Next Level Pros

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#36:Brandon Poulin: Founder Of Lady Boss, Marketing Expert, Family Man Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The Founder Podcast, hosted by Chris Lee! In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Brandon Poulin, who, along with his wife Kaelin, built a remarkable empire at a young age. Brandon is the founder of Lady Boss, a thriving health and apparel company that achieved a staggering $50 million in annual revenue before its recent sale.

But Brandon's journey wasn't an overnight success. He shares the story of his early entrepreneurial ventures, from running an auto glass company at the age of 17 to getting involved in network marketing. It was in the world of network marketing that Brandon and Kaelin found their footing and laid the foundation for Lady Boss.

Brandon reveals the turning point in their journey, where they embraced a predictable revenue model, understood customer acquisition costs, and honed their financial strategy. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the math of your business and how it can lead to sustainable growth.

As Brandon reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, he offers valuable insights about hiring the right team members and paying competitive salaries to attract experienced professionals. He shares the challenges of transitioning from a scrappy startup to a company with seasoned leaders and the benefits of investing in high-level talent.

Tune in to this episode of The Founder Podcast to gain wisdom from Brandon Poulin's incredible entrepreneurial experience and learn how strategic thinking and effective team building can drive long-term success in business.

HIGHLIGHTS

"It's been a crazy journey for us, but I think the biggest thing is just the impact that we've been able to have."

"Being able to retire your wife, give your family the life that you've always dreamed of, that's a really special feeling."

"You learn so much from failure, and that's what I've learned."

TIMESTAMPS

00:00: Introduction

02:00: Personal Growth

07:43: Network Marketing

10:43: Growth Strategies

17:22: Bootstrapping

21:53: Hiring Your Team

25:06: Hiring High Level Management

30:26: Time Management

36:54: Family Rhythm and Alignment

40:23: Motivation

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#35: I paid Harvard $150k so that you don’t have to Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

In this special episode of the Founder Podcast, Chris shares his experiences from the prestigious Owner's President's Management Program at Harvard. Discover what it's like to be part of this elite program that brings together successful business owners from around the world.

Chris dives into the world of negotiations and reveals valuable insights that can benefit entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Learn about the essential elements of business success: Select, Serve, Satisfy, Survive, and Thrive. Chris discusses the importance of understanding your customers and employees, serving them with excellence, and creating a culture of trust and transparency.

Discover how negotiations can be a win-win situation, focusing on the long-term relationship rather than just the current deal. Chris shares real-life examples and practical advice that can help you navigate the world of business negotiations successfully.

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes from the Founder Podcast! HIGHLIGHTS

"I pay $50,000 a year to be a part of this program to attend here for three weeks." "You got to be very selective...You got to have an incredible hiring process in place." "The cost of doing a mistake is very high, but mistakes are forgiven and mistakes are okay." TIMESTAMPS

00:00: Harvard Business School 04:43: Strategies & Guarantees 09:37: Customer Service 14:10: Create A Unique Experience 18:41: Employee Satisfaction 22:52: Trust Building 27:03: Long Term Partnerships

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

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#34: Tommy Mello: Founder A1 Garage Doors, Podcast Host, Author Sep 15, 2023

Show notes

Join host Chris Lee in an exhilarating conversation with Tommy Mello, the entrepreneurial powerhouse behind the massively successful garage door service empire, A1 Garage Door Service. Tommy's journey from humble beginnings in Michigan to scaling a multimillion-dollar business in the home service industry is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Tommy shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial path, from hustling side gigs in his early years to realizing the importance of processes and management in business growth. Tommy's story takes a remarkable turn when he delves into the intricacies of navigating a private equity deal and the transformative impact it had on his company. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the process of preparing a business for private equity, the role of due diligence, and the pivotal moments that led to Tommy's business success. Tommy's infectious enthusiasm and candid storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone aspiring to scale their own venture, providing practical lessons and inspiration along the way." HIGHLIGHTS “I hear it every day. I'm just gonna do what you did in my industry. I'm like, Well, how many markets are you in? You're in one. And you own 1% of the market, you need to take market penetration in your market plus two or three other markets.” “The other thing is, don't listen to broke people. Because broke people are going to tell you all the reasons why something won't work. But successful people are going to say, 'Well, if you do this, this, and this, this will happen.'" "I love helping people, I love growing people, I love watching them succeed. And I think that's one of the big keys to my success." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:39: Making Money At A Young Age 04:34: Selling Cars 09:27: The Beginning 12:50: Service Titan 19:06: Hiring The Right CEO 21:37: Rasining Capital 28:44: Process Of Buying And Selling A Company 38:06: Freedoms 46:30: Family & Business

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#33: My Turning Point: When It All Started Clicking Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

In this energizing episode of the Founder Podcast, your host, Chris Lee, shares a profound message about the key to success and lasting happiness. Post-workout and brimming with enthusiasm, Chris reflects on his journey and how he unlocked a vital principle: the Consumption Deficit. Whether you're at a low point, running a business, or contemplating a new venture, this message is for you. Chris emphasizes that success extends beyond financial gain, highlighting how it's all interconnected – from relationships and spirituality to economics and physique. Chris delves into the principle of operating in a consumption deficit, drawing parallels with calorie counting for weight loss. He explores how we're all chasing feelings in life and why creating joy in every aspect is the ultimate purpose. Join Chris as he discusses his own journey to sobriety (from sugar) and his commitment to self-improvement. Discover how embracing a consumption deficit can transform your life, leading to greater joy and fulfillment. Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and inspiration to create a more meaningful, joyful life in every area. HIGHLIGHTS It's all connected, association, spirituality, economic and physique. Like it, how you do anything is how you do everything." "Each of us are chasing feelings... for example, we think if we go and drive a $300,000 sports car, it's not about the car, it's about how we potentially feel while driving it." "How you do anything is how you do everything." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:03: What Are We Chasing? 05:42: Investments Vs Living Expenses 07:50: How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything 11:43: The Parable Of The Talents Of The Lord

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

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#32: Failure to $243M a Year: My Founder Story With Dawn Dahlby Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Join us on this episode of the Founder Podcast. I had the opportunity to sit with Dawn Dahlby on The LIVE WELLthy Podcast. We dive deep into my journey, Chris Lee, a serial entrepreneur who has experienced both the highs and lows of the business world. Chris's story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and transparency in building successful companies. From starting as a college dropout with dreams of becoming a doctor to facing a devastating bankruptcy, Chris shares how he turned adversity into opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and transparently sharing your challenges with your team to build a thriving company culture. Discover the critical elements Chris learned from his failures and his mentors that have led him to scale businesses to nine-figure exits. We explore the value of being truthful about your weaknesses, focusing on your strengths, and fostering a culture of teamwork and shared ownership. Tune in for valuable insights on why transparency and sales are essential components of scaling a business successfully. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Chris’s story will inspire you to live wealthy through financial success, personal growth, and serving others. Don't miss this episode of the Founder Podcast. HIGHLIGHTS "Real education is everything that I need mentors, like not these sages that went to college, got a doctorate and come back and teach us. I'm talking about people that have actually done it." "Transparency is the number one factor in a great culture. We lack a ton of transparency in the business world a lot of times, owners, executive teams or whatnot, that kind of hide behind the scenes of what actually is happening in the business." "Own your weaknesses, on your strengths. Tell people how to work with your weaknesses, don't try fixing your weaknesses." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:04: Buying Back Your Time 07:29: Getting Into Sales 11:59: Save More Lives 17:08: Paid Education 23:39: Team Culture 28:06: Giving Autonomy To Your Team 33:48: Importance

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

#31: Xavier Helgesen: Founder Of Better World Books, Clean Energy Titan, Serial Entrepreneur Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

Join us for an exciting episode of The Founder Podcast as Chris Lee sits down with the one and only Xavier Helgesen, an extraordinary entrepreneur with a knack for building and transforming businesses. Xavier, the mastermind behind Enduring Ventures, takes us on a journey through his remarkable career.

From humble beginnings in a small iron mining town to founding multiple successful companies, Xavier's story is nothing short of inspiring. He shares his early entrepreneurial endeavors, including running a mini golf course and a college social network.

But the real game-changer came when Xavier recognized a unique opportunity in the used textbook market, leading to the birth of Better World Books. Discover how this venture became a multi-million dollar success by helping libraries and nonprofits while becoming one of the first third-party merchants on Amazon.

Now, as the founder of Enduring Ventures, Xavier shares his current passion: acquiring cash-flowing businesses and nurturing their growth. Learn how he evaluates and shapes these businesses, emphasizing brand and sustainable cash flows.

Tune in to gain valuable insights, entrepreneurial wisdom, and a glimpse into the mind of one of the most remarkable founders of our time. Xavier Helgesen's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of building enduring businesses.

Enjoy this enlightening conversation on The Founder Podcast!

HIGHLIGHTS

"I remember the first day I made like 100 bucks, and like grimy dollar bills. And I was like, this is the best thing I've ever done in my life."

"But then I stayed in school, which was the dumbest thing to do during the internet boom, like I should have dropped out after freshman year."

"I'm much more interested in cashflow, like how much cash actually goes in the bank account after taxes after depreciation after capital expenses after all of it."

TIMESTAMPS

00:00: Introduction

06:44: Lessons From Parents

10:11: The Age Of The Internet

16:53: Book Drive

20:09: Leader In Book Sales

26:30: Building His Own Brand

29:05: Early Lessons

37:47: The Right Person To Take Over

43:19: Turning A Company Around

45:29: Entrepreneurship

51:41: What Gets You Excited In Life?

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

#30: Ryan Gardner: The Founder Of Bucked Up, Affiliate Genius, Serial Entrepreneur Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The Founder Podcast! I'm your host, Chris Lee, and today I have the pleasure of chatting with Ryan Gardner, the mastermind behind Bucked Up, a powerhouse in the supplement and energy drink industry.

Ryan takes us back to the beginning when Bucked Up started with just a thousand bottles of their pre-workout supplement. Fast forward to now, and they're raking in hundreds of millions in revenue. They've cracked the energy drink market, going from 4 million cans sold to an incredible projection of 55 million cans this year.

We delve into the world's fascination with caffeine, with Ryan humorously calling it the most abused drug globally. Bucked Up's approach to caffeine content offers options for various preferences, from the gym enthusiasts to the everyday caffeine seeker.

Join us for an episode packed with entrepreneurial insights, growth strategies, and a dash of caffeine wisdom as we uncover Ryan Gardner's journey and the remarkable rise of Bucked Up.

HIGHLIGHTS

“So we're in over 25,000 retail locations including convenience stores to GNC Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart's, you know, we're in all of those types of brands."

"We say caffeine is the most abused drug in the world... You know, there's a lot of caffeinated people out there. They're either drinking coffee or they're drinking energy drinks."

"I bet you if the FDA had it over again, they would never approve caffeine... Caffeine gives a caged animal a feeling of freedom, a feeling of like, it's like that quick little high, quick little energy burners will hit."

TIMESTAMPS

00:00: Introduction,

02:10: The Founder Of Bucked Up

06:34: Power Of Caffeine

08:47: Strategic Partners

13:59: Importance of Sales Marketing

17:37: Your Start

23:46: Social Media

26:56: The Energy Drink Market

33:52: What Motivates You Everyday?

36:53: Using Money To Make Investments

46:34: Giving Back

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

#29: Randy Garn, Founder Of Prosper Inc, Networking Guru, Family Man Aug 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of The Founder Podcast, host Chris Lee is joined by Mr. Randy Garn, a multi-company founder, including Prosper. Randy is known for his expertise in consulting with founders and his wide network of relationships. The episode delves into Randy's upbringing and the profound influence his father had on him, being both a high school football coach and a rancher. Randy discusses the values of accountability, hard work, and commitment that he learned during his formative years on the ranch. These values shaped him into a successful entrepreneur and relationship guru, guiding his interactions with others and his approach to business! Don't miss this electric episode of The Founder Podcast! HIGHLIGHTS "...watching his patterns, were pretty impactful for me at a young age that I think, made me be a better leader, a very successful founder." "For me, I think a lot of it is like what how do we get how did we grow up? And who are our early mentors, and I'm actually talking about 11 to 14, right? That's like a massive age of impact is those years." "Yeah, there's always some I say that there's only a couple things you really got to do to be successful business. And one is just doing what you say you're gonna do." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:47: Early Mentors 05:35: Accountability 12:12: Your Journey To Entrepreneurship 21:00: Core Philosophies 23:41: Meaningful Relationships 27:28: Dealing With Negativity 34:50: Being Happy 42:54: Advice To Others 46:02: What's Next?

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

#28: Richie Norton,Co-Founder PROUDUCT—an INC, Top 40 Under 40, Best Selling Author Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Introducing a thought-provoking episode of the Founder Podcast featuring Richie Norton, the author of "The Power of Starting Something Stupid." In this captivating conversation with host Chris Lee, Richie shares his journey from growing up in San Diego to becoming an entrepreneur and making impactful moves across the globe. He recounts how a seemingly "stupid" idea of selling irregular-sized watermelons led to an early entrepreneurial lesson and reflects on the subtle ways he learned not to trade time for money. Richie's unique perspective on life and business comes from experiences like starting a cashmere business in Mongolia, a taxi company in Samoa, and a pig farm in Cambodia. Richie explains the concept of "Gavin's Law" which urges us to live to start and start to live, embracing creativity and taking risks along the way. He emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with values, debunking the myth that we have endless time to achieve our dreams. HIGHLIGHTS "You're going to be working your whole life. You said your job right now. And I get that I'm super privileged in this way... I had the privilege of having, you know, mom and dad in the home that showed me that." "I was actually taught how to be an entrepreneur. And it was subtle. And I learned how to not have to trade my time for money. And it was subtle." "You actually can't fly without that little string... you don't, I mean, it just kind of flops around on the ground." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 01:43: Making Money 07:30: Business In Mongolia 10:38: The Power Of Starting Something Stupid 15:30: Live To Start, Start To Live 20:38: Continued Growth 22:41: Sacrifices 27:28: Living In The Present 33:46: Having A Working Title 35:27: Writing A Book 42:00: Book Pitch 51:17: Self Mastery Ve Self Management 57:05: Advice To Younger Self CONNECT Move From Distraction To Action with Richie's FREE Time Tipping Toolbox! Download now-http://richienorton.com/time

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#27: JP Newman, Founder Of Thrive, Portfolio of 3000+ Doors, 2 Billion In Transactions Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce my good friend, JP Newman, a remarkable individual who has achieved incredible success in the real estate industry. JP is more than just a real estate guru; As the founder of Thrive, and FP, he's built a substantial wealth fortune of over $2 billion in transactions. He also holds an impressive portfolio of 3,000 doors. JP and I dive into his journey of success, his early experiences in entrepreneurship, and his transition from corporate America to the world of real estate. JP's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of financial freedom. He shares anecdotes from his corporate days, including his time at Sony Pictures, where he learned the art of storytelling and produced iconic films like "Where the Red Fern Grows." But JP's story isn't without its challenges. JP's dedication to financial education and his ability to navigate complex tax strategies make this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in building wealth. HIGHLIGHTS "Probably one of the things that attracted me most to JP, the very first time that we met was his ability to understand tax and tax law and how to operate in the darkest gray possible." "I always say, man, you know, especially in those early ages, just say yes. And then figure it out." "...You know what? I'm done with that, like, I'm done working for making other people successful." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 03:26: Tell Us Your Story 05:13: The Most Beautiful Air BnB 10:48: Working At Sony Pictures 14:48: Having The Balls To Make It Happen 19:42: Early Days Of Online Shopping 23:15: Comparison 31:51: Hygiene & Motivational Factors 34:35: The Largest Deal Of His Life 42:10: Favorite Current Strategies?

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast