The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner

Latest Episodes:

This Simple Playbook Built a $120M AI Business (in 3 Months) w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #200 Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.

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I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about how anyone could shamelessly copy the strategy behind Cluely, the $120 million AI company that blew up in just three months. We broke down their viral content machine, how they hired 700+ clippers, and why they only pay per view, not per video. Then we talked about how to spin this strategy into your own clipping farm or media agency, even if you're starting from scratch. We also riffed on business ideas using public records of new LLC registrations, and how to turn that into a high-margin lead gen or service business. Finally, we talked about AI’s limits, what’s still very human, and why action always beats overthinking.

You can find Sam on Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he's up to at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 The Rise of Cluely: A Viral Sensation

02:30 – Why Controversy Is the New Marketing

05:20 – Where AI Still Sucks (And You Should Focus)

08:15 – Can AI Replace Real Human Creativity?

10:15 – Inside Cluely’s 700-Clippers Growth Strategy

12:40 – Clipping: Organic Reach on Steroids

15:10 – Steven Bartlett’s Viral Content System

17:30 – Can’t Track It? Still Worth Doing It

19:45 – Movement Over Perfection: Just Start Clipping

22:20 – Pay View Bonuses, Not Editors (Clipping Hack)

24:45 – Cold Outreach SaaS Idea Using New Biz Listings

27:10 – Vibe-Coding a Local Marketing Agent (Step-by-Step)

How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199 Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.

I sat down with Shannon Jean and we talked about how to spot overlooked opportunities and turn them into real money. We got into strategies for flipping items with zero upfront cost, how to use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, GovDeals, and B-Stock to find profitable products, and how to build repeatable systems around local reselling. Shannon shared how to create a network of local buyers, how to wholesale to discount stores, and how your personal story can actually help you close more sales. If you want to start something scrappy and profitable, this one’s packed with ideas.

You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)
And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/

If you liked this one and want more from Shannon, check out the other episodes with him here:

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

00:00 Unlocking Reselling Opportunities
02:47 The Power of Liquidation Deals
06:00 Finding Hidden Gems in Unsexy Markets
08:49 Building Relationships for Reselling Success
12:08 Leveraging Local Markets for Profit
14:55 Understanding Product Demand and Pricing
17:47 Avoiding Common Reselling Pitfalls
21:10 Crafting Your Reselling Narrative
24:00 The Future of Reselling: Trends and Insig

6 Ways to Make Money With the New GPT Agent (It Blew My Mind) ⏐ Ep. #198 Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I just tested the new ChatGPT agent from OpenAI and this thing blew my mind. For $20/month I had six agents running at once, doing cold outreach, writing pitch decks, researching competitors, even prepping my meetings by digging through private info on my calendar. I tested it on everything from finding local SEO leads to building a launch plan for a mobile car wash business. It cross-referenced Google Trends, scraped Reddit and Amazon reviews, and even redesigned a pitch deck using the legendary Airbnb format. If you're into automation, business building, or just want to know how to actually make money with ChatGPT, this one's for you.

Enjoy!

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Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

You Don’t Need an Online Business to Get Rich ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #197 Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dive into the power of zigging while everyone else zags. We break down the business behind The Flower Letters, a low churn $300K+ per month subscription built around physical mail and why this old school model is winning big. Then we riff on spin off ideas like analog pen pal chess games, choose your own adventure letters for kids, and using AI to co-write and print custom children’s stories. We also brainstorm a niche wedding vendor directory, a Vibe coded video game builder for fantasy nerds, and how white label AI wrappers can unlock passive income. This one's full of business models, AI ideas, and real examples of how to create scalable products around connection and creativity.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

Nik@cofounders.com
Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 The Flower Letters Business Model
02:54 Exploring the Concept of Analog Communication
05:47 Innovative Business Ideas Inspired by Nostalgia
09:05 The Role of AI in Personal Storytelling
11:57 Creating Interactive Experiences for Kids
14:51 The Future of AI and Human Connection
17:45 Niche Market Opportunities in Wedding Services
21:06 The Potential of Vibe Coding for Game Development

The Most Profitable Local Business Everyone Overlooks ($70K/Month) ⏐ Ep. #196 Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I sat down with Alex Boyd to talk about how a personal landscaping problem led him to uncover a wildly underserved niche forestry mulching. We broke down how he used YouTube content, keyword research, and Meta ads to dominate the market, all while running lean with just a few machines. He shares the full playbook for how he turned a $5K investment into a $500K+ service business in just over a year. We also riffed on a brand new idea involving the Green Climber a remote-controlled land-clearing robot that no one’s doing yet.

Check out his YouTube channel at Brushworks Services Co and learn more at brushworksco.com

____________________________________________________________________

If you liked this one and want to learn about more sweaty startup ideas, check out these episodes:

Making $23K/Month by Month 2 with a B2B Home Service | HoldCo Bros Discuss. Ep. #140
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241079/episodes/16750596

B2B Stump Grinding. Cash Cow or Dud? HoldCo Bros Discuss. Ep. #037
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241079/episodes/15389671

I Found an Untapped Home Service Business with 75% Net Profit Margins. Ep #075
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241079/episodes/15881038

How Two Teenage Brothers Built a $900k Junk Removal Business with No Money. Ep #054
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241079/episodes/15603176

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 Identifying Market Demand for Brush Clearing
03:01 The Journey of Starting a Brush Clearing Business
05:50 Keyword Research and Content Marketing Strategies
08:59 Leveraging YouTube for Local Service Marketing
11:50 Equipment Investment and Financing Options
15:07 Ad Targeting and Placement Strategies
25:03 Maximizing Video Marketing Strategies
30:10 Lead Generation and Conversion Rates
35:00 Understanding Pricing and Job Estimates
40:45 The Emotional Impact of Land Clearing
41:43 Sales Growth and Future Projections
45:05 Innovative Equipment and Market Opportunities

The Smart Way to Start Small and Still Win Big ⏐ Ep. #195 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I sat down with Daniel Cronauer again and we talked all things service & local business. We got into how he’s opening his third gym right next to competitors and stealing their customers with simple tactics that actually work. We also talked about finding marketing shortcuts that cost almost nothing but drive real leads, how to use Facebook groups the smart way, and why most home service businesses never scale past two trucks. We even got into personal stuff like gratitude, childhood money trauma, and how those shape your mindset as a business owner.

If you've ever gotten a newsletter from me, it was powered by Beehiiv. Built by the team behind Morning Brew, it's the only platform I’ve found that actually moves the needle. Go to beehiiv.com/chris and use code chris30 to get 30% off your first three months.

You can find Daniel on Twitter at x.com/DanielCronauer and on LinkedIn.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 Turning Ideas into Cash Flow
03:03 Optimism and Market Strategy
05:53 Marketing Tactics and Community Engagement
09:06 The Importance of Action and Research
12:01 Building a Business with Intent
14:49 Curiosity and Gratitude as Business Drivers
18:05 Navigating Business Challenges
20:52 Franchises vs. Entrepreneurship
24:06 The Future of Business in a Competitive Market
32:00 Brahms vs. Coldstone: The Cost of Vertical Integration
34:22 Franchising: The Good, The Bad, and The Fit
36:45 Scaling Home Service Businesses: The Key to Growth
39:40 The Importance of Systems and Employee Empowerment
41:33 Mission Statements: Purpose in Business
43:28 The Employee-Employer Dynamic: Who Works for Whom?
45:21 Creating a Positive Work Environment
46:45 The Psychology of Business: Understanding Employee Needs
48:40 Avoiding Time and Money Wasters in Business
50:38 Investing in Real Estate: A Personal Journey
52:54 Defining Success: Time vs. Money
54:48 Diversification: The Value of Multiple Ventures
56:15 The Launch Playbook: From Truck to Cash Flow

These Local Businesses Are Hidden Goldmines ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #194 Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

HoldCo Bros are back! In this one, Nik and I talk through some crazy profitable ideas for local service businesses that almost anyone could start. It all kicked off when a real-life hot tub crew showed up at my Airbnb just as I was scripting a video about them. We dug into why hot tub maintenance and moving services are such great opportunities. We also talked about launching a lake house concierge business, touchless vacation rental SaaS tools, and even a boat and paddleboard rental monopoly that charges $95 a tube. Toward the end, we shared a genius cold outreach trick using Shopify and a creative lead gen strategy based on building AI-powered directories.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

Nik@cofounders.com
Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 Exploring Unique Business Opportunities
03:01 Innovative Service Models for Vacation Rentals
05:54 Leveraging Technology in Rental Services
08:43 Identifying Lucrative Business Niches
12:08 Creative Cold Email Strategies
14:59 Building Directories for Lead Generation

Everyone’s Chasing AI. Start This Simple $250K/Year Business Instead ⏐ Ep. #193 Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I sat down and explored five underrated business models hiding in the hot tub industry. It's a surprisingly big and growing $5B market with way more recurring revenue potential than most people realize. I broke down real-world case studies, startup costs, and the exact go-to-market strategy I'd use to launch each idea. If you're looking for a low-capital, high-margin opportunity with real product-market fit, this episode is for you.

https://bizee.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 Introduction to the Hot Tub Business Opportunity
02:44 Exploring Hot Tub Inspection Services
05:58 The Market for Hot Tub Covers
08:51 Hot Tub Moving and Relocation Services
12:10 The Hot Tub Rental Business
15:02 Airbnb Hot Tub Maintenance Services
17:53 Conclusion and Future Opportunities in Hot Tub Services

Learn AI Automations Before You’re Replaced by Them ⏐ Ep. #192 Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I sat down with Michael Shimeles to talk about the most approachable path into building with AI. We got into why you don’t need to be technical to start building powerful AI automations, how to sharpen your edge as a non-developer, and why “just building stuff” is the most important thing you can do right now. We covered tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Make, n8n, and Gumloop, and even talked about wrapping these workflows in simple web apps. We also explored AI-first product ideas, smart ways to escape the “tech bubble,” and how beautiful design can become your moat.

You can find Michael on X at x.com/rasmickyy and check out what he’s working on at rasmic.xyz

Here are direct links to all the tools, platforms, and APIs mentioned in the episode:

🛠️ AI Models & LLMs

Claude (Anthropic / Cloud Code): https://claude.ai
ChatGPT / OpenAI: https://chat.openai.com
Gemini (Google): https://gemini.google.com
Perplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.ai
Grok (xAI / Twitter): https://x.ai

⚙️ Automation & No-Code Tools

N8N (Workflow Automation): https://n8n.io
Make.com (formerly Integromat): https://www.make.com
Zapier: https://zapier.com
Gumloop: https://gumloop.com
Replit (Browser-based IDE & AI dev): https://replit.com

💳 APIs & System Integration

MCP (Multimodal Communication Protocol): https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol
Linear (Project Management): https://linear.app

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 Unlocking Automation for Everyone
03:06 The Future of AI Agents
05:53 Navigating the Learning Curve of Vibe Coding
08:45 Building Useful Automations
12:04 Finding Opportunities in Your Industry
14:57 The Importance of User Experience
17:52 Leveraging AI Tools for Design
20:44 Understanding MCP and Its Impact
23:42 Embracing Change and Continuous Learning

Start a Business With Just a Prompt (w/ Bolt CEO)⏐ Ep. #191 Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com

I sat down with Eric Simons, the CEO of Bolt, to talk about how non-technical entrepreneurs are using AI to build real software businesses from scratch. We broke down how Bolt went from zero to 20 million ARR in just 2 months, and how people are using it to launch full SaaS platforms, create AI-powered CRMs, build client dashboards, and even run entire web app agencies. Eric explained how Bolt helps you go from idea to product in minutes with built-in payment integration, full-stack backend, and mobile app deployment. We also talked about the viral tweet that launched it all and why non-coders might have the edge in this new wave of AI automation.

If you want to build something without touching code, try Bolt using my affiliate link. And follow Eric at x.com/ericsimons and Bolt at x.com/boltdotnew.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 The New Era of Entrepreneurship
02:56 Building with Bolt: A Game Changer
05:45 The Impact of AI on Coding and Development
08:58 The Power of Community and Marketing
11:44 The Pivot to AI and Its Success
14:54 Understanding User Adoption and Use Cases
26:42 The Power of ROI in Software Development
29:29 Innovative Applications and Business Models
32:19 The Non-Technical Advantage in Software Creation
35:02 Monetization Strategies with Bolt
37:49 Building with Bolt: Real-World Examples
40:10 Prompting Best Practices for Effective Development
43:30 Overcoming Development Challenges
45:54 Designing with AI: Tips and Tricks
49:36 Building Complex Applications with Bolt

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