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

Latest Episodes:

Riffing on Ideas with Connor: Candles and Apps. Ep. #90 Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a familiar face on the podcast, to dive into some exciting new ideas and business strategies. We talked about productivity and how to truly gauge an employee's work speed, the challenges of the candle industry (since Connor’s dad owns a big candle business in New Jersey), and some innovative concepts for tackling these markets. This conversation was so packed with insights that we had to split it into two episodes! Make sure to tune in next week for Part 2, which, trust me, is even better.
Check out Connor’s free newsletter! https://www.bizbrainstorms.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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 Introduction and Guest Overview
00:57 Employee Productivity and Remote Work Challenges
02:48 Upwork and Multi-Job Dilemma
05:13 Management Solutions and Business Ideas
08:24 Speed and Efficiency in the Workplace
15:04 Candle Business and Unique Branding Ideas
17:06 Unusual Preferences and Niche Markets
17:19 Innovative Packaging Ideas
18:07 Candle Industry Insights
18:47 Marketing Strategies and Unique Selling Points
19:58 Exploring New Candle Concepts
20:23 The Liquid Death Approach
22:21 Refillable Candles and Home Decor
27:53 Scratch and Sniff Marketing
28:25 Collaborations and Personalization
31:33 Pet-Themed Candles and Programmatic SEO

Google Sheets + AI = $$$. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #89 Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three ideas in this episode, following up from Episode #86. We cover GPT for Google Sheets, a creative dating idea, and Water Finds. Plus, we play our 'marry, date, or kill' game to decide which idea we’d pursue, test, or drop. It's a fun, insightful episode, so be sure to share, like, and subscribe!

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

Oops! I Started 15 More Businesses. Episode 4/4 of "Every Business I've Every Started" Ep. #88 Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

This is part four - THE FINAL PART of 'Every Business I've Ever Started'
If you want even more business ideas, check out the previous episodes to hear about every business in episode #14, 21 and 79.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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 Introduction to Business Ventures
00:48 The Co-Founders Model
02:20 Copy Paste Site: A Unique Web Design Idea
03:55 Fulfillment Score: E-commerce Shipping Solutions
05:58 Scams and Lessons Learned
09:29 Innovative Products: Nomo Snore and Off Marketers
12:01 AI Guy: A Successful Newsletter
14:08 Startup Gems: AI Voice Cloning Experiment
16:55 The No BS Crypto Podcast
17:51 Twice Used: A Recycling Venture
20:40 Lawyers in China: A Lead Generation Service
23:13 My Modern Self: Delivering Ikea Furniture
25:12 Animal Aftercare: Programmatic SEO Business

The Most Profitable Industry You've Never Looked at Twice... Ep. #87 Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Shannon Houchin, the founder of Roadside Republic. In this episode, we discuss the incredible business model of roadside produce stands, which Shannon scaled to over 100 locations in her first summer, generating impressive revenue with minimal overhead.
We highlight why this business works so well, including its low startup costs (around $200), high margins (up to 70%), and lack of lease requirements or heavy regulation. Shannon shares the tactics she used, from finding the perfect locations to negotiating with wholesalers over the phone, making this a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to enter this profitable venture.
Learn more about Shannon's business here:
https://roadsiderepublic.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@roadside_republic
https://www.facebook.com/RoadsideRepublic

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://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 Roadside Stand Revolution
02:52 From Reporter to Peach Entrepreneur
05:47 Scaling the Peach Business
09:09 The Art of Location and Visibility
12:05 Understanding Peach Quality and Sourcing
14:59 Transitioning to Online Sales and Delivery
17:46 Consumer Behavior and Pricing Strategies
24:58 Transforming Pricing Models in Produce Sales
29:12 Innovative Locations for Roadside Stands
32:32 Expanding Business Segments and Mobile Markets
34:59 Profitability and Sales Strategies for Roadside Stands
39:12 The Power of Storytelling in Sales
46:47 Comparing Business Models: Roadside Republic vs. Peach Truck

How to Cash in from Other Companies’ Email Lists (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #86 Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three topics today. First, an update on our perfume vending machine business, now called Side Vending, as we expand to new vending machine concepts. It’s been a wild journey, and we’ve got some crazy stories to share.

Then, we break down the recent shutdown of a company called The Pro’s Closet and discuss how you can monetize other companies’ email lists - 300,000 email addresses that are going to waste! Finally, we talk about Negotiations as a Service, or as I like to put it, “Only eat when you eat.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we’ll talk about GPT for Google Sheet and all the many ways you can use AI inside Excel or Google Sheets, a creative dating idea, and a business called Water Finds that we think you’ll find interesting. Be sure to share, like, and subscribe!

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

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://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 Introduction and Today's Agenda
00:34 Perfume Vending Machine Business Update
04:08 The Pro's Closet Shutdown
09:38 Opportunities in Email Monetization
12:25 Buying a Business Out of Bankruptcy
13:00 Owning Commercial Real Estate and Restaurants
14:12 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Managers
14:53 Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs
18:35 Business Opportunity in Pharmacy Negotiations
22:24 How to Get Your First Customer
25:03 Marry, Date, or Kill: Evaluating Business Ideas
27:06 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

70% Margins in the Mobile Roller Skating Business. Ep. #85 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Henry O'Brien, founder of SUSO Skate Co., who launched a mobile roller skating business during the COVID pandemic and saw it explode in popularity. In his first three months, Henry made $120k at 30-40% margins, which eventually grew to 70% net margins. Henry sets up mobile roller rinks in malls, parking lots, or any available space, making roller skating accessible to communities everywhere.

We talked about his launch strategy, the numbers, user-generated content, PR and marketing tactics, and how he managed to sell into malls. If you're curious about starting a unique business model or achieving high-profit margins, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Henry's business here:
https://www.susoskateco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/susoskateco/
https://www.tiktok.com/@susoskateco

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://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 Birth of Suso Skate Co.
03:05 Navigating the Pandemic and Finding Opportunity
05:49 Marketing Strategies and Media Engagement
09:08 The Unique Venue: Bentway
11:57 Understanding Product-Market Fit
14:50 Financial Insights and Unit Economics
18:06 User-Generated Content and Social Media Impact
20:55 Operational Challenges and Growth Plans
24:12 Quality Control and Insurance Considerations
32:05 Navigating Insurance and Liability in Recreational Business
35:26 The Evolution of Roller Skating: Fad or Trend?
38:22 Staffing Strategies for Busy Days
39:45 Expanding into Malls: A Strategic Move
44:55 Understanding Mall Dynamics and Revenue Models
48:45 Challenges of Outdoor Locations and Weather Impact
50:40 The Transition to Indoor Locations
54:27 Mobile Roller Skating: A New Business Model
01:00:04 Future Plans: Licensing vs. Franchising

Three Business Deep Dives: Fencing, Stock Tank Pools, Saunas & Cold Plunges. Ep. #84 Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Sam Unkart, an entrepreneur who’s done it all. From building fences to installing stock tank pools and even launching a sauna and cold plunge facility. In this episode we do three deep dives into each of Sam’s business ventures and learn how he’s tackled different markets and industries.

We talked about the fencing and pergola business Sam launched after quitting his corporate job, the booming industry of stock tank pools perfect for millennial backyard parties, and his unique concept of setting up a sauna and cold plunge inside of someone else's gym in Cleburne, Texas, that's grossing over 10k/month.

Learn more about Sam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelunkart/
Sam's Sauna Business: https://www.dripsauna.co/
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://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 Highlights & Introduction
01:31 From Corporate to Construction: The Entrepreneurial Leap
02:06 Starting a Fencing and Pergola Business
11:09 Pivot to Stock Tank Pools
29:09 Sauna and Cold Plunge Venture

How to Launch a Seasonal Business and Get Piggyback Clients Instantly. (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #83 Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I sat down to share some fun and actionable business ideas. We talk about job board ideas, one funny business idea, AI-generated family photos, and launching an automation agency using Zapier vs Make.com. We also discuss how we’d approach launching a seasonal home service business.
Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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 Highlights
00:47 Viral Tweet Sparks Discussion on Remote Jobs for Introverts
01:12 The Challenges and Opportunities of Job Boards
01:51 Innovative Job Board Ideas Based on Personality Types
02:05 Exploring Niche Job Boards and Their Potential
04:17 Technology and Implementation of Job Boards
07:48 Seasonal Business Opportunities: Halloween and Beyond
20:18 The Emotional Impact of Fame
21:02 Business Ethics and Unethical Ventures
21:36 Family Picture Day Struggles
22:30 AI in Photography: A Game Changer
24:02 The Future of AI-Generated Family Photos
29:43 Zapier vs. Make: Automation Tools Showdown
38:16 AI's Role in Blue-Collar Jobs
39:29 The Efficiency Revolution: AI in Diagnostics

How to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business from Scratch. Ep. #82 Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Jason Feller, who went from managing private clubs for 20 years to running his own trash bin cleaning business. Tired of missing his kids' activities, Jason decided to make a change. He invested $48,000 into a trash bin cleaning trailer and now serves 300 recurring customers. We talked about customer acquisition tactics, from leveraging Facebook groups to direct marketing, and the challenges Jason faced transitioning from a career in club management to running his own business.
Learn more about Jason's business:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalCleanCanz/
Website: https://crystalcleancanz.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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 Highlights
00:27 Welcome to the Kerner Office
00:45 Jason Feller's Career Journey
00:54 Transition to Trash Bin Cleaning Business
03:25 Challenges and Realizations
04:26 Starting the Business
05:14 The Dumpster Theory
08:28 Business Model and Growth
15:35 Marketing Strategies
23:37 Seasonal Challenges and Customer Acquisition
24:12 Running a One-Person Business
24:53 Route Planning and Neighborhood Targeting
26:32 Understanding Customer Demographics
28:15 Marketing Strategies and Conversion Rates
29:12 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Life
35:21 Competitors and Market Dynamics
40:52 Reflections on Entrepreneurship
42:28 Exploring New Business Ideas
45:18 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

A Secret Growth Hack to Steal Free Customers From MeetUp. Ep. #81 Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Edward Sturm, a viral growth marketing expert who's known for his Fake Celebrity prank in New York City that went viral with hundreds of millions of views. In this episode, Edward shares a brilliant idea to take over abandoned meetup groups for just $50-$100, giving you access to thousands of free leads and potential customers. We also discuss curious learner bias, unbundling large SaaS tools using AI, and creative ways to grow your business.
Learn more about Edward here:
https://www.instagram.com/edward.builds
https://www.youtube.com/@buildinpublic
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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 Introduction to Edward Sturm and Viral Marketing
14:33 Innovative Business Ideas: Taking Over Meetup Groups
24:12 Networking and Meetups for Growth
26:36 The Curious Learner Bias
30:54 Content Creation and Engagement Strategies
34:39 Leveraging AI Tools for Development
39:26 Unbundling Features for Market Success
42:45 Bottom of Funnel SEO Strategies
45:07 YouTube Shorts and User-Generated Content

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