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.
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 community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Greg Isenberg and we turned into idea machines. We riffed through a bunch of approachable business ideas with low startup costs, from mobile bike washing and vending machines to simple physical products, Facebook Marketplace tools, and even Pokémon cards. The whole conversation is about spotting overlooked opportunities, validating ideas fast, and actually starting instead of overthinking.You can check out Greg's podcast, Startup Ideas Podcast, here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregisenbergFollow Greg on X: https://x.com/gregisenbergGreg's website: https://www.gregisenberg.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 community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Jameson to break down how he went from a high paying finance career to building a multi million dollar home services business from scratch. We talked about why testing ideas matters more than overthinking, how he validated demand before committing, and why simple high ticket services like deck building can be incredibly powerful when done right. Jameson also shared very tactical advice on branding, pricing, lead generation, and why speed to lead and social proof matter more than most people realize.You can find Jameson on X here: https://x.com/jamesonhaslamEnjoy! ---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---
Ride the AI tidal wave together. Join the community of consultants learning to charge $500–$35k/mo (per client): https://playmakersai.com/━Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━In this interview, I sit down with Brandon Gadoci, who went from launching his AI consulting firm to an $80,000/month run rate in just 5 months. We discuss why companies are desperate for "AI Operators" , how to price your services between $20k-$35k/month , and the specific tech stack used to build solutions.https://x.com/bgadocihttps://gadociconsulting.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 community at https://TKOwners.com━This story is absolutely wild. Kirk and his brother started their business, Junk Teens, when they were just 15 and 17 years old. They went from riding bicycles to the dump to find old speakers to buying a $75,000 dump truck with CASH.We talk about how they managed high school while building a company , how they scaled from $120k to nearly $1 million/year, and why they don't talk business at the Thanksgiving dinner table.If you want to see what real hustle looks like, do not miss this one.Follow Kirk & The Junk Teens: https://linktr.ee/Junk.TeensYouTube: @JunkTeens (Go subscribe, this is where they show the behind-the-scenes) Instagram: Search "Kirk McKinney" or "Kirk McKinney Jr." 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 community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Quinn Miller to catch up on how his vending machine business has grown and where he's taking it next. We talked about why vending is such a strong cash flow business, how he finds and evaluates locations, and what he's learned from scaling machines across apartments, offices, and hotels. We also got into pricing, product selection, and why sales and momentum matter more than most people think when you're getting started. If you're curious about vending or machine-based businesses in general, this one is packed with real-world insight.You can find Quinn on Twitter at @QuinnJMiller - https://x.com/quinnjmiller, and he also has a vending machine course for anyone who wants a deeper, more hands-on walkthrough of the business - https://linktr.ee/quinnjmillerEnjoy! ---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 community at https://TKOwners.com━"How'd You Do It?" Podcast: My new passion project with my wife where we ask parents how they raised their kids in the faith: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ILzjEkp0dW8vPVR7Ywy1K━It's a wrap on 2025. This is my annual deep dive where I break down everything: the businesses I started, the ones that failed, and exactly where I'm making money. I'm sharing specific net profit numbers across 7+ income streams, not just revenue. I also talk about why I finally killed the Secret Pickleball Club idea , the "return on headache" that led me to move on from other ventures , and my investment strategy for the year, from "NEFL" stocks to angel investing. Plus, a look at why I impulsively signed up for an ultra marathon with zero trainingMentioned in this episode:My 2024 Year-End Recap: If you're interested in how my 2024 went (filmed from a hotel room in San Francisco), you can watch that here: https://youtu.be/kd3wxK_FAO8"Middle of Nowhere" Video: This video is my pride and joy. I had a lot of fun filming it—"I started a business in the middle of nowhere": https://youtu.be/zdqqBELJQ1QAppliance Rental Video: My first long-form video to hit a million views, featuring Kyler: https://youtu.be/UCdWRg1KQLYBook Flipping Video: Mindi turning $1 into $5,000 from books: https://youtu.be/kHRKeDqsoG8NEFL Stocks: My breakdown of why Founder-Led companies with Network Effects outperform the market: https://neflstocks.com/TKOwners: My community for business owners: https://www.tkowners.com/PlaymakersAI: My community for AI consultants and automation: https://playmakersai.com/Fast Tree Care: The tree trimming business I own with my partner James. It's been flat lately and we've been a bit complacent, but it's still profitable: https://fasttreecare.comBackyard Funhouse: My sport court and installation business: https://backyardfunhouse.com/Texas Snacks: My Buc-ee's resale business (that finally got our tax refund!): https://texassnax.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---
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 community at https://TKOwners.com━In this episode, I sat down with Korey McDavid, the founder of Juiced Fuel, to talk about how on demand gas delivery actually works as a real business. We get into why this plugs directly into everyday behavior, how repeat usage turns fuel into predictable revenue, and which customers really make the model work. Korey shares how he started this on the side, how the business compounds once people build the habit, and where it's headed next. He's now in his third year and on pace to do over $1 million this year, which makes this a great example of a straightforward business executed well.You can check out Juiced Fuel at https://juicedfuel.com and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juicedfuel.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 community at https://TKOwners.com━In this episode, I talk about the parts of entrepreneurship that people rarely tell you about and why so many founders feel blindsided once they're in it. I share a simple GRIT framework I've developed after years of building and breaking businesses, and why understanding these challenges upfront matters more than chasing upside.We get into the emotional swings, the hidden costs, and why progress often feels slower than expected. I also walk through practical mindset shifts that help you stay steady, focused, and moving forward when things get uncomfortable. This episode is about seeing the full picture before you decide if this path is really 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 https://TKOPOD.com and join my 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 episode, I walk through dozens of real, practical ways to turn unwanted land into cash flow. I talk about how land that looks ugly, rural, or overlooked can actually become a serious income engine if you think about it differently. From renting out raw land for camping, parking equipment, or RVs, to placing sheds, tiny homes, or storage containers, I break down how people are making money without overcomplicating things.I also share ideas around subdividing land, master leases, portable self storage, tree farms, firewood, pallet businesses, sheds, sports courts, and even some weird but surprisingly profitable niches most people never consider. The big theme of this episode is optionality. Once you own land, especially land no one else wants, you suddenly unlock dozens of ways to monetize it.The goal here is to show that you do not need perfect property, massive capital, or years of experience to get started. You just need ideas, creativity, and the willingness to look at unwanted land as an opportunity instead of a problem.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 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 Mindi Reinke and we walked through one of the simplest, lowest risk reselling businesses I've seen in a long time. She shared how she bought pallets of school books for $1, which is what she usually pays, used eBay and ChatGPT to sort and list the inventory, and turned that into roughly $5,000 in revenue. We talked about why curriculum is the real money maker, how book arbitrage actually works, and why this is a business almost anyone can start with just a phone and very little upfront cost. You can find Mindi Reinke on X at https://x.com/hey_mindi 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---
Join my AI Consulting Community (PlaymakersAI):https://playmakersai.com/Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Will Cannon again and we talked about how he went from scraping and selling lead lists to building multiple million-dollar SaaS businesses. We covered his early background, losing everything in 2008, and how that pushed him into B2B data, cold email, and eventually software.We broke down how he built a profitable lead-selling agency with almost no upfront costs, why recurring revenue changed everything, and how UpLead got its first customers. Will also shared how he thinks about copying existing businesses, acquiring customers before building, and why you do not need to be technical to make this work.Will shares his free playbooks and his socials at IAmWillCannon.comGet Will's Free Cold Email Playbook: https://iamwillcannon.com/free-resources/the-cold-email-playbookWant to copy Will's system? He gives away his entire strategy (scripts included) in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YmJsHESukCo2i9YS9xNMD?si=DDT_jlpeRviFBe7lr4KNKAEnjoy! ---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---
Join my AI Consulting Community (PlaymakersAI):https://playmakersai.com/Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━If you are new here from the Diary of a CEO episode, welcome. I am really glad you are here. And for everyone who has been with me from the beginning, I appreciate you more than you know.In this episode I took all 254 past episodes and pulled out the very best ideas, lessons, guests and takeaways so you do not have to go back and binge everything unless you want to. I walk through my top 23 episodes and rank them from 23 to 1. You will hear why these ideas work, what I love about them, where people get stuck, and how you can use them no matter how much money or experience you have.If you are new to my world, this is the perfect starting point because it gives you the full overview of the most tactical and approachable business ideas we have ever covered. If you have been listening for a while, this is a great refresh and a fun look back at what has actually changed people's lives.Rank 23Episode 55. How to Start a Six Figure Side Hustle Exclusively on Facebook MarketplaceRank 22Episode 229. Starting a Drone Business and Drone Roof InspectionsRank 21Episode 226. Domain Name InvestingRank 20Episode 239. Laundromats with Tyler PurcellRank 19Episode 210. Etsy Print on DemandRank 18Episode 73. Porch PumpkinsRank 18Episode 186. Mailbox RepairRank 17Episode 196. Forestry MulchingRank 16Episode 162. Lessons Learned from Starting 75 Plus BusinessesRank 15Episode 170. How to Get a Yes from EveryoneRank 14Episode 175. Hummingbird Food E Commerce BrandRank 13Episode 144. How to Get Everything You Want Out of LifeRank 12Episode 207. Which AI Should You Use to Make MoneyRank 11Episode 233. Beginner Friendly Ways of Making 10 GrandRank 10Episode 228. Three Million a Year from Tiny AI ToolsRank 9Episode 203. How to Make a Million Dollars in Six MonthsRank 8Episode 230. How to Copy Businesses and White Label Them with Go High LevelRank 7Episode 205. The Most Overlooked Business Idea You Have Ever Heard OfRank 6Episode 248. Eight Ideas for You to Start This WeekendRank 5Episode 169. Twenty Five Tips Tools and Tricks to Use ChatGPTRank 4Episode 161. How to Start an Ad Agency with AI Video GenerationRank 3Episode 156. Reselling Liquidation ItemsRank 2Episode 164. DirectoriesRank 1Episode 204. I Started an Online Business in 56 MinutesEnjoy! ---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━Quick update before you dive in. We're shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we'll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we're producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high.━A year ago I interviewed Cinco about his line striping business. That episode is here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xd6KRw895dstoagycodp5?si=SE8Zssb_SvGNToYYHWazUQHunter heard it, got inspired, and nine weeks later he had nearly fifty thousand dollars in revenue with zero experience.I sat down with Hunter Schenewark to break down how he made almost fifty thousand dollars in his first nine weeks with a simple striping and seal coating business. He had zero experience, started in a small town, did his first job for free in a local Facebook group, then used cold email to land big church projects. We walk through how he priced jobs, how he found customers, the equipment he bought, what it cost, and why seal coating became the real money maker.Hunter on Xhttps://x.com/HSchenewarkHunter's websitehttps://417striping.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━Quick update before you dive in. We're shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we'll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we're producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high.━I sat down with Will Cannon to break down how cold email really works today. Will has sent over one hundred million cold emails and grew one of his companies to a million dollars ARR almost entirely from it. We talk about how to write short emails that convert, how many follow ups you actually need, how to build a list, and what works right now for getting your first customer fast.Will shares his free playbooks and his socials at IAmWillCannon.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/chrisAnd right now, for Black Friday, you can use Promo Code: 2025BFCM for 20% off any annual plan.━Quick update before you dive in. We're shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we'll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we're producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high.I sat down with Connor Gross ( https://x.com/c_gro ) in New York and we went deep on one simple idea taking proven products and changing the form factor to unlock ridiculous upside. We talk about how Billy Mays, OxiClean, and late night infomercials turned into today's DTC and TikTok style direct response, then riff on everything from “AG1 in a gummy” and brands like Grüns, Starface pimple stickers, and stain remover stickers for kids clothes, all the way to race day temporary tattoos that show your elevation profile and aid stations. From there we get into filtration for cyclists and runners, mouth tape for performance and pollution, third party testing apps like SuppCo and Seed Oil Scout, and the crazy opportunity in being the trusted auditor for supplements, snacks, and food labels. We wrap by talking about city based silent retreat concepts inspired by OtherShip, how to productize attention and stillness in a noisy world, and why there is so much money sitting in boring categories if you are willing to innovate on packaging, distribution, and trust.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/chrisAnd right now, for Black Friday, you can use Promo Code: 2025BFCM for 20% off any annual plan.━Quick update before you dive in. We're shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we'll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we're producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high.I sat down with Marcus Lemonis, someone I've admired for over fifteen years, and we talked about business, purpose, regret, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Marcus opened up about his wins and losses, why he gave away millions with no expectation of return, and how he thinks about entrepreneurship in a world shaped by AI. We also got into The Profit, The Fixer, and why your gift comes with responsibility. I loved this conversation and I think you will too.He also shared his newest big idea, which is building an “everything home” ecosystem through Bed Bath and Beyond, Bye Bye Baby, and blockchain tech. It's one of the most ambitious concepts I've heard in a long time.You can find Marcus here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcuslemonisInstagram: https://instagram.com/marcuslemonisTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@marcuslemonisAnd you can watch his new show The Fixer on Fox, Fox Business, and Hulu.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━Is it possible to build a full-time business exclusively on Facebook Marketplace? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Hansen, aka "The Shelf Dude," to find out how he turned a simple DIY garage project into a business netting $15,000 a month.Alex breaks down exactly how he achieved 70-80% profit margins , why he quit his day job to build shelves full-time, and his strategy for creating infinite free leads. We also discuss his major pivot: how he is now monetizing his competitors by building a nationwide installer network and selling digital plans.If you are looking for a low-cost side hustle or want to learn how to sell anything on Facebook Marketplace, this episode is a masterclass in execution.
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Manage your business finances globally and save on fees with Airwallex: https://www.airwallex.com━Want to make $10k/month on Facebook Marketplace?
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━Manage your business finances globally and save on fees with Airwallex: https://www.airwallex.com━This was honestly one of my favorite HoldCo Bros sessions ever. We broke down the math on 8 different business ideas that are completely wide open right now.I'm talking about everything from simple local service arbitrage to high-level psychological pricing hacks. We even break down how one guy in a tiny town is generating a quarter-million dollars a year with zero employees.The opportunities are hiding in plain sight—you just have to know where to look.In this episode, we breakdown:The "Virginity Rocks" Case Study: How a simple brand does $70M/year.The Influencer Partnership Play: How to monetize someone else's audience (using Tesla as an example).The $240k Local Newsletter: How a guy in a small town makes a killing (and how you can copy him).The "Gray Hat" Growth Hack: A slightly controversial way to get high-value clients quickly.Botox Arbitrage: A genius way to partner with neighbors for a cash-flowing side hustle.The Lifetime Warranty Hack: A psychological pricing strategy that sounds crazy but prints money.The "Middleman" Agency: How to sell Local SEO to dentists without doing the work yourself.Reverse-Engineering Etsy: How to find best-selling products just by looking at reviews.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━HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dig into a super interesting business idea — Porta Courts, a portable pickleball court company started by Nik's brother-in-law. We break down how he can turn it into a real business, from testing demand with PickFu surveys to running Facebook ads the right way.We go deep into how to identify the right target audience — from hardcore pickleball players and luxury homeowners to schools, hotels, and local entrepreneurs who could rent these courts out like bounce houses. I share a step-by-step framework for setting up ad campaigns, building high-trust landing pages, and using data to figure out what messaging actually converts.We also talk about how this could evolve into a local franchise-style model and why every new product launch should start with real validation before spending a dollar on marketing.Try PickFu and get 50% off your first poll with code TKOPOD at https://www.pickfu.com/#_r_tkopodEnjoy! ---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 Brandon Doyle (https://x.com/_BrandonDoyle_) again, and this time we tried to build a money-making app in under an hour using Emergent, a new vibe coding tool. We let a random word generator decide our idea, landed on a lawn care quote generator, and then raced to see who could build the better version faster. I focused on the backend logic and real-time pricing, while Brandon went all in on clean design and live deployment. We ended up building two working web apps for about $10 each, both ready to launch instantly. We compared prompts, strategies, and credits used, and talked about how simple these AI tools make it to build real businesses fast.You can try the apps we built here:Brandon's app: https://mowmaster-6.emergent.hostChris's app: https://mowbid.emergent.hostEnjoy! ---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/mastermind━In this episode I'm back with Shannon Jean to dive deep into the world of live selling and how creators are making serious money on apps like Whatnot, Poshmark Live, and eBay Live. Shannon breaks down how liquidation deals on sites like Hanes' auction platform let you buy truckloads of brand-new apparel for pennies per item and resell them live without taking a single photo. We also talk about tools like Whatnot Spy that let you track and reverse engineer other sellers' auctions, plus a wild vending-machine idea that turns Amazon returns into “mystery box” machines.You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)Check out Shannon's Free Auction Starter Guide and see every auction we mentioned at https://shannonjean.com/auctionsAnd 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 Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again, and this time we tried something completely different. We used a random word generator to come up with totally random words and then challenged ourselves to turn each one into a real business idea that could make $20K a month. What started as a fun experiment turned into one of the most creative brainstorming sessions I've ever done.We came up with ideas like an Office-themed chess set, a blue-collar Stoicism community, and even a nightclub marketing agency called Full Lounge. We debated which ideas would actually work, which ones could scale, and how fast each could become profitable. Sam also shared why most people overcomplicate online businesses when simple local plays like garage cleanouts can hit $20K a month with just one person running them.We wrapped up talking about how important it is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on momentum instead of waiting for permission or the “perfect” idea.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━If you want to learn more, join Shannon's mastermind at https://shannonjean.com/mastermind━I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we dove deep into how anyone can start reselling with zero dollars. Shannon showed me live auctions and walked me through a complete roadmap from flipping free Facebook couches to building a full reselling business that makes over $100K. We talked about how to find your unfair advantage, research what sells before buying, and spot the “boring” products that everyone else overlooks — like rugs, books, and parking meters. Shannon also shared stories of real people turning $1 into thousands, from a weatherman making $40K flipping couches to a seller doing $17K a month in pressure washers. Whether you want to make side income or build a full business, this episode shows exactly how to start.You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)Check out Shannon's Free Auction Starter Guide and see every auction we mentioned at https://shannonjean.com/auctionsAnd 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 Dan Porter and we talked about building products people can't stop using. We unpack how Draw Something went from a scrappy side project to number one in 60 countries with ~25 million daily players and ~250 million downloads, and why tiny tweaks can unlock outsized outcomes. Dan shares the simple design choices behind the streak mechanic, letting you only play with friends, and the live playback that made the game feel alive, plus the story of selling for $200 million. We also get into starting Overtime without live rights and scaling it to hundreds of millions of weekly views, why outsider thinking is a superpower, and how he spun Six Seven Water from a meme into a real brand. If you're a builder, this one will push you to ship, observe, and iterate.Find Dan here: https://x.com/tfadpEnjoy! ---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 Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again and we went deep on a wild but very real play. Sam took a painful market, wrapped it in a $29 eBook with a simple bump offer, and used Meta ads to drive buyers who can be referred to lawyers on the back end. We walk through the exact funnel, why AOV vs CAC is the only math that matters, how printing real copies boosted trust, and the snag he hit with Meta's personal hardship policy. The bigger idea is using books as lead-gen for high-value services. If you want a one-person business you can actually run, this is the blueprint for testing fast, reading your own data, and turning information into revenue.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 Jeff from Houston, Texas, who built a concrete leveling business making around $1,000 profit per job even though he's only been doing it for three months. We talked about how he subcontracts all the work while still hitting nearly $20K in revenue and is on track for $100K profit his first year.He explained how to find customers using Nextdoor, Google Business Profile, and Facebook Ads, and how he built a system that lets him quote and close jobs virtually without ever visiting the site. We broke down his process for outsourcing, building trust, and scaling fast even while working a full-time job.Jeff also shared clever local business hacks from using multiple Nextdoor accounts to generating Google reviews efficiently, and his plan to turn concrete leveling into a subscription-style service for commercial property owners.Check out Jeff's website at texasslabguys.com and connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-price-30b44049/.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 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)
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