Podcasts about Bootstrapping

Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur, fashion innovator, and now tech founder who's built her career around solving real-world problems. From co-founding Alice + Olivia to developing a patented women's sizing system called TrioFit, Rebecca has consistently combined creativity and practicality to build impactful businesses. Now, she's channeling that same drive into Synchrony—a new social app designed to help neurodivergent adults connect and combat loneliness in meaningful ways. On this episode we talk about: How Rebecca transitioned from fashion and retail into tech entrepreneurship The story behind founding Alice + Olivia and what she learned about branding and innovation Why ideas alone aren't enough—and how to validate your market before launching The challenges and benefits of self-funding vs. outside investment How Synchrony is using technology to address the loneliness epidemic among neurodivergent adults Top 3 Takeaways Great businesses start by solving problems you truly understand—personal experience is a powerful indicator of market need. Validation matters more than inspiration. Don't build before you know who actually wants your product. Bootstrapping gives you control, focus, and creative freedom that investors often limit. Notable Quotes “Ideas are easy. Execution and validation are what separate entrepreneurs from dreamers.” “When you solve a problem for yourself, you're often solving it for thousands of others.” “Connection is the most human need we have—and we're building a tool to make that accessible again.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about whether Rick's expertise with traditional inbound marketing will work for LegUp Health.

saas.unbound is a podcast for and about founders who are working on scaling inspiring products that people love, brought to you by https://saas.group/, a serial acquirer of B2B SaaS companies. In episode #45 of season 5, Anna Nadeina talks with Todd, founder of Prerender, one of the first brands we acquired at saas.group and now also a founder of LandingSite.ai, AI-Generated Websites For Every Industry.--------------Episode's Chapters----------------0:00 — Welcome to Sauce and Bound Podcast0:46 — Todd's Background and Early Career2:52 — The Birth of Pre-Render5:24 — Growing Pre-Render as a Solo Founder7:33 — The SaaS Group Acquisition9:56 — Transitioning to Landing Site.ai21:35 — Working with AI and Code Generation41:24 — Landing Site's Growth and Success44:45 — Bootstrapping an AI Company49:20 — Startup Psychology and Growth HacksTodd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tohooper/ Langing Site - https://www.landingsite.ai/ Subscribe to our channel to be the first to see the interviews that we publish - https://www.youtube.com/@saas-groupStay up to date:Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaaS_groupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14790796

Andrew Gazdecki is the founder of Acquire, previously known as MicroAcquire, the largest startup acquisition marketplace. I've spoken to many indie hackers about selling their businesses, many of whom have done so using Andrew's platform. Before starting the Acquire, Andrew spent 8 years bootstrapping Bizness Apps to $10m ARR before being acquired by a private equity firm. You might also know of Boostrappers.com, the site Andrew started, sharing stories of bootstrappers. Finally, he also wrote a book called Getting Acquired, which tells his story and outlines exactly how you can sell your business.Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:20 - Startup and acquisition trends Andrew is seeing03:34 - Ideal time to sell your business05:10 - Should you build to sell?07:19 - How to make your business look good to a potential acquirer08:59 - Twitter/X and bootstrapping10:24 - How would Andrew Gazdecki start a business today11:52 - The best marketing channel for a bootstrapped business12:56 - The most unlikely acquisition outcome13:35 - Which business types have the highest multiples15:26 - The future of acquire.com15:56 - RecommendationsRecommendationsBook: Impossible to InevitablePodcast: All In PodcastEntrepreneur: Jack Dorsey

Courtney Claghorn, Founder and President of SUGARED + BRONZED shares how she transformed a $1,000 side hustle into a 40-location beauty brand spanning seven states. What began as a solution to her frustration with overpriced spray tans is now a brand on track to do $50M in ARR in 2025. In this conversation, Courtney opens up about bootstrapping for nearly a decade, the hard lesson of hiring the wrong "experts" after raising capital, and the series of personal crises that forced her to shift her focus from hustle to ROI. She shares what it's really like to rebuild a company's culture from the inside out and how learning to trust her gut over polished resumes became her biggest leadership advantage. Now 15 years in, Courtney reflects on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, trading cortisol for breathwork, and redefining success on her own terms. Key Takeaways and Topics - How SUGARED + BRONZED started with $1,000 and a portable spray-tan machine - Bootstrapping to profitability during a recession - Why intuition often beats "expert advice" - The painful lessons of hiring for prestige over humility - Rebuilding company culture after leadership missteps - Surviving pandemic shutdowns and rebuilding stronger - Finding balance and presence after burnout - Breathwork and spirituality as tools for leadership clarity - How Courtney approaches growth, hiring, and decision-making today - The ROI of creating a joyful, values-driven workplace The Failure Factor Podcast was brought to you by Off The Field Coaching. Explore working with one of our coaches at http://offthefieldcoaching.com Hosted by Megan Bruneau: therapist, executive coach, speaker, Forbes contributor, and host of The Failure Factor. For more info, visit https://meganbruneau.com Follow SUGARED + BRONZED: https://www.sugaredandbronzed.com https://www.instagram.com/sugaredandbronzed/ Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyclaghorn Megan: IG: https://www.instagram.com/meganjbruneau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-j-bruneau-m-a-rcc Subscribe to the podcast newsletter at https://thefailurefactorpodcast.com

In this episode, Casey sits down with Daniel O'Donnal, Owner of Saela Pest Control, for a deeply human conversation on leadership, identity, and what it means to build something meant to last. From bootstrapping a business from scratch to a nine-figure exit, Daniel reflects on 17 years of grit, partnership, and the belief that real success is measured by the lives you impact, not just the profits you earn.He shares lessons learned from his partners, Andrew and Blaine Richardson, and the moments that nearly broke them; going without paychecks, homes on the line, and the humility of starting over. But the heart of this episode is not the sale; it is the story behind it. Daniel opens up about faith, mentorship, and adoption, and how the calling to expand his family changed everything he thought he knew about love, leadership, and capacity.This conversation explores what happens after the win, how to reframe identity beyond achievement, and why the best leaders make others believe in themselves first. A powerful reflection for entrepreneurs seeking meaning beyond the scoreboard.00:00 | House fire and adoption: when life interrupts01:19 | Why Daniel originally said no to this interview02:35 | The early years of Saela and a 17-year timeline04:22 | Building for legacy, not for sale05:33 | Why they sold: timing, mission, and stewardship07:00 | Choosing the right buyer and honoring employees09:19 | The emotional cost of stepping away10:59 | Identity crisis after the exit13:01 | Casey's own journey through leaving a company18:06 | Reframing self-worth and learning to slow down20:15 | Daniel's upbringing in Mexico, Guatemala, and Texas21:17 | Mission to Brazil and meeting Andrew Richardson22:55 | The power of mentorship and certainty28:08 | One phone call that changed Daniel's life forever32:08 | Leadership through belief: Andrew's lasting impact35:12 | Parallel paths: Casey and Daniel's early career struggles37:49 | Business as a spiritual game39:50 | The leadership question that shifts everything42:21 | Excellence, culture, and disproportionate rewards43:55 | Bootstrapping: no outside capital, all-in growth44:46 | Raising four kids while building a business46:40 | Why they adopted: a spiritual nudge and a leap of faith50:22 | Meeting the girls — and becoming a family of eight53:42 | Angie's selfless act and the reality of adoption55:13 | The hardest year of their family's life56:39 | Beauty through struggle: what people don't see57:49 | Casey's own adoption story and shared lessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Sam Goodner, the serial entrepreneur and former CEO of Catapult Systems — Microsoft's top-ranked consulting partner at the time of its acquisition. Sam shares his 30-year journey from starting a small IT consulting firm in 1993 with just $17,000 in the bank to scaling multiple companies to eight- and nine-figure exits, including turning a parking tech startup into a unicorn.Through vivid stories and practical lessons, Sam reveals the disciplines behind operational scalability, decentralized leadership, and what it truly takes to build a company that can run — and grow — without its founder. He discusses his book Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision, the frameworks he used to recession-proof his companies, and how he transformed chaos into predictable growth. From his military lessons in Switzerland to his role as an angel investor mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, Sam offers a masterclass in clarity, systems, and execution — proving that growth isn't luck, it's discipline.TakeawaysGreat businesses scale through clarity, disciplined execution, and time, not luck.Founders often become the bottleneck — true leadership means empowering others to decide and own outcomes.Operational scalability starts when the company can run and grow without the founder.Create rules of empowerment: if a decision is right for the customer, company, ethical, aligned with values, and you're accountable — act.Codify best practices with playbooks, especially for sales and hiring.Hire people better than you, then get out of their way.Mentorship and coachability accelerate growth more than any funding round.Recession-proofing begins before the downturn — diversify industries, services, and recurring revenue streams.Every company needs to define what it's best in the world at and its unfair advantage.Founders should spend 95% of their time on the business, not in it.Focus on discipline and systems, not just ideas — execution is where companies win.Success evolves from climbing mountains to helping others climb theirs.Chapters00:00 Intro: Scaling Beyond Chaos01:30 From Developer to Founder: The Birth of Catapult Systems03:20 Bootstrapping to Profitability in the 90s06:00 Why Raising Money Isn't Always the Answer07:30 Investing in Flash Parking: Spotting a Unicorn in an Unsexy Industry12:00 The Power of Coachability and Mentorship16:50 Breaking Founder Mode and Achieving Operational Scalability21:00 Building Playbooks for Sales and Talent Acquisition26:00 Decentralized Decision-Making and the Rules of Empowerment37:00 The Swiss Army Precision: Inside Sam's Book “Like Clockwork”43:00 Recession-Proofing Your Business51:00 Balancing Focus and Diversification55:00 Defining Your Unfair Advantage57:00 The Aha Moment: Realizing You're the Bottleneck59:00 The Third Chapter: Giving Back and Mentoring Entrepreneurs01:01:00 Closing Thoughts: Build Systems, Empower People, Stay DisciplinedSam Goodner's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodner/Sam Goodner's Websites:https://samgoodner.com/

Leer de 5 personal branding lessen van topondernemers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bensmentors.be/founder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Mohout is auteur van meerder boeken over start-ups en scale-ups, adviseur, investeerder en scaleup director M&A & Finance bij Deloitte. Anaïs De Boulle is scale-up leader en Legal Partner bij Deloitte en bezieler van de Deloitte Fast5O. Samen geven ze hun kijk op het start-up en scale-up landschap.In dit gesprek hoor je:- Hoe versnel je de groei van je startup? - De 3 vuistregels om product-market fit te vinden.- Wat zijn de meest voorkomende fouten bij scale-ups? - Waarom je moet focussen op het probleem, niet op de oplossing.- Hoe Amerikaanse scale-ups hun Europese concurrenten domineren.- Wat de grootste stijgers van de Deloitte Fast 50 gemeenschappelijk hebben.----------- Leer de 5 personal branding lessen van topondernemers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bensmentors.be/founder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----------- Volg Omar:Op LinkedIn: Omar MohoutVolg Anaïs:op LinkedIn: Anaïs De BoulleVolg Ben/Ben's Mentors:op LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ben De Coninck⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠op Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bensmentors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BDC Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bdcmedia.be⁠⁠⁠⁠-----------HOOFDSTUKKEN:00:00 - Intro00:58 - Grootste kansen in ondernemerschap vandaag10:21 - Deloitte's Scaleup Ecosysteem 14:41 - Wat doet een partner bij Deloitte?18:53 - Het belang van een ecosysteem voor start-ups23:58 - Hier moeten start-ups op letten27:18 - Ontwikkeling van uw minimum viable product (MVP)32:35 - Herkennen van product-marktfit38:30 - Uitdagingen bij het bereiken van product-marktfit44:59 – Juridisch advies voor startups56:49 - Deloitte's Fast 50-programma1:03:26 - Start-up versus scale-up: belangrijkste verschillen1:07:20 - De eerste unicorn met één persoon1:08:10 - Strategieën voor internationale expansie1:13:37 - Wat houdt start-ups tegen om te schalen?1:15:48 – De Power Law bij startups1:23:50 - De rol van founders in het bedrijf1:25:57 - Leiderschap voor groei1:27:40 - Voorbereiden op de exit1:29:35 - Het belang van een sterke COO1:32:13 - Levenslang leren in leiderschap1:32:57 - Het belang van een competente CEO1:42:15 - Beursgang: belang en voordelen1:43:48 - Bootstrapping versus kapitaal ophalen1:49:23 - Kenmerken van succesvolle bedrijven1:52:54 - Strategieën van sterke groeiers en rijzende sterren1:54:58 - Laatste advies voor ondernemers

In a time when resources are scarce and the industry feels uncertain, building a studio from the ground up can seem impossible. Yet, what if inclusive leadership and adaptive design could become your strongest assets? In this episode, we're going to discuss how leading with empathy and crafting meaningful experiences can make all the difference in what "purpose-driven games" can mean for both players and teams. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/425  

If you only know Emma Hernan from Selling Sunset, buckle up—because that's just part of her story. Emma isn't just a reality TV star and luxury real estate agent; she's a self-made business powerhouse who started investing in her family company as a teen and went on to build a vertically integrated food empire from scratch. In this episode, Emma opens up what it's really like running a family business, and why she believes in being her own rich boyfriend. Of course, we talk Selling Sunset too—how the show's fame reshaped her life, the financial realities behind filming, and the drama that's about to explode this season. Bonus: if you're watching on Spotify or YouTube, you'll spot her adorable dog trying (and succeeding) to steal the spotlight.

Ray Blakney, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Live Lingua, explains how losing everything became the catalyst for building multiple seven-figure education businesses from scratch. Beginning as a computer engineer, he launched one of the first live-teacher online schools and scaled several ventures without outside funding. Ray shares how resilience, discipline, and purpose allowed him to turn setbacks into lasting success. Through his Productized Education model, he shows how experts can transform their skills into scalable online schools that create real impact and freedom. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Ray dives into rebuilding after failure, designing systems that allow businesses to operate independently, and leading with authenticity. He illustrates overcoming challenges through real-world examples, emphasizes the value of bootstrapping, and explains how to build structures that amplify human potential. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, learning from mistakes, and creating ventures that endure. Quotes: “Success isn't about what you make. It's about what you build that keeps working when you stop.” “I lost everything in a single night, and that's when I learned how to build something that lasts.” “Systems don't replace people. They free people to do what only humans can do—teach, inspire, and connect.” “Defeat the self of yesterday—that's how you grow as a leader and as a person.” “Bootstrapping forces you to build real value because every mistake costs you personally.” Resources: Follow Ray Blakney on Facebook Connect with Ray Blakney on LinkedIn Turn Your Skills into Scalable Online Schools with Ray Blakney

For many ambitious founders, bootstrapping is a slow death. After building a profitable, high seven-figure SaaS company for 10 years, Sameer Narkar realized his self-funded model was no longer enough to win. In this interview, Sameer explains why the AI revolution is forcing successful bootstrapped companies into raising funds to move faster. He breaks down his decision to seek investment after a decade of profitability, why he believes thinking about an exit is a distraction from building a great product, and how he plans to use the new capital to "buy growth" by investing in experienced sales teams and partnerships rather than burning cash on ads. Check out the company: https://konnectinsights.comBook a 1-on-1 advisory session with me to apply these principles to your business: https://calendly.com/wltb/advisory

Ruta Sudmantaite and Emma Davies have built their careers across marketing, consulting, and now tech entrepreneurship. After meeting as teammates at a B2B SaaS company, they went on to become fractional CMOs, podcast co-hosts of Blame It On Marketing, and founders of their own startups - Lava Metrics, a marketing analytics platform, and Thesmia AI, a low-cost AI assistant for HR teams.In this episode, we talk about building while bootstrapping, the realities of fractional consulting, what it's like to start companies with your friends (and partners), and how they bring kindness, candor, and community into every room they enter.Here's what we cover:How Ruta and Emma went from coworkers to fractional CMOs and co-foundersThe differences between starting a consulting practice and a tech companyWhy they believe “two heads are better than one” in fractional workBuilding products without outside funding - patience, scrappiness, and first customersHow to disagree kindly, give feedback, and earn trust with in-house teamsWhy executive presence doesn't have to look like a suit or a scriptCreating community through honesty: confessions walls, career couches, and real talkThe power of female allies, industry besties, and personal boards of directorsAnd yes, Ruta's side business selling sourdough starter - and what it taught her about SEOKey Links:Guests: Ruta Sudmantaite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutasudmantaite/Emma Davies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmadavies1989/ Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/Thesmia AI: https://www.thesmia.ai/Lava Metrics: https://lavametrics.com/Blame it on Marketing Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3X0IiwUIupVa4tCNg8AMpR?si=5d01dceb2c6d4c86Ruta's Epic UK Sourdough co: https://getsourdough.co.uk/––Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review. It helps us reach more

Most companies talk about purpose. Beekman 1802 made it their operating system.In this episode of The Eric Ries Show, I sit down with Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founders of Beekman 1802, to explore how a small act of compassion grew into a multimillion-dollar skincare brand rooted in community and purpose.After losing their Manhattan jobs during the 2008 recession, Brent and Josh moved to a farm in upstate New York and agreed to take in 80 homeless goats from a neighbor. That decision led to their first product, a bar of goat milk soap, and to a philosophy of entrepreneurship built on kindness and long-term thinking.Together, we talk about scaling a values-driven company, turning The Amazing Race into PR that fueled their growth, and how to make purpose authentic instead of performative. We also explore why kindness and discipline can coexist, and how the best brands instill a sense of belonging. —Where to find Dr. Brent Ridge: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-ridge-md-0641791/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.ridge.12/Where to find Josh Kilmer-Purcell: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kilmer-purcell-956b0b10/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.kilmerpurcell.5/—Where to find Eric:• Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericries.carrd.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericriesshow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ —In This Episode We Cover:(00:00) Intro(02:18) The Beekman 1802 origin story (04:25) How goat milk soap became their first product and sparked research on skin health(05:36) How Brent and Josh partnered with a local soap maker (06:58) Why Brent and Josh bootstrapped Beekman 1802 and how they found their market(12:48) How Brent and Josh enlisted neighbors to fulfill their first national order(16:58) A heuristic for decision making (18:01) The power of thinking beyond transactional relationships (19:30) Why Brent and Josh see kindness as a competitive advantage (22:28) How to stay kind without getting taken advantage of(24:20) The business upside of Cloudflare's decision to give its product away(25:23) The step-by-step approach Beekman 1802 used to scale without outside funding(28:33) How Brent and Josh made kindness a core operating principle at Beekman 1802(35:04) Why authenticity can't be bought and purpose shouldn't be confused with morality(40:44) How Beekman 1802 stays true to its values while working with investors(42:44) The crucial difference between being nice and being kind(45:54) How Brent and Josh turned The Amazing Race into a million-dollar win and free PR (49:10) How Brent and Josh's upbringings shaped their values and resilience(50:20) The role of family, community, and optimism in Beekman's enduring success(52:31) How Brent and Josh think about succession and protecting the brand(56:02) Other companies Brent and Josh admire(56:58) The reception to G.O.A.T. Wisdom and how timeless lessons still apply today—You can find episode references at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ericriesshow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Production and marketing by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pen Name⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Eric may be an investor in the companies discussed.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dmitriy Peregudov, founder of Gift Baskets Overseas, shares his inspiring 28-year journey from sending flowers to loved ones in Russia to leading an $11M global gifting company with 120+ team members. He talks about building a business rooted in patience, perseverance, and people-first values. Dmitriy discusses how focusing on customer experience and team culture fueled long-term success. He also explains the role of SEO and AI in modern marketing and why brand trust matters more than ever. From overcoming fraud challenges to achieving a 64% Net Promoter Score, his story highlights sustainable growth and resilience. A must-listen for entrepreneurs who believe slow, steady, and thoughtful growth wins the race. Other Resources: An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Dmitriy Peregudov, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having the patience and perseverance to push through the early, slow stages while learning things outside your comfort zone. He explains that growth often requires focusing on areas you don't enjoy, making tough decisions, and knowing when to let go and replace yourself in certain roles. Understanding every part of the business—even the ones you're not good at—is essential, because only then can you hire the right people and build a strong foundation for long-term success. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dmitriy Peregudov's favorite business books include Further, Faster by Bill Flynn, which provides clear frameworks for business growth, and Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, which inspired him to build a people-first company culture. He also recommends The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom for understanding balance in life and business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dmitriy recommends the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Podcast for case studies and expert discussions, and Lex Fridman's Podcast for deep, thought-provoking conversations that go beyond business into leadership and innovation. He also appreciates podcasts like Built to Sell Radio for real-world entrepreneurship lessons. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? He highly recommends HubSpot, calling it a game-changer for small businesses. From marketing automation to CRM and workflow management, it helped his team streamline communication, improve sales processes, and enhance customer relationships. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Dmitriy Peregudov, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple yet powerful — “Just do it.” He believes that too many entrepreneurs hesitate, overthink, or wait for the perfect moment, but real growth happens only through action. Taking the first step, learning from mistakes, and adapting along the way are far more valuable than waiting for ideal conditions that may never come. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business comes from patience, perseverance, and focusing on what truly matters — Dmitriy Peregudov Growth isn't always about getting bigger, it's about getting better with every challenge — Dmitriy Peregudov The best way to build a loyal customer is to fix their problem so well they never forget you — Dmitriy Peregudov  

In this conversation, Lex Evan ®, founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes, discusses the growth of his brand, focusing on the wildly successful launch of his new chilled oat bars and the strategic decisions made to optimize product offerings for retail. The conversation highlights the brand's commitment to organic ingredients and radical ingredient transparency, the challenges and successes in co-manufacturing, and the importance of maintaining product quality. Lex discusses the recent $1 Million investment round and how that will help unlock the next stage of growth, including new product innovations, scaled manufacturing, and increased marketing efforts. As he grows the brand, Lex plans to remain committed to sustainability and organic ingredients, emphasizing the impact of consumer choices on the planet.Takeaways:Lexington Bakes focuses on luxury baked goods with organic ingredients.The brand emphasizes radical ingredient transparency for consumer empowerment.Oat bars were developed and launched in under three months.The oat bars have significantly less sugar, yet still taste indulgent.Packaging design has evolved to enhance clarity at retail and appeal for social media posting.The brand is optimizing product sizes to drive trial and increase velocities in retail.Lex raised $1 million to enhance marketing and production.Finding the right co-manufacturer was a significant challenge.Maintaining product quality is crucial for brand integrity.Lex's oat bar launch received amazing consumer feedback, retail traction, and a Good Housekeeping Award.A new peanut butter cookie formula increases the protein content.The brand focuses on using organic ingredients for sustainability.A better world means making conscious consumer choices.Sound bites:"We make luxury brownies, cookies, and oat bars from scratch with real organic and air trade ingredients – no naughty ingredients."“The oat bars have 40 % less sugar than our cookies and brownies.”"I got very lucky finding the right co-manufacturer."“We won two good housekeeping best snack awards, one of which is for the oat bar that I developed in three months.”"We sold 30 or 40 units in two hours."“We're going to be more nutrient dense than one of the most prominent protein cookies out there.”“We all have the power to make decisions that positively impact.”Links:Lex Evan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/Lexington Bakes - https://lexingtonbakes.com/Lexington Bakes on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on X - https://x.com/lexingtonbakes…Elk Marketing - https://elkhq.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Lexington Bakes05:16 The Journey of Oat Bar Development12:51 Consumer Response and Market Strategy18:56 Packaging Evolution and Design Optimization30:41 Bootstrapping and Growth Strategies39:00 Navigating Co-Manufacturing Challenges40:58 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Challenges51:45 Product Innovations and Future Plans57:37 Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to https://godaddy.com/codiesanchez to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. Main Street Over Wall Street is where the real deals get done. Join top investors, founders, and operators for three days of powerful connection, sharp strategy, and big opportunities — live in Austin this November 2025. https://contrarianthinking.biz/msows-bigdeal I sat down with Kendra Scott — yes, *that* Kendra Scott — to unpack how she turned $500 and a side hustle into her billion-dollar brand Kendra Scott. We talk about how she bootstrapped from her spare bedroom, sold jewelry door-to-door with a baby on her hip, and built an empire by staying authentic when everyone else chased trends. You'll hear the raw, unpolished truth about scaling a business, why passion and persistence matter more than perfect timing, and how she's now flipping the script as an investor and founder of Yellow Rose. If you're building something from scratch or just need a reminder that grit beats glam, this one's for you. 00:00 Intro 01:17 Bootstrapping and Scrappy Mindset 02:55 Lessons from Failure and Persistence 13:01 The Power of Connection in Retail 21:56 Disruptive Marketing Strategies 31:09 Balancing Success and Personal Life 38:55 Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:18 Creating a Business Utopia 42:16 Facing Business Challenges 44:47 The Birth of Kendra Scott Retail 47:33 Embracing Authenticity in Business 50:22 The Inspiration Behind Yellow Rose 55:32 Working with Dolly Parton 01:07:13 Shark Tank and Entrepreneurial Insights 01:11:14 Final Thoughts MORE FROM BIGDEAL:

From Magic addiction to Margins updates - Sean finally talked to a customer! Andrew tried Claude Code and wasn't impressed, then gets into product ideas around workflows and flexible tables for MetaMonster. Surprise twist: the guys accidentally design a $699 productized service for MetaMonster and close the deal live on the call. Also: type 2 fun, hiking debates, and why slabbing a kid isn't what it sounds like.Links:Andrew's Twitter: @AndrewAskinsAndrew's website: https://www.andrewaskins.com/MetaMonster: https://metamonster.ai/Sean's Twitter: @seanqsunMiscreants: http://miscreants.com/Margins: http://margins.so/Sean's website: https://seanqsun.com/For more information about the podcast, check out https://www.smalleffortspod.com/.Transcript:00:00:00.82SeanWhat's up?00:00:02.45AndrewNot much. Just hanging out. What's up with you?00:00:05.69SeanCool. I have blown so much money this week. and Last week.00:00:12.87AndrewOh yeah?00:00:13.75SeanYeah, yeah, yeah.00:00:15.24AndrewOn something fun, I hope?00:00:16.73Seanactually Magic the Gathering. Magic the Gathering.00:00:22.28Andrewis Are you like building a deck to play? Is this investing? Are you like trying to buy collectibles?00:00:29.29Seananyone anyone that tells you they're investing in Magic the Gathering is lying to you and themselves.00:00:29.64AndrewWhat's the...00:00:33.17SeanNo one no one invested this in cardboard. No one invested in Magic the Gathering. let me I'm sure baseball cards are are profitable in whatever way. and Yeah, I'm bill building a deck to play and also just like spending money opening packs. and i got really into it in high school.00:00:54.33Seanand I think I was like fairly okay at it. And this is my like latest like obsession, indulgence, addiction, all that stuff.00:01:05.22AndrewFor whatever reason, I never got into magic.00:01:05.37SeanYeah.00:01:06.86AndrewI was super into Pokemon, and like I was you know collected Pokemon cards like crazy back in the day, but I never...00:01:13.89SeanPokemon is huge now, by the way.00:01:15.58AndrewYeah, I know.00:01:16.30SeanYeah.00:01:16.41AndrewI i like have a couple of creators I follow on YouTube, and it is really addicting watching people open packs. and then00:01:25.44SeanIt really is.00:01:25.71AndrewI also follow, you know Coop's Collections?00:01:28.70SeanNo. No.00:01:30.08AndrewHis whole MO is just that he's like really stupid, nice to people, like mostly little kids.00:01:34.08SeanOkay.00:01:35.28AndrewAnd so like little kids, he pretty openly says he doesn't make that much money selling.00:01:35.34SeanOkay.00:01:42.13AndrewHe makes most of his money from content. And so like little kids will come up to him at shows and he'll just give away cards and stuff.00:01:44.60SeanRight. and Nice.00:01:50.93AndrewThere's a, he live streams himself at shows.00:01:53.19SeanUh-huh.00:01:54.49AndrewAnd so people will just like watch him interact.00:01:57.25SeanI see, I see.00:01:57.79AndrewAnd there's, there's someone in his community who goes by the name Sweaty Booger. That's their username. And like Sweaty Booger is famous on Goof's collections because he will often like,00:02:05.26SeanOkay.00:02:12.57Andrewdonate money so that Coop can slab a kid. There's, it's, it's pretty slab a kid, which means give them a, give them a graded card in a slab.00:02:17.17SeanWait, so he can what a kid? Slab a kid.00:02:21.67SeanSlab a kid. bla00:02:25.70Andrewyeah00:02:25.91SeanSlab a kid. Okay. Okay.00:02:27.67AndrewSlab a kid.00:02:29.37SeanThat's, uh,00:02:30.04AndrewThere's like all this funny, like, yeah, I feel like even more than some of the other YouTube shows I watch. it has very quickly, because I think he's only been doing it for a year or two, it has very quickly developed lore and, sort you know, it's its own terminology and everything.00:02:47.77SeanSure.00:02:52.03AndrewIt's funny.00:02:53.33SeanCool. Slab a kid. Okay. That is not what I thought you said. It's like sweaty boogers fucked up, man. It's almost as bad as as that Twitch streamer shocking his dog.00:03:08.04SeanOkay.00:03:05.09AndrewOh, fuck. I don't want to know about that. Don't don't tell me. i I would rather not.00:03:08.96SeanOkay. All right.00:03:10.83AndrewFuck that person is all i all I have to say.00:03:14.57AndrewI don't even know, but I don't need to know.00:03:17.61Seanokay yeah this is this is whoever's listening this is just a this is just an internet culture magic the gathering podcast now00:03:26.06AndrewOh, dude. If you want to just go deep on, like, our latest YouTube obsessions, I can i can do that any day. I've been getting really into, like,00:03:33.32Seanoh my latest youtube what is that what is00:03:35.26Andrewthe Caleb Heron world lately. He's a comedian based out of l a who's like, he is super progressive, but is from Kansas City and like grew up evangelical. And so I think he does a good job of making fun of like progressives and like the right and Caleb Heron I think is how you pronounce it h-e-a-r-o-n00:04:04.03Seanhow do you How do you spell it? cure00:04:11.85Seanoh Oh, okay. I know who this is. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, this is cool.00:04:15.08Andrewyeah bigger dude who's like00:04:16.02SeanI've never heard his name read out loud. Yeah.00:04:19.43AndrewYeah, it's, I never know if I'm saying it right, but I've been listening to his podcast a bunch and watching clips.00:04:26.24SeanNice.00:04:28.77SeanCool. Sweet.00:04:29.88AndrewYeah.00:04:30.73SeanYeah, i so I think I've seen some of his clothes. It's pretty funny. He also does stand up, right?00:04:35.11AndrewYeah, I think he does stand-up. I think he's working on a movie. Was writing for...00:04:39.09SeanNice.00:04:40.51AndrewHe wrote for some TV show i I had watched. A pretty big one, I think. I can't remember what it was. Yeah. He seems like...00:04:49.32SeanCool.00:04:51.90AndrewIt's interesting. I feel like the more I get into like the dropout world and and then some of these... creators.00:05:02.40AndrewOh, he also blew up the other day because, uh, Rolling Stones ranked him higher on most influential creators than Mr. Beast and Mr.00:05:09.91SeanI saw that.00:05:09.95AndrewBeast got like butthurt about it.00:05:12.02SeanI saw that.00:05:12.29Andrewand it was really funny.00:05:13.09SeanYeah. Yeah.00:05:15.56AndrewSo he's he's definitely not small. H...

"If I had taken investment in the early years, it would've wrecked me. I wouldn't have been able to deal with investors breathing down my neck."George Sullivan turned his obsession with trainers into The Sole Supplier, a business driving £50 million GMV annually - without a single investor. His biggest insight? Bootstrapping isn't just about keeping control; it's about growing at a pace that matches your capacity as a founder.In today's episode, I'm joined by George Sullivan, founder and CEO of The Sole Supplier, Europe's leading sneaker marketplace. After discovering parkour at 13 and building various side hustles, George launched Sole Supplier at 22 and has grown it over 12 years to work with the world's biggest brands, building a team of 30 and generating billions in content views. His journey includes navigating untreated ADHD, rejecting the toxic hustle culture narrative, and proving that sustainable growth beats venture-backed chaos.Together we unpack:Why taking investment would have destroyed his business in the early yearsHow ADHD can be both a superpower and a liability in fast-growth environmentsThe danger of being bamboozled by credentials and investor pressure when you're youngWhy quality beats quantity and hustle culture is destructive for motivated foundersHow to validate spending decisions when bootstrapping with limited resources

In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Jonathan Brun, CEO and Founder of Nimonik, a global compliance and standards management platform serving more than 900 companies worldwide. Since launching in 2008, Jonathan has grown Nimonik into a multinational SaaS company with offices across North America, Asia, and beyond, all without external funding.Listen in as Jonathan shares how he built his company “brick-by-brick,” why he believes in steady, sustainable growth over shortcuts, and how a single LinkedIn post led to his first international acquisition. He also reflects on leadership across cultures, the real role of AI in compliance, and the value of authenticity in building a personal brand.Subscribe to The Executive Room Podcast for more insights from visionary leaders.

Learn how immigrant founder Jonathan Lamer raised $8M, built 5 startups, and scaled across borders without any tech background. Jonathan Lamer's story proves that you don't need a Silicon Valley background to build something big. From Quebec to Miami, he's raised over $8 million, built five companies, and helped founders worldwide launch in the U.S. In this episode of Beyond The Claim, host Vince Perri uncovers Jonathan's real founder playbook on how to build fast, validate faster, and scale globally without burning out or giving up control.

Welcome back to another episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture.Today, we're joined by Alexey Plesakov and Alexander Lis from Social Discovery Ventures (SDV) — a quietly influential, globally active investment firm deploying capital across the US and Europe. Born out of the bootstrapped success of Social Discovery Group (the company behind Dating.com), SDV invests in both funds and directs, with a venture allocation far above the family office norm.We dive into their origin story, why they're leaning into Europe now, their approach to fund vs. direct investments, and how they think about the future of VC in a more uncertain macro climate.

Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude.In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe's regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission02:41 – From pharma to enzymes05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years07:03 – AI + physics workflow10:55 – Why cost always wins11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind14:52 – End-to-end solution model19:31 – First hits in 3 months23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision28:42 – Bio-melanin case study35:24 – Fundraising and futureUseful links: ZYMVOL  website: https://zymvol.com/ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dennis Underwood, founder of Cyber Crucible, a cybersecurity software company transforming how businesses manage digital risk. Dennis shares his journey from government contracting to building a global SaaS powerhouse generating $1.2 million in recurring revenue with a lean 10-person team. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping, the power of automation, and his mission to reshape cybersecurity through innovation and AI. Packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and sustainable growth, this episode offers a masterclass in scaling a tech business the smart way. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, the hardest thing in growing a small business is letting go of someone who's doing a good job but no longer fits the company's evolving needs. He explains that as a product company grows and its focus shifts, even capable and loyal team members might not align with new directions. Making those tough decisions—especially without a “services bench” to reassign people—is one of the most challenging yet necessary parts of leadership and sustainable growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dennis Underwood's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Ready, Fire, Aim. He says it changed his perspective on perfectionism and speed in business. Early on, he focused too much on building the perfect product before going to market—a mindset that worked in government projects but not in fast-moving business environments. The book taught him that customers don't expect perfection; they value progress and adaptability. This lesson helped him launch faster, learn from feedback, and grow Cyber Crucible more effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, a great way to grow a small business is by constantly learning from practical, real-world insights. He recommends checking out resources like Y Combinator's startup library, which offers valuable articles for founders, and following industry experts on LinkedIn—especially those who challenge conventional thinking and share unfiltered lessons from experience. For podcasts, he values shows like Grow A Small Business, The How of Business, and Masters of Scale, which feature actionable strategies, founder stories, and mindset shifts for entrepreneurs. These platforms, along with consistent self-education and reflection, help business owners stay grounded, adaptable, and ahead of the curve. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dennis Underwood recommends using tools that enhance automation, efficiency, and clarity in business operations. He highlights Google Gemini as a powerful AI resource for generating content, refining documentation, and improving communication. By uploading company materials and analyzing AI feedback, he identifies areas needing clearer messaging. For small businesses, he believes leveraging such intelligent tools helps streamline processes, boost productivity, and strengthen strategic growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dennis Underwood's advice to his younger self on day one of starting out in business would be to have the courage to move faster and fully commit to his vision. He admits he stayed too long in the comfort of government contracting because it felt secure, even though his goals were in commercial software. He says he should have moved out of Washington, D.C. earlier, left behind the “golden handcuffs” of steady contracts, and focused completely on building his product company. His biggest lesson—don't let familiarity or fear delay your leap into the business you truly want to build. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in cybersecurity isn't about perfection—it's about empowering people to protect themselves — Dennis Underwood Bootstrapping teaches you discipline—the kind investors can't buy and competitors can't copy — Dennis Underwood You can do everything right and still fail; what matters is how quickly you adapt afterward — Dennis Underwood  

Andrew saw Saturn through a telescope and launched MetaMonster's new UI, but users won't activate!

We spend the entire episode diving into how we can better define Less Annoying CRM's ideal customer profile, and what that would mean for the product and marketing.

In this episode, Mark chats with Aurelio Volle from WPUmbrella about his journey in creating a WordPress management tool, maintaining customer focus, and the importance of community and transparency in business growth.

Molly MacDonald, founder of The Pink Fund – a national nonprofit in the breast cancer space that provides a 90-day financial bridge for patients by covering essential costs like housing, transportation, insurance, and utilities.Through her powerful storytelling and unshakable vision, Molly has helped The Pink Fund distribute nearly $10 million since 2006, directly impacting treatment adherence, reducing bankruptcy, and improving survivorship outcomes for thousands of patients.Now, Molly's journey from journalist to nonprofit powerhouse proves what's possible when tenacity meets purpose – even when the odds are stacked against you and the naysayers are loud.And while navigating leadership transitions, forecasting funding, and standing out among 4,000 other breast cancer nonprofits, she continues to lead with heart, soul, and what many call a touch of “magic.”Here's where to find more:www.pinkfund.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pink-fundhttps://www.facebook.com/ThePinkFundhttps://www.instagram.com/thepinkfund________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

Guest: Waseem Daher – Founder & Executive Chairman of Pilot LinkedIn: Waseem Daher Pilot: pilot.com | Founder Salary Report 2025   Bio Waseem Daher is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Pilot, a modern finance team offering bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services for startups, e-commerce businesses, and professional services firms. Backed by Sequoia Capital and Bezos Expeditions, Pilot has become the go-to back office solution for growing companies. An engineer by training and a serial entrepreneur, Waseem previously co-founded Ksplice (acquired by Oracle) and Zulip (acquired by Dropbox). He now combines his experience as a three-time founder with insights into startup finance, scaling, and leadership. Beyond Pilot, Waseem writes regularly about building startups on LinkedIn and in his newsletter, Startup Real Talk. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why founder salaries dropped 43% in 2025 and what this means for early-stage companies How founders should think about compensation when talking to investors Risks startups face when founders underpay themselves How company stage, funding, and geography influence salary decisions The role of boards and investors in shaping compensation What lessons Waseem carried from Ksplice and Zulip into Pilot Insights into bootstrapping vs. venture-backed founder pay How founders can use Pilot's salary data to benchmark and negotiate effectively Why the number of AI startups surged by 287%, yet founder salaries declined What the rise in bootstrapped startups (up 77%) says about today's funding environment Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.  

Video version of this episode is here TakeawaysJosh Horwitz is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on cybersecurity.Bootstrapping businesses can lead to successful exits without external funding.Product-market fit is crucial for entrepreneurial success.Validating product ideas through low-cost market testing is essential.Credential stuffing is a significant threat in cybersecurity.Innovative solutions can turn attack vectors into defensive strategies.The future of authentication is moving towards passwordless solutions.User experience must be balanced with security measures.Adaptive security is becoming increasingly important in technology.Understanding customer needs is vital for product development. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background02:42 Bootstrapping and Product-Market Fit09:29 Cybersecurity Landscape and Credential Stuffing14:57 The Future of Passwords and Authentication22:49 Balancing Business Needs with User Experience

Born on whitewater, built in an ammo can, Lavabox is Josh Thurmond's proof that instinct and grit can power a bootstrapped business that gives back and keeps rivers wild.   What does it take to move from a design patent invention built in your garage to a product company trusted by tens of thousands? How do entrepreneurs balance protecting profits with opportunities for scale? And why might wellbeing and values be just as important as growth when inventing a new product and leading a business?   Josh shares how his background as a river guide shaped his entrepreneurship—reading the rapids, trusting instincts, and steering through uncertainty with purpose. He explains why he turned down multi-million-dollar deals, chose to stay 100% independent, and built Lavabox around authenticity, customer input, and community impact.   This episode offers a candid look at the entrepreneurship of product companies, what it really takes to bootstrap from idea to invention while protecting both your business and your wellbeing.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Josh Thurmond and LavaBox 03:16 The Birth of a Design Patent Invention 06:19 Patent Challenges and Market Strategy 10:25 Turning Down Multi-Million Dollar Deals 14:10 Bootstrapping and Financing a Product Company 19:00 Building a Lifestyle Brand and Company Culture 26:11 Giving Back Through Protect Our Rivers 27:46 Resilience and Advice for Entrepreneurs   Links Connect with Josh Thurmond: Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Visit LavaBox Portable Campfire Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn   Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur  Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram  Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube   HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Timestamps12:16 — Bootstrapping mindset, MVP building, and milestone-based rounds.17:50 — The trade-offs of bringing VCs on board versus angels.27:58 —  Honest discussion of founder stress, cash flow, and mental health.41:46 — Final takeaways and practical advice for first-time founders.This episode was produced by Founders Hive — a community of founders, experts, and investors driving entrepreneurship in Switzerland. We support early-stage startups in becoming investment-ready and guide them through the fundraising journey. As a partner of the Entrepreneurship Training programme, empowered by Innosuisse — Switzerland's innovation agency — we contribute to strengthening startups, SMEs, and research institutions in their innovation and growth.Visit https://innosuisse.founders-hive.ch/ to learn more about Founders Hive, empowered by Innosuisse.Episode SummaryChristian Greis is a dermatologist, surgeon, and founder of Derma2Go, a tech health startup providing high-quality online care for dermatology services and skin diseases. Nicolas Abelé is a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder/CEO of SONIX, a communication and entertainment platform for gamers. Both founders bring very different perspectives on building startups: one through a bootstrapped, lean growth approach rooted in healthcare, and the other through venture-backed scaling in the gaming industry.Together, they dive into the trade-offs between fundraising versus bootstrapping, exploring what it really takes to finance and scale a company in Switzerland. Christian explains why he pursued smaller rounds and revenue-driven growth, highlighting the mental health benefits of staying lean. Nicolas shares how SONIX leveraged investor support while remaining capital-efficient, even turning competitors' billion-dollar fundraising into free market education they could piggyback on.The discussion covers the realities of working with VCs versus business angels, the pressure founders face around cash flow, and how different industries (regulated healthcare vs. consumer gaming) shape financing strategies. Both emphasize the importance of smart money, efficient spending, and milestone-driven fundraising, while offering advice to first-time founders deciding which financing path fits their company and personality best.The cover portrait was edited by ⁠Smartportrait. ⁠Don't forget to give us a follow on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠so you can always stay up to date with our latest initiatives. That way, there's no excuse for missing out on live shows, weekly giveaways or founders' dinners.

Episode Summary:In this episode, Eric Weiss sits down with Andy Ballester, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of GoFundMe and EyePop.ai, to unpack the highs, lows, and lessons of building category-defining startups. Andy shares how an early college job at a software startup sparked his passion for technology, why he bootstrapped GoFundMe into a global fundraising platform, and what it took to scale from two founders to a household brand that processed over a billion dollars in giving.Andy also reveals the insights behind his newest venture, EyePop.ai, a computer vision platform making AI accessible to developers and businesses across industries. He explains how modern visual intelligence can turn everyday images and video into actionable data—from analyzing pickleball swings to inspecting drone footage of rooftops—and why speed, lean teams, and clear product design are essential in today's fast-moving AI landscape.Listeners will learn:How GoFundMe evolved from a simple savings concept into the world's leading personal fundraising site The technical and UX hurdles of early fintech and how Andy's team overcame them Why bootstrapping worked for GoFundMe but venture funding is key for AI startups The critical role of co-founders, emotional resilience, and a “stoic CEO” mindset in surviving the startup grind Practical advice for founders on team building, product iteration, and staying ahead of AI's rapid innovation curve Whether you're a first-time founder, a product leader, or an investor tracking the next wave of AI infrastructure, Andy's journey offers a masterclass in startup strategy, growth, and perseverance. Don't forget to subscribe to the Chaos to Clarity Podcast for more invaluable episodes to help you grow your business and stay ahead of the curve!To reach out to Eric, visit https://chaostoclarity.io/

Travis and producer Eric break down one of the most polarizing topics in entrepreneurship: is it better to bootstrap a business, or raise outside capital? Drawing on personal experience and lessons from startup culture, Travis reveals the biggest mistakes founders make when chasing VC funding, why Silicon Valley's obsession with investment misleads so many, and the first principles everyone should use to decide how to launch any new company. On this episode we talk about:   The dangers and downsides of raising funding too early—even if the “checklist” seems to fit your business   Why bootstrapping builds discipline, pressure, and actual proof of concept (and how to get creative when money is tight)   When venture capital makes sense—and all the hidden costs of taking outside money, from loss of control to preferential contracts   How AI is changing the software startup equation, and shrinking the need to raise massive amounts of funding   Lessons learned from infamous failures (like Quibi) and the right ways to audit your business before chasing investment Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Bootstrapping is almost always the better first move; it boosts discipline, real market feedback, and keeps control in the founder's hands.2.  Raising outside capital adds pressure, complex contracts, and doesn't guarantee success; cash alone never fixes a business that lacks product-market fit.3.  Use trusted frameworks (like Reid Hoffman's Blitzscaling checklist), consult experienced founders, and remember: don't give away control unless it's truly required for growth. Notable Quotes   “If at all possible, bootstrap first—even just to prove your concept. Outside money makes everything more complicated.”   “Cash doesn't solve all your problems. There are usually bigger issues at play—product, marketing, market fit—that have nothing to do with funding volume.”   “The moment you take other people's money, it gets harder, not easier; discipline and focus will always win.” Connect with Travis Chappell:   LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn   Twitter/X: @travischappell   Instagram: @travischappell   Website: travischappell.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Tim and Tyler talk to Michael Key, CEO and Co-Founder of Impello Biosciences. — This episode is presented by American AgCredit. Check them out HERE. — Links Impello Biosciences - https://impellobio.com  Impello on AgList - https://aglist.com/manufacturer/impello-biosciences 

Join me as I sit down with the dynamic Jami Stigliano, founder and franchisor of Diva Dance, who has built an incredible business around empowering women through dance while creating wealth-building opportunities for franchisees across the globe. Jami takes us through her journey from growing up in small-town Texas with entrepreneurial role models to spending 20 years in the music industry in New York City, and ultimately finding her true calling in building a dance franchise that helps women own their power. You'll hear about her strategic approach to bootstrapping a business to 52 locations without outside investors, her partnership with her husband in both business and life, and her upcoming capital raise. This conversation is packed with insights on franchising as a wealth-building vehicle, the importance of an abundance mindset, and how to scale a values-driven business while maintaining authentic community connections. Key Topics: Growing up with abundance mindset and quality over quantity lessons from dad Surviving the music industry in NYC while building 401k wealth The Miami breakthrough moment that changed everything Bootstrapping through sacrifice: roommates, in-laws, and side hustles Why franchising beats licensing for building real assets Selling their Manhattan apartment to fund business growth Scaling to $2.3M revenue without investors and preparing for capital raise Connect with Jami online: Website: divadance.com Franchise opportunities: divadancefranchise.com LinkedIn: Connect with Jami Stigliano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamistig/   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: syamabunten.com Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Women & Wealth Catalyst Summit: women.win Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupOn this episode, we speak with Boone & Ben, co‑founders of Highland Style Co., a clean‑ingredient men's grooming brand that grew from kitchen‑experiments to eight figures in revenue. We dig into their growth journey: how they built performance products, retained customers, and scaled unit economics without losing the values that launched them.What you'll learn in this episode:How to validate product performance early via professional channels (barbershops/salons) to build credibility.The importance of embedding unit economics (margins, payback period, LTV/CAC) from day one to ensure scalable growth.Three content pillars that moved the needle for Highland: founder storytelling, expert endorsements, and aspirational user content.Real tactics for retention: packaging, post‑purchase experience, SMS/email flows, and repeat products.Why staying lean in team & operations matters, and how to hire/contract strategically to keep agility.How clean beauty standards (ingredients, packaging) can coexist with performance and profitability.Timestamps00:00 The origins of Highland and solving a personal problem02:00 Early product development and validation with barbershops07:00 Bootstrapping, fundraising, and focus on profitability10:00 Building strong unit economics and targeting 80% margins12:00 Meta ads and founder-led storytelling that drove growth15:00 Evolving content strategy and leveraging industry experts18:00 Scaling to eight figures with only two SKUs21:00 Staying lean with a four-person team and efficient operations25:00 Merging marketing with finance and building a payback workbook28:00 Retention tactics and post-purchase experience31:00 Expanding to Amazon and why it was a growth unlock32:00 Scrappy press tactics and winning grooming awards35:00 Building relationships with creators and affiliate partners36:00 Future goals, brand vision, and plans for expansionHashtags#DTCpodcast #HighlandHair #EcommerceGrowth #Bootstrapping #StartupStory #UnitEconomics #FounderJourney #ContentStrategy #RetentionMarketing #AmazonGrowth #HaircareBrand #DigitalMarketing #BrandBuilding #BusinessPodcast #ScalingBrands Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

#605 Busy professionals want to look sharp but hate shopping — so what if AI could handle it for you? In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, Anya Cheng, founder of Taelor, shares how she built an AI-powered styling service that eliminates decision fatigue for men who want to dress well without the hassle. Anya dives into her transition from corporate leadership at Meta, eBay, and Target to launching a startup, the unexpected ways she leveraged partnerships to grow, and how a service-based mindset helped her secure funding. She also gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, proving that success isn't just about innovation — it's about persistence. Plus, don't miss a special listener discount to try Taelor for yourself! (Original Air Date - 3/5/25) What we discuss with Anya: + The inspiration behind Taelor – AI-powered styling for men + From corporate to startup – Anya's journey from Meta, eBay, and Target + AI in fashion – Reducing decision fatigue with smart styling + Startup challenges – Bootstrapping, funding, and unexpected hurdles + Strategic partnerships – Growth through dating apps, schools, and brands + Fashion sustainability – Reducing waste and extending clothing life + Knowing your customer – Solving real problems with a niche focus + Funding and investors – How Anya secured a $1M investment + Lessons in resilience – The reality of startup life Thank you, Anya! Check out Taelor at ⁠Taelor.style⁠. Use coupon code PODCAST25 to get 25% off your first month or PODCASTGIFT to get 10% off a gift card. Watch the ⁠video podcast⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Heath and Randy Goldberg turned Bombas from a scrappy Indiegogo campaign into the most successful Shark Tank investment of all time—now valued at $3.4 billion. In this interview, the Bombas co-founders share how a simple insight about homelessness sparked a mission-driven sock company, how they bootstrapped their way to product-market fit, and the strategies that allowed them to scale profitably in one of the most competitive eras of eCommerce. From bootstrapping and fundraising to Shark Tank, celebrity endorsements, and building a brand people love, this episode is a masterclass in combining profit with purpose. What you'll learn from this interview: • How Bombas grew from a $140K Indiegogo campaign to a $3.4B business • The one-for-one donation model and why it worked when others doubted it • Bootstrapping tactics that fueled growth before raising outside capital • The Shark Tank experience and why it was a turning point for the brand • How Bombas navigated rising customer acquisition costs and scaled profitably • The mindset shifts needed to build a mission-driven business at scale • Why focus, authenticity, and constraints can be the biggest drivers of innovation By the end of this interview, you'll walk away with a playbook for building a business that blends purpose with profit—so you can grow faster, stay focused, and create a brand that stands the test of time. SAVE 50% ON OMNISEND FOR 3 MONTHS Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. Just head to https://your.omnisend.com/foundr to get started. HOW WE CAN HELP YOU SCALE YOUR BUSINESS FASTER Learn directly from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders inside Foundr+ Start your $1 trial → https://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial PREFER A CUSTOM ROADMAP AND 1-ON-1 COACHING? → Starting from scratch? Apply here → https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application → Already have a store? Apply here → https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application CONNECT WITH NATHAN CHAN Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nathanchan LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan/ CONNECT WITH BOMBAS Website → https://bombas.com/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bombas/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/bombas/ David's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtheath/ Randy's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/randysgoldberg/ FOLLOW FOUNDR FOR MORE BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES YouTube → https://bit.ly/2uyvzdt Website → https://www.foundr.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/foundr/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/foundr Twitter → https://www.twitter.com/foundr LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundr/ Podcast → https://www.foundr.com/podcast

In this episode, we talk about what the Less Annoying team should be working on while waiting to see if the last bet actually pays off.

In this episode, Mike shares his incredible journey from running a $2 million business to scaling it to a $40 million enterprise. Alongside Ryan, they delve into the mindset shifts, challenges, and strategies that were pivotal to Mike's growth.    Mike reveals his deep internal changes, the importance of belief, and how pivotal new product innovations and marketing tactics played a role in their breakout success. From leveraging Amazon to navigating thought processes, this conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.   CHAPTERS 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Humble Beginnings to Big Dreams 00:30 Reflecting on Early Challenges and Growth 01:57 The Mindset Shift: Aiming for Nine Figures 03:13 The Power of Belief and Mindset 07:15 Leveraging Amazon and Exploring New Channels 10:52 Innovative Products and Market Domination 20:42 Personal Growth and Leadership Evolution 27:53 The Power of Belief in Entrepreneurship 29:51 Navigating Roadblocks with Self-Awareness 30:37 Bootstrapping to Success 33:31 Seeking and Evaluating Advice 44:23 The Importance of Simplicity and Focus 49:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs   If you're interested in working together, you can apply for The One Percent at https://capitalism.com/one   Doing $1M+? Apply for the incubator at https://capitalism.com/inc

Payroll is one of the trickiest parts of running a business, but for Christina Hageny, it became her calling. She first discovered payroll while working as an administrative assistant, and despite encouragement to move into HR, she stuck with it. In 2020, Christina launched her own firm, Valor Payroll Solutions, and today she helps small businesses handle payroll with ease and confidence.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background 11:19 Payroll across different industries 13:31 Scaling the business  17:58 Bootstrapping the business 20:34 Balancing work and life 25:32 Reflecting on the business 29:39 Advice for other entrepreneurs  30:39 Closing and contact

I reflect on my recent interview with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos. I dive into the trade-offs between bootstrapping and raising venture capital. I share my thoughts on how AI is changing entrepreneurship and jobs. I talk about my own experiences with product pivots and tough market challenges. I explain how I use AI to boost efficiency in my startup journey. Building products is easier than ever, but getting distribution right is still the hardest part. Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/Timestamps by PodsqueezeIntroduction and Recap of Previous Episode (00:00:02)Raising Funds vs. Bootstrapping (00:01:20)Valuation, Market Size, and Risks of Raising (00:03:59)Analyzing Competitors and Market Potential (00:09:13)Calculating Market Size and Revenue Projections (00:10:21)How Much to Raise and Lessons from Greg Hewett (00:11:32)Benefits of Not Raising and Work-Life Balance (00:12:54)AI's Impact on Productivity and Hiring (00:12:54)Long-Term Thinking and Consistency (00:13:59)AI's Negative Impact on Jobs and the Economy (00:16:25)Building Resilient Businesses and Diversification (00:18:58)Turning a Landing Page into a Revenue Stream (00:20:01)Iterating the Business Model and Monetization (00:21:08)Distribution as the Key Bottleneck (00:22:15)Leveraging Distribution Channels for Growth (00:23:20)Conclusion and Call to Action (00:24:39)

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz On the We Sound Crazy podcast, KevOnStage and Mark JP Hood discuss their BET+ hit series, Churchy, and its significant evolution from a self-funded, "guerrilla-style" production to a major network show. We get the behind the scenes story on how the first season was funded by KevOnStage and his wife Melissa, leading to them handling everything from wardrobe to continuity. For the second season, they got a full production budget and crew, allowing them to expand the show's scope and make it funnier and more authentic, with new storylines for every character. Kev and Mark highlight how the show is a workplace comedy for all audiences, even non-churchgoers, with humor that's universally relatable while still containing inside jokes for "church kids" like themselves. This episode is definitely loaded with many crazy stories and also industry insights. Mark JP Hood recalls his first time fully activating his talents when he tap-danced to Kirk Franklin in his church on a dry-erase board. KevOnStage shares the show's humble beginnings on the KevOnStage Studios app (Shout out to the GOAT), and how a mutual friend led to a bidding war for the series, with BET having the winning offer. They explain that the fame and attention can be jarring, but his slow, organic rise helped him adapt. Kev also talks about his intentionality in hiring Black women, a lesson he learned from a pivotal job interview early in his career. Lastly, listen and watch to find out who Kev and Mark's dream cameos would be for the next season of Churcy.  This is truly an episode that you don't want to miss.  So with that said, go ahead and press that play button now!! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Josh Sowemimo, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to KevOnStage and Mark JP Hood! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #KevOnStage #MarkJPHood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I sat down with Mike McDerment, founder of FreshBooks, his story reminded me why narrowing focus is often the smartest path to growth. In this Bite-sized episode, you'll hear how Mike turned a small design problem into a billion-dollar company by obsessing over one specific customer segment.Mike shares how he resisted the temptation to serve everyone, instead targeting only web designers for seven years. That focus built a loyal base and drove word-of-mouth growth far beyond the niche. He talks about bootstrapping from his parents' basement, raising small angel rounds, and running lean until the first big $30m investment a decade later.If you're stuck wondering how to get your business moving, this conversation is a blueprint: start small, serve one customer type brilliantly, and let focus fuel scale.Key Takeaways:Identify one clear customer and understand their pain better than they do.Avoid the trap of believing “everyone” is your customer. Focus creates growth.Bootstrapping forces discipline and builds resilience before raising big capital.Word of mouth is powerful when you serve a niche exceptionally well.Scaling requires patience and deliberate planning, not shortcuts.

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat happens when a shop owner calls to say they're going broke—only to discover they're actually profitable on paper? The truth is, profit doesn't always equal cashflow. And without cash, even the healthiest shops can collapse.In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Parmels & Associates, tackles one of the most dangerous misconceptions in business: why shops fail even when they're making money. From bootstrapping vs. borrowing to the hidden dangers of credit card advance loans, Hunt unpacks real-world lessons from a client whose debt service was drowning out his profits—and the lifeline that helped him turn it around.If you've ever wondered why your bank account doesn't match your P&L, this episode could be the wake-up call you need.What You'll Learn in This Episode(00:00) Why profit doesn't always mean cash—and why cash doesn't always mean profit(02:12) The #1 killer of small businesses: lack of cashflow(06:44) Debt service vs. total debt: what really matters for survival(08:59) Bootstrapping vs. borrowing: how to pick your strategy and stick to it(11:19) Why cash reserves are more important than paying off all your debt(13:59) When profit isn't enough: how debt service can sink a shop(15:56) The dangers of credit card advance loans—and why they trap so many shops(18:12) How refinancing debt saved one shop owner from burning $3,000 every monthThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly...

Today we're going to talk about business funding. Where do you get the money to start a business? Screw The Commute Podcast Show Notes Episode 1033 How To Automate Your Business - https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/ Internet Marketing Training Center - https://imtcva.org/ Higher Education Webinar – https://screwthecommute.com/webinars See Tom's Stuff – https://linktr.ee/antionandassociates 00:23 Tom's introduction to Business Funding 01:36 Bootstrapping, personal loans, credit cards 05:40 Preselling, line of credit, SBA loans 08:23 Debt and equity investors, crowdfunding, grants 11:08 Microlenders Entrepreneurial Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Higher Education Webinar - https://screwthecommute.com/webinars Screw The Commute - https://screwthecommute.com/ Screw The Commute Podcast App - https://screwthecommute.com/app/ College Ripoff Quiz - https://imtcva.org/quiz Know a young person for our Youth Episode Series? Send an email to Tom! - orders@antion.com Have a Roku box? Find Tom's Public Speaking Channel there! - https://channelstore.roku.com/details/267358/the-public-speaking-channel How To Automate Your Business - https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/ Internet Marketing Retreat and Joint Venture Program - https://greatinternetmarketingtraining.com/ KickStartCart - http://www.kickstartcart.com/ Copywriting901 - https://copywriting901.com/ Become a Great Podcast Guest - https://screwthecommute.com/greatpodcastguest Training - https://screwthecommute.com/training Disabilities Page - https://imtcva.org/disabilities/ Tom's Patreon Page - https://screwthecommute.com/patreon/ Tom on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@digitalmultimillionaire/ Email Tom: Tom@ScrewTheCommute.com Internet Marketing Training Center - https://imtcva.org/ Related Episodes Exemplary Eyesight - https://screwthecommute.com/1032/ More Entrepreneurial Resources for Home Based Business, Lifestyle Business, Passive Income, Professional Speaking and Online Business I discovered a great new headline / subject line / subheading generator that will actually analyze which headlines and subject lines are best for your market. I negotiated a deal with the developer of this revolutionary and inexpensive software. Oh, and it's good on Mac and PC. Go here: http://jvz1.com/c/41743/183906 The Wordpress Ecourse. Learn how to Make World Class Websites for $20 or less. https://screwthecommute.com/wordpressecourse/ Join our Private Facebook Group! One week trial for only a buck and then $37 a month, or save a ton with one payment of $297 for a year. Click the image to see all the details and sign up or go to https://www.greatinternetmarketing.com/screwthecommute/ After you sign up, check your email for instructions on getting in the group.

https://www.equipexposition.com/In today's episode, Keith Kalfas opens up about how he started his landscaping business with no money, no car, and a mountain of debt—offering raw, actionable advice for anyone ready to escape a dead-end job and take control of their future. With motivational insights and no-nonsense truths, this is a deeply personal look at entrepreneurship, survival, and the drive to transform your life against the odds.                     "Nothing's going to change unless you change it." – Keith Kalfas Episode Highlights:   [00:00:01] Equip Expo Promo Keith shares details on the Equip Expo, the biggest green industry event in America, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky (Oct 21–24). Listeners can save 50% on tickets with promo code KEITH50. [00:00:38] How to Start a Landscaping Business With No Money Keith introduces the core topic—starting a landscaping business from scratch. He talks directly to those stuck in dead-end jobs and struggling to take the leap into entrepreneurship, addressing common fears about money, equipment, and providing for a family. [00:02:09] Keith's Personal Story: From Rock Bottom to Six Figures Keith shares his own journey, revealing the desperation that drove him: job loss, debt collectors, eviction notices, and the terrifying uncertainty he faced with no startup money or resources. [00:04:58] The Turning Point: Getting Off the Ground Driven by imminent eviction and overwhelming debt, Keith describes the gritty first steps he took—posting Craigslist ads, knocking on doors, handing out homemade business cards, and pulling weeds for cash. He transparently shares the realities of using his wife's car and borrowed equipment just to get started. [00:06:30] Bootstrapping and Beating the Odds Keith recounts pulling his life together: borrowing a truck, working countless hours, fighting discouragement, and doing everything necessary—even poorly paid jobs—to survive and build his business from nothing. [00:08:02] Hitting the Breakthrough: Quitting to Go All In Keith reaches his breaking point, describing the day he finally quit his job after replacing his income with landscaping work—then pouring himself into his business, putting in 90–100 hour weeks. He talks about the emotional and financial risks, but also the payoff: freedom and self-respect.   Key Takeaways Starting With Nothing Is Possible: Keith's story proves you can start a business with zero money, no vehicle, and even bad credit—persistence and hustle are key. Let Go of Excuses: The only way out of being stuck is to take uncomfortable, consistent action—even if it means humble beginnings. Leverage Relentless Hustle:  Overcome obstacles by working harder and longer—90 to 100 hours a week if needed to break through. Accept Humble Beginnings: Start small—even if it means hauling weeds in someone else's old pickup. Humility is part of the journey. Claim Your Freedom: True freedom comes from betting on yourself and taking massive, sometimes scary, action toward your own vision.    Connect with Keith Kalfas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas         Resources & Sponsor Links Equip Expo: https://www.equipexposition.com/— 50% off tickets with code KEITH50 Footbridge Media: footbridgemedia.com/keith Jobber (Exclusive free trial + discount): getjobber.com/kalfas              

How do you go from being a single mom struggling to provide, to leading one of the top real estate groups in Springfield? Kellie Revoir reveals the mindset, grit, and systems she used to bootstrap her way up — all while staying grounded as a mom.

A few years after being voted 'least likely to succeed' in high school, Brandon Dawson defied expectations by scaling his first company from zero to $75 million. Since then, he has built and sold multiple nine-figure businesses. As the co-founder of Cardone Ventures, he helps entrepreneurs build wealth, scale effectively, and lead with purpose. In this episode, Brandon reveals why 97% of businesses fail and shares how to beat the odds and achieve business growth. He also discusses his core leadership principles and the key traits of a great business partner. In this episode, Hala and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:21) His Early Life and Entrepreneurship Journey (09:27) Bootstrapping a Startup vs. VC Funding (19:10) Why Entrepreneurs Should Prioritize Cash Reserves (26:14) Scale vs. Scaling: Redefining Business Growth (36:48) Why 92% of Businesses Fail to Scale Past $3M (40:25) The ‘Law of the Lid' in Leadership (45:47) Actionable Steps to Improving Leadership Skills (55:46) Building 9-Figure Businesses with Grant Cardone (01:03:01) The Key Traits to Look for in Business Partners Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting Airbnb - Find a co-host at airbnb.com/host  Mercury - Streamline your banking and finances in one place. Learn more at ⁠⁠mercury.com/profiting⁠⁠  Policy Genius - Secure your family's future with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com/profiting  Framer - Launch your site for free at Framer.com, and use code PROFITING Resources Mentioned: Brandon's Website: bdawson.com  Brandon's Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: bit.ly/9FigureMindset Brandon's Podcast, Building Billions: bit.ly/BuildingBillions-Apple  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell: bit.ly/21-Laws  Good to Great (6 book series) by Jim Collins: bit.ly/GTG-Series  Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant by Robert T. Kiyosaki: bit.ly/CashQuadrant  Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone: bit.ly/Sell-Be-Sold  Start The Work by Natalie Dawson: bit.ly/StartTheWork  Three Feet from Gold by Sharon L. Lechter: bit.ly/3-Feet-Gold  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Founder, Networking