Welcome to Startup Gems! We find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Tyler Purcell, who owns four laundromats while also running a wealth management firm managing over $250 million. We talked about how he grew The Laundry Spot brand into a multi-million dollar operation that's put 11 competitors out of business, and how he's modernizing an old, forgotten industry. Tyler shared the full economics of the laundromat business, how much it costs to open one, what they net per location, and why he calls it a “bulletproof” business. We broke down his grand opening strategy that ramps stores to $500K revenue month from day one, his approach to commercial laundry and residential pickup, and why he believes laundromats are still years behind the car wash industry in innovation.You can find Tyler on X at https://x.com/TylerPurcell24 and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerpurcell-balancewealth/.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━In this solo episode I'm doing something different and ranking my six biggest business failures from #6 to #1. I walk through No BS Crypto with John McAfee, the painful lessons from running a third-party logistics company that did $400K a month with 90% revenue tied to one toxic client, and the whirlwind of launching Bitcoin mining at the exact wrong time after a bull-run high where we did $10M in 90 days and still lost in the end. I also get honest about a phone repair merger I rushed, and the number one failure that cost me a friendship in my wholesale iPhone parts business. The theme across all of it is control, concentration risk, partnerships, and how survivorship bias hides the real cost of bad decisions. If you want the full backstory on the McAfee chapter, check out Episode 9 where I tell that story in detail.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Back in July 2024, after hearing about this idea on our podcast in episode #37, Tyler Mumford decided to give it a shot. He launched his stump grinding business in Provo, Utah, and within his first two months made over $32,000. In episode #140, Tyler came back on the podcast to share how he actually made it happen. In this episode, Nik and I meet up with him on-site to see how he built real income fast with just a simple setup and some hard work. We talk about how he landed his first customers, what helped him grow so quickly, and the mindset that pushed him to quit his job and go all in. Tyler also shares how much he's learned from putting himself out there, the kind of freedom it's created for him, and why anyone can do the same if they're willing to start.• Follow Tyler on X: https://x.com/StumpGuyTy — he shares daily tips and updates from the field.• Check out Tyler's Gumroad page: https://tylerstump.gumroad.com/l/tncww — he's put together resources for anyone looking to start their own stump grinding business.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━In this episode I talk with Wesley Parkin from Grounds Guys Keller about how the Christmas lights business really works. We go over real numbers on what homeowners pay, how margins grow from year one to year three, and why commercial installs can completely change your income. We dig into lead generation with LSA, PPC, and Facebook ads, the best time of year to start marketing, and the quick setup and takedown process that keeps this side hustle efficient. We also cover safety gear like Cougar Paws and a pitch wedge, the difference between selling and leasing lights, and how route density can help you hit $1K an hour during peak season. If you've been looking for a seasonal business with real numbers and proven demand, this one shows you exactly how it's done.Find Grounds Guys Keller at https://www.groundsguys.com/keller-tx/Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.comEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━I sat down with Ace Enders from The Early November to unpack how money actually moves in music and what it really takes to make a living today. We get into the old label world of advances, recoupment, and why most bands made their money on touring and merch, not album sales. Ace shares what happened when Drive-Thru Records deals flowed up to MCA, why the mid-2000s shift to streaming left so many royalties in limbo, and why a stream paying roughly $0.007 changes how you release music now. We talk touring math at the 1,000-cap level, venue merch cuts, the push-pull between depth and virality, and how artists navigate identity, mental health, and the pressure to keep performing. We also riff on the “messy middle,” the rise of AI music, and why Ace still loves simple, hands-on businesses like cleaning parking lots at 4 a.m. If you want to support Ace, grab the new Ace Enders album dropping on Halloween and pick up the vinyl or hit a show.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Logan Kilpatrick from Google DeepMind and we vibe coded real apps live with AI Studio. We went from idea to working prototypes in minutes, including a video analysis app that extracts takeaways from uploads and a voice lead-gen agent that greets visitors and fills a form for me behind the scenes. We talked about why vibe coding lowers the barrier to building, how to package simple tools for specific users, and where the biggest opportunities are with Gemini, VO3, voice agents, and computer-use agents. This isn't sponsored, and Google didn't pay me, but I am a Google shareholder. If you're looking for practical ways to start building with Google's AI today, this one's for you. Logan's links:
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Doyle to talk through what we'd each launch if we had to make $10,000 in a day, a week, a month, or a year. We share how we'd think through each timeframe, what really matters when you're trying to hit those numbers fast, and what we're personally working on and building right now. It's one of those fun and practical conversations packed with new insights, lessons, and experiments you can learn from.If you want to check out the project I mentioned in this episode, visit https://neflstocks.com/.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Marcus, an expert in Google and YouTube ads, who's helped dozens of local businesses scale to six and seven figures. We talked about how he built a seven-figure agency in just over a year, why most local businesses fail with online ads, and the easiest ways to turn your website into a true conversion machine. Marcus broke down his step-by-step playbook for combining Google Ads, YouTube Ads, and remarketing to dominate local markets, and shared some wild real-world results—like roofing leads for $20 and cleaning businesses getting a 5–6x return on ad spend. We also discussed how patience and strong landing pages often separate good campaigns from great ones.If you'd like to get in touch with Marcus, you can fill out this short form and I'll connect you directly: https://form.typeform.com/to/WlJOA0ujEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Romain Torres, founder of ArcAds, to talk about how people are building real businesses with AI-generated influencers and ads. We broke down how these “fake” influencers are making millions, why older audiences convert better, and how creators are cloning themselves to post more content without recording. Romain shared the exact process to make $10K–$15K a month selling AI ad services to brands, plus how he'd automate the whole thing using Zapier, Make, and ChatGPT. You can find Romain on LinkedIn and X by searching Romain Torres, founder of ArcAds.If you want to try ArcAds yourself and start creating AI-generated videos, you can use my affiliate link here: https://arcads.ai/?via=chris-koernerEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Get 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━In this solo episode I walk through how regular people are building real businesses by white labeling simple software. I break down a few examples that are already making serious money and show you exactly how to spot these opportunities yourself. I also share the process I use to dig into what's working, how to find the products, the pricing, and even how they get customers. There are a few tools I use that make this whole thing a lot easier, and I show all of them in the episode.Meta Ad Library: https://www.facebook.com/ads/libraryWayback Machine: https://web.archive.orgTKOwners Community: https://www.tkowners.comBuiltWith: https://builtwith.comWappalyzer: https://www.wappalyzer.comCRFT Lookup: https://www.crft.studio/lookupStack Crawler: https://stackcrawler.comSimilarweb: https://www.similarweb.comWhatRuns: https://www.whatruns.comNerdyData: https://www.nerdydata.comIBISWorld: https://www.ibisworld.comSearchfunder: https://searchfunder.comDealroom: https://dealroom.coCB Insights: https://www.cbinsights.comPitchBook: https://pitchbook.comOwler: https://www.owler.comAlphaSense: https://www.alpha-sense.comSensor Tower: https://sensortower.comG2: https://www.g2.comBombora: https://bombora.comDistill: https://distill.ioVisualping: https://visualping.ioChangeTower: https://changetower.comAdEspresso: https://adespresso.comBigSpy: https://bigspy.comSocialPeta: https://www.socialpeta.comWisconsin franchise search tip: “WI franchise search” on GoogleEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dive into the drone roof inspections opportunity that checks every box for first-time operators. We break down why this market is growing ~15% a year toward $3.5B, how Part 107 licensing works, and the real numbers per job: $200–$400 for residential visual, + $100–$300 for thermal, $300–$700 for commercial, and $500–$1,500 for complex sites. We talk margins (50–70% gross, 20–30% net), the exact six-hour job workflow from airspace checks to delivery, and why you should sell this as roof condition documentation. I share a case study of an operator doing seven figures, including $15K–$30K days when storms hit, plus B2B channels that make this repeatable with roofing, insurance, property management, and construction. We finish with acquisition tactics that actually work: Google Business Profile, city keywords, the “drone facade” keyword angle, and simple land-and-expand upsells like thermal, mapping, and social media clips. If you want a real business with low startup cost, real demand, and no ladders, this is it.Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with John Rush, the indie builder behind 24 projects making over $3 million a year in recurring revenue. John walked me through how he uses AI to launch simple tools and agents, validate ideas fast, and grow them without needing a team. We also talked about his million-dollar SEO Bot and the exact steps he takes to turn small experiments into real businesses.You can find John on X (Twitter) @JohnRushX, on LinkedIn, and on Substack.If you'd like to check out the SEO Bot we discussed, here's my affiliate link: SEO BotEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Peter Askew to dig into the story of how he accidentally ended up buying VidaliaOnions.com , and turned it into a direct-to-consumer onion business shipping over 100,000 pounds a year. Peter broke down how he built trust with farmers, set up fulfillment on a handshake deal, and eventually expanded the brand to include Onions.com as a premium domain.We also talked about what makes farming partnerships so unique, the real power of type-in traffic to descriptive domain names, and why sometimes the best opportunities come from simply talking to the right person who “gets it.”This is part two of a two-part episode. If you want to check out the first half, listen to episode #226.If you want to learn more from Peter, check him out here:Twitter / X: @searchboundBlog: DeepSouthVentures.comPersonal site: Askew.orgHere are some of the tools, resources, and sites Peter mentioned in our conversation:Expired Domains tool: http://www.expireddomains.netGoDaddy Auctions: http://auctions.godaddy.comNameJet: http://www.namejet.comSnapNames: http://www.snapnames.comDropCatch: http://www.dropcatch.comNamecheap Auctions: http://www.namecheap.com/domains/marketplace/buy-domains/auctionsClicky Analytics: http://clicky.comShopify: http://www.shopify.comShipStation: http://www.shipstation.comEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━I sat down with Peter Askew to dig into his unique path of building profitable online businesses from expired domains. Peter shared how he went from being laid off multiple times to teaching himself code, learning SEO, and eventually acquiring domains like DudeRanch.com and VidaliaOnions.com. We talked through the exact playbook he used to find these opportunities, how he evaluates traffic and monetization potential, and the surprising power of exact-match domains for building authority in any niche.Peter broke down how DudeRanch.com now makes around $50,000 a year from just one hour of work per month, why he sees boutique e-commerce as one of the best opportunities right now, and how his job board RanchWork.com became a steady year-round business helping thousands of people find ranch jobs.If you want to learn more from Peter, check him out here:Twitter / X: @searchboundBlog: DeepSouthVentures.comPersonal site: Askew.orgHere are some of the tools, resources, and sites Peter mentioned in our conversation:Expired Domains tool: http://www.expireddomains.netGoDaddy Auctions: http://auctions.godaddy.comNameJet: http://www.namejet.comSnapNames: http://www.snapnames.comDropCatch: http://www.dropcatch.comNamecheap Auctions: http://www.namecheap.com/domains/marketplace/buy-domains/auctionsClicky Analytics: http://clicky.comShopify: http://www.shopify.comShipStation: http://www.shipstation.comEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Ben Wilson, the creator of How to Take Over the World, and we talked about what separates the good from the great. Ben shared the common traits he has uncovered from studying leaders like Julius Caesar, Steve Jobs, Napoleon, and Rockefeller. We covered how communication at scale is often the defining skill, why energy beats raw intelligence, and how grit, resilience, and confidence shape world changing achievements. We also explored the power of vision, the role of timing, and why pursuing what gives you energy is the surest way to lasting success.Listen to Ben's podcast: takeoverpod.comFollow Ben on X: @BenWilsonTweetsWatch on YouTube: How to Take Over the WorldEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━I sat down with Omar Choudhry to dive into how AI is changing the way we build businesses. Omar walked me through how he uses vibe coding with Cursor and Claude to create directory sites that actually rank on Google, pull thousands of visits a month, and generate real revenue. We talked about why directories are still powerful in the AI era, how programmatic SEO can unlock massive opportunities, and why the best way to learn is to just start building.If you want to try this yourself, Omar built 5 Day Sprint, a framework that gives you a one-liner setup so you can launch projects without needing to be technical: 5daysprint.com?via=uhbvrr. You can also join his Skool community to learn directly from Omar and connect with other builders: skool.com/5-day-sprint/about?ref=6d6756feb6d84ec6a8cf88650ace7240.Follow Omar here:X: x.com/OmarChoudhryInstagram: instagram.com/omarchoudhryEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
You can sign up for Lindy here: https://bit.ly/4mXLGqq — using this link also supports what we're doing.━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Flo Crivello, founder of Lindy, and this one really opened my eyes. We talked about the latest Lindy 3.0 release, how AI agents can now handle full workflows end-to-end, and why this is the right time to start building with them. Flo shared some wild examples of people using Lindy to run customer support, generate leads, and even negotiate deals. We also dug into how you can start an AI automation agency with Lindy AI and turn these tools into real businesses. It's clear we're still super early, and the opportunities here are massive.You can find Flo and Lindy here:Flo on Twitter/X: @AltimorFlo on LinkedIn: Florent CrivelloLindy on Twitter/X: @getlindyEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Neville Medhora, one of the sharpest copywriters out there. We talked about the fundamentals of writing words that actually sell, how simple tweaks can turn a dead email list into a money-maker, and why the old rules of professional writing don't really work anymore. Neville also shared the framework he leans on for almost everything and broke down what makes certain stories and ads go viral.Find Neville at copywritingcourse.comFollow Neville on X: https://x.com/NevMedEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Power of Copywriting03:11 – Power of great copy: scaling sales05:33 – Why real feedback is crucial07:53 – Copywriting Course beginnings10:11 – The first AppSumo “fonts” email12:28 – ADA formula explained (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)14:55 – Interest vs. Desire: key difference17:09 – Expanding product markets with copywriting19:36 – Beehive & Texas Snacks email example22:01 – Fun email formats that boost engagement24:21 – Where ADA applies (and where it doesn't)29:03 – Cold emails: short, medium, long strategy31:28 – Email frequency & the 70/30 rule36:17 – Classic ads & copywriting legends
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Rob Walling, who's built and sold multiple companies without raising a dime of venture capital. Rob created what he calls the stair step method, a framework for everyday people to go from freelancing to building big businesses one step at a time. We got into how to know when something is simple enough to vibe code, when you should bring in no-code tools, and when you actually need a developer.We also talked about the 75 different app marketplaces that can be incredible launch pads, why most entrepreneurs should start with an agency or productized service before SaaS, and how Rob grew his own companies like Drip. He shared insights from investing in over 220 startups, the traps new founders fall into, and the repeatable playbooks that really work.If you want to keep up with Rob, check him out here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/microconfPodcast: https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/Twitter/X: https://x.com/robwallingEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━If you want to learn more, join Shannon's mastermind at https://shannonjean.com/mastermindI sat down with Shannon Jean again for another fun and practical episode. If you missed part one, go check it out first. He shared how he got started and built his business around flipping liquidation inventory. This time, we went through a bunch of live listings and talked about the broader strategy behind spotting great deals, understanding the market, and making real money from what others overlook. Shannon's been doing this for decades and his insights just keep getting sharper. We covered everything from boring products to surprising opportunities. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Ryan Bartlett again, and if you haven't already, make sure to check out the previous episode, where we talked about his story and how he started True Classic. It's a wild ride that shows exactly how he went from a small investment to building one of the fastest-growing apparel brands out there.In this second part, we focused more on the agency side of things. Ryan shared what he thinks are the best service businesses to start right now, especially the ones that are still wide open and create real results for clients. We talked about smarter ways to test products, how to make your first clients say yes without needing a huge portfolio, and what separates people who actually make it in business from those who don't. We also got into team building, identifying real impact, and why being scrappy and resourceful still wins.True Classic: https://www.trueclassic.comFollow Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanBartlettEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Ryan Bartlett, founder of True Classic, and this one was wild. He took a $3,000 investment and turned it into a $270 million t-shirt company, all without venture funding. We broke down exactly how he pulled it off from finding product market fit to reverse engineering Facebook ads, negotiating every SaaS and 3PL deal, and turning free gifts into a growth engine. He shared the hidden power of starting with a simple agency, why CRO and email are the smartest plays right now, and how you can test 50 product ideas a month with almost no risk. We also went deep on how he uses comedy in advertising to build unforgettable brand moments and why inventory innovation is the future of ecom. Ryan even dropped a few business ideas he doesn't have time to pursue and one of them might be yours now.True Classic: https://www.trueclassic.comFollow Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanBartlettEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Jas to hear how he built Winnipeg Digest from scratch into a six-figure local media business. He broke down exactly how he grew the newsletter to over 35,000 subscribers and 73,000 social followers in just over a year, and how he monetizes through exclusive sponsorships. Jas shared his playbook on ads, open rates, subject lines, and why local newsletters are the most underrated way to build a real audience today. We also got into his new venture, Digest Lights, a Christmas lights business he launched on top of the newsletter that's already bringing in jobs before the season starts. We talked through unit economics, sales tactics, and the bigger vision of using a local media asset as a marketing arm for other businesses.You can find Jas on Twitter at https://x.com/Creatingjas and check out his newsletter at https://winnipeg-digest.beehiiv.com/Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.comGet 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chriskoernerOutscraper – Google Maps Data Scraper (used for pulling RV parks and other businesses)
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I spent the last month diving deep into the booming world of mobile saunas and cold plunges, and the numbers I found were wild. Operators are pulling in $10K to $50K/month with high margins and quick payback periods, and that's not even the craziest part. In this episode, I break down 5 real businesses in this space and rank them from good to great, with real revenue numbers, strategies, and mistakes to avoid. Then I sit down with Danny Geurink from Purely Nomadic Sauna Co. in Michigan, who's running a one-man sauna business with 50% profit margins and some brilliant insights on customer acquisition, pricing, and operational efficiency. We talk about everything from Facebook Marketplace tactics to why wood-burning saunas win, and how he's doing this business with his family on the side. Whether you're curious about cold plunges or looking for a seasonal business with serious upside, this one's for you.Danny's business: http://purelynomadicsauna.com/
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris___Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.___HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about some surprisingly profitable business ideas. We start with weddings as a service, where one guy built a $3M/year business without owning a venue. Then we get into how you could create your own Texas Snacks by reselling merch from local tourist attractions like Lambert's Café or Big Texan Steak Ranch. We also go deep on the insane potential of Drive a Tank—an experience business that feels like real-life Call of Duty. And finally, we break down why Meta's AI-powered ads are working better than ever and how to take advantage as a small business owner.Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comEnjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Wrex Lindsay to talk about one of the best opportunities I've seen in a while, the subcontractor model in home performance. What makes this so interesting is you don't need a crew, a big shop, or tons of experience to get started. You can dip your toes in with simple offers, use subs to handle the work, and still land high-ticket jobs worth $10K+. Wrex breaks down how this model can scale to $1M a year, why the timing is perfect to get into this space, and how anyone can take advantage of the opportunity.Connect with Cozy Pros on Instagram at https://instagram.com/cozypros and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CozyHPS.Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Cody Schneider again to break down a bunch of AI-powered business ideas you can start this week. From AI ad agencies to webinar flywheels, flight deal newsletters, and using AI to mine Reddit for business ideas like med spa lead gen, this episode is packed with automatable, scalable plays you can copy today. And at the end, Cody drops one bonus non-AI idea.Follow Cody here:Twitter/X – https://x.com/codyschneiderxxYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@codyschneiderxGraphed – https://www.graphed.com (Cody's AI dashboard generator that turns your data into a chat-driven dashboard in minutes)Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris___Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.___HoldCo Bros are back. In this episode, Nik and I break down how Alex Hormozi pulled off the biggest nonfiction book launch of all time and made $105 million in one day. We walk through his full story from sleeping on the floor of his gym to selling Gym Launch and launching Acquisition.com with Layla. We explain how the Customer Financed Acquisition model actually works, why his launch strategy is a blueprint anyone can use, and what every founder can learn from his failures, focus, and wild ability to compound over time.Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comEnjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Phenomenon of Alex Hormozi10:01 The Early Life and Education of Alex Hormozi20:05 The Turning Point: From Corporate to Entrepreneur29:44 Building a Business: The Gym Launch Journey39:46 Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from Setbacks49:57 The Marketing Genius Behind Hormozi's Success34:29 Building a Business Empire: Acquisition.com and Beyond39:46 The Launch Strategy: $105 Million in One Day47:04 Finding Your Passion: The Key to Success54:14 Contemplation and Action: The Balance of Decision Making
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I walk you through exactly how I validate an online business idea before I ever launch it, using real data from places that actually matter. I use GummySearch, Reddit, and review sites like Captera, G2, GetApp, and TrustRadius to pull the true pain points and must haves for QuickBooks and Xero, then I run the same prompt across ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Manus to cluster the findings. The big three complaints are unreliable bank feeds, constant pricing increases, and poor customer support, while the must haves are clean invoicing, simple reconciliation, and easy cloud access with multi user collaboration. To show how fast you can move, I spin up a Carrd landing page on LazyBooks.com, wire it to Beehive for email capture, and put a simple message out for small businesses that hate bookkeeping. If you want a simpler tool built for businesses with zero to ten employees, join the LazyBooks waitlist below.Try PickFu and get 50% off your first poll with code TKOPOD at https://www.pickfu.com/#_r_tkopod30% off for three months with code CHRIS30 at checkout - https://www.beehiiv.com/chrishttps://try.carrd.co/fs12zhlchttps://gummysearch.com/?via=chris-koernerEnjoy!---Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os---PROMPT: Your job is to act like a research assistant with agentic browsing and scraping powers. I want you to investigate public review sites (Capterra, G2, GetApp, TrustRadius, and similar) and extract real user pain points and “can't-live-without” features for QuickBooks (Online + Desktop) and Xero.Steps:1. Scrape reviews across multiple platforms (Capterra, G2, GetApp, TrustRadius, Reddit, app store reviews if available).2. Collect at least 200+ recent reviews (past 2 years).3. Parse and cluster feedback into two categories: - *Pain points* (things users hate, churn reasons, frustrations, broken features, cost complaints). - *Must-haves* (the specific features or outcomes users rave about and would never give up).4. For each cluster, include: - Direct sample quotes from real users (keep them short). - Frequency (# of times it appeared across reviews). - Sentiment strength (light annoyance → dealbreaker).5. Summarize into a ranked list: - Top 10 pain points across both platforms. - Top 10 must-have features across both platforms.6. Call out any hidden gems — recurring insights from smaller groups that big competitors might be missing (ex: bank-feed stability, reconciliations, multi-currency, customer support).7. Deliver a final “opportunity map” — 3–5 areas where a slimmed-down competitor could wedge in, based on high-frustration/low-satisfaction pain points paired with still-high demand for core features.Output format:- Clear tables (Pain Points, Must-Haves).- Ranked lists with numbers.- A concise final summary with the best 3–5 wedge opportunities.Make sure all insights are backed with real review data, not generic summaries.At the end of your report give me your unfiltered unbiased take on whether or not I should start this business. Be brutally honest for me, and assume I have a 10x developer on my team, because I do.
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Cody Schneider and we broke down what might be the easiest business you can start online right now. Cody walked me through how to launch a fully automated print on demand business using AI-generated graphics, Etsy, and tools like Everbee, Printify, and N8N. We talked about how to find winning products with data, spin up thousands of listings without touching a design tool, and scale the whole thing using automations and zero inventory.Then we riffed on a killer idea: building a merch automation agency for creators. Cody showed me exactly how he'd pitch creators, find their catchphrases, design the merch, cold email them, and even handle all fulfillment using platforms like Fourthwall. If you want a smart, low-cost way to make money with AI and automation, this is it.You can follow Cody on YouTube and X to see more of what he's building.Enjoy!---Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I've used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what's working. Get 30% off three months at beehive.com/chrisHoldCo Bros are back. In this one Nik and I map out a crazy challenge for next summer where I start a new business in every state in 50 days. We get into state‑specific ideas like Breaking Bad tourism in New Mexico with themed experiences and rentable props, shed hunting in Wyoming and Montana, and even a tour guide concept for Zion National Park. We also break down goats for land clearing and wildfire prevention as a real business with simple lead gen using Meta ads to target rural landowners. Then we riff on the Unclaimed Baggage monopoly in Alabama, what other lost and found style markets might exist in hotels, Airbnbs, and car rentals, and how to play the middleman to turn overlooked inventory into profit. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comEnjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Cost of Clearing Land and Business Ideas02:56 Starting a Business in 50 States05:46 The Power of Influencer Marketing09:08 Unique Business Concepts for Each State11:56 Monetizing Local Attractions and Experiences15:01 The Unclaimed Baggage Business Model17:53 Innovative Ideas for Movie Props and Tours20:47 The Goat Business Model for Land Clearing
If you want Hector's help starting or growing your own trade school, fill out this quick form: https://form.typeform.com/to/Fz6CExfSCheck out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.I sat down with my friend and neighbor Hector to talk about how he built and scaled trade schools using little-known government grants. We covered how states pay $5,000 to $15,000 per student, why white labeling courses leads to huge margins, and how he's helped schools in industries like nursing, CDL truck driving, pest control, IT tech sales, and more. We also discussed how existing business owners can bolt a school onto their operation, solve staffing shortages, and get paid to train their own employees.Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.In this episode I put ChatGPT 5, Claude Opus 4.1, Grok 4 and Gemini 2.5 Pro head to head to see which AI can create the fastest, most practical money making plan from scratch. I gave each model the exact same challenge to become a $100 per hour consultant in 72 hours starting with no audience, no connections, and just $500, and then I compared their strategies step by step.After ranking their ideas for quality, simplicity, and likelihood to work, I pushed the competition further by testing each AI in a real money options trading experiment. I followed their instructions live, invested my own cash, and revealed the exact results the next day including profit, losses, and all. This was a full stress test of speed, accuracy, and real world outcomes, and the results may surprise you.Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.HoldCo Bros are back with part two of our million dollar in six months challenge. If you missed part one, go check it out here: [ https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5y6hOtgrtVb ]. In this episode, Nik and I keep stacking high return business ideas you could actually start today. We dig into liquidation flipping for fast cash, breaking down how to buy inventory for pennies on the dollar and move it for solid margins. We explore the strategy of buying a business and adding instant value through AI automation to unlock massive equity gains from day one. I share my glamping site idea for under served markets, plus a unique equity for value add deal inspired by our friend Hector. We also kick around niche service plays like coil cleaning for grocery stores and even unconventional experiences like a “fantasy camp” for mowing enthusiasts. This one is packed with creative ways to hit big revenue fast and some might surprise you.Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comEnjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Starting Small: The Power of Flipping Equipment02:56 Leveraging AI for Business Growth05:50 Innovative Business Models: Equity Without Purchase08:59 Exploring Glamping: A Unique Investment Opportunity11:59 Niche Markets: Finding Pain Points to Profit14:54 Creative Business Ideas: Bingo and Beyond17:47 The Future of AI in Small Business20:38 Building a Business: The Importance of Experience23:34 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Business Model
If you want Kyler's full training, repair tips, sourcing strategies, and templates, check out his community at http://Applianceskool.com━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Kyler, a 23-year-old who makes $10,000/month renting out $50 washers and dryers on Facebook Marketplace. We actually did an interview last year (Dec 9, 2024) [ https://youtu.be/UXgGQT-IJEY ], and people loved it, so we decided to do this special out-and-about episode to show you exactly how it works. Kyler broke down his entire three-step system, which he calls Post, Rent, Buy, and explained how he started with literally zero dollars by picking up free or broken sets. We dive into how he sources cheap appliances, automates monthly payments, keeps churn incredibly low, and even makes money offering delivery services. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly business that works in almost any town, this is it. Enjoy!---Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.Get 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://tkopod.co/30daysOfFreeHLHow to scrape leads: https://tkopod.co/Os How to mass text: straighttext.com - promo code KOERNER for 50% off!━I launched a brand new AI automation agency from scratch in just 56 minutes. No audience tricks, no prep, no fluff. I recorded the clock, sent 50 texts, built a real AI voice agent using HighLevel, and got an actual home service business owner to say yes all in under an hour.This is one of the biggest business opportunities I've seen. Most local businesses don't answer the phone after hours and miss out on thousands in lost revenue. You can fix that with an AI answering agent, built in minutes, using tools that are basically free to start with.I walk you through the whole thing scraping leads with Outscraper, cleaning up the data, setting up the AI in HighLevel, and sending personalized texts using StraightText. Everything you need to start is right here. No logo. No LLC. Just real execution.Timestamps below. Enjoy!---00:00 Launching a Business in Under an Hour02:44 The Power of AI Voice Agents05:59 Building an AI Voice Agent08:53 Scraping Data for Leads11:35 Cleaning and Organizing Data14:28 Texting Potential Customers17:51 Pitching the Service20:52 Analyzing Response Rates23:27 Scaling the Business25:52 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I take on a simple but powerful challenge: how would you build a business worth $1 million in just six months? We each pitch our favorite ideas, from RV rentals and AI wrapper agencies to offshore staffing, buying up newsletters, and starting an AI automation agency with real clients and real money. Nik lays out his hero workflow strategy, and I break down how I spun up an AI-powered voice agent for a garage door company and closed a deal in under an hour.Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comEnjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about why it's never been easier to clone massive SaaS companies and sell the same functionality for 90% less. We broke down how AI is turning platforms like Salesforce, AppFolio, and RentManager into overpriced dinosaurs, and how you can use tools like BuiltWith, G2, and Manus to reverse-engineer their features and customers. Sam even shared how he ran paid traffic to a $1 trial landing page before building the product—and people bought it. We also talked about his new strategy for selling backlinks like products in a Shopify-style marketplace, why form factor changes (like caffeinated gum or chewable toothpaste) are underrated business models, and how his hummingbird nectar side hustle is still going strong. You can find Sam on Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he's up to at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Disruption in Software Pricing02:58 The Commoditization of Services05:52 AI and the Future of Business09:08 Innovative Business Ideas and Form Factors12:04 The Rise of Transparency in Business14:57 Exploring New Market Opportunities17:53 Backlink Strategies and SEO Insights20:45 Testing New Business Models24:04 The Value of High-Quality Backlinks
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we walked through a whole new batch of insane liquidation deals you could flip for serious money. We talked about truckloads of auto parts from the Advanced Auto Parts and Pep Boys merger, flipping Costco returns like Blackstone griddles, and why now is the perfect time to buy Christmas trees for resale. Shannon also broke down strategies for flipping Lego sets, Google Glass, and even modular buildings and flooring from college auctions. We talked about how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Manus to analyze manifests, how to talk to potential buyers before you even bid, and how these flips could turn into a full-time business. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/If you liked this one and want more from Shannon, check out the other episodes with him here:How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061Shannon returns! More high ticket flipping and deal making tips. Part 2 of 2. Ep. #041Asymmetric bets & flipping high ticket items for profit with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep. #038Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Unlocking Wealth Through Seasonal Arbitrage02:47 The Power of Seasonal Selling06:03 Investing in High-Demand Products08:46 Maximizing Profits with Liquidation Auctions12:01 Exploring Unique Reselling Opportunities14:52 Navigating the World of Auctions18:07 Leveraging Market Trends for Profit20:55 Strategies for Successful Reselling23:49 The Future of Reselling and Investment
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.If you've ever gotten a newsletter from me, it was powered by Beehiiv. Built by the team behind Morning Brew, it's the only platform I've found that actually moves the needle. Go to beehiiv.com/chris and use code chris30 to get 30% off your first three monthsI sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about how anyone could shamelessly copy the strategy behind Cluely, the $120 million AI company that blew up in just three months. We broke down their viral content machine, how they hired 700+ clippers, and why they only pay per view, not per video. Then we talked about how to spin this strategy into your own clipping farm or media agency, even if you're starting from scratch. We also riffed on business ideas using public records of new LLC registrations, and how to turn that into a high-margin lead gen or service business. Finally, we talked about AI's limits, what's still very human, and why action always beats overthinking. You can find Sam on Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he's up to at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Rise of Cluely: A Viral Sensation02:30 – Why Controversy Is the New Marketing05:20 – Where AI Still Sucks (And You Should Focus)08:15 – Can AI Replace Real Human Creativity?10:15 – Inside Cluely's 700-Clippers Growth Strategy12:40 – Clipping: Organic Reach on Steroids15:10 – Steven Bartlett's Viral Content System17:30 – Can't Track It? Still Worth Doing It19:45 – Movement Over Perfection: Just Start Clipping22:20 – Pay View Bonuses, Not Editors (Clipping Hack)24:45 – Cold Outreach SaaS Idea Using New Biz Listings27:10 – Vibe-Coding a Local Marketing Agent (Step-by-Step)
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.If you've ever gotten a newsletter from me, it was powered by Beehiiv. Built by the team behind Morning Brew, it's the only platform I've found that actually moves the needle. Go to beehiiv.com/chris and use code chris30 to get 30% off your first three months I sat down with Shannon Jean and we talked about how to spot overlooked opportunities and turn them into real money. We got into strategies for flipping items with zero upfront cost, how to use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, GovDeals, and B-Stock to find profitable products, and how to build repeatable systems around local reselling. Shannon shared how to create a network of local buyers, how to wholesale to discount stores, and how your personal story can actually help you close more sales. If you want to start something scrappy and profitable, this one's packed with ideas. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/If you liked this one and want more from Shannon, check out the other episodes with him here:Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061Shannon returns! More high ticket flipping and deal making tips. Part 2 of 2. Ep. #041Asymmetric bets & flipping high ticket items for profit with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep. #038Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Unlocking Reselling Opportunities02:47 The Power of Liquidation Deals06:00 Finding Hidden Gems in Unsexy Markets08:49 Building Relationships for Reselling Success12:08 Leveraging Local Markets for Profit14:55 Understanding Product Demand and Pricing17:47 Avoiding Common Reselling Pitfalls21:10 Crafting Your Reselling Narrative24:00 The Future of Reselling: Trends and Insig
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI just tested the new ChatGPT agent from OpenAI and this thing blew my mind. For $20/month I had six agents running at once, doing cold outreach, writing pitch decks, researching competitors, even prepping my meetings by digging through private info on my calendar. I tested it on everything from finding local SEO leads to building a launch plan for a mobile car wash business. It cross-referenced Google Trends, scraped Reddit and Amazon reviews, and even redesigned a pitch deck using the legendary Airbnb format. If you're into automation, business building, or just want to know how to actually make money with ChatGPT, this one's for you.Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comHoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dive into the power of zigging while everyone else zags. We break down the business behind The Flower Letters, a low churn $300K+ per month subscription built around physical mail and why this old school model is winning big. Then we riff on spin off ideas like analog pen pal chess games, choose your own adventure letters for kids, and using AI to co-write and print custom children's stories. We also brainstorm a niche wedding vendor directory, a Vibe coded video game builder for fantasy nerds, and how white label AI wrappers can unlock passive income. This one's full of business models, AI ideas, and real examples of how to create scalable products around connection and creativity. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comTimestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Flower Letters Business Model02:54 Exploring the Concept of Analog Communication05:47 Innovative Business Ideas Inspired by Nostalgia09:05 The Role of AI in Personal Storytelling11:57 Creating Interactive Experiences for Kids14:51 The Future of AI and Human Connection17:45 Niche Market Opportunities in Wedding Services21:06 The Potential of Vibe Coding for Game Development
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI sat down with Alex Boyd to talk about how a personal landscaping problem led him to uncover a wildly underserved niche forestry mulching. We broke down how he used YouTube content, keyword research, and Meta ads to dominate the market, all while running lean with just a few machines. He shares the full playbook for how he turned a $5K investment into a $500K+ service business in just over a year. We also riffed on a brand new idea involving the Green Climber a remote-controlled land-clearing robot that no one's doing yet.Check out his YouTube channel at Brushworks Services Co and learn more at brushworksco.comTimestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Identifying Market Demand for Brush Clearing03:01 The Journey of Starting a Brush Clearing Business05:50 Keyword Research and Content Marketing Strategies08:59 Leveraging YouTube for Local Service Marketing11:50 Equipment Investment and Financing Options15:07 Ad Targeting and Placement Strategies25:03 Maximizing Video Marketing Strategies30:10 Lead Generation and Conversion Rates35:00 Understanding Pricing and Job Estimates40:45 The Emotional Impact of Land Clearing41:43 Sales Growth and Future Projections45:05 Innovative Equipment and Market Opportunities
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI sat down with Daniel Cronauer again and we talked all things service & local business. We got into how he's opening his third gym right next to competitors and stealing their customers with simple tactics that actually work. We also talked about finding marketing shortcuts that cost almost nothing but drive real leads, how to use Facebook groups the smart way, and why most home service businesses never scale past two trucks. We even got into personal stuff like gratitude, childhood money trauma, and how those shape your mindset as a business owner.If you've ever gotten a newsletter from me, it was powered by Beehiiv. Built by the team behind Morning Brew, it's the only platform I've found that actually moves the needle. Go to beehiiv.com/chris and use code chris30 to get 30% off your first three months.You can find Daniel on Twitter at x.com/DanielCronauer and on LinkedIn.Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Turning Ideas into Cash Flow03:03 Optimism and Market Strategy05:53 Marketing Tactics and Community Engagement09:06 The Importance of Action and Research12:01 Building a Business with Intent14:49 Curiosity and Gratitude as Business Drivers18:05 Navigating Business Challenges20:52 Franchises vs. Entrepreneurship24:06 The Future of Business in a Competitive Market32:00 Brahms vs. Coldstone: The Cost of Vertical Integration34:22 Franchising: The Good, The Bad, and The Fit36:45 Scaling Home Service Businesses: The Key to Growth39:40 The Importance of Systems and Employee Empowerment41:33 Mission Statements: Purpose in Business43:28 The Employee-Employer Dynamic: Who Works for Whom?45:21 Creating a Positive Work Environment46:45 The Psychology of Business: Understanding Employee Needs48:40 Avoiding Time and Money Wasters in Business50:38 Investing in Real Estate: A Personal Journey52:54 Defining Success: Time vs. Money54:48 Diversification: The Value of Multiple Ventures56:15 The Launch Playbook: From Truck to Cash Flow
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comHoldCo Bros are back! In this one, Nik and I talk through some crazy profitable ideas for local service businesses that almost anyone could start. It all kicked off when a real-life hot tub crew showed up at my Airbnb just as I was scripting a video about them. We dug into why hot tub maintenance and moving services are such great opportunities. We also talked about launching a lake house concierge business, touchless vacation rental SaaS tools, and even a boat and paddleboard rental monopoly that charges $95 a tube. Toward the end, we shared a genius cold outreach trick using Shopify and a creative lead gen strategy based on building AI-powered directories. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comTimestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Exploring Unique Business Opportunities03:01 Innovative Service Models for Vacation Rentals05:54 Leveraging Technology in Rental Services08:43 Identifying Lucrative Business Niches12:08 Creative Cold Email Strategies14:59 Building Directories for Lead Generation
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com I sat down and explored five underrated business models hiding in the hot tub industry. It's a surprisingly big and growing $5B market with way more recurring revenue potential than most people realize. I broke down real-world case studies, startup costs, and the exact go-to-market strategy I'd use to launch each idea. If you're looking for a low-capital, high-margin opportunity with real product-market fit, this episode is for you. https://bizee.com/Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Introduction to the Hot Tub Business Opportunity02:44 Exploring Hot Tub Inspection Services05:58 The Market for Hot Tub Covers08:51 Hot Tub Moving and Relocation Services12:10 The Hot Tub Rental Business15:02 Airbnb Hot Tub Maintenance Services17:53 Conclusion and Future Opportunities in Hot Tub Services
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI sat down with Michael Shimeles to talk about the most approachable path into building with AI. We got into why you don't need to be technical to start building powerful AI automations, how to sharpen your edge as a non-developer, and why “just building stuff” is the most important thing you can do right now. We covered tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Make, n8n, and Gumloop, and even talked about wrapping these workflows in simple web apps. We also explored AI-first product ideas, smart ways to escape the “tech bubble,” and how beautiful design can become your moat.You can find Michael on X at x.com/rasmickyy and check out what he's working on at rasmic.xyzHere are direct links to all the tools, platforms, and APIs mentioned in the episode:
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com I sat down with Eric Simons, the CEO of Bolt, to talk about how non-technical entrepreneurs are using AI to build real software businesses from scratch. We broke down how Bolt went from zero to 20 million ARR in just 2 months, and how people are using it to launch full SaaS platforms, create AI-powered CRMs, build client dashboards, and even run entire web app agencies. Eric explained how Bolt helps you go from idea to product in minutes with built-in payment integration, full-stack backend, and mobile app deployment. We also talked about the viral tweet that launched it all and why non-coders might have the edge in this new wave of AI automation. If you want to build something without touching code, try Bolt using my affiliate link. And follow Eric at x.com/ericsimons and Bolt at x.com/boltdotnew. Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The New Era of Entrepreneurship02:56 Building with Bolt: A Game Changer05:45 The Impact of AI on Coding and Development08:58 The Power of Community and Marketing11:44 The Pivot to AI and Its Success14:54 Understanding User Adoption and Use Cases26:42 The Power of ROI in Software Development29:29 Innovative Applications and Business Models32:19 The Non-Technical Advantage in Software Creation35:02 Monetization Strategies with Bolt37:49 Building with Bolt: Real-World Examples40:10 Prompting Best Practices for Effective Development43:30 Overcoming Development Challenges45:54 Designing with AI: Tips and Tricks49:36 Building Complex Applications with Bolt
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comI sat down with Sam Thompson again to dive deep into how he's actually using Veo3 to create viral style AI videos and turn them into real business opportunities. We got tactical on everything from building niche media accounts to running ads for local businesses using short form, hyper specific clips. Sam shared his full prompting framework, how he uses ChatGPT to help write scripts, and even the tricks he's learned after spending over $1,000 testing different styles. We also talked about how this isn't just a gimmick. If you're playing with these tools now, you're learning skills that'll be wildly valuable when the tech levels up. You can find Sam on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he's building at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Exploring VO3: The Future of Video Generation03:00 Creative Applications of VO3 in Advertising05:46 Crafting Effective Prompts for VO309:10 Innovative Business Ideas with VO312:05 The Evolution of Content Creation and Monetization14:57 The Future of AI in Video Production
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