science, so when I graduated, I got an MBA in Marketing and thought I wanted to be in marketing and sales. I hated sales, too, and a friend approached me and asked if I wanted to come to the US and be a programmer. I figured now was the time to use my computer science degree."

Vikram Ekambaram, the founder of Visceral Solutions, has extensive experience working with American Express, Microsoft, Oracle, Tableau, and Gong. He shares his practical and down-to-earth observations about technology in general and the challenges entrepreneurs, especially in SaaS, face today and in the future. He's also a Gen-AI expert and warns us about jobs in marketing, sales, and customer service that will undergo disruptive changes.

Highlights:

➡️ Why businesses in general and SaaS in particular are having a tough time
differentiating
➡️ The main reason why Saas subscribers churn (cancel or don't renew their
subscription)
➡️ The pivotal shift from a focus on acquisition to prioritizing customer
success.
➡️ How Generative AI disrupts go-to-market strategies, customer success,
and outbound sales.
➡️ Which industries are most vulnerable to Gen AI's impact on present and
future jobs

Connect with Vik:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vekambar/
Web: http://vizvik.blogspot.com

[64] Stop Online Fraud from Ruining Your Business

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Businesses, especially small businesses, rely on online lead generation and transactions. They also recognize (sometimes too late) the impact and opportunity cost of fraudulent leads on their business.

Entrepreneurs: are they born or made? In Rich Kahn's case, he seemed destined for it. From a young age, he was drawn to programming, and with perseverance, risk, and courage, he bootstrapped and built multimillion-dollar web properties.

Rich Kahn has finally found his true calling and dedicates his career to combating online fraud using his proprietary and proven platform, which guarantees minimal or no false positives.

Bonus: The key to successful entrepreneurship is when your spouse is your partner.

Takeaways

☛ 20% of online transactions are fraudulent.
☛ Identifying and eliminating fraudulent interactions is crucial for improving
marketing performance and protecting businesses from legal issues.
☛ Many fraud detection solutions have a high false positive rate, which can
result in missed opportunities and lost revenue.
☛ AI is both a threat and an opportunity in the field of fraud detection
☛ Running a business with your spouse as a partner can be successful when
there is a complementary division of responsibilities and effective
communication.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur
11:07 The Early Days of Coding and the Internet
24:26 The Impact of Fraud on Businesses and Consumers
30:23 The Promise of Clean Traffic and Differentiation
34:33 2nd mortgage on the house
39:07 The Myth of Data Protection and Privacy
53:48 The Disruptive Potential of AI in Fraud Detection

Connect with Rich:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richkahn
Web: Anura.io

[63] From Small Village To Entrepreneurship: An Inspiring Journey of Resilience

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

This is an inspiring story of a woman who rose from poverty in her village to being dubbed the "Shakira of Asia" and voted Diva by Asia Life Magazine. Dona is known for her talents as a singer, songwriter, and DJ; she has even started her record label. Additionally, she has ventured into acting and has become a successful entrepreneur after meeting her husband, co-founding one of Asia's largest business executives' peer networks.

Dona's remarkable journey from talented singer to successful actress and TV presenter showcases the power of staying committed to goals and perseverance. Dona used her success as an entertainer in a highly competitive industry. She transitioned to the corporate world as co-founder of Asia's largest business peer network, EGN (Executive Global Network).

Watch Dona's touching perspective on beating the odds and staying true to her life's goal and entrepreneurship.

Dona is a passionate advocate for women in business, and her belief in the power of dreams and hard work makes this episode an invaluable resource for anyone, especially women, looking to make their mark in the business world.

HIGHLIGHTS:
☛ The one common motivator that continues to drive Dona's success
☛ Donna's journey from singing in high school to starting her record label
☛ Dona's practical streetsmart strategy for achieving success
☛ How experience and learning from others shape her personal and
professional growth

Connect With Dona:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaamelia/

[62] How Fitness Beat Cancer

Tue, 21 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Life was great; Rebecca married the love of her life, her business was growing, and then cancer showed up unannounced. "You have terminal ovarian cancer and seven to ten months to live."

Rebecca Lynn Torres, a personal trainer and functional medicine health coach, shares her journey of finding her passion and building a successful career in the fitness industry and how life prepared her to beat ovarian cancer.

Becky started with a love for sports and dance, which led her to become a soccer coach and eventually transition into personal training. She emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and finding happiness in your career.

She also discusses the challenges of being a personal trainer and the need to differentiate oneself in a saturated market. Rebecca's approach focuses on building a solid connection with clients and helping them make positive life changes.

She emphasizes the importance of passion, knowledge, and experience in the fitness industry and how age is not a barrier to success. She opens up about her battle with cancer and how her healthy lifestyle and positive mindset played a crucial role in beating and being cancer-free.

Takeaways

Finding your passion and doing what you love can make your career more fulfilling and enjoyable.
A successful business in a saturated market requires differentiation and a strong work ethic.
Connecting with clients and understanding their needs is crucial for success as a personal trainer.
Helping clients make positive life changes requires effective communication and coaching skills. Passion, knowledge, and experience are key to success in the fitness industry.
Age is not a barrier to being a fitness trainer.
A healthy lifestyle and positive mindset can play a crucial role in recovery from illness.
A strong support system and a belief in a higher power can provide strength during difficult times.
Making someone smile every day can have a positive impact on the world.

If Rebecca's story inspired you, help her win the Ms. Health & Fitness contest by voting here: https://mshealthandfit.com/2024/rebecca-torres

Connect with Rebecca:

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerbecca/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.heiberg.7

[61] Giving Voice To Thousands Of Small Business Owners

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, shares insights on the Long Island small business community, which has 100,000 businesses, of which 90% employ fifty or fewer people. Terri emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors, prioritizing customer service, and building strong customer relationships.

She has spent years with Dale Carnegie and discusses the sales role in generating revenue, emphasizing the need for businesses to embrace continuous learning and open-mindedness. Terri also highlights the significance of hiring for attitude and culture fit. She concludes with a discussion on the value of doing what you love and being kind to others in achieving success.

**Takeaways**

☛ Seek out mentors and learn from those who have experience in your industry.
☛ Ignore the naysayers and believe in yourself and your business.
☛ Humility is key in leadership, as well as recognizing that you don't know everything.
☛ Focus on the basics and the simple principles of running a successful business.
☛ Customer service is crucial for building a strong reputation and attracting customers.
☛ Sales is the lifeblood of any business and should not be seen as spammy or pushy.
☛ Developing relationships with customers and treating them well is essential for success.
☛ Businesses need to embrace AI and understand its potential impact on marketing.
☛ Continuous learning and staying open-minded are important in business.
☛ Hiring for attitude and culture fit is crucial for building a strong team.

Connect with Terri on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terria1/

Connect with Terri on the Web:
https://www.hia-li.org/

[60] The man who transformed #Pickleball Into A Thriving International Sport

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Can a sixty-five-year-old woman beat a 30-year-old man in #Pickleball?

Meet Seymour Rifkind, one of the original Pickleball entrepreneurs. He shares the real, firsthand story behind the game's origin and why it's called Pickleball. Seymour's tireless efforts introduced the game to over fifty countries, and his early vision of what the game was lacking was a key factor in transforming Pickleball into a professional sport. Rif is a 5.0-rated player who has won medals in the US Open, regional, and national tournaments. He is also the President and Founding member of the World Pickleball Federation.

Rif was an accidental pickleball player. His friends dragged him to play the game in The Villages in Florida, and he was hooked after just ten minutes. Rif shares his love for the game and his innovative vision for the future; he emphasizes the importance of proper training and coaching, which led him to form the first (and only one at that time) International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA).

Takeaways

➡ The 'real' origin of the name Pickleball
➡ Can a sixty-five-year-old beat a 30-year-old athlete?
➡ Will the Pickleball boom surpass soccer?
➡ Who should pursue training and why
➡ Does the new generation of power paddles threaten the integrity of the game?
➡ Which group of new players will become the biggest one?

Connect with Seymour:
https://iptpa.com

[59] From Submarine Naval Officer to leadership coaching

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Tom Sicola takes us on a captivating journey from his days as a submarine naval officer, where he learned the invaluable lessons of teamwork and purpose, to the corporate world, where he witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of the infamous Peter Principle.

Tom embarks on an entrepreneurial adventure with a burning desire to help corporate leaders and business owners unlock their true potential. Tom highlights the need for training and development in leadership positions and the importance of creating a fulfilling work environment.

***HIGHLIGHTS***
➡️ How coaching can help individuals achieve their greatest potential
➡️ The Peter Principle is still prevalent in many organizations.
➡️ Asking for help and delegating tasks allow for better focus on core responsibilities.
➡️ Maintaining a positive mindset and seeking support from peers and mentors are
essential for overcoming challenges.
➡️ Why Taking risks and learning from mistakes are necessary for entrepreneurs
➡️ Having the right mindset and taking action are key success factors.

Connect with Tom:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tomsicola
Web: sicolainsights.com/
Email: tpsicola@gmail.com

[58] Your child will never speak. I proved them wrong.

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Nichole Daher, founder of Success on the Spectrum, shares her personal connection to Autism and her journey of starting the first ABA therapy franchise in the US. Nicole emphasizes the need for emotional connection with customers, good ABA professionals, and building trust with parents.

Nicole shares how she differentiates her clinics from schools or other forms of Autism therapy and emphasizes the need for passion and dedication in running a successful franchise and aligning with franchisees who share her mission.

Takeaways

Starting a business often arises from a personal need or frustration with existing solutions.
Building trust and emotional connection with customers is crucial for success.
Navigating insurance can be challenging, but perseverance and learning from mistakes is vital.
Recruiting and retaining skilled professionals is essential for the success of a clinic or business. ABA therapy focuses on teaching skills that will impact the lives of individuals with autism rather than focusing on irrelevant tasks.
The public school system often lacks the resources and structure to provide individualized attention to children with autism.
Franchising can be a successful way to expand a business and make a greater impact on the lives of children with autism.
Passion and dedication are essential qualities for franchisees in the autism therapy industry.

Connect with Nichole:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-daher-b9b30150/
Website: SUCCESSontheSPECTRUM.com

[57] The Royal Restroom Empire

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0400

David Sauers co-founded Royal Restrooms, a luxury portable restroom trailer company. David focused on marketing to the event industry and offering a cleaner and more pleasant restroom experience. He emphasizes the importance of providing a unique customer experience and targeting higher-end events.

David's business grew organically through word-of-mouth, but he faced challenges in convincing event organizers of the value of his higher-priced solution. David's journey highlights the importance of niche marketing and providing a superior product in a competitive industry. David emphasizes the importance of taking risks and working hard to succeed. He also highlights the significance of having a supportive partner and community involvement.

*********************
CHAPTERS
*********************
00:00 Introduction
00:37 The Inspiration
04:10 Turning an Idea into a Business
06:04 The Need for Better Restrooms
07:31 Balancing Full-Time Job and Entrepreneurship
08:15 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
09:10 Challenges and Skepticism
10:26 Financing the Business
11:20 Operating as a Side Hustle
12:11 Unexpected Growth and Expansion
12:43 Accidental Royal Bathroom Guy
16:00 Marketing and Niche Targeting
19:46 Convincing Event Organizers
23:38 Enhancing the Event Experience
26:46 The Royal Bathroom Experience
30:04 Growing Organically and Dealing with Legal Issues
32:03 The Complexity and Cost of Franchising
32:59 Expectations and Efforts in Running a Franchise
34:48 The Business in a Box Concept
35:48 The Challenges of Franchising
36:50 Balancing Autonomy and Support in Franchising
38:08 Investing in Local Marketing and Community Involvement
39:18 Misconceptions about Marketing Support in Franchising
40:40 The Impact of In-Kind Donations to Nonprofits
41:54 The Importance of Sharing Wealth and Supporting Employees
43:20 The Personal Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship
44:24 The Impact of Divorce on Entrepreneurship
48:44 Lessons Learned from Divorce
51:33 Taking the Chance and Believing in Yourself
54:17 The Value of Hard Work and Persistence

Connect with David:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsauers/
Website: http://www.royalrestrooms.com/

[56] How Family And Heritage Drives Entrepreneurial Success

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Join Sam and Hal Zeitlin in captivating stories as they share their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys. Coming from different backgrounds but sharing a Jewish heritage, they discuss how collaboration and learning together have helped them scale their businesses. Whether baking delicious bagels or creating websites using Webflow, the principles of building a successful business are similar, in this engaging conversation, you'll discover:

☛ The challenges of meeting high expectations in the competitive food industry and the
importance of collaboration.
☛ The growth and success of their businesses, Zeitlin's Deli and Candid Leap, and the significance
of building a solid core team.
☛ Insights into the Jewish deli tradition, its evolution, and the role of culture in their business.
☛ The ultimate test of a successful business – is the ability to take a vacation without constant
check-ins.
☛ The formula for their business success
☛ The importance of humility, surrounding oneself with the right team, and giving back to the
community.
☛ Lessons learned in entrepreneurship and their exciting plans for the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Quick Introductions
01:29 Becoming Entrepreneurs
05:19 Opening a Deli
06:36 Collaboration Between Sam and Hal
08:42 Hal's Journey into Web Development
10:01 Teach for America
11:21 Web Development and WordPress
12:07 Introduction to Webflow
13:55 Webflow as a Solution
19:29 Webflow's Problem-Solving Capabilities
21:46 Challenges in the Food Service Business
23:07 Dealing with High Expectations in the Food Industry
26:37 Creating Unique Food Experiences
28:28 Collaboration Between Sam and Hal
29:21 Building the Business and Making Decisions
30:12 Building a Strong Core Team
31:37 The Importance of Proper Communication
32:27 Delegation and Growth
33:27 The Evolution of the Jewish Deli
34:25 The Significance of Traditional Jewish Food
35:25 The Ultimate Test of a Successful Business
36:21 The Formula for Success
37:21 The Importance of Empowering and Hiring the Right People
38:19 The Components of a Successful Business
39:46 The Role of the Owner in Business Success
40:16 The Impact of Humility and Surrounding Yourself with the Right Team
42:18 Feeding and Bringing People Together
44:26 Experiences with Anti-Semitism
46:22 Giving Back to the Community
49:45 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship
51:20 Taking Risks and Trying New Things
52:05 The Importance of Humility and Building a Strong Team
53:06 The Value of Different Perspectives and Contributions

[55] Level Up Your Marketing Game: Play To Win With Smart Bets!

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

This podcast is for you if you're an entrepreneur or a small business owner, especially a SaaS founder. This is a raw and honest discussion about marketing. Justyna Ciecierska-Göçeryan (Justi) and I rant about common mistakes by Saas founders and small business owners and the proven ways to get more out of marketing.

When you start a business, you may experience growth at first, but eventually, you reach a point where you cannot grow any further. Justi refers to this as "going from zero to one and getting stuck there." This applies to startups and established businesses, with the only difference being the revenue level at which they plateau.

For Justi, marketing is simple - focus on basics, spend a lot of time on (a term we all take for granted) The Ideal Buyer, and then match the buyer to what makes your solution better and different.

Justi's message to founders or established business owners is straightforward: there are no shortcuts to launching and growing a business. Copying or stealing someone else's unicorn solutions that promise unbelievable growth is an excuse for not doing the hard work required to build a successful business.

Other highlights from our discussion on marketing and growth:

☛ What is strategy?
☛ What is the Marketing Waiting Room?
☛ Why collaboration between marketing and sales is critical for growth
☛ What do you do when your head of marketing s@*#s?
☛ The challenge of proving marketing ROI: "Show me the data."
☛ How do you answer, "We tried it, but it didn't work."
☛ How should Solopreneurs use LinkedIn to grow their business
☛ Scaling a business vs. growing a business
☛ The future of marketing

Connect with Justi on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justyna-ciecierska/

[54] The Secret to Entrepreneurial Success: Shift Your Mindset From Wealth To Purpose

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500

If you loved Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" talk, this is the street-smart version from a young Israeli entrepreneur.

Itay Forer dove into entrepreneurship as an Israeli student living in New York City. He openly shares his down-to-earth and transparent reasons for becoming an entrepreneur and his invaluable reality check.

If you want to succeed in business, Itay's raw and street-smart advice is a must-have roadmap to beating tough odds.

☛ "If you have the willpower and want to do things out of the ordinary, go for it. "

☛ Itay never asked for or needed an allowance as a teenager. Find out why.

☛ "Entrepreneurship combines the freedom to create and the thrill of uncertainty. "

☛ "The odds of entrepreneurial success are low, but if you don't compromise on your vision and do
what you love, you'll find a way to succeed. "

☛ What is product-market fit, and why will it make or break your business?

Connect with Itay:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itayforer/

[52] Teen Prodigy: Meet The 16-year-old Entrepreneur Making Waves!

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

You may not have heard of Moldova, a small country of only 2.5 million that borders Romania and Ukraine. It is unlikely that you have encountered a young man as ambitious and inspiring as Cristian Frunze, who is a high school student and already a successful entrepreneur.

Despite the country's lack of access to many resources that Americans enjoy, Cristian has managed to tackle the daily challenges that even many older adults face. He recognizes that productivity is the key to success and has a simple yet powerful schedule in place to stay focused.

Key highlights of Cristian's journey and success as an entrepreneur:

His secret weapon for staying focused
How does a sixteen-year-old become so knowledgeable?
What triggered entrepreneurship at the age of fourteen?
With over 3,000 online customers, Cristian realizes "it's a business" and what he does to capture his momentum.
What does Cristian mean by "I didn't choose this opportunity?"
A book or person that made a remarkable difference for Cristian?
How did Cristian nail a TEDx talk?
The mature way this young man navigates mission vs. profit
The surprising reason is applying to college.

What Cristian has already accomplished, and his insatiable drive to learn will undoubtedly make this young man someone we will hear about one day.

Connect with Cristian:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cristian-frunze
Email: cristian@ken.group

[51] STEVE WARE: "I Never Set Out To Help Anybody Other Than Myself."

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Have you ever worked for a company that had an active program to improve the well-being of its employees? I'm not talking about just a standard medical plan but ongoing resources that help you deal with stress, anxiety, and other obstacles that can hinder personal and professional fulfillment.

If you did, you're lucky and one of a select few who never felt alone at work.

Meet Steve Ware, a plain-spoken, unpretentious bloke (a UK term for a simple guy) who shares how he picked his favorite football (soccer) team, discovered mindfulness, and his mission to impact workplace happiness and productivity.

Here are a few highlights from our fun but severe conversation:

The simple answer to "How did you wind up working for IBM for 28 years?"
What in the world is mindfulness?
Steve's quick and straightforward tip on starting with mindfulness?
Steve's coaching for skeptics about what mindfulness means and how, or if, it works.

Connect with Steve:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ware-mindfulness/
Web: stevewaremindfulness.com
Email: steve@stevewaremindfulness.com

[50] Jesi Stracham: "I am very lucky to just be a paraplegic."

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0400

On January 18th, 2015, a devastating motorcycle accident changed Jesi Stracham's life. She was twenty-two years old.

"The last thing I remember is everything going black. And then, at some point, I saw my Grandmother, and she said, "Jesi Mae, it's not your time..."

Through grueling back surgeries and rehabilitation, Jesi is determined not to let her condition shape her life. She's in control of her life, her physical and emotional being.

Jesi is a sought-after speaker and an entrepreneur. She manages a few businesses while dedicating her life to helping wheelchair-bound and non-injured people discover the power of purpose and determination.

Listen to Jesi's profound and touching answer to my question: "I don't see too many people in wheelchairs. Where are they?"

Connect with Jesi:

linkedin.com/in/jesi-stracham-13a758103

Websites

jesistracham.com (Personal)
wheelwithmefoundation.org (Non-Profit)

Email: jesi@jesistracham.com

[49] Curtis Matsko: From Sobriety to $120+ Million Entrepreneurial Success

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Your search is over.

If you're a business owner or a startup founder who has yet to find the formula for successfully growing your business while maintaining a happy work-life balance.

Cutis Matsko, the CEO of a growing $120+ business, proudly declares, "I've had a great life, and I am nearly always happy!"

Curtis shares his early struggle with alcoholism and the event that inspired his leather goods business. He backs his self-proclaimed "I'm a marketing genius" with impressive accomplishments and ongoing success.

Spoiler alert: You will not hear about marketing hacks or high-level vague academic concepts; what Curtis shares about what it takes to build a successful and thriving business is simple.

Being a successful CEO or entrepreneur is about who you are. If you aspire to build a successful and fulfilling business and life, it is crucial to be a good person. This means being honest, fair, and kind to others. Your personality and character traits will impact your success in ways that go beyond just financial gain.

Here are a few nuggets from my incredible conversation with a down-to-earth, genuinely good guy:

➡️ "Over the top, baby. You don't have to beat them by much to beat them
by a lot in the long run."
➡️ "I own all of my companies outright. When something goes wrong... it's
me. "
➡️ "The biggest thing we lost when we went into e-commerce."
➡️ "Don't wait for your quarterly review. If you have an idea, go find Curtis."
➡️ "Hard conversations is the way we grow in this world."
➡️ Why Curtis hated his first job (the one his father found for him) and the
the creative, gutsy way he replaced it."
➡️ As a leader, you often make decisions before it is the right time to make those decisions; you don't necessarily have all the data, so you'll be making plenty of mistakes. You have to recognize it and reign that in."

Connect with Curtis:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/curtis-matsko
Twitter: twitter.com/CurtisMatsko
Website: https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/

[48] Chad Brown: How To Spot Patterns That Get In The Way Of Success

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Next Door, you'll meet Chad Brown, who became an entrepreneur at fifteen and found his calling after multiple pivots in his career.

"Fathering teenage girls is one of the greatest leadership lessons."
If my relationship with my wife is terrible, I can’t be effective as a coach leader.

His first sales job was as a sales rep for his father’s drywall business. It colored and defined Chad’s professional future.

Chad takes a psychology class and gets hooked: “A space where we can discuss the humanness of life.”

Additional highlights from our fun and energetic conversation:

➡️ Why did Chad drop out of college in 2007, and how did a “What could go wrong?”
business go bust?
➡️ Chad’s big move into a new business and why he packed his family to start a new life
in California?
➡️ What technology was a game-changer in Chad’s new entrepreneurial venture?
➡️ How does Chad balance and tackle the challenge of family life and a successful career?
➡️ The unlikely path that had Chad pivot his career again
➡️ How filmmaking and leadership coaching come together for Chad
➡️ What does “You spot it, you got it” mean?
➡️ To see any pattern in my clients where they are getting in their way, I have to
first recognize it in myself.” - “You must address the thinking that created the reality
right now.”
➡️ The question that left Chad speechless and how he recovered.

Connect with Chad:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-brown-leadership-coach-477a7015/
Email: chad@chadlbrown.com

#leadership #leadership #leadershipdevelopmentcoaching

[47] Pia Wendelbo: Humanizing how business is done

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Every business dreams of growth and scaling up. Successfully growing your business only happens by expanding your team. Listen to my guest and get valuable insights on how to manage change and people to ensure a smoother transition later on.

I prefer to introduce Pia Wendelbo as something other than an 'expert' in change management since the (overused) term often exaggerates one's accomplishments. However, Pia has amassed a wealth of experience in diverse fields, making her exceptionally effective in leading, directing, and managing organizational change.

Here are a few highlights of our conversation:

Why a college degree won't guarantee you a job if Pia is doing the hiring
How Pia uses her creativity, innovation, and fintech experience to humanize banking and change how consumers view banking in general
How do you convert a bland (same-old) mission statement and force your client to live up to it?
Pia's definition of the internal ecosystem necessary for organizational success.
Why anyone who is in B2B is, by definition, also in B2C? An insightful and rare approach
What is at the core of business development?
Tech is great only if people use it. How did Denmark drive tech adoption?
Stop dumping tech on your employees. Employees need time to learn and get comfortable with new technology
What is the best thing that happened to introverts in the past four years?
What is the biggest mistake companies make when they scale up?

Connect with Pia:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/digital-change-agent
Email: pwendelbo13@gmail.com

[46] Irit Levi: "If I can't figure it out in 5 minutes, I'm not recommending it."

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Irit Levi, "The Secret Tapes."

Well, not really. I invited Irit to do a follow-up interview for last year's podcast. A lot has changed with Irit's business, and I wanted her on video so she could be part of my new YouTube podcast line-up.

Irit Levi is a source of inspiration for women who strive to balance their roles as a mother, wife, and successful business owner while keeping up with the demands of maintaining a Jewish tradition. Many women (and men) dream of achieving the healthy and productive balance Irit has found in her life.

Other highlights from our open conversation:

How does one transform from a secular to an observant Jew, and does the process have parallels in business?
Irit's first job earned $3/hour, and it became her dream job
What is an instructional designer, and how does it correlate to Irit's religious discovery
"If I can't figure it out in 5 minutes, I'm not recommending it." Irit's brutal, honest assessment of automation/software tools
How Irit grew her LinkedIn followers from zero to over 10K+ followers
Irit's advice about LinkedIn strategies and experts
Why LinkedIn is the best place for introverts to make their mark
Why you can't and shouldn't delegate everything and the one thing you may not want to let go
Irit's take on AI and how it will (or not) impact productivity and workflow

Find & Connect with Irit Levi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irit-levi/
Web: https://www.day-by-day.biz/

[44] LoRen gReiFf: "People hire people. They do not hire resumes."

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Loren Greiff (who purposely plays with how her name is displayed) is a super successful executive career coach. I invited her to the podcast because the key to success in building and growing a business is hiring the right talent.

Loren is a self-declared "Idiot Savant" with a talent to visualize, "I treat life like a pallet." And she gives kudos to Grandma, who Loren calls "the bad-ass in the family."

Loren attributes her success to the smart strategic move she made to "Learn from the Masters." and sharpen her tools - I wanted to learn 10" deep, not 1" ten times."

Join me for this fun rollercoaster interview, learn the behind-the-scenes of recruiting and the following additional insights:

Why Loren decided to be an English Literature major (not what you think of when you're visually creative.)
Why Loren decides to take on business as a discipline
How did Loren get into a top-tier advertising agency with a degree from a small but unfamous college?
What prompted Loren to pivot in her pursuit of achieving balance?
Why is Loren messing with the spelling of her name?
What is an "excuse exterminator?"
Why are people stuck in jobs they don't like? It results from the perception that looking for a job is long, hard, and generally sucks.
Why hitting the Apply Now button is soothing but very deceiving.
What is the easiest way to separate (candidates) fakers from the real deal?
"I don't care about your resume. I know how to read."
"Different is better than better."
What role is AI going to play in the hiring process?
The one song Loren admits to singing in the shower.

Connect with Loren:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorengreiff
Email: Loren@portfoliorocket.com

[45] Ernie Harker: Facing Down The Dream Killer

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:00:00 -0400

This podcast is about a career journey that showcases the value of pursuing personal interests and leveraging individual strengths.

As a teenager, Ernie aspired to be a Disney artist but started his career as an illustrator for an ad agency. Frustrated with corporate bureaucracy and low pay, he jumps ship and becomes an independent artist. From there, he developed a passion and expertise in branding and opened a branding agency.

Ernie's twin brother is a licensed therapist who diagnosed him with a unique "Hyperactive Productivity Disorder." It's not an official diagnosis, but both brothers focus on being productive and on self-development instead of being preoccupied with useless distractions. And yes, Ernie asked his brother to dance with his date without letting her know. What happened? Listen and find out.

Additional highlights:

➡️ Being identical twins when even your mother couldn't tell you apart
➡️ The #1 challenge confronting most artists
➡️ Why did Ernie quit a high-paying job, and how did his father-in-law feel about that?
➡️ The creative way Ernie was able to keep his company at the height of the Big Recession
➡️ How did a Maverick presentation change the trajectory of Ernie's career?
➡️ Ernie's definition of a brand
➡️ The (surprising) company Ernie, as a branding expert, considers best at branding
➡️ How Ernie was able to control the Dream Killer and overcome feeling like a failure

Ernie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernie-harker-a56b7624/

[43] Shlomo Genchin: Copywriting Is Not Just Stringing Words Together.

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0400

I've worked in marketing for years, and I rarely say this: this young man is one of the most talented marketers I've come across in a long time. Shlomo Genchin possesses similar intuitive brilliance that drew me to Seth Godin many years ago. Listen to my intimate conversation and the evolution of a talented marketer. Get to know him; you won't regret it.

Copywriters are entrepreneurs, too. On this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door podcast, you'll meet an amazingly talented young copywriter with an equally impressive entrepreneurial journey.

Join me for a refreshing and intimate conversation with a talented young man from Israel. We speak about his entrepreneurial journey to becoming a sought-after copywriter and what he attributes to the key to his success (spoiler alert, it's not about tech).

Shlomo's career aspiration as a creative young man growing up in Israel was to become a military officer or an actor. He becomes an 'accidental copywriter' after taking a get-rich-quick sketchy course.

Contrary to what one may expect, Shlomo can express his creative talent and freedom during his military service (in a K-9 unit as a dog handler).

His journey takes him to Berlin, where he studies copywriting at the Miami Ad School (this is not a typo; it was in Germany). After creating an award-winning campaign, he gets an amazing offer to join one of the leading international ad agencies. Watch the rest of his journey and find out:

➡️ Does working for an ad agency prepare you for a successful career as a
Copywriter?
➡️ Did Shlomo accept a once-in-a-lifetime job offer?
➡️ "Creativity is about freedom." How does Shlomo put his belief into
practice?
➡️ Did Shlomo exercise this option, "If it didn't work, I could always crash on
my parents' couch."
➡️ Why is Shlomo Genchin excited about AI, and what does he think is the
biggest mistake people make while using it?
➡️ What key ingredient do you need to generate brilliant copy?

Connect with Shlomo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlomogenchin/
Website: http://thecreativemarketer.net/
Email: Shlomedia@gmail.com

[42] Tess Nyman: "I am not leaving this place without a job."

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Join me for a candid conversation with a courageous Ugandan woman who overcame challenges, balanced her professional and personal life, and contributed to a noble cause.

How does a twenty-year-old get a job as an HR manager with zero experience? (Hint: the title of the podcast.)
The surprising way Tess trained herself for a job she was not qualified for.
Why did Tess choose HR as a career path with an MBA and two degrees in psychology?
How Tess' marital challenge and a move back to Finland propels her into entrepreneurship and reconnects her with her home country.
A life-changing dream that leads Tess to devote herself to saving orphan children.
How Tess built an impressing 50K+ followers on LinkedIn and how she chose to differentiate herself as a career coach
The unexpected impact of Covid on Tess' marriage and what she did about it

Tess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessnyman/
Tess on the web: http://katkonsult.com

[40] Paul Katz: "We're all going to die. Now is the time to learn how to play the piano."

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Join me for an inspiring podcast episode featuring Paul Katz, a highly successful entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success in the competitive music industry.

Paul's fascinating journey encompasses working with renowned organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, alongside collaborating with influential figures such as Kevin Bacon, Ziggy Marley, and Desmond Tutu, among others. With an impressive portfolio that includes Oscar-winning movies and collaborations with global music stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Paul's expertise spans various domains.

Discover how Paul harnessed the power of influencers, adapted to the changing landscape of the music industry, and became a social entrepreneur. Prepare to be inspired by his heart, soul, and business success.

Listen and learn:

☛ What is social entrepreneurship
☛ How to use entertainment and popular culture as a hook to drive social change
☛ What are two critical ingredients that are a must in influencer partnerships
☛ How to spot influencers that are credible and impactful
☛ How Paul's new book "Good Influence" is a roadmap for using influencers that
applies to small and large profit and not-for-profit organizations
☛ Why does Paul's life's work follows this quote: "We are all going to die, we don't
know when, and now is an excellent time to learn how to play the piano."

In GOOD INFLUENCE, Cultural Change Agent Paul Katz Shows How Any Organization Can Engage Influencers to Create Programs that Raise Awareness, Inspire Action, and Do Good.

Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkatznewyork/

[39] Rich Litvin: "Effective Coaching Messes With Your Thinking."

Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

I vividly recall my exhilaration when Rich Litvin graciously accepted my invitation to appear as a guest on the podcast. I deeply admire Rich, and the wisdom and insights you'll gain are invaluable.

Rich is a masterful transformational coach who works exclusively with high-performing leaders and coaches. His extraordinary ability to forge profound connections with anyone he engages in a conversation or coaches captivates me.

Join me on this extraordinary podcast, where we delve into the mind of Rich Litvin, exploring his unique approach to coaching and his remarkable ability to empower individuals to unleash their true potential.

Here are some highlights of the treasure of insights from my incredible conversation with Rich Litvin:

The impact of Rich’s demanding father on his future and present
What did Rich do with his students as a biology teacher that was actually more coaching than teaching?
The surprising start of Rich's coaching career?
What does Rich mean when he says: "I went through my entire childhood knowing I was different but not realizing it was OK to be different?"
Can coaching be taught, or does most of the skill an innate talent?
“Being a leader is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you’re one, you’re probably not.”
What is the true test of leadership? Rich’s first ever role was at 11 years old.
The fallacy of “open door policy.”
Rich's definition of “fear” and why he believes confidence is a result, not a requirement.
Why the most effective coaching “messes with your thinking.”
Rich’s raw revelation of why he proposed after just two weeks.
“After you’re gone, your obituary isn’t going to say how much money you have in your bank account cause nobody cares.”
What is skill-stacking and how it increases your probability of success

Connect with Rich:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlitvin/
Website: https://richlitvin.com/
For Coaches: https://richlitvin.com/scorecard

Enjoy, and please share this episode with your friends and colleagues.

[38]: Jahmaal Marshall. "Before You Help People You Need To Help Yourself."

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Jahmaal Marshall is blessed with a natural ability to help people. He's been doing it since he was a teenager. Listen to Jahmaal's journey, how his childhood traumatic experience defined his future and career, and why he strongly feels that "what we believe about ourselves is often hardwired into a traumatic event."

Here are key nuggets from our session together:

Jahmaal's journey in/out of prison (not what you think)
Why he calls himself a Biblical Counselor, and what he means by "I'm not religious."
The difference between living and existing
The difference between coaching and counseling
What does Jahmaal mean by "if you go too deep and fast, you may drown."
What is 'burnout' and the root cause for that stage
Jahmaal's advice for determining if someone is a weight or a wing
The best places to get a true perspective on life

Connect with Jahmaal here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahmaalmarshall/ (32K+ followers)
https://listenthenspeak.com/

[37] Awet Woldegebriel: "In one second, I learned about the fragility of life."

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

As a society flooded by images and new stories, we’ve become numb to tragedies here and abroad; a Tesla commercial follows a CNN coverage of thousands of refugees living in sub-standard conditions, or a new record of Covid deaths followed by a BOGO (Buy One Get One) free commercial.

We may feel a tang of emotion, yet, we can’t help ourselves to be numb.

This podcast is about hope and a salute to the few who decide to act and make a difference.

Meet Awet, whose experiences have shown him how fragile and challenging life can be: As an eight-year-old refugee in war-torn Ethiopia to overcoming language barriers, academic struggles, racism (“I learned what it means to be a black man in America. Coming from Africa, being black was something I never thought about. Race was not something you think about.” ) to how he makes a bold decision to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Awet’s father, the most inspiring figure in his life, made a successful living as a tailor. His mantra to his son has been, “Always look out for people with greatness in their hands.”

While witnessing the devastating impact of the pandemic on the fashion industry, leaving thousands of workers jobless, Awet starts a fashion business, Awet New York, to provide life-changing income to garment workers in New York City.

Listen to Awet's inspirational journey and learn:

The mindblowing creative and courageous way Awet fights against teachers who told the only black student in their school "he couldn't handle advanced placement classes."
How a job with Coca-Cola helped Unicef deliver urgent help to needy children in remote locations
How Awet breaks into the highly competitive fashion business in the middle of a devastating pandemic
Why did people lineup 'around the block" to buy hoodies
Awet's surprising pricing strategy
How a fishing trip propels Amet from an unknown brand to almost instant success
Why people supporting his cause was not enough, and what did Awet do to ensure his new brand would spread organically

Checkout Awet's line here: https://awetnyc.com/

Follow Amet on LinkedIn and all other social media platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/awetnyc/
https://twitter.com/AwetNyc
https://www.facebook.com/AwetNewYorkCity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/awetgw/

[36] Adam Robinson: "How we beat the "SaaS slow ramp of death."

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

If you're looking for an authentic and inspiring entrepreneurial success story, this podcast episode with Adam Robinson is a must-listen. Adam's transparent and detailed account of his journey is a gem. He shares strategies, technical insights, and valuable lessons he's learned. His story is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering starting their own business, especially in the competitive Software as a Service (SaaS) industry.

Adam bootstrapped Robly to an eight-figure exit and publicly shares how he plans to grow his new venture, Retention.com, to a one billion dollars valuation by the end of 2023. Retention.com (formerly GetEmails ) grew to fourteen million in two and a half years with just six people and zero funding.

Adam graduates from Rice University and is unsuccessful in getting a position with a major consulting firm. A chance encounter gets Adam a job as a trader on Wall Street, when, in his early twenties, he is able to create a financial nest egg.

What happened next is not your typical "young man makes millions and spends it all on a luxurious lifestyle." Adam saves money and gets a reality check from one of his mentors: "The skills from ten years ago are useless, so go get some skills that will keep you busy and employed ."

Watching his brother start a tech company plants a seed. Adam invests his savings and dives into entrepreneurship to take on email giants like MailChimp and Constant Contact.

Here are a few highlights of Adam's revealing conversation:

As a trader, what did it feel like when your biggest client lost eight million dollars in one day, and what was the valuable lesson that served Adam later in his career
How a web crawler opens the door to new opportunities
Where does Adam get the knowledge of how to be an Internet Entrepreneur?
The formula of what you need to invest when you're up against market leaders that own 80% of your market
What is a Competitive Moat, and how Adam's Navy Seal strategy allowed him to take market share from Constant Contact
Why telemarketing played a critical role in Robly's success: it's not just calling but whom you call and what you do say to grab their attention
How to grow a small Saas business to scale and overcome "The slow ramp of death" syndrome
Why Adam claims, "It's easier for me to sell a $20K deal than a $46 monthly subscription?"
What is a 'subscription decoy' plan, and why were people happier paying more?
Why differentiation, especially in Saas, was and continues to be, a game-changer
Adam's strategy: "You pick a lane that MailChimp will never choose or do."
How Adam and his team invested just $5K on FB ads in the first month, which converted to $10K monthly recurring revenue?
How and why Adam was able to become a Digital Nomad and the turning point when he decided it was time to exit
How Adam plans to grow his new company, Retention.com to a $1B valuation by the end of 2023

Follow Adam's journey on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/retentionadam/

[35] Peter Murphy Lewis: "The human return on investment is superior to anything else."

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Peter was born crosseyed and, for years, was bullied by his schoolmates. He had corrective surgeries when he was two, four, ten, thirteen, and nineteen. When you listen to his crazy (and adventurous) journey, you can understand how this experience shaped his tenacity and grit.

At twenty-seven, in the middle of his Ph.D. studies, a non-malignant colon cancer diagnosis sparks a "midlife crisis" and propels Peter into entrepreneurship; he quit school and dove into entrepreneurship by opening a biking, walking, wine, golf, and high-end luxury package touring company.

This is when Peter discovers that "when you spend your own money, you learn very quickly."

Other highlights from Peter's incredible story:

The one thing Peter's dad told him that changed his future trajectory
Why learning to speak a foreign language is critical to understanding human behavior
How Peter was able to interact and assimilate with the homeless population in Boston
Why the best way to master a foreign language is to date your teacher
What Peter did after a tumor diagnosis in his colon was not what the doctor ordered or what you would expect
Why and how a risky tip-based travel business was a success
The one memorable thing Peter does on a blind date with his future wife
The wake-up call in Peter's life in Chile that led him to his new career in Long Term Care (LTC)
Why Peter decides to get certified and work as a CNA "Certified Nursing Assistant)
Which book changed Peter's life, saved his marriage, and gave him the most valuable perspective on human relationships

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/

[34] Rui Boom: Breaking free from routine and embracing the unknown."

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Buckle up and get the popcorn ready; it's a longer podcast worth listening to every minute.

When your guest opens the conversation with a profound quote from Confucius - "We have two lives; the second begins when we realize we only have one" - you know you're in for a deeply personal conversation.

Rui Boom grew up in Portugal and wanted to become an international soccer player. However, he followed his parents' wishes and pursued a more conventional path as a Finance major. What happens next? He takes a leap of faith, "embraces the unknown" and moved to another country.

Here are key insights from Rui's journey:

Why did Rui abandon his Finance college degree and trade it for sales and marketing with Unilever? Hint, Rui quotes Mark Twain, "I have never let schooling interfere with my education.”
Who was the person who changed Rui's life forever? He still doesn't know.
What does Rui mean when he says, "I was 27, but it felt like I was a baby again?"
What happened within five minutes of Rui landing in Japan?
What is the most critical aspect of early-stage start-ups?
Learn about the dynamics of mentoring start-up founders and what they must have in order to benefit from the engagement.
"The best way to become an entrepreneur is to be an entrepreneur."
What does Rui mean by "Profit is F$^% Money?"
"Older players understand there's no such thing as...."

Connect with Rui here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rui-bom/

[33] Ferol Vernon: "Hey Dad, we're out of gas."

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Vernon grew up in an entrepreneurial family: His father ran a hotel, and his mother was an artist. His introduction to running a business started when his father told him, "I'm done mowing the lawn; it's your job now."

Vernon and his wife "bet the farm" and took the plunge into entrepreneurship. They own a media company that helps authors and publishers to connect with more readers, a tough problem in a challenging industry. Their mission was to offer authors an effective, reliable channel for book marketing at a time when other book promoters often "took advantage of authors' hopes and dreams by promising them the world."

Their solution is self-service and done-for-you book promotion, where authors manage their book promotion at a budget they can afford.

But, as Vernon explains, to be a successful book publisher, authors must understand the concept of "the lifetime value of a reader" so their art can become a commercially viable product.

Listen to find answers to the following:

The biggest lesson Vernon learned mowing lawns
What did he mean by "I didn't know how good I had it?"
What kind of a job do you get with a Classical Civilization degree?
The difference between art and design
What did Vernon say when he chose entrepreneurship, and why is this the last thing any entrepreneur ought to say or think about
What is entrepreneurial inertia?
What is the #1 reason why business (nonfiction) book authors fail?
"The one thing we missed that everyone leaping into entrepreneurship must recognize and prepare for."

Connect with Vernon and learn more about his services:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferol/
https://www.freebooksy.com/for-the-authors/

[32] Chris Hennessy: Did the crime. Did the time and it transformed his life.

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Chris Hennessy is a "sweets guy" always looking for a snack (chocolate preferred). He has a golden voice and an upbeat personality. Not what you would expect when you listen to his story.

In his early years, Chris aspired to be a vet, worked at a jail, and did some construction jobs. But, in his 20s, his life took a downward spiral, as he, in his words, "went crazy" and ended up in prison.

Chris reveals his experience living in a confined and hard environment, something few of us can relate to. Being isolated from society and surrounded each day by men with criminal backgrounds ] had a profound impact on Chris; it changed his perspective on life and helped him reconnect with religion.

Chris' biggest revelation while serving a long sentence in prison
How did Chris wind up choosing to coach as his new career?
Why does Chris take the bold move of working with "Christian coaches?"
The biggest advice Chris received
What does Chris mean by "I want it so bad I can't think of not doing it?"

P.S. I forgot to ask Chris how long it takes him each morning to get his beard ready for a day filled with video coaching.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hipproductions/

[31] Brenden Kumarasamy: An accidental opportunity that alleviated my family out of poverty

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Brenden's competitive drive was fueled by a father that told him he would never be successful.

Fast forward to college when Brenden signs up for "case competitions," where students present to large corporations and nail a position if they do well. The odds? 300 presenters, 70 get picked.

Find out how Brenden was able to shortcut 40 years of knowledge into four by perfecting and winning case competitions. Then, you ask yourself, "Wow, he scratched the winning lotto ticket [a to-die-for career opportunity with IBM) and walked away?"

The secret to Brenden's success? "I won because I worked on my communication tools. At 20, I'm presenting to the Board of Walmart, and my goal is to present in a way that is way better than their executives. "

"If you present 20% better, you'll stand up 100% of the time."

Other highlights of my conversation with this talented and dynamic young entrepreneur:

What was the game-winning question Brendend was asked that changed his life?
The insanely simple way Brenden discovered YouTube
One observation Brenden made after watching speaking coaches for hours
Why storytelling is NOT the key to communications success
The biggest mistake people make on YouTube
Brendenden's formula for attracting massive (30K) followers

You can learn more and connect with Brenden below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendenkumarasamy/

[30] Dominick Miserandino. "If you have an opportunity to change things, why wouldn't you?"

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

At 12, Dominick cleaned his neighbor's backyard to save money to buy one $30 share of Disney, unlike what the average boy his age would be doing. Growing up in Brooklyn and watching everyone around him struggle financially motivated him to "change" things.

Next came starting a nonprofit for the homeless as an Eagle Scout.

Entrepreneurship was like jumping into the pool and saying, "wow, the water is cold."

In 1995, way ahead of its time, Dominick started an online blogging news site called the Celebrity Cafe (similar to today's Buzzfeed). At its peak, it had over 30 million readers and impressive revenue from paid advertising.

Celebrity Cafe was jumping into the pool of entrepreneurship, learning how to code (Content Management System, CMS), and realizing he was now responsible for employees.

Spoiler alert! While building the Celebrity Cafe, Dominick gets a full-time job on Wall Street, an education on hustling, and learning how to use technology to improve and make money.

Listen to Dominick's success story and how he openly reflects on his life and accomplishments, especially the definition of success.

You can connect with Dominick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miserandino/

[29] Steve Braker: The action-thriller entrepreneur

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0500

"I wanted to have enough money to live comfortably by age 50. I didn't know how to do it, but I knew I would do it."

What's the connection between writing action-thriller novels (my favorites) and entrepreneurship? On this podcast, Steve Braker takes us through his journey as he transitioned from being a successful business owner to the highly competitive world of book publishing.

Steve opened his first serious business, an English language school in Leicester Square in the UK. He built it from one room above a Chinese restaurant to a four-story building with fifteen classrooms.

In 2000, Steve visited Mombasa, Kenya, and fell in love with the continent. He moved his family and started a few businesses, including becoming a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) dive instructor, taking divers out to the local reefs and wrecks.

Listen to Steve's adventurous journey and get a rare inside perspective on what it takes to become a successful author.

[28] ZINEB LAYACHI: SMILE YOU'RE ON VIDEO

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Many people take podcasting too seriously. Of course, if I'm asking you to spend an hour listening, you want and deserve a return on your investment.

Well, here's an hour plus of what we call "edutainment" - educational entertainment. A journey of a brilliant, genuine, and fun woman with an impressively large following (26,000 on Linked) and, most importantly, someone who loves to laugh while making a difference.

A clue to this podcast's treat is in Zineb's photo: That big smile means, "I work my butt off but laughing and having fun is never optional."

Listen to Zineb's journey from studying applied mathematics to wanting to be a doctor to finding happiness as a creative marketer. She's committed to helping entrepreneurs use video as a marketing tool and how to use it to maximize the power and impact that video offers.

"I struggled with left vs. right brain."

Listen to which part initially won Zineb's attention and why (spoiler alert, we all initially want to please our parents.) At some point, many of us get to the inevitable crossroad of pleasing others vs. making the tough decision to focus on our true calling and what makes us happy.

In Zineb's case, she inherits mathematical genes from her Dad and the courageously intuitive challenge-seeking drive from her Mom. Wow, talk about a winning combination.

How about starting a new job in an area you know nothing about and doing it in a new country? How about being tested as a newbie in a new company? Mom says, "let go," they load up the car and move to Spain.

Podcasting is about storytelling, and this is my longest podcast episode. I chose not to edit sections out to make it shorter; that would have been an injustice to the wonderful and engaging Zineb.

Enjoy.

[27] Chris Joyce: "You Never Kill A bad Idea."

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500

The measure of a true business is answering the question: What happens when you die? If you die and the business dies, that was a nice job, not a business.

Buckle up for a fun hour listening to an experienced, passionate, opinionated, successful entrepreneur. Some of the topics we discuss are:

What happened when Chris was nine-years-old that put him on an entrepreneurship trajectory?
Are leaders born or made?
How did Chris turn torturous daily 200-300 cold calls into productive selling?
Why a philosophy of "you never kill a bad idea" is fundamental for success
Why every company, at its core, is a marketing company
Why companies that are created with a 'linear concept' will be slaughtered by companies with employees that have a vested interest in the success of their business
The disruptive approach to business start-ups behind Gusher
Why odds are a game-changer if you understand where they originated and what they mean
Why fighting within a company is positive

To find Chris go to: www.gusher.co

[26] SHARON SCIAMMAS: "For the first time in years, I'm doing what I really love."

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Every one of us goes through "What am I going to do next? What makes me happy?" While some entrepreneurs find their calling quickly, for others, like my guest Sharon Sciammas, it has taken a few side trips and explorations before reaching his destination.

You can hear the energy and excitement in Sharon Sciammas when he speaks about his childhood wanting to become an Israeli fighter pilot, an astronaut, or a Prime Minister.

Sharon's early years, after he serves in the Israeli army, take him on a wild ride from cycling semi-professionally to door-to-door selling to IT and the complex world of Big Data.

Like many of my guests, you can hear the pain, passion, and excitement in his voice as he speaks about his mission and purpose. Sharon points out that the pandemic hit us hard because "we've been focused on buying stuff without a sense of community which left us lonely and depressed."

A recurring theme in Sharon's life is his search for happiness, not for himself but for others. His turning point? The Pandemic and realizing that any business venture that doesn't involve interacting with customers doesn't align with his search for happiness. He digs deep into "What brings us together as human beings" and focuses his life's work and career on building communities.

[25] MARIA SIROTNIKA: I had to decide; get a job or stick with being a business owner.

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

I waited to release this podcast before the Holidays because my guest is so inspiring. You'll be drawn into Maria's energy, genuine care for people, fierce independence, and insatiable curiosity about the world and giving back.

Maria grew up in a small town in Russia. From a young age, she aspired to be a journalist, travel the world, and share what she experienced outside her home country.

At sixteen, she moved to Moscow on a full scholarship and studied international journalism, only to realize that it might not be a 'safe' career in her homeland. She and learn a new language; initially, she is assigned to German but wants to step outside her comfort zone decides to step outside and insists on switching to Arabic, followed by living for one year in Jordan.

While in school, Maria started an educational abroad consulting agency in the dorm with two fellow students. "We had no idea what we were doing." We built an ugly website and offered our services at a very low price. Their company helped students study abroad and later expanded to become an educational tour operator with five offices around the country.

Even though she's a natural-born entrepreneur, Maria dabbles with a few "jobs" that (not surprisingly) align with her views and passion. She works for Greenpeace, starts a nonprofit in Russia for an orphanage, and works on an educational project for the U.N. in Nigeria.

While running her company remotely from different countries, Maria realized she had to decide between getting a serious job or doubling down and focusing on entrepreneurship. "I am such a bad employee, and I should stop trying." She picks business.

Maria was moving around the world while managing her business between 2008-2014. While moving around the world, a practice that is not conducive to developing relationships, she "meets a guy in Capetown and ends up marrying him."

Maria is pursuing an MBA in Madrid, Spain, and settled in Lisbon with her husband.

Maria's current company is an eLearning platform called Art Heroes; it combines content with high-end mentorship for professional artists.

We speak about different aspects of entrepreneurship when Maria courageously reveals a personal aspect of her life that she's never shared before.

If you're a business owner and have never asked yourself, "what is my disaster recovery plan?" you need to listen to Maria's raw, genuine and inspiring revelation.

[24] JOHN KOLLMEIER: The uncompromising entrepreneurial journey of a toxic mess cleaner

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Stop and think for a few minutes.

Everything we consume goes through a process that requires machinery and ingredients, which generate waste (solid or liquid) that is left behind and has to be disposed of. We call it toxic waste, industrial contaminants that can't go away independently.

Here's the thing: We have many of them under our kitchen and bathroom sinks, but we don't drink them. In contrast, industrial toxic waste makes its way into underground water sources that we end up ingesting, getting sick, and could cause us to die.

Disposing of waste, especially hazardous waste, is regulated and costly. From a regulatory standpoint, the message is simple: "if you don't clean up your manufacturing mess, we'll do it for you and charge you for triple damages."

Meet John Kollmeier, who used to ride his dirt bike in NJ around a lake that was later deemed one of the worst superfund sites, or in plain language, one of the country's largest and most contaminated sites.

John's childhood dream was to build something of value, and he found himself in the environmental business by identifying and cleaning hazardous waste sites.

His college journey was unexpectedly interrupted for family reasons, and he had to work full-time to pay for his education. His biggest lesson after working in restaurants was, " I learned a lot about working with humans."

John joins an environmental cleaning company and starts a career in the hazardous waste identification and removal industry with a simple mission: Identify the toxins, cut the ecological exposure and make it safe - a process that requires expert knowledge in chemistry and toxicology.

Years later, as John prepared to say goodbye to his daughter, she looked at him and said, "You don't like going to work anymore. Why don't you stop going." Unbeknownst to his daughter, the entrepreneurial bug has already been planted.

"With a stay-at-home wife and two kids, I had to decide to go from one income to no income, but with an incredibly supportive wife who had confidence in me and what we could build together," John forms his own company.

John starts to do fieldwork, and his wife, Debbie, manages back-office operations. With Debbie by his side and the no-income drive, "when you have no income, you're hungry, and you take things seriously," he grows the business and assembles a team of talented scientists, "we were those people who liked science class back in high school."

John is smarter than he cares to admit and displays a sense of humility, which is also the hallmark of great leaders. In his words, "I know what smart looks like; I'm not the smartest guy in the company, but I hire and surround myself with people who are smarter than me, and we provide them with a healthy culture that makes a difference in how a company can thrive and grow. "

John finds himself fulfilling his childhood dreams - his company, Brownfield Science & Technology Inc. (BSTI), is building something of value -- a better and cleaner future for all of us.

About his decision to become an entrepreneur, he's unequivocal:

If l had listened to my friends and attorneys about the risks, I would have never done this
If I had looked at a spreadsheet of pros and cons about doing this, I would have never done this

I needed my wife's vote of confidence and how well we work together building stuff. John's only fear was that the business world would catch up with him and may have to "become like everyone else," but, again, in his own words, "after twenty-three years, I have never had to compromise on anything, internally or externally."

[23] LORI SCHNIPPER: There are no selfies when you're in sales. You have to earn the business.

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Meet Lori, the Superwoman of Sales. From hardcore yellow pages sales to pension plans to veterinary sales, medical diagnostics/sleep apnea.

"Working with children gave me a headache." So four years in college preparing to be a teacher went out the window. "

I love conversations with guests who are blatantly open about their journey. Lori shares what so many of us go through when choosing a path in life; in her case, from a social worker to selling a dating service, where her big revelation happens "I realized I was actually in sales and had skills I wasn't aware of."

Lori works for a dating subscription service way before online platforms were available. Her experience leads her to spend ten years in the Yellow Pages, where she finally gets professional sales training. "At yellow pages, you deal with every type of entrepreneur from a pizza shop to lawyers and anyone that needed to advertise their products and services."

As Yellow Pages goes through corporate changes typical to big companies, she jumps ship to a local competitor called The Yellow Book and spends six years there. Later, with her finely tuned sales skills, Lori works at Paychex, a payroll company specializing in 401K pension plans.

With sixteen years as a sales professional behind her, Lori takes a giant and surprising leap into B2C (Business to Consumer) commission-only sales by joining Closets by Design.

What was Lori's key to success? "Do the right thing."

[22] BERNADETTE NAGY: Why can't you decide to just be happy and skip life coaching?

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:00:00 -0400

I have always admired people that dare to uproot themselves to find happiness. At 7, Bernadette starts her journey when her parents move from Hungry to Austria. Fast-forward to today, she's got six countries under her belt, and oh, by the way, you also must learn the language spoken in each country. She does that too.

When you listen to her story, it is evident that Bernadett loves people. A turning point in her journey occurs when she decides to become an event manager after being a Nanny.

Why does she keep moving? "I follow my heart to find happiness."

Some of the topics we cover during this interview are:

What is anxiety?
How do you define happiness?
Where and how do you get help?
Can you decide to be happy?
What qualifies one to be a life coach?
Why did Bernadett focus on men instead of just coaching everyone?
Bernadett's biggest surprise after speaking to high-achieving men?

I love Bernadett's, who is not a celebrity or well-known coach, simple and down-to-earth approach to life in general, and her courage to focus on men.

This is not a podcast for men only 😎

Enjoy.

[21] SAM & HAL ZEITLIN: A Michelin Chef and his politics dropout brother

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

"What type of bagels do you serve in a post-divorce party?" You'll have to listen to find out.

This is the story of two brothers, twenty months apart, who lost their mother at a young age and were raised by a devoted father. Both, (shout out to Dad) are united by their desire for public service and giving back.

One brother, Sam, loves to cook and gets to work at a Michelin-rated restaurant, only to realize that a neverending corporate-style rat race to an imaginary top isn't aligned with his values or desires.

Hal, Sam's younger brother, wanted to change the world (politics) goes to college as a political science/economics major but spends a year with Teach for America. He becomes the accidental marketer but learns every aspect of growth marketing on his own. He is now the owner of a Webflow agency, the next generation of WordPress. Hal is betting his life and career on Webflow technology's promise of a visual interface that offers control and power to web development.

Sam finds himself connected, at a deep emotional level, to his Jewish roots; "I grew up eating Jewish food and decided to make bread and bagels (that were really bad). I wanted to sell them and give the money back. We donated the money to Melanoma research."

"Maybe baking and Jewish food will be something I can share with people." Sam joins a new restaurant in Chicago and gets laid off when Covid hits. He spends his time baking bread for laid-off people who didn't have enough to put food on the table.

From baking bagels in his apartment, Sam realizes this is the time to rely on himself and starts Zeitlin Delicatessen, which isn't a brick-and-mortar but is based entirely on delivering food. As his brother Hal says, "Sam has the longest lines in the farmers' market...I feel bad for the other vendor." Sam goes on to figure out entrepreneurship on his own.

Zeitlin is a testament to the love of helping others, feeding others, and supporting others.

Best advice Hal ever got? "Meditate every day."

You won't be able to resist the urge to find these guys and just hug them. They are genuinely hardworking, good people who may not make the cover of Forbes but will impact lives and businesses in a more personal way than what many strive for as validation for success.

[20] JEFF HERZOG: From hustling at a young age to owning a nationwide executive recruiting business

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

"I was in an MBA program, my wife was pregnant with twins, and I had a great job and income. My Dad asked me if I wanted to go into business for myself. I dropped everything and did it. "

There may never be a 'perfect' time to leave the comfort of a well-paying job, but if the person selling you a franchise has done just that (leave at the imperfect time), you should probably listen to what he has to share.

This is a father-and-son success story, one where the father (Ron) wanted his son (Jeff) to earn the right to join the business by first working in the business. Jeff started his career as a stockbroker (yes, making hundreds of cold calls), moved to become an art auctioneer, and was later recruited by his dad to join FPC and open his own recruiting business.

The unique aspect of Jeff's franchising business is that, unlike other franchises where an owner has to learn an entirely new business, FPC is ideal for executives with relevant experience and connections. What they learn and train for after buying a franchise is how to leverage their existing skills and connections to build a profitable business.

While to some, this may sound like a franchising infomercial, it isn't; Jeff talks about a reality that is very common for successful high-level executives - they miss their family and experience burnout out due to long hours, heavy travel, and frequent relocations.

Many of us have faced the challenge presented in this podcast at some point: Do I leave the comfort of a steady job to start my own business? Do I have what it takes to run a business? Is an unknown future, somewhat within my control as an owner, better than being employed?

Spoiler alert: success comes down to physical and intellectual hustle, or as Jeff puts it, "if you're not willing to hustle, business ownership isn't for you. "

[19] PRECIOUS WILLIAMS: From a St. Louis hood to Shark Tank (no deal) to Mega Success

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Meet Precious. She's not a tennis player who grew up with supportive parents; she's not Oprah... she's a little girl from a St. Louis hood who, as early as five, decided she wanted to be a talk show host. She never stopped dreaming, managed what life threw at her, and with her grandmother by her side was able to achieve her dream.

"There is nothing that is out of reach. You may go through some trauma or stress to get there, but if you recognize and conquer fear, you'll always be able to do what you love."

Many people talk about their tough life to solicit sympathy and get help - not Precious! She makes no excuses and claims what she always knew was in her - making her dreams come true. During our time together, she held nothing back, "what you hear is what you get."

Listen to her incredible journey, filled with pain and struggles but one that led her to become a lawyer, Ted speaker, publisher, and sought-after motivator/speaker who last week was invited to BMW's diversity conference as a keynote speaker.

With over 70,000 followers on LinkedIn, Precious is still The Killer Pitch Master."From trash to straight cash" - "when a pitch is done well, you're the only choice that matters." If you sell for a living (every small business owner does), listen to Precious and her invaluable advice; " Zero in on what they are not hearing and find your unique solution."

[18] DIV MENACHEM: How to fix a broken teacup. Giving voice to the unspoken.

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Meet Div, a brilliant woman with an engineering degree and two masters (marketing and cyber security). What comes next is not a rapid climb up the corporate ladder but a journey of introspection and discovering that mindfulness and self-care are the keys to long-term happiness.

Div is openly sharing the milestone in her life where she discovered that she was overwhelmed with anxiety and stress and had to do something about it. There's a Div in each one of us, but sadly we often lack the courage to admit our challenges and, most importantly, actually do something about them.

There's a broken teacup in each of us. Div's book, "A Broken Teacup" is about how to fill our internal cracks and get back to a healthy and productive life.

If you're tired of self-help books or watching mindfulness 'gurus' on YouTube, listen to how a down-to-earth (like your next-door neighbor) person changed her life and how it may impact yours.

[17] MICHAEL KATZ: The Newsletter Guy. Narrowness is how you get traction in a market.

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

"I do newsletters."

Michael, "the newsletter guy" is direct, funny, unpretentious, and proves that when you focus on one thing you're really good at, you'll succeed. Narrowness is how you get traction in a market.

While the term "newsletter" is somewhat old school, there's nothing old about Michael's approach to writing and his method of picking clients.

If I client wants to hire him to take a 'chore' off their plate, they are not a good fit. The perfect client is someone who sells something that is identical to the competition.

Michael's newsletter is a point of differentiation and he has been careful in pointing out that it never offers immediate results.

"You have to buy into what is relationship marketing. You won't get a client after publishing one newsletter, it's a process. "

The one book and person who influenced Michael the most? "Permission Marketing" by Seth Godin.

[16] TRICIA BROUK: the speaking coach

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Everyone wants to get on stage and speak. Most of us are scared s#(#*@less about public speaking but overcome our fear for what we perceive will be monetary rewards that are worth the anxiety and efforts.

Before you dream about being a speaker, listen to these revealing, behind-the-scenes insights into what it really takes to succeed.

Tricia's high school yearbook blurb might as well have been "less likely to be a speaker." All she wanted to be "from the moment I saw my sister dance, I knew all I wanted to be was a dancer." She moves to New York City to pursue what would typically be a longshot career dancing with some of the most recognized names in the business.

"My dance career was complete, and I moved on."

What follows is an intriguing career that spins off Tricia's talents as a professional dancer; she is catapulted into choreography, directing, and producing, none of which she's done before.

There are many insightful nuggets from my conversation with Tricia, like " I was never someone who was entitled... when you think you can do something, that is you not owning the truth that you know you can. Reframe "I think I can" - your best isn't good enough and thinking you can means you don't believe you can."

If you're looking for accolades and adoration as a speaker, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. It has to be about being of service, and when you're clear about that, you'll become a better speaker."

Shed off what you think you know about speaking and listen to what it takes to succeed.

One book that influenced Tricia? Wait for it... listen to find out. It's a book about loyalty and the truth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciabrouk
Web: www.triciabrouk.com

[15] BRUCE FELDMAN M.D: Good medicine is thinking but great medicine is thinking beyond the obvious.

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0400

A successful doctor with medical director-level lucrative positions is asked a life-changing question by his boss: "Bruce, why are you doing this job? You're excited when you talk about people that are getting screwed by the system. You only seem to care about the patient?"

For a long time, Bruce's stated goal was to change the way we deliver healthcare in this country. But, after twenty years of trying to execute his goal, he felt too distant from patients. The entire process was broken, and he realized that he wouldn't be able to make an impact within the current system.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Bruce leaves the glamour of executive positions and dives into entrepreneurship.

Dr. Feldman goes into private practice where the funding comes directly from the patient (not insurance), and as a doctor, he was able to develop a close relationship with the patient - Concierge-stye, or as Bruce marketed his practice, My Personal Doc - a practice where the patient pays for services and insurance isn't typically involved. A one-on-one service where he can actually control the outcome.

Bruce differentiates his practice by getting outside of conventional medicine (treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause) to actually try to figure out why a patient didn't feel well.

Bruce expands his knowledge base into non-traditional medicine and finds out that it often provides clues to underlying causes.

At this point, Bruce gives us quick education and explains why ignoring non-traditional medicine comes at the expense of patients' well-being and positive long-term outcomes.

[14] RAMON RAY: I love the excitement, overcoming uncertainty and the risk of failure.

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

/men(t)SH/ a person of integrity and honor.

I haven't come across too many people deserving of this title. Ramon, who I've known for over eight years, has been gracious, humble, caring, and helpful, with an infectious smile and positive, uplifting energy. His success is a byproduct of who he is; a mensch.

Ramon has never been a serial entrepreneur; he started a few side hustles while working for the UN, income-generating projects born out of a desire to create, excitement about the tackling the unknown coupled with the fear of uncertainty and the risk of failure.

"I like to start stuff. "

He gets fired from the UN, which pushes him into entrepreneurship with the added pressure of having to provide for his family, including his children. As he says, "the power of broke drove me to build a business, but I was fortunate to have saved enough to give me a (six months) runway to make this happen. "

"I'm not aspiring to be someone I'm not...I'm just a regular guy who brushes his teeth and tries to make a living. "

Personal branding is a choice - especially for small businesses from $100K-$500K/year.

"We're all imperfect. Spirituality, or having faith, keeps you grounded."

Ramon is open about his past struggles with depression, including suicidal thoughts. He labels it "The Entrepreneur's Depression" - it affects men primarily who feel like a failure if they can't provide for their family.

Ramon's advice for anyone suffering from depression: (1) Get a mentor/friend (2) explain to your family what is going on (3) Don't bite more than you can chew (4) surround yourself with friends that understand and uplift you. (5) Have some grit but be honest with yourself: perhaps this fight is not for you, a ball game you shouldn't be playing.

[13] JOE APFELBAUM His elementary teacher called him an idiot. It shaped the rest of his life.

Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

At nine years old, when a teacher tells you you're an idiot, he's the master authority in your life and so you believe it must be true. "I knew I wasn't a great reader but it didn't make me an idiot. Yet, my teacher's words became a narrative, the little voice in my head, that said don't get up to speak, don't share your thoughts, keep things to yourself, you're not worthy of speaking in front of people."

"Later in life, I started to question if I was an idiot even though my mother always said great things about me. I decided that the world doesn't know who I am, and when the world finds out about me, they'll know I'm not an idiot."

Fast forward, after a journey around the world (literally), Joe is a poet, rapper (yes, he launches into a spontaneous rap on this podcast), writer, and incredibly successful entrepreneur who built one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in the U.S.

And best yet, Joe loves to speak especially in front of people- the bigger the crowd, the more energetic Joe becomes!

Joe is a master networker and a LinkedIn expert but most importantly, he's a man with a golden heart who loves connecting and helping others.

[12] EDAN BIDANI: Was it meant to be? If you ask Eden Bidani she will say "absolutely."

Wed, 04 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

This is a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the art of copywriting and an entrepreneurial woman that changed everything in her life and became an international success.

Eden Bidani's journey starts with a dream of becoming a Forensic Anthropologist, or as she puts it, " establishing the cause of death and securing life for the people who cannot do it themselves." But, when faints at the sight of blood it also ends her quest for forensics, and she pursues a degree in Anthropology and Sociology.

Eden gets a sales job which she describes as "the intersection of marketing and anthropology" (you should listen to her fantastic interpretation of this). What attracted her was not the sales pitch or techniques but the ability to develop an in-depth connection and understanding of her customers.

On a solid foundation of caring for people and empathy, Eden dives into the highly competitive direct-to-customer cosmetic industry and her partner focuses on sales, logistics, and operations). Spoiler alert - violating every HR rule, their relationships blossom, and they get married.

Eden converts to Judaism and moves from Australia to her new home in Israel.

Eden is transitioning from a laidback Australian culture to a fast-paced Israel, and in the process, she also becomes (as she describes it) a mom to lots of kids. She begins to explore opportunities that fit her natural curiosity and talents but one she can do from home.

In 2015, Eden launched her copywriting career, and the rest is, as they say, "is history" - She is now of the most sought-after international copywriters.

This touching and engaging conversation is about an inspiring businesswoman with important takeaways, especially for business owners frustrated by marketing that doesn't work.

[11] NUMAAN AKRAM: Can you Uber a Bus? Yes, but not from Uber.

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0400

"Raised as an entrepreneur, schooled as a scientist, developer by trade, and Founder at heart."

Numaan's earliest memories are of spending time in the back of my father's electronic store; playing with the credit card machine and testing what he sold; a VCR, an Atari game, and even a computer... Having grown up in an immigrant family, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur."

My dad told me, "business is common sense" now go get a real degree.

Numaan got a degree in computer science, fell in love with coding, and soon started his own development shop. "I loved making software but I was also a developer that could actually talk to executives. "

Then in 2010, the Rally to Restore Sanity, organized by John Stewart and Stephen Kolbert, planted the seed for entrepreneurial success.

Find out how Numaan's crowdsourcing buses for events solved a common problem while also creating a way for owners of buses ( typically small family-owned businesses) to grow as well.

[10] MORITZ von OHEIMB: A $1,000,000 business at 23.

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Meet Moritz von Oheimb. He isn't a wiz-kid, he's...well, an entrepreneur that could be your next-door neighbor. Moritz is down-to-earth, smart, strategic, and a hard worker. When you listen to his journey, from childhood to high school, you get the idea that success isn't born, it's created.

He moves to Mexico, identifies an unmet need, builds a $1,000,000 business in a highly competitive industry (healthcare/dental) using brilliant strategy and logistics....

It all comes crashing down. "We knew something was coming but we didn't think it will be that big."

Moritz is now 25 and I bet this is just the beginning of his story.

[9] JASON KERSCH: Can you say "We've been in business for 103 years?"

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Meet Jason Kersch, 4th generation owner of Major Homes Corporation, a family business in the brutally competitive home improvement industry in Queens/ Long Island New York.

Frank Sinatra ("New York, New York") sang, "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere" and Major Homes is living proof of that statement.

This episode is about the inner workings of a family business; a father and son working together and the interesting dynamics of generational transition; from hardcore sales to using digital tech but never compromising on basic founding principles in 1919 when Jason's great grandfather started the business: integrity, customers and satisfaction are everything.

If you've ever replaced or are thinking about replacing a roof, windows, siding, doors, or built an extension, hear the the-behind-scenes story: how this industry operates and how Major Homes is able to compete with box retailers (Home Depot, Lowes), some mega brands as well as drive-by installer (fondly referred to as "uninsured two man and a truck" and continues to grow.

[8] IRIT LEVY: "I love making people's lives easier."

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

What's it like starting a business at the start of Covid?

In this episode, we meet Irit, who served as an officer in the Israeli army and later loved managing a book store for fifteen years, something her grandfather started in Jerusalem in 1908. Spending her day surrounded by books was an experience, but the opportunity to interact with people and talk about literally anything made this an incredibly gratifying job.

Her journey takes her to a start-up in the personal development niche, working primarily with moms who worked from home. Irit started a master's degree in education and cognitive behavior and became an "instructional designer" writing training courses for software and loved it. "It fits my mind how to take a subject and simplify. I realized that I like organizing and simplifying the world around us. "

Irit comes from an extended family of public servants, including her husband - she hasn't been surrounded by entrepreneurs all of her life. But as she shares earlier, "I've always wanted to do things my way. I've always gone against the grain." She realizes that opening her own company was her dream, using her skills to "guide companies to understand, clarify and simplify their workflows.

"I put in a lot of work talking about what I love doing and what gives value to other people. It was never about me." From sixty LinkedIn connections, she organically grew her network to over ten thousand in a relatively short period, growth that started with a post "don't work with MailChimp."

Why is her work so important? "When you clarify and simplify what you do, it allows you to delegate the work, and then it frees you to do the things you love."

Isn't this the reason why we all started our own business?

[7] ANITA TOTH: Easy come, easy go right? Absolutely not!

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I speak with Anita Toth, Chief Churn Crusher (CCC). While Anita focuses on Software as a Service (SaaS) companies, the topic - how to stop customers from leaving- applies to any business.

Find out what Medical Geography (an actual Master's major) is all about and what attracted Anita to public health and the environment. Anita's first day on the job was the day before September 11th, 2001 - talk about jumping into the water and learning how to swim.

Anita shares that she felt like a square peg in a round hole during her tenure as a researcher. But, like many would-be entrepreneurs, she also had a side hustle selling honey for her friend. She then takes an expensive website building and SEO course and helps companies rank on Google, but... "it didn't feel right" and was somewhat sketchy.

Anita falls for a few "it's too good to be true" courses by a self-promoted guru and dabbles with a paid advertising agency. She comes to realize a vital thing: "I didn't love marketing as much as I thought."

"My bad experiences as a customer pushed me. What appealed to me was what happens post-sales - the customer experience side of the business." Anita finally finds her calling by joining an AI SaaS platform where she discovers the world of churn.

Why do customers become dissatisfied after making a purchase? Listen to how Anita, who has built a profitable company, is helping businesses identify the root cause of customer dissatisfaction and getting them on a healthy growth track.

[6] PHILIP MUCCIO: A Lifelong Mission to Improve the Lives of Those Suffering from Debilitating and Chronic Pain

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch speaks with Philip Muccio, CEO of AxioBionics , a company that specializes in wearable pain management devices. Phil has always believed that people with physical disabilities must have a reasonable chance at a productive and enriched life. And, he speaks from personal experience as he suffers from a disability as well.

Axiobionics designs, manufactures and distributes neuroprosthetic devices to manage pain and the effects of neurological conditions. Neuroprosthetics (also referred to as neural prosthetics or neuro-prosthetics), is a discipline which encompasses the integration of neuroscience and bioengineering concerned with providing potential solutions to people with neurological and/or neuromuscular impairment.

Phil shows that engineering prowess isn’t the only ingredient that contributes to entrepreneurship success; his genuine caring and big heart shine throughout the interview and drive his mission to change lives for people that experience chronic debilitating pain.

To connect with Philip, email zev@zevasch.com.

To Learn more about business growth and Zev’s latest book: https://zevasch.com/

[5] FORI PANAGIOTAKOPOULOS: From a Military Police Sergeant to An International Mentoring Platform

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev’s guest is Foti Panagiotakopoulos, the Co-Founder of Growth Mentor, an international mentoring platform. Find out about Foti’s journey from a military policeman to a growth marketer with a network of over 400 vetted international marketing experts united by a servant mindset.

To connect with Foti email zev@zevasch.com.
To Learn more about business growth and Zev’s latest book: https://zevasch.com/

[4] JOSH DYSZEL: A Career Changing Phone Call

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch speaks with Josh Dyszel, President & CEO at Recruit & Field, a qualitative research company in New York. Josh was well on his way to a career in information systems when his mother, Bette Dyszel, one of the early pioneers in recruiting respondents for marketing research, asked him to help with her growing company. From setting up a computer network to part-time business development, Josh eventually took over the reins of the company in 2009, orchestrated a buyout of his mother’s partner, rebranded the company and significantly grew the business.

Using his skills as an IT professional, Josh developed a proprietary database system to manage a rapidly growing network of respondents. As the business grew at a rapid pace, Josh was nevertheless focused on staying true to his mother’s legacy. He steered the company’s growth with an early adoption of digital methodologies and his mission to position Recruit & Field as a creative and forward thinking business. Josh continues to expand his in-house talent pool and to invest in advanced technology and research tools.

To connect with Josh email zev@zevasch.com.

To Learn more about business growth and Zev’s latest book: https://zevasch.com/

[3] HANNAH PERRY: From an Au Pair to Franchising Community Art Studios

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch speaks with Hannah Perry, Owner of the Giggling Pig Art Studio. Hannah grew up in England and studied at Beverley College in Yorkshire, where she earned a degree in childhood education and development. Seeking a new cultural experience, Hannah left England, family and support to become an Au Pair and work with children with special needs.

Along her journey Hannah discovered an unmet need: an outlet for children to express their creativity in a welcoming and safe environment - schools are not the answer as art falls by the wayside. Hannah’s answer was to open an art studio in her local community.

Hannah’s approach to unleashing kids’ creativity is to encourage “drawing outside the lines” - she uses her academic training and experience working as an Au Pair to provide a much needed confidence boost in a way that allows kids to just express themselves - everything goes when it comes to self expression through art. Over the years, Hannah has used her education and experience to develop amazing programs that cater to all ages. Find out how Hannah was able to scale her original community based art studio into a thriving business.

To connect with Hannah email zev@zevasch.com
To Learn more about business growth and Zev’s latest book: https://zevasch.com/

[2] ADAM TORRES: From a Finance Career to Building a Media Empire

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch speaks with Adam Torres, Co-Founder, CEO, and Host of Mission Matters Media. Adam shares how his desire to travel and experience different cultures planted a seed about appreciating people, their uniqueness and creativity. His rapidly expanding media and publishing business’ mission is to amplify those unique voices by giving each a platform to share their journey.

To connect with Adam, email zev@zevasch.com.
To learn more about business growth and Zev's latest book: https://zevasch.com/

[1] ITAY FORER: The Uber of On-Demand Laundry Service

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch speaks with Itay Forer, co-founder and COO at Cleanly/ByNext the On-Demand Laundry & Dry Cleaning service. Itay shares his journey which was ignited after an argument with his girlfriend about who is going to do the laundry. Itay’s story is about a disrupting service in the highly competitive and demanding market of New York City. From a college student to multimillion funding and national success, Itay takes us back to his military service as an Israeli commander and how it impacted his view and pursuit of his goals.

To connect with Itay email zev@zevasch.com
To Learn more about business growth and Zev’s latest book: https://zevasch.com/

Podcasts' Hidden Magic

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this introductory episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door, Zev Asch shares the purpose behind his new podcast; He says," The fastest and most practical way anyone can grow their business is by learning from other successes and what it took to get there." Get ready to be energized and inspired; about the potential of your business or if you're thinking about launching your own.

Learn more at https://zevasch.com/