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The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner
Chris Koerner
Entrepreneurship379 episodes
View on Apple PodcastsEpisodes (200)
He Turned $90 Into $50K by Mailing Ads⏐Ep. #291
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ This guy turned $90 into $50K in a year selling ad space on postcards that get mailed to thousands of homes. He finds local businesses in Facebook groups, closes 95% of his deals over text — one plumber paid him $1,100 in five messages. No cold calls, no Zoom, no employees, no ads. He just connects local businesses to local homeowners through the mail and pockets $4–5K profit per run. He even showed me the exact Facebook post he uses and the trick that gets business owners to DM him first. This one blew my mind. Find Josh: 📩 Community: "Make Money With Direct Mail" on Skool - https://www.skool.com/make-money-with-direct-mail-5685 📱 Instagram: @directmailjosh TikTok: @directmailjosh 🎥 YouTube: Josh | Make Money With Direct Mail - https://www.youtube.com/@makemoneywithdirectmail 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 ---
Apr 14, 202648 min
6 Businesses You Can Start With Almost No Money⏐Ep. #290
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ The Most Overlooked Way to Make Money with AI (+10 More Ideas) - Chat with Michael Girdley | Ep. #181 https://open.spotify.com/episode/67kATaWJ935Ec4O3oViPWN?si=WehmyjUfTeiAnLbk0xX0kA Michael Girdley is back and we went even harder this time. I sent his ideas to my newsletter, you guys voted, and we only talked about the best ones. We got into AI persona marketplaces, a MasterClass killer where you actually talk to Steve Jobs, the return of local journalism, an app that yells at you for getting distracted, negotiating 70% off college tuition, and why AI audits might be the best business any of you can start right now. One idea was so good I started building it in Claude while we were still recording. Find Michael on X at https://x.com/girdley or at https://girdley.com. He's also launching Bedrock (https://girdley.com/bedrock) for quality of earnings if you're buying a business, and https://www.fixedlabs.ai/ for AI audits. 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 ---
Apr 10, 202644 min
He Can't Code but His AI Agents Make Him $5K/Month⏐Ep. #289
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Vadim is 18 years old, has zero coding experience, and just made $5,000 in his first month from an app he vibe coded using Claude Code. His app Vugola competes with Opus Clip, a company that raised $50 million, and he built the whole thing without writing a single line of code. We talk about how he built it, the AI tools he's using to run his entire company with agents, and why he thinks every business needs to be built agentic-first. Find Vadim on Twitter/X: https://x.com/VadimStrizheus Try his app: https://vugolaai.com 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 ---
Apr 7, 202643 min
The Most Profitable Business Everyone Overlooks⏐Ep. #288
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Mike Yoder started a drone deer recovery service in Ohio and made $50,000 in his first 10 weeks. Four years later he's doing over $32 million a year selling thermal and agricultural spray drones. In this episode he breaks down exactly how he got his first customers, the unit economics of spray drone businesses (70%+ profit margins), and why this might be the biggest untapped opportunity in blue collar entrepreneurship right now. If you know someone in the military, send them this episode. Find Mike: https://www.youtube.com/@dronedeerrecovery [email protected] Drone Deer Recovery — https://dronedeerrecovery.com https://nuwayag.com/ @nuwayag on all platforms 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 ---
Apr 3, 20261h 1m
He Found a Way to Make $1K/Hour From His Phone⏐Ep. #287
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Kip Roland went from a suspended Amazon account and a newborn baby to building a $450K/year live selling business — starting with zero followers, zero experience, and a storage unit full of kitchen appliances. In this episode, Kip breaks down exactly how live selling works on Whatnot and TikTok, how he sources liquidation goods for 80–90% off retail, what his first stream looked like (150 items sold in under two hours), and how anyone can make their first $1,000 in profit live selling. He also covers hiring streamers, switching categories, selling food on live, and why he thinks live selling is the biggest untapped opportunity in e-commerce right now. Links mentioned: Kip on X/Twitter: @kip_rolandKip's free newsletter on live selling: https://liveselling-academy.kit.comLive Selling Academy (with Shannon Jean): https:www.liveselling.academy/TKO — Get 2 months for $20B-Stock (liquidation sourcing): https://bstock.comWhatnot (live selling platform): https://whatnot.com 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 ---
Mar 31, 202653 min
How a Non-Coder Made $2.5M in One Year Using AI⏐Ep. #286
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Meet Jon Cheney. A year ago he woke up, had an idea, and built an entire business in a weekend with zero coding experience and $400. By Tuesday he had his first customer — who paid him $15,000. A year later he's at $2.5 million in revenue, over 50% profit, and on pace for $7 million this year with just a handful of employees. Jon breaks down exactly how he found his first customers, how he prices his services, and the simple 3-part framework he uses to close deals. No hype, no fluff. If you've ever thought about starting something but felt like you didn't have the right skills or money, this one's for you. Find Jon here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheneypianoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheneypianoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheneypianoWebsite: https://genaipi.org 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 ---
Mar 27, 202648 min
They Banned My $35K/Month Page So I Started a Business⏐Ep. #285
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Get Plans of Grandeur for $47 (video-only price) 👉 https://buy.stripe.com/4gM14o4xF7NS33Y9av3841u 10% of all revenue goes to the National Kidney Foundation 👉 https://www.kidney.org Facebook banned my $35K/month page overnight. So I turned my laptop on, hit record, and launched a brand new business from scratch while you watched. No plan. No LLC. No domain name. Nothing.Here's everything I mentioned in the video: - The video that got me banned 👉 https://youtu.be/IPnafDDgj6o - How to start a newsletter from scratch (beginner tutorials) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5doEXwy4gHUoqaZjwESVJYK6qtQ5dE-L Tools I used: - Beehiiv (newsletter platform) 👉 https://www.beehiiv.com/chris - Stripe 👉 https://www.stripe.com - Namecheap 👉 https://www.namecheap.com - Skool 👉 https://www.skool.com 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 ---
Mar 24, 202635 min
He Gave an AI $200. It Built Him a $100K Business in 13 Days⏐Ep. #284
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ If you want to check out what Robby built go to https://tkopod.co/Aiagent and get $10 off. UPDATE! We also just put together 2 mega guides for you: Guide #1 shows you exactly how to make money with AI Agents like Robby did. Guide #2 shows you exactly how to install AI agents if you are NOT technical. You can snag BOTH of those guides together for only $19 if you use promo code CHRIS here: https://buy.stripe.com/6oU7sMc073xC1ZUeuP3842a —— Robby Houston gave an AI agent a budget and told it to make money. 13 days later he's at $8,4K MRR and he's not a coder. In this episode Robby breaks down exactly how his AI agent Ron identified a business opportunity, built the infrastructure, and grew a paying community from scratch while Robby was just "human in the loop." 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 ---
Mar 20, 202629 min
The Simplest $7M Business You've Never Heard Of ⏐Ep. #283
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Snail Mail Episode with Hannah: https://youtu.be/KuQtxDCmyO4 Michael Clark and his wife started sending stories through the mail. That's it. No complicated tech, no complicated business model. Just letters.Last year they did $7M in revenue!In this episode Michael breaks down exactly how they built it, how they find customers, and how you can start something similar.Check out The Flower Letters 👇https://linktr.ee/theflowerletters 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 ---
Mar 17, 202649 min
How to Make $1.6K/Day on Facebook Marketplace⏐Ep. #282
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I talk with Matt Howe, a former high school math teacher who started flipping items on Facebook Marketplace to make extra money and eventually built a full equipment dealership. Matt shares how he went from making around $40K as a teacher to flipping lawn mowers for quick profits, earning $20K to $30K in one summer and eventually scaling the operation by hiring drivers, working with a mechanic, and sourcing underpriced equipment from dealers who didn’t want to deal with used inventory. Over time, the side hustle turned into a real dealership doing over $1.1M in a single month in sales. We break down how he finds deals, negotiates prices, scales the operation, and why buying low and moving inventory quickly matters more than fixing things. If you want to follow Matt, check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@matt_howe 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 ---
Mar 13, 202642 min
Stop Buying Things. Start Buying Assets that Pay for Themselves⏐Ep. #281
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with David Stillson to talk about the world of small rental businesses and how he’s built a few of them on the side. We started with his moving tote rental business, where he buys industrial totes in bulk and rents them to people who are moving, often through partnerships with realtors who gift the rentals to their clients. We also talked about his RV rental business, where he bought a travel trailer, listed it on platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare, and validated the idea with about $7,000 in revenue in the first season. Finally, we touched on his small podcast and music studio rental, which started as a hobby but now occasionally generates income. You can find David Stillson on X at @DavidStillson. 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 ---
Mar 10, 202636 min
The Easiest $3K/Day Business Nobody Is Talking About⏐Ep. #280
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Everything I've ever done to grow from zero to five million followers. All in one place — Plans of Grandeur Content Mastery 10% of all gross revenue will be publicly donated to the National Kidney Foundation. That one’s personal. ━ I sat down with Sariah Howell, the founder of Memory Magnets Co, and her story is wild. What started as a small idea to print more family photos turned into a business making custom photo magnets that completely took off. She began with a $700 machine, started selling magnets at local markets, and eventually discovered a huge opportunity doing live magnet printing at weddings and events. From there the business exploded, reaching $1.63M in revenue in its first full year. We talked about how the business works, how she gets customers, and why this simple product can be such a powerful side hustle. You can find Sariah Howell and all of her links here: https://linktr.ee/memorymagnetsco 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 ---
Mar 6, 202647 min
The Most Overlooked Way to Get Rich (Proven Blueprint)⏐Ep. #279
Here are three very specific ways of getting rich with low cost franchising. Explore any of these franchises here: https://go.franzy.com/chris-koerner I sat down with Alex Smereczniak from Franzy to talk about why franchising might be the most overlooked path to wealth creation in America. We broke down how to think about risk tolerance and brand maturity, why some franchise models command higher exit multiples, and what I should have done when I first spotted Planet Fitness as a wide open opportunity years ago. Then Alex shared a few franchise concepts he’s excited about right now, including an insurance adjusting model, a home sale prep and light renovation business, and a surprisingly massive window box subscription business. We also hit a couple wild cards like artificial turf and Airbnb cleaning, plus how people use SBA loans to finance deals like this. If you want to explore franchises with a tool that matches you to the right concept, check out the links below. LinkedIn (personal):https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-smereczniak-40310329 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alexfromfranzy/ X (Twitter):https://x.com/AlexfromFranzy LinkedIn (company - Franzy):https://www.linkedin.com/company/franzy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexfromfranzy 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 ---
Mar 3, 202641 min
The Easiest Way to Profit From AI Right Now⏐Ep. #278
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, I bring Nik Hulewsky back on and we basically try to dunk on that whole AI Twitter doom loop of “what are you building” while everyone screams about agents and AGI. Nick explains why we’re still early, why most people have barely touched AI, and why the real advantage right now is building skills and staying ready to pounce when the obvious use cases show up. Then he shows me what he’s actually built, including his locally hosted OpenClaw setup he calls Gary, plus a few really practical workflows that make him look like a magician inside a normal company. We talk about the difference between clean and dirty data, why “record your meetings” is the easiest unfair advantage, and how someone could turn this into real money through AI consulting, bootcamps, fractional roles, and building simple internal tools that save teams a ton of time. If you’ve wanted a simple, non confusing breakdown of agents, workflows, and how to monetize this stuff, this one is it. You can find Nikolas Hulewsky on X at @CoFoundersNik and on YouTube at Nikonomics. 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 ---
Feb 27, 202648 min
From Homeless to $50K/Month With This Simple Service⏐Ep. #277
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I sit down with Matt and Joni from Sonoma Strong Hauling to hear one of the most incredible comeback stories I’ve ever encountered. Matt opens up about his journey from prison and rehab to working a $15-an-hour job at Safeway, all while trying to restart his life at age 35. We dive deep into the "candy dish" marketing strategy they used to win over realtors and how they turned a beat-up pickup truck into a business netting 35% margins on $50,000 a month. This conversation is a masterclass in how constraints equal creativity and why "closed mouths don't get fed" in the world of entrepreneurship. YouTube: Sonoma Strong Hauling — Hundreds of videos on starting and growing a home service business.Website: sonomastronghauling.comFacebook: Matt Vick Instagram: @SonomaStrongHauling 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 ---
Feb 24, 202632 min
Laid Off 2 Days Before Christmas, Now He Makes $60k/Month Reselling⏐Ep. #276
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Jim Rowe went from flipping a single $1,200 pallet to doing $60,000 in sales in his first month out of an old tow truck shop in rural Washington. In this episode, he breaks down how he buys liquidation pallets, restaurant equipment, and random auction finds, why selling matters more than buying, and how he rolls profits over and over to scale fast. He also shares wild flips like buying industrial hinges for $2.28 each and reselling them for $50 plus the mindset shift that helped him move from restaurants to reselling full time. Find him on X at https://x.com/resellerrowe, where he posts reselling wins, auctions, and tips for growing a flipping business. 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 ---
Feb 19, 202658 min
My 7 Favorite Business Ideas This Week. Ep. #275
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode I’m sharing my 7 favorite food business ideas for 2026, all designed to be simple, approachable, and high margin. Some are true side hustles you could start this weekend. Others could turn into full-blown, scalable businesses. I break down the real numbers, startup costs, margins, and how I’d actually test each one in the real world. If you’ve been looking for a practical way to get started, this is a playbook you can actually run with. 7. Grill cleaning https://www.chrisjkoerner.com/newslettersss/newsletter-0051 6. Mini pancakes https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2009705202274934846?s=20 5. Dehydrated fruit https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2000296786557354459?s=20 4. Picnics https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2010428589360271799 3. Frozen grapes https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2011495240079696010?s=20 2. Bakery stand x3 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aUV1WjbGiQM https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/1988611735033729269 1. Watermelon x3 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cjkoerner_my-poor-wife-i-cant-even-go-to-a-parade-activity-7346972455653056512-2B7b/ https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2011909126876790956?s=20 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 ---
Feb 17, 202621 min
$1K/Day Profit by Sending Letters⏐Ep. #274
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Follow Hannah: https://linktr.ee/hannahmakes In this episode, I’m sitting down with Hannah Gustafson, the founder of The Tiny Project, to discuss a business model that is as brilliant as it is approachable. Hannah left the corporate grind to start a "silly" front-yard stand that has since exploded into a snail mail subscription club with 4,100 members. We break down how she reached nearly $50,000 in monthly revenue in just six months with almost no upfront investment and zero paid advertising. Hannah proves that business doesn't need to be a high-tech headache because it is often just about a one-ounce envelope and the courage to start tiny. This story is the ultimate proof that an authentic, human-centered side hustle is absolutely doable for anyone. 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 ---
Feb 13, 202652 min
How to Buy Big Things With Little Money⏐Ep. #273
Try Quo free + get 20% off your first 3 months: http://quo.com/tko20 Missed calls are one of the easiest ways to lose customers without realizing it. Quo (formerly OpenPhone) is the AI-powered business phone system that helps make sure that doesn’t happen.With one shared inbox for calls, texts, and voicemails, your whole team has context and Quo’s Sona AI can answer calls, take messages, and qualify leads 24/7 when you can’t.━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I break down how to buy big things with very little money and why constraints are actually your biggest advantage. I share real stories from my own life, from buying my first house as a broke college student to structuring deals for real estate, businesses, and assets without large down payments. We talk about creative deal structures like seller financing, balloon payments, graduated payments, lease to own setups, and why building trust with sellers matters more than having perfect credit or a pile of cash. The goal of this episode is simple. Stop thinking you need money to get started and start learning how to structure smarter deals instead. 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 ---
Feb 10, 202628 min
11 Business Ideas I’d Start If I Were a Beginner⏐Ep. #272
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I break down 11 of my favorite beginner-friendly business ideas that are affordable to start, realistic, and actually scalable. These are real businesses I’ve seen work in the wild, from simple service plays to overlooked opportunities most people ignore. If you’re looking for practical ideas you can actually start without experience or a huge budget, this episode will give you plenty to think about. 11 Wall printing - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTtB1D2khE2/10 Lawnmower flipping - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTJE7vHEpom/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YebLPyVcTr8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYj_Ns5LGEo&list=WL&index=6 9 Sticks with LED lights - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTRWxBRkn7D/ 8 Realtor heygen - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2018777353187434723 7 Cleaning car seats - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUHE5_UEhMb/ 6 Trash can cleaning - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSqwj90ElnO/ Podcast Interview - https://youtu.be/7Ow9qRVCWM8 5 Hot cocoa and chips - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2016982470688985256 https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2018422856875708442 4 Kids artwork - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2015518913610805295 3 Gas station vending - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2018127509087465970 2 Timelapse giveaways - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2019474222314394036 1 Cheap jetskis - https://x.com/mhp_guy/status/2019541145844687119 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 ---
Feb 6, 202625 min
Openclaw is BOOMING! Here’s How to Profit⏐Ep. #271
⚠️IMPORTANT UPDATE⚠️: This episode was recorded on Saturday during the initial viral surge of Moltbook. Since recording, several major security vulnerabilities have been reported, including potential API key leaks and prompt injection risks. I wasn't aware of these specific exploits at the time of filming, but they definitely reinforce my warning in the video to be careful with permissions. ━ Ride the AI tidal wave together. Join the community of AI consultants learning to charge $500–$35k/mo (per client): https://playmakersai.com/ ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Moltbook Newshttps://moltbooknews.com A brand new platform called Moltbook is going viral fast. It’s basically Reddit, but instead of humans posting, it’s AI agents talking to each other. In this episode, I break down what Moltbook actually is, why it’s exploding, and how I quickly built and launched a site around it using AI. We then zoom out into the bigger opportunity around AI agents, OpenClaw, and what it looks like to monetize this wave through services, tools, and consulting before it becomes mainstream. 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 ---
Feb 3, 202615 min
This Business Makes Vending Machines Look Dumb⏐Ep. #270
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Forest Coughtry to break down one of the most underrated businesses I’ve seen in a long time. Forest moved to Montana knowing nobody, started a small wholesale snack distribution business, and quickly scaled it to $50K+ months with no employees and no vending machines. We walked through how he went from selling pastries in Colorado to building a high-margin jerky and candy route serving nearly 100 stores, why this model beats vending machines, and how simple relationship-based selling can outperform “passive” side hustles. Forest shares real numbers, startup costs, margins, and exactly how he lands accounts without contracts or cold email. This is one of those businesses that’s hiding in plain sight. You can find Forest Coughtry on YouTube at Coughtry Wholesale, where he documents building and scaling his distribution business step by step. https://www.skool.com/@forest-coughtry-1344 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 ---
Jan 30, 20261h 19m
How I Make $35k/Month With Other People's Content (Legally)⏐Ep. #269
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I make $10k–$35k profit per month on Facebook by reposting content that isn't mine. It’s legal, ethical, and takes me just 3 hours a week. In this video, I’m showing you the exact "fair use" strategy I use to monetize viral clips without filming original content. I’ll share my screen and walk you through the entire process—from sourcing videos to the "comment hack" that drives me over 500 email subscribers every single day. 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 ---
Jan 26, 202624 min
How To Get Paid $2,500 + Monthly Checks for "Drag & Drop" AI Employees⏐Ep. #268
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I sat down with Danny to break down how he built an AI voice agent for his barber that turned missed calls into booked appointments and grew into a real business charging upfront fees plus monthly retainers. We talked about why barbers and local service businesses are a perfect niche, how easy these agents are to demo and sell, and why this feels like an early window similar to Yelp or Google Business Profiles. 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 ---
Jan 23, 202629 min
He Copied an Idea I Posted and Built a $2,600/Week Business⏐Ep. #267
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Tim to break down how he took a simple idea he saw online and turned it into a real-world business making thousands at fairs and events. We talked about how he started with a mobile RC construction trailer, charging by the minute, why lowering prices actually doubled demand, and how he broke even on roughly $10–11K in startup costs. Tim shared real numbers from events, including his best week doing around $2,600, and explained how county fairs, private parties, and corporate events became his main revenue drivers. His website is https://canudigitrc.com/ and you can reach him at [email protected]. We also dug into how he built custom session-tracking software with AI, why that made the business easier to run and scalable, and how he’s now opening a physical retail location with plans for memberships, higher capacity, and eventually franchising. This episode is a great look at how low-barrier, offline businesses can still work incredibly well when you validate demand first and keep things simple. 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 ---
Jan 20, 202633 min
6 Simple Side Hustles You Can Start With Zero Experience⏐Ep. #266
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Greg Isenberg and we turned into idea machines. We riffed through a bunch of approachable business ideas with low startup costs, from mobile bike washing and vending machines to simple physical products, Facebook Marketplace tools, and even Pokémon cards. The whole conversation is about spotting overlooked opportunities, validating ideas fast, and actually starting instead of overthinking. You can check out Greg’s podcast, Startup Ideas Podcast, here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregisenberg Follow Greg on X: https://x.com/gregisenbergGreg’s website: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 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 ---
Jan 15, 202648 min
$0 to $60k in 30 Days: How to Land Your First High-Ticket Jobs ⏐Ep. #265
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Jameson to break down how he went from a high paying finance career to building a multi million dollar home services business from scratch. We talked about why testing ideas matters more than overthinking, how he validated demand before committing, and why simple high ticket services like deck building can be incredibly powerful when done right. Jameson also shared very tactical advice on branding, pricing, lead generation, and why speed to lead and social proof matter more than most people realize. You can find Jameson on X here: https://x.com/jamesonhaslam 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 ---
Jan 13, 202632 min
Companies Are Panic Paying for This Skill. Here’s How to Get In⏐Ep. #264
Ride the AI tidal wave together. Join the community of consultants learning to charge $500–$35k/mo (per client): https://playmakersai.com/ ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this interview, I sit down with Brandon Gadoci, who went from launching his AI consulting firm to an $80,000/month run rate in just 5 months. We discuss why companies are desperate for "AI Operators" , how to price your services between $20k-$35k/month , and the specific tech stack used to build solutions. https://x.com/bgadoci https://gadociconsulting.com/ 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 ---
Jan 9, 202654 min
How 15 & 17 Year Old Teens Built a $1M/Year Business⏐Ep. #263
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ This story is absolutely wild. Kirk and his brother started their business, Junk Teens, when they were just 15 and 17 years old. They went from riding bicycles to the dump to find old speakers to buying a $75,000 dump truck with CASH. We talk about how they managed high school while building a company , how they scaled from $120k to nearly $1 million/year, and why they don’t talk business at the Thanksgiving dinner table. If you want to see what real hustle looks like, do not miss this one. Follow Kirk & The Junk Teens: https://linktr.ee/Junk.Teens YouTube: @JunkTeens (Go subscribe, this is where they show the behind-the-scenes) Instagram: Search "Kirk McKinney" or "Kirk McKinney Jr." Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Jan 6, 202637 min
How to Make $2k+/Day With Vending Machines⏐Ep. #262
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Quinn Miller to catch up on how his vending machine business has grown and where he’s taking it next. We talked about why vending is such a strong cash flow business, how he finds and evaluates locations, and what he’s learned from scaling machines across apartments, offices, and hotels. We also got into pricing, product selection, and why sales and momentum matter more than most people think when you’re getting started. If you’re curious about vending or machine-based businesses in general, this one is packed with real-world insight. You can find Quinn on Twitter at @QuinnJMiller - https://x.com/quinnjmiller, and he also has a vending machine course for anyone who wants a deeper, more hands-on walkthrough of the business - https://linktr.ee/quinnjmiller 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 ---
Jan 2, 202642 min
My 2025 Profit Reveal: A Full Breakdown of Every Income Stream⏐Ep. #261
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ "How'd You Do It?" Podcast: My new passion project with my wife where we ask parents how they raised their kids in the faith: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ILzjEkp0dW8vPVR7Ywy1K ━ It’s a wrap on 2025. This is my annual deep dive where I break down everything: the businesses I started, the ones that failed, and exactly where I’m making money. I’m sharing specific net profit numbers across 7+ income streams, not just revenue. I also talk about why I finally killed the Secret Pickleball Club idea , the "return on headache" that led me to move on from other ventures , and my investment strategy for the year, from "NEFL" stocks to angel investing. Plus, a look at why I impulsively signed up for an ultra marathon with zero training Mentioned in this episode: My 2024 Year-End Recap: If you’re interested in how my 2024 went (filmed from a hotel room in San Francisco), you can watch that here: https://youtu.be/kd3wxK_FAO8 "Middle of Nowhere" Video: This video is my pride and joy. I had a lot of fun filming it—"I started a business in the middle of nowhere": https://youtu.be/zdqqBELJQ1Q Appliance Rental Video: My first long-form video to hit a million views, featuring Kyler: https://youtu.be/UCdWRg1KQLY Book Flipping Video: Mindi turning $1 into $5,000 from books: https://youtu.be/kHRKeDqsoG8 NEFL Stocks: My breakdown of why Founder-Led companies with Network Effects outperform the market: https://neflstocks.com/ TKOwners: My community for business owners: https://www.tkowners.com/ PlaymakersAI: My community for AI consultants and automation: https://playmakersai.com/ Fast Tree Care: The tree trimming business I own with my partner James. It's been flat lately and we've been a bit complacent, but it's still profitable: https://fasttreecare.com Backyard Funhouse: My sport court and installation business: https://backyardfunhouse.com/ Texas Snacks: My Buc-ee's resale business (that finally got our tax refund!): https://texassnax.com/ Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Dec 30, 202538 min
The Obvious $1M/Yr Subscription Business No One Talks About⏐Ep. #260
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I sat down with Korey McDavid, the founder of Juiced Fuel, to talk about how on demand gas delivery actually works as a real business. We get into why this plugs directly into everyday behavior, how repeat usage turns fuel into predictable revenue, and which customers really make the model work. Korey shares how he started this on the side, how the business compounds once people build the habit, and where it’s headed next. He’s now in his third year and on pace to do over $1 million this year, which makes this a great example of a straightforward business executed well. You can check out Juiced Fuel at https://juicedfuel.com and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juicedfuel. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Dec 26, 202527 min
If You Want to Start a Business in 2026, You Need to Hear This⏐Ep. #259
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I talk about the parts of entrepreneurship that people rarely tell you about and why so many founders feel blindsided once they’re in it. I share a simple GRIT framework I’ve developed after years of building and breaking businesses, and why understanding these challenges upfront matters more than chasing upside. We get into the emotional swings, the hidden costs, and why progress often feels slower than expected. I also walk through practical mindset shifts that help you stay steady, focused, and moving forward when things get uncomfortable. This episode is about seeing the full picture before you decide if this path is really for you. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Dec 23, 20258 min
40 Genius Ways of Making Thousands from Unwanted Land⏐Ep. #258
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ In this episode, I walk through dozens of real, practical ways to turn unwanted land into cash flow. I talk about how land that looks ugly, rural, or overlooked can actually become a serious income engine if you think about it differently. From renting out raw land for camping, parking equipment, or RVs, to placing sheds, tiny homes, or storage containers, I break down how people are making money without overcomplicating things. I also share ideas around subdividing land, master leases, portable self storage, tree farms, firewood, pallet businesses, sheds, sports courts, and even some weird but surprisingly profitable niches most people never consider. The big theme of this episode is optionality. Once you own land, especially land no one else wants, you suddenly unlock dozens of ways to monetize it. The goal here is to show that you do not need perfect property, massive capital, or years of experience to get started. You just need ideas, creativity, and the willingness to look at unwanted land as an opportunity instead of a problem. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Dec 19, 202539 min
She Turned $1 Into $5,000 With This Overlooked Side Hustle⏐Ep. #257
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my community at https://TKOwners.com ━ beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ I sat down with Mindi Reinke and we walked through one of the simplest, lowest risk reselling businesses I’ve seen in a long time. She shared how she bought pallets of school books for $1, which is what she usually pays, used eBay and ChatGPT to sort and list the inventory, and turned that into roughly $5,000 in revenue. We talked about why curriculum is the real money maker, how book arbitrage actually works, and why this is a business almost anyone can start with just a phone and very little upfront cost. You can find Mindi Reinke on X at https://x.com/hey_mindi Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Dec 16, 202549 min
How I Cloned Two Stupid Simple Apps to Make $30M⏐Ep. #256
Join my AI Consulting Community (PlaymakersAI):https://playmakersai.com/ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Will Cannon again and we talked about how he went from scraping and selling lead lists to building multiple million-dollar SaaS businesses. We covered his early background, losing everything in 2008, and how that pushed him into B2B data, cold email, and eventually software. We broke down how he built a profitable lead-selling agency with almost no upfront costs, why recurring revenue changed everything, and how UpLead got its first customers. Will also shared how he thinks about copying existing businesses, acquiring customers before building, and why you do not need to be technical to make this work. Will shares his free playbooks and his socials at IAmWillCannon.com Get Will’s Free Cold Email Playbook: https://iamwillcannon.com/free-resources/the-cold-email-playbook Want to copy Will's system? He gives away his entire strategy (scripts included) in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YmJsHESukCo2i9YS9xNMD?si=DDT_jlpeRviFBe7lr4KNKA 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 ---
Dec 12, 202548 min
23 Beginner Friendly Businesses You Should Start In 2026⏐Ep. #255
Join my AI Consulting Community (PlaymakersAI):https://playmakersai.com/ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ If you are new here from the Diary of a CEO episode, welcome. I am really glad you are here. And for everyone who has been with me from the beginning, I appreciate you more than you know. In this episode I took all 254 past episodes and pulled out the very best ideas, lessons, guests and takeaways so you do not have to go back and binge everything unless you want to. I walk through my top 23 episodes and rank them from 23 to 1. You will hear why these ideas work, what I love about them, where people get stuck, and how you can use them no matter how much money or experience you have. If you are new to my world, this is the perfect starting point because it gives you the full overview of the most tactical and approachable business ideas we have ever covered. If you have been listening for a while, this is a great refresh and a fun look back at what has actually changed people’s lives. Rank 23Episode 55. How to Start a Six Figure Side Hustle Exclusively on Facebook Marketplace Rank 22Episode 229. Starting a Drone Business and Drone Roof Inspections Rank 21Episode 226. Domain Name Investing Rank 20Episode 239. Laundromats with Tyler Purcell Rank 19Episode 210. Etsy Print on Demand Rank 18Episode 73. Porch Pumpkins Rank 18Episode 186. Mailbox Repair Rank 17Episode 196. Forestry Mulching Rank 16Episode 162. Lessons Learned from Starting 75 Plus Businesses Rank 15Episode 170. How to Get a Yes from Everyone Rank 14Episode 175. Hummingbird Food E Commerce Brand Rank 13Episode 144. How to Get Everything You Want Out of Life Rank 12Episode 207. Which AI Should You Use to Make Money Rank 11Episode 233. Beginner Friendly Ways of Making 10 Grand Rank 10Episode 228. Three Million a Year from Tiny AI Tools Rank 9Episode 203. How to Make a Million Dollars in Six Months Rank 8Episode 230. How to Copy Businesses and White Label Them with Go High Level Rank 7Episode 205. The Most Overlooked Business Idea You Have Ever Heard Of Rank 6Episode 248. Eight Ideas for You to Start This Weekend Rank 5Episode 169. Twenty Five Tips Tools and Tricks to Use ChatGPT Rank 4Episode 161. How to Start an Ad Agency with AI Video Generation Rank 3Episode 156. Reselling Liquidation Items Rank 2Episode 164. Directories Rank 1Episode 204. I Started an Online Business in 56 Minutes 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 ---
Dec 9, 202529 min
Small Town Beginner Made $50K in His First 2 Months (No Experience)⏐Ep. #254
beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at http://www.beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Quick update before you dive in. We’re shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we’ll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we’re producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high. ━ A year ago I interviewed Cinco about his line striping business. That episode is here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xd6KRw895dstoagycodp5?si=SE8Zssb_SvGNToYYHWazUQ Hunter heard it, got inspired, and nine weeks later he had nearly fifty thousand dollars in revenue with zero experience. I sat down with Hunter Schenewark to break down how he made almost fifty thousand dollars in his first nine weeks with a simple striping and seal coating business. He had zero experience, started in a small town, did his first job for free in a local Facebook group, then used cold email to land big church projects. We walk through how he priced jobs, how he found customers, the equipment he bought, what it cost, and why seal coating became the real money maker. Hunter on Xhttps://x.com/HSchenewark Hunter’s websitehttps://417striping.com 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 ---
Dec 5, 202547 min
Cold Email Isn’t Dead. You’re Just Doing It Wrong⏐Ep. #253
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Quick update before you dive in. We’re shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we’ll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we’re producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high. ━ I sat down with Will Cannon to break down how cold email really works today. Will has sent over one hundred million cold emails and grew one of his companies to a million dollars ARR almost entirely from it. We talk about how to write short emails that convert, how many follow ups you actually need, how to build a list, and what works right now for getting your first customer fast. Will shares his free playbooks and his socials at IAmWillCannon.com Get Will’s Free Cold Email Playbook: https://iamwillcannon.com/free-resources/the-cold-email-playbook 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 ---
Dec 2, 202528 min
The "Form Factor" Hack That Built a $500M Empire⏐Ep. #252
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris And right now, for Black Friday, you can use Promo Code: 2025BFCM for 20% off any annual plan. ━ Quick update before you dive in. We’re shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we’ll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we’re producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high. I sat down with Connor Gross ( https://x.com/c_gro ) in New York and we went deep on one simple idea taking proven products and changing the form factor to unlock ridiculous upside. We talk about how Billy Mays, OxiClean, and late night infomercials turned into today’s DTC and TikTok style direct response, then riff on everything from “AG1 in a gummy” and brands like Grüns, Starface pimple stickers, and stain remover stickers for kids clothes, all the way to race day temporary tattoos that show your elevation profile and aid stations. From there we get into filtration for cyclists and runners, mouth tape for performance and pollution, third party testing apps like SuppCo and Seed Oil Scout, and the crazy opportunity in being the trusted auditor for supplements, snacks, and food labels. We wrap by talking about city based silent retreat concepts inspired by OtherShip, how to productize attention and stillness in a noisy world, and why there is so much money sitting in boring categories if you are willing to innovate on packaging, distribution, and trust. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Nov 28, 202542 min
Marcus Lemonis: "Business Is Not Freedom" (Lessons Learned from The Profit)⏐Ep. #251
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris And right now, for Black Friday, you can use Promo Code: 2025BFCM for 20% off any annual plan. ━ Quick update before you dive in. We’re shifting our upload schedule from three times a week to two. Instead of Mo-Wed-Fri, we’ll now be posting every Tuesday and Friday. With all the new formats we’re producing, three a week became tough to keep at the level we want. This new cadence will help us keep the quality high. I sat down with Marcus Lemonis, someone I’ve admired for over fifteen years, and we talked about business, purpose, regret, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Marcus opened up about his wins and losses, why he gave away millions with no expectation of return, and how he thinks about entrepreneurship in a world shaped by AI. We also got into The Profit, The Fixer, and why your gift comes with responsibility. I loved this conversation and I think you will too. He also shared his newest big idea, which is building an “everything home” ecosystem through Bed Bath and Beyond, Bye Bye Baby, and blockchain tech. It’s one of the most ambitious concepts I’ve heard in a long time. You can find Marcus here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcuslemonisInstagram: https://instagram.com/marcuslemonisTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@marcuslemonis And you can watch his new show The Fixer on Fox, Fox Business, and Hulu. 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 ---
Nov 25, 20251h 21m
Making $15k/Month Selling Simple Garage Shelves⏐Ep. #250
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Is it possible to build a full-time business exclusively on Facebook Marketplace? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Hansen, aka "The Shelf Dude," to find out how he turned a simple DIY garage project into a business netting $15,000 a month. Alex breaks down exactly how he achieved 70-80% profit margins , why he quit his day job to build shelves full-time, and his strategy for creating infinite free leads. We also discuss his major pivot: how he is now monetizing his competitors by building a nationwide installer network and selling digital plans. If you are looking for a low-cost side hustle or want to learn how to sell anything on Facebook Marketplace, this episode is a masterclass in execution. 🔗 Episode 55 Links Spotify: How to Start a 6 Figure Side Hustle Exclusively on FB MarketplaceApple Podcasts: How to Start a 6 Figure Side Hustle Exclusively on FB MarketplaceYouTube: How to Make $15k/Month from Facebook MarketplaceEnjoy! --- 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 ---
Nov 21, 202527 min
How to Start a Couch Flipping Business with $0⏐Ep. #249
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Manage your business finances globally and save on fees with Airwallex: https://www.airwallex.com ━ Want to make $10k/month on Facebook Marketplace? In this episode, we sit down with the "Full Time Flipper," Tim MacLeod, who turned a side hustle into a six-figure business. He reveals the exact strategy he uses to flip couches for massive profit without doing any repairs. 🔗 CONNECT WITH TIM MACLEOD: - Instagram: @thefulltimeflipper - Tim's Couch Flipping Course: Link in his Instagram Bio 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 ---
Nov 19, 202540 min
8 Untapped Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend ⏐Ep. #248
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Manage your business finances globally and save on fees with Airwallex: https://www.airwallex.com ━ This was honestly one of my favorite HoldCo Bros sessions ever. We broke down the math on 8 different business ideas that are completely wide open right now. I’m talking about everything from simple local service arbitrage to high-level psychological pricing hacks. We even break down how one guy in a tiny town is generating a quarter-million dollars a year with zero employees. The opportunities are hiding in plain sight—you just have to know where to look. In this episode, we breakdown: The "Virginity Rocks" Case Study: How a simple brand does $70M/year. The Influencer Partnership Play: How to monetize someone else's audience (using Tesla as an example). The $240k Local Newsletter: How a guy in a small town makes a killing (and how you can copy him). The "Gray Hat" Growth Hack: A slightly controversial way to get high-value clients quickly. Botox Arbitrage: A genius way to partner with neighbors for a cash-flowing side hustle. The Lifetime Warranty Hack: A psychological pricing strategy that sounds crazy but prints money. The "Middleman" Agency: How to sell Local SEO to dentists without doing the work yourself. Reverse-Engineering Etsy: How to find best-selling products just by looking at reviews. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Nov 17, 202541 min
I Helped Them Stop Wasting Money on the Wrong Audience⏐Ep. #247
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Try PickFu and get 50% off your first poll with code TKOPOD at https://www.pickfu.com/#_r_tkopod HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dig into a super interesting business idea — Porta Courts, a portable pickleball court company started by Nik’s brother-in-law. We break down how he can turn it into a real business, from testing demand with PickFu surveys to running Facebook ads the right way. We go deep into how to identify the right target audience — from hardcore pickleball players and luxury homeowners to schools, hotels, and local entrepreneurs who could rent these courts out like bounce houses. I share a step-by-step framework for setting up ad campaigns, building high-trust landing pages, and using data to figure out what messaging actually converts. We also talk about how this could evolve into a local franchise-style model and why every new product launch should start with real validation before spending a dollar on marketing. 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 ---
Nov 14, 202536 min
We Tried Building a Money-Making App in Under an Hour (No-Code)⏐Ep. #246
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Brandon Doyle (https://x.com/_BrandonDoyle_) again, and this time we tried to build a money-making app in under an hour using Emergent, a new vibe coding tool. We let a random word generator decide our idea, landed on a lawn care quote generator, and then raced to see who could build the better version faster. I focused on the backend logic and real-time pricing, while Brandon went all in on clean design and live deployment. We ended up building two working web apps for about $10 each, both ready to launch instantly. We compared prompts, strategies, and credits used, and talked about how simple these AI tools make it to build real businesses fast. You can try the apps we built here: Brandon’s app: https://mowmaster-6.emergent.host Chris’s app: https://mowbid.emergent.host 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 ---
Nov 12, 202540 min
The New Best Way to Make Money Reselling Online?!⏐Ep. #245
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ If you want to learn more, join Shannon’s mastermind at https://shannonjean.com/mastermind ━ In this episode I’m back with Shannon Jean to dive deep into the world of live selling and how creators are making serious money on apps like Whatnot, Poshmark Live, and eBay Live. Shannon breaks down how liquidation deals on sites like Hanes’ auction platform let you buy truckloads of brand-new apparel for pennies per item and resell them live without taking a single photo. We also talk about tools like Whatnot Spy that let you track and reverse engineer other sellers’ auctions, plus a wild vending-machine idea that turns Amazon returns into “mystery box” machines. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean) Check out Shannon’s Free Auction Starter Guide and see every auction we mentioned at https://shannonjean.com/auctions And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/ 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 ---
Nov 10, 202521 min
We Turned Random Words Into $20K/Month Businesses Ideas⏐Ep. #244
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again, and this time we tried something completely different. We used a random word generator to come up with totally random words and then challenged ourselves to turn each one into a real business idea that could make $20K a month. What started as a fun experiment turned into one of the most creative brainstorming sessions I’ve ever done. We came up with ideas like an Office-themed chess set, a blue-collar Stoicism community, and even a nightclub marketing agency called Full Lounge. We debated which ideas would actually work, which ones could scale, and how fast each could become profitable. Sam also shared why most people overcomplicate online businesses when simple local plays like garage cleanouts can hit $20K a month with just one person running them. We wrapped up talking about how important it is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on momentum instead of waiting for permission or the “perfect” idea. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Nov 7, 202529 min
This Is How You Actually Go From $0 to $100K Reselling Online⏐Ep. #243
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ If you want to learn more, join Shannon’s mastermind at https://shannonjean.com/mastermind ━ I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we dove deep into how anyone can start reselling with zero dollars. Shannon showed me live auctions and walked me through a complete roadmap from flipping free Facebook couches to building a full reselling business that makes over $100K. We talked about how to find your unfair advantage, research what sells before buying, and spot the “boring” products that everyone else overlooks — like rugs, books, and parking meters. Shannon also shared stories of real people turning $1 into thousands, from a weatherman making $40K flipping couches to a seller doing $17K a month in pressure washers. Whether you want to make side income or build a full business, this episode shows exactly how to start. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean) Check out Shannon’s Free Auction Starter Guide and see every auction we mentioned at https://shannonjean.com/auctions And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/ 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 ---
Nov 5, 202545 min
He Built a Simple App and Sold It for $200 Million⏐Ep. #242
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Dan Porter and we talked about building products people can’t stop using. We unpack how Draw Something went from a scrappy side project to number one in 60 countries with ~25 million daily players and ~250 million downloads, and why tiny tweaks can unlock outsized outcomes. Dan shares the simple design choices behind the streak mechanic, letting you only play with friends, and the live playback that made the game feel alive, plus the story of selling for $200 million. We also get into starting Overtime without live rights and scaling it to hundreds of millions of weekly views, why outsider thinking is a superpower, and how he spun Six Seven Water from a meme into a real brand. If you’re a builder, this one will push you to ship, observe, and iterate. Find Dan here: https://x.com/tfadp 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 ---
Nov 3, 202548 min
How to Start a $20K/Month Business Selling to Lawyers⏐Ep. #241
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again and we went deep on a wild but very real play. Sam took a painful market, wrapped it in a $29 eBook with a simple bump offer, and used Meta ads to drive buyers who can be referred to lawyers on the back end. We walk through the exact funnel, why AOV vs CAC is the only math that matters, how printing real copies boosted trust, and the snag he hit with Meta’s personal hardship policy. The bigger idea is using books as lead-gen for high-value services. If you want a one-person business you can actually run, this is the blueprint for testing fast, reading your own data, and turning information into revenue. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 31, 202531 min
Make $1K Per Job While Outsourcing the Hard Work⏐Ep. #240
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Jeff from Houston, Texas, who built a concrete leveling business making around $1,000 profit per job even though he’s only been doing it for three months. We talked about how he subcontracts all the work while still hitting nearly $20K in revenue and is on track for $100K profit his first year. He explained how to find customers using Nextdoor, Google Business Profile, and Facebook Ads, and how he built a system that lets him quote and close jobs virtually without ever visiting the site. We broke down his process for outsourcing, building trust, and scaling fast even while working a full-time job. Jeff also shared clever local business hacks from using multiple Nextdoor accounts to generating Google reviews efficiently, and his plan to turn concrete leveling into a subscription-style service for commercial property owners. Check out Jeff’s website at texasslabguys.com and connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-price-30b44049/. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 29, 202527 min
The $300K/Year Business That Almost Never Fails⏐Ep. #239
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Tyler Purcell, who owns four laundromats while also running a wealth management firm managing over $250 million. We talked about how he grew The Laundry Spot brand into a multi-million dollar operation that’s put 11 competitors out of business, and how he’s modernizing an old, forgotten industry. Tyler shared the full economics of the laundromat business, how much it costs to open one, what they net per location, and why he calls it a “bulletproof” business. We broke down his grand opening strategy that ramps stores to $500K revenue month from day one, his approach to commercial laundry and residential pickup, and why he believes laundromats are still years behind the car wash industry in innovation. You can find Tyler on X at https://x.com/TylerPurcell24 and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerpurcell-balancewealth/. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 27, 202551 min
Six Hard Lessons That Would Have Saved Me Years⏐Ep. #238
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ In this solo episode I’m doing something different and ranking my six biggest business failures from #6 to #1. I walk through No BS Crypto with John McAfee, the painful lessons from running a third-party logistics company that did $400K a month with 90% revenue tied to one toxic client, and the whirlwind of launching Bitcoin mining at the exact wrong time after a bull-run high where we did $10M in 90 days and still lost in the end. I also get honest about a phone repair merger I rushed, and the number one failure that cost me a friendship in my wholesale iPhone parts business. The theme across all of it is control, concentration risk, partnerships, and how survivorship bias hides the real cost of bad decisions. If you want the full backstory on the McAfee chapter, check out Episode 9 where I tell that story in detail. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 24, 202529 min
He Listened to This Podcast and Made $32K in His First 2 Months⏐Ep. #237
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Back in July 2024, after hearing about this idea on our podcast in episode #37, Tyler Mumford decided to give it a shot. He launched his stump grinding business in Provo, Utah, and within his first two months made over $32,000. In episode #140, Tyler came back on the podcast to share how he actually made it happen. In this episode, Nik and I meet up with him on-site to see how he built real income fast with just a simple setup and some hard work. We talk about how he landed his first customers, what helped him grow so quickly, and the mindset that pushed him to quit his job and go all in. Tyler also shares how much he’s learned from putting himself out there, the kind of freedom it’s created for him, and why anyone can do the same if they’re willing to start. • Follow Tyler on X: https://x.com/StumpGuyTy — he shares daily tips and updates from the field. • Check out Tyler’s Gumroad page: https://tylerstump.gumroad.com/l/tncww — he’s put together resources for anyone looking to start their own stump grinding business. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 22, 202540 min
You Can Make $1K/Hour With This Seasonal Side Hustle⏐Ep. #236
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode I talk with Wesley Parkin from Grounds Guys Keller about how the Christmas lights business really works. We go over real numbers on what homeowners pay, how margins grow from year one to year three, and why commercial installs can completely change your income. We dig into lead generation with LSA, PPC, and Facebook ads, the best time of year to start marketing, and the quick setup and takedown process that keeps this side hustle efficient. We also cover safety gear like Cougar Paws and a pitch wedge, the difference between selling and leasing lights, and how route density can help you hit $1K an hour during peak season. If you’ve been looking for a seasonal business with real numbers and proven demand, this one shows you exactly how it’s done. Find Grounds Guys Keller at https://www.groundsguys.com/keller-tx/ Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com 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 ---
Oct 20, 202528 min
The Truth About the Music Industry’s Money Game⏐Ep. #235
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ I sat down with Ace Enders from The Early November to unpack how money actually moves in music and what it really takes to make a living today. We get into the old label world of advances, recoupment, and why most bands made their money on touring and merch, not album sales. Ace shares what happened when Drive-Thru Records deals flowed up to MCA, why the mid-2000s shift to streaming left so many royalties in limbo, and why a stream paying roughly $0.007 changes how you release music now. We talk touring math at the 1,000-cap level, venue merch cuts, the push-pull between depth and virality, and how artists navigate identity, mental health, and the pressure to keep performing. We also riff on the “messy middle,” the rise of AI music, and why Ace still loves simple, hands-on businesses like cleaning parking lots at 4 a.m. If you want to support Ace, grab the new Ace Enders album dropping on Halloween and pick up the vinyl or hit a show. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 17, 20251h 11m
Google AI Makes Building AI Apps Too Easy⏐Ep. #234
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Logan Kilpatrick from Google DeepMind and we vibe coded real apps live with AI Studio. We went from idea to working prototypes in minutes, including a video analysis app that extracts takeaways from uploads and a voice lead-gen agent that greets visitors and fills a form for me behind the scenes. We talked about why vibe coding lowers the barrier to building, how to package simple tools for specific users, and where the biggest opportunities are with Gemini, VO3, voice agents, and computer-use agents. This isn’t sponsored, and Google didn’t pay me, but I am a Google shareholder. If you’re looking for practical ways to start building with Google’s AI today, this one’s for you. Logan’s links: 🌐 Website: https://logank.ai 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/OfficialLoganK 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logankilpatrick 💻 GitHub: https://github.com/logankilpatrick Google Resources Mentioned: AI Studio: https://aistudio.google.com Google AI: https://ai.google Google DeepMind: https://deepmind.google 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 ---
Oct 15, 202549 min
9 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Make $10K⏐Ep. #233
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Doyle to talk through what we’d each launch if we had to make $10,000 in a day, a week, a month, or a year. We share how we’d think through each timeframe, what really matters when you’re trying to hit those numbers fast, and what we’re personally working on and building right now. It’s one of those fun and practical conversations packed with new insights, lessons, and experiments you can learn from. If you want to check out the project I mentioned in this episode, visit https://neflstocks.com/. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Oct 13, 202539 min
The Only Local Ads Playbook You’ll Ever Need⏐Ep. #232
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Marcus, an expert in Google and YouTube ads, who’s helped dozens of local businesses scale to six and seven figures. We talked about how he built a seven-figure agency in just over a year, why most local businesses fail with online ads, and the easiest ways to turn your website into a true conversion machine. Marcus broke down his step-by-step playbook for combining Google Ads, YouTube Ads, and remarketing to dominate local markets, and shared some wild real-world results—like roofing leads for $20 and cleaning businesses getting a 5–6x return on ad spend. We also discussed how patience and strong landing pages often separate good campaigns from great ones. If you’d like to get in touch with Marcus, you can fill out this short form and I’ll connect you directly: https://form.typeform.com/to/WlJOA0uj 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 ---
Oct 10, 202530 min
She Makes $10M/Year and Doesn’t Even Exist (AI Influencers Explained)⏐Ep. #231
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Romain Torres, founder of ArcAds, to talk about how people are building real businesses with AI-generated influencers and ads. We broke down how these “fake” influencers are making millions, why older audiences convert better, and how creators are cloning themselves to post more content without recording. Romain shared the exact process to make $10K–$15K a month selling AI ad services to brands, plus how he’d automate the whole thing using Zapier, Make, and ChatGPT. You can find Romain on LinkedIn and X by searching Romain Torres, founder of ArcAds. If you want to try ArcAds yourself and start creating AI-generated videos, you can use my affiliate link here: https://arcads.ai/?via=chris-koerner 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 ---
Oct 8, 202539 min
The Easy Way to Copy These $1M+ Online Businesses⏐Ep. #230
Get 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ In this solo episode I walk through how regular people are building real businesses by white labeling simple software. I break down a few examples that are already making serious money and show you exactly how to spot these opportunities yourself. I also share the process I use to dig into what’s working, how to find the products, the pricing, and even how they get customers. There are a few tools I use that make this whole thing a lot easier, and I show all of them in the episode. Meta Ad Library: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org TKOwners Community: https://www.tkowners.com BuiltWith: https://builtwith.com Wappalyzer: https://www.wappalyzer.com CRFT Lookup: https://www.crft.studio/lookup Stack Crawler: https://stackcrawler.com Similarweb: https://www.similarweb.com WhatRuns: https://www.whatruns.com NerdyData: https://www.nerdydata.com IBISWorld: https://www.ibisworld.com Searchfunder: https://searchfunder.com Dealroom: https://dealroom.co CB Insights: https://www.cbinsights.com PitchBook: https://pitchbook.com Owler: https://www.owler.com AlphaSense: https://www.alpha-sense.com Sensor Tower: https://sensortower.com G2: https://www.g2.com Bombora: https://bombora.com Distill: https://distill.io Visualping: https://visualping.io ChangeTower: https://changetower.com AdEspresso: https://adespresso.com BigSpy: https://bigspy.com SocialPeta: https://www.socialpeta.com Wisconsin franchise search tip: “WI franchise search” on Google 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 ---
Oct 6, 202524 min
How to Make 7 Figures With a Drone⏐Ep. #229
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dive into the drone roof inspections opportunity that checks every box for first-time operators. We break down why this market is growing ~15% a year toward $3.5B, how Part 107 licensing works, and the real numbers per job: $200–$400 for residential visual, + $100–$300 for thermal, $300–$700 for commercial, and $500–$1,500 for complex sites. We talk margins (50–70% gross, 20–30% net), the exact six-hour job workflow from airspace checks to delivery, and why you should sell this as roof condition documentation. I share a case study of an operator doing seven figures, including $15K–$30K days when storms hit, plus B2B channels that make this repeatable with roofing, insurance, property management, and construction. We finish with acquisition tactics that actually work: Google Business Profile, city keywords, the “drone facade” keyword angle, and simple land-and-expand upsells like thermal, mapping, and social media clips. If you want a real business with low startup cost, real demand, and no ladders, this is it. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik 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 ---
Oct 3, 202546 min
$3M/Year From Tiny AI Tools (Here’s How You Can Too)⏐Ep. #228
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with John Rush, the indie builder behind 24 projects making over $3 million a year in recurring revenue. John walked me through how he uses AI to launch simple tools and agents, validate ideas fast, and grow them without needing a team. We also talked about his million-dollar SEO Bot and the exact steps he takes to turn small experiments into real businesses. You can find John on X (Twitter) @JohnRushX, on LinkedIn, and on Substack. If you’d like to check out the SEO Bot we discussed, here’s my affiliate link: SEO Bot 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 ---
Oct 1, 202550 min
The Most Hands-Off Side Hustle Anyone Can Copy⏐Ep. #227
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Peter Askew to dig into the story of how he accidentally ended up buying VidaliaOnions.com , and turned it into a direct-to-consumer onion business shipping over 100,000 pounds a year. Peter broke down how he built trust with farmers, set up fulfillment on a handshake deal, and eventually expanded the brand to include Onions.com as a premium domain. We also talked about what makes farming partnerships so unique, the real power of type-in traffic to descriptive domain names, and why sometimes the best opportunities come from simply talking to the right person who “gets it.” This is part two of a two-part episode. If you want to check out the first half, listen to episode #226. If you want to learn more from Peter, check him out here: Twitter / X: @searchboundBlog: DeepSouthVentures.comPersonal site: Askew.org Here are some of the tools, resources, and sites Peter mentioned in our conversation: Expired Domains tool: http://www.expireddomains.net GoDaddy Auctions: http://auctions.godaddy.com NameJet: http://www.namejet.com SnapNames: http://www.snapnames.com DropCatch: http://www.dropcatch.com Namecheap Auctions: http://www.namecheap.com/domains/marketplace/buy-domains/auctions Clicky Analytics: http://clicky.com Shopify: http://www.shopify.com ShipStation: http://www.shipstation.com 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 ---
Sep 29, 202529 min
$50K a Year From 1 Website With 1 Hour/Month of Work (Copy This)⏐Ep. #226
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ I sat down with Peter Askew to dig into his unique path of building profitable online businesses from expired domains. Peter shared how he went from being laid off multiple times to teaching himself code, learning SEO, and eventually acquiring domains like DudeRanch.com and VidaliaOnions.com. We talked through the exact playbook he used to find these opportunities, how he evaluates traffic and monetization potential, and the surprising power of exact-match domains for building authority in any niche. Peter broke down how DudeRanch.com now makes around $50,000 a year from just one hour of work per month, why he sees boutique e-commerce as one of the best opportunities right now, and how his job board RanchWork.com became a steady year-round business helping thousands of people find ranch jobs. If you want to learn more from Peter, check him out here: Twitter / X: @searchboundBlog: DeepSouthVentures.comPersonal site: Askew.org Here are some of the tools, resources, and sites Peter mentioned in our conversation: Expired Domains tool: http://www.expireddomains.net GoDaddy Auctions: http://auctions.godaddy.com NameJet: http://www.namejet.com SnapNames: http://www.snapnames.com DropCatch: http://www.dropcatch.com Namecheap Auctions: http://www.namecheap.com/domains/marketplace/buy-domains/auctions Clicky Analytics: http://clicky.com Shopify: http://www.shopify.com ShipStation: http://www.shipstation.com 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 ---
Sep 26, 202546 min
What Anyone Can Learn From the World’s Most Successful People⏐Ep. #225
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Ben Wilson, the creator of How to Take Over the World, and we talked about what separates the good from the great. Ben shared the common traits he has uncovered from studying leaders like Julius Caesar, Steve Jobs, Napoleon, and Rockefeller. We covered how communication at scale is often the defining skill, why energy beats raw intelligence, and how grit, resilience, and confidence shape world changing achievements. We also explored the power of vision, the role of timing, and why pursuing what gives you energy is the surest way to lasting success. Listen to Ben’s podcast: takeoverpod.comFollow Ben on X: @BenWilsonTweetsWatch on YouTube: How to Take Over the World 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 ---
Sep 24, 202551 min
The Most Copy-Paste Way to Build an Online Business⏐Ep. #224
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ I sat down with Omar Choudhry to dive into how AI is changing the way we build businesses. Omar walked me through how he uses vibe coding with Cursor and Claude to create directory sites that actually rank on Google, pull thousands of visits a month, and generate real revenue. We talked about why directories are still powerful in the AI era, how programmatic SEO can unlock massive opportunities, and why the best way to learn is to just start building. If you want to try this yourself, Omar built 5 Day Sprint, a framework that gives you a one-liner setup so you can launch projects without needing to be technical: 5daysprint.com?via=uhbvrr. You can also join his Skool community to learn directly from Omar and connect with other builders: skool.com/5-day-sprint/about?ref=6d6756feb6d84ec6a8cf88650ace7240. Follow Omar here: X: x.com/OmarChoudhry Instagram: instagram.com/omarchoudhry 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 ---
Sep 22, 202553 min
AI Agencies Just Got Simple Enough for Anyone to Start⏐Ep. #223
You can sign up for Lindy here: https://bit.ly/4mXLGqq — using this link also supports what we’re doing. ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Flo Crivello, founder of Lindy, and this one really opened my eyes. We talked about the latest Lindy 3.0 release, how AI agents can now handle full workflows end-to-end, and why this is the right time to start building with them. Flo shared some wild examples of people using Lindy to run customer support, generate leads, and even negotiate deals. We also dug into how you can start an AI automation agency with Lindy AI and turn these tools into real businesses. It’s clear we’re still super early, and the opportunities here are massive. You can find Flo and Lindy here: Flo on Twitter/X: @Altimor Flo on LinkedIn: Florent Crivello Lindy on Twitter/X: @getlindy 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 ---
Sep 19, 202542 min
How to Sell Anything With Just 4 Simple Steps⏐Ep. #222
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Neville Medhora, one of the sharpest copywriters out there. We talked about the fundamentals of writing words that actually sell, how simple tweaks can turn a dead email list into a money-maker, and why the old rules of professional writing don’t really work anymore. Neville also shared the framework he leans on for almost everything and broke down what makes certain stories and ads go viral. Find Neville at copywritingcourse.comFollow Neville on X: https://x.com/NevMed 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 The Power of Copywriting 03:11 – Power of great copy: scaling sales 05:33 – Why real feedback is crucial 07:53 – Copywriting Course beginnings 10:11 – The first AppSumo “fonts” email 12:28 – ADA formula explained (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) 14:55 – Interest vs. Desire: key difference 17:09 – Expanding product markets with copywriting 19:36 – Beehive & Texas Snacks email example 22:01 – Fun email formats that boost engagement 24:21 – Where ADA applies (and where it doesn’t) 29:03 – Cold emails: short, medium, long strategy 31:28 – Email frequency & the 70/30 rule 36:17 – Classic ads & copywriting legends
Sep 17, 202545 min
Trying to Quit Your Job? Don’t Start This⏐Ep. #221
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Rob Walling, who’s built and sold multiple companies without raising a dime of venture capital. Rob created what he calls the stair step method, a framework for everyday people to go from freelancing to building big businesses one step at a time. We got into how to know when something is simple enough to vibe code, when you should bring in no-code tools, and when you actually need a developer. We also talked about the 75 different app marketplaces that can be incredible launch pads, why most entrepreneurs should start with an agency or productized service before SaaS, and how Rob grew his own companies like Drip. He shared insights from investing in over 220 startups, the traps new founders fall into, and the repeatable playbooks that really work. If you want to keep up with Rob, check him out here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/microconfPodcast: https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/Twitter/X: https://x.com/robwalling 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 ---
Sep 15, 202544 min
Everyone Chases Trends. Resell This to Actually Make Money⏐Ep. #220
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ If you want to learn more, join Shannon’s mastermind at https://shannonjean.com/mastermind I sat down with Shannon Jean again for another fun and practical episode. If you missed part one, go check it out first. He shared how he got started and built his business around flipping liquidation inventory. This time, we went through a bunch of live listings and talked about the broader strategy behind spotting great deals, understanding the market, and making real money from what others overlook. Shannon’s been doing this for decades and his insights just keep getting sharper. We covered everything from boring products to surprising opportunities. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean) And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/ Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Sep 12, 202543 min
The Smartest Agency Businesses to Start in 2025 (w/ True Classic CEO)⏐Ep. #219
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Ryan Bartlett again, and if you haven’t already, make sure to check out the previous episode, where we talked about his story and how he started True Classic. It’s a wild ride that shows exactly how he went from a small investment to building one of the fastest-growing apparel brands out there. In this second part, we focused more on the agency side of things. Ryan shared what he thinks are the best service businesses to start right now, especially the ones that are still wide open and create real results for clients. We talked about smarter ways to test products, how to make your first clients say yes without needing a huge portfolio, and what separates people who actually make it in business from those who don’t. We also got into team building, identifying real impact, and why being scrappy and resourceful still wins. True Classic: https://www.trueclassic.com Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanBartlett 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 ---
Sep 10, 202528 min
“That’ll Never Work” — Now It’s a $270M Brand (w/ True Classic CEO)⏐Ep. #218
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Ryan Bartlett, founder of True Classic, and this one was wild. He took a $3,000 investment and turned it into a $270 million t-shirt company, all without venture funding. We broke down exactly how he pulled it off from finding product market fit to reverse engineering Facebook ads, negotiating every SaaS and 3PL deal, and turning free gifts into a growth engine. He shared the hidden power of starting with a simple agency, why CRO and email are the smartest plays right now, and how you can test 50 product ideas a month with almost no risk. We also went deep on how he uses comedy in advertising to build unforgettable brand moments and why inventory innovation is the future of ecom. Ryan even dropped a few business ideas he doesn’t have time to pursue and one of them might be yours now.True Classic: https://www.trueclassic.comFollow Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanBartlett 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 ---
Sep 8, 20251h 9m
Deep Dive on $200K/Year Local Newsletter ⏐Ep. #217
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Jas to hear how he built Winnipeg Digest from scratch into a six-figure local media business. He broke down exactly how he grew the newsletter to over 35,000 subscribers and 73,000 social followers in just over a year, and how he monetizes through exclusive sponsorships. Jas shared his playbook on ads, open rates, subject lines, and why local newsletters are the most underrated way to build a real audience today. We also got into his new venture, Digest Lights, a Christmas lights business he launched on top of the newsletter that’s already bringing in jobs before the season starts. We talked through unit economics, sales tactics, and the bigger vision of using a local media asset as a marketing arm for other businesses. You can find Jas on Twitter at https://x.com/Creatingjas and check out his newsletter at https://winnipeg-digest.beehiiv.com/ Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-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 ---
Sep 5, 202555 min
Google’s New AI Tool Is Crazy Powerful (So I Monetized It)⏐Ep. #217
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com Get 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chriskoerner Outscraper – Google Maps Data Scraper (used for pulling RV parks and other businesses)🔗 https://tkopod.co/Os Lindy — Your AI Assistant: https://bit.ly/4mXLGqq ━ In this solo episode I’m trying something a little different by turning Google’s new “Nano Banana” into a real, revenue-ready workflow. I show how I vibe-code a tiny web app in Lindy, use Nano Banana to stage or pro-grade listing photos for pennies, then pull realtor leads with Outscraper and text polished samples via HighLevel to start paid work fast. I walk through prompts, pricing ($1/photo starter), and a simple pipeline that can scale into $500/month retainers for ongoing virtual staging and revisions. Then I wrap with a clean outreach system you can copy today. 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 ---
Sep 3, 202519 min
Start This Simple Side Hustle Before Everyone Else Does⏐Ep. #216
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I spent the last month diving deep into the booming world of mobile saunas and cold plunges, and the numbers I found were wild. Operators are pulling in $10K to $50K/month with high margins and quick payback periods, and that’s not even the craziest part. In this episode, I break down 5 real businesses in this space and rank them from good to great, with real revenue numbers, strategies, and mistakes to avoid. Then I sit down with Danny Geurink from Purely Nomadic Sauna Co. in Michigan, who’s running a one-man sauna business with 50% profit margins and some brilliant insights on customer acquisition, pricing, and operational efficiency. We talk about everything from Facebook Marketplace tactics to why wood-burning saunas win, and how he’s doing this business with his family on the side. Whether you're curious about cold plunges or looking for a seasonal business with serious upside, this one’s for you.Danny’s business: http://purelynomadicsauna.com/🧠 My 45-min Facebook Ads guide [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/uUlU5G1Nda0📺 Watch my interview with Sam from DripSauna (Ep. 84) [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/MFIzgoI5WLE 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 ---
Sep 1, 202540 min
Your First Million Might Be in One of These Ideas⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #215
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ___ Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. ___ HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about some surprisingly profitable business ideas. We start with weddings as a service, where one guy built a $3M/year business without owning a venue. Then we get into how you could create your own Texas Snacks by reselling merch from local tourist attractions like Lambert’s Café or Big Texan Steak Ranch. We also go deep on the insane potential of Drive a Tank—an experience business that feels like real-life Call of Duty. And finally, we break down why Meta’s AI-powered ads are working better than ever and how to take advantage as a small business owner. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.com 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 ---
Aug 29, 202529 min
You Can Build This $1M+ Business With No Tools and No Crew ⏐ Ep. #214
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Wrex Lindsay to talk about one of the best opportunities I’ve seen in a while, the subcontractor model in home performance. What makes this so interesting is you don’t need a crew, a big shop, or tons of experience to get started. You can dip your toes in with simple offers, use subs to handle the work, and still land high-ticket jobs worth $10K+. Wrex breaks down how this model can scale to $1M a year, why the timing is perfect to get into this space, and how anyone can take advantage of the opportunity.Connect with Cozy Pros on Instagram at https://instagram.com/cozypros and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CozyHPS. 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 ---
Aug 27, 202539 min
This One-Person AI Business Just Became Possible ($80K/Month) +4 more ideas⏐ Ep. #213
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Cody Schneider again to break down a bunch of AI-powered business ideas you can start this week. From AI ad agencies to webinar flywheels, flight deal newsletters, and using AI to mine Reddit for business ideas like med spa lead gen, this episode is packed with automatable, scalable plays you can copy today. And at the end, Cody drops one bonus non-AI idea. Follow Cody here: Twitter/X – https://x.com/codyschneiderxx YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@codyschneiderx Graphed – https://www.graphed.com (Cody’s AI dashboard generator that turns your data into a chat-driven dashboard in minutes) 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 ---
Aug 25, 202539 min
Alex Hormozi Deep Dive: From Sleeping on a Gym Floor to Making $105M in One Day⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #212
Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris ___ Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. ___ HoldCo Bros are back. In this episode, Nik and I break down how Alex Hormozi pulled off the biggest nonfiction book launch of all time and made $105 million in one day. We walk through his full story from sleeping on the floor of his gym to selling Gym Launch and launching Acquisition.com with Layla. We explain how the Customer Financed Acquisition model actually works, why his launch strategy is a blueprint anyone can use, and what every founder can learn from his failures, focus, and wild ability to compound over time. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.com 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 The Phenomenon of Alex Hormozi 10:01 The Early Life and Education of Alex Hormozi 20:05 The Turning Point: From Corporate to Entrepreneur 29:44 Building a Business: The Gym Launch Journey 39:46 Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from Setbacks 49:57 The Marketing Genius Behind Hormozi's Success 34:29 Building a Business Empire: Acquisition.com and Beyond 39:46 The Launch Strategy: $105 Million in One Day 47:04 Finding Your Passion: The Key to Success 54:14 Contemplation and Action: The Balance of Decision Making
Aug 22, 202554 min
Don’t Start a Business Until You’ve Done This First ⏐ Ep. #211
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I walk you through exactly how I validate an online business idea before I ever launch it, using real data from places that actually matter. I use GummySearch, Reddit, and review sites like Captera, G2, GetApp, and TrustRadius to pull the true pain points and must haves for QuickBooks and Xero, then I run the same prompt across ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Manus to cluster the findings. The big three complaints are unreliable bank feeds, constant pricing increases, and poor customer support, while the must haves are clean invoicing, simple reconciliation, and easy cloud access with multi user collaboration. To show how fast you can move, I spin up a Carrd landing page on LazyBooks.com, wire it to Beehive for email capture, and put a simple message out for small businesses that hate bookkeeping. If you want a simpler tool built for businesses with zero to ten employees, join the LazyBooks waitlist below. Try PickFu and get 50% off your first poll with code TKOPOD at https://www.pickfu.com/#_r_tkopod 30% off for three months with code CHRIS30 at checkout - https://www.beehiiv.com/chris https://try.carrd.co/fs12zhlc https://gummysearch.com/?via=chris-koerner Enjoy! --- Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os --- PROMPT: Your job is to act like a research assistant with agentic browsing and scraping powers. I want you to investigate public review sites (Capterra, G2, GetApp, TrustRadius, and similar) and extract real user pain points and “can’t-live-without” features for QuickBooks (Online + Desktop) and Xero.Steps:1. Scrape reviews across multiple platforms (Capterra, G2, GetApp, TrustRadius, Reddit, app store reviews if available).2. Collect at least 200+ recent reviews (past 2 years).3. Parse and cluster feedback into two categories: - *Pain points* (things users hate, churn reasons, frustrations, broken features, cost complaints). - *Must-haves* (the specific features or outcomes users rave about and would never give up).4. For each cluster, include: - Direct sample quotes from real users (keep them short). - Frequency (# of times it appeared across reviews). - Sentiment strength (light annoyance → dealbreaker).5. Summarize into a ranked list: - Top 10 pain points across both platforms. - Top 10 must-have features across both platforms.6. Call out any hidden gems — recurring insights from smaller groups that big competitors might be missing (ex: bank-feed stability, reconciliations, multi-currency, customer support).7. Deliver a final “opportunity map” — 3–5 areas where a slimmed-down competitor could wedge in, based on high-frustration/low-satisfaction pain points paired with still-high demand for core features.Output format:- Clear tables (Pain Points, Must-Haves).- Ranked lists with numbers.- A concise final summary with the best 3–5 wedge opportunities.Make sure all insights are backed with real review data, not generic summaries.At the end of your report give me your unfiltered unbiased take on whether or not I should start this business. Be brutally honest for me, and assume I have a 10x developer on my team, because I do.
Aug 20, 202528 min
Forget Dropshipping. This Side Hustle Is 10x Easier (and Smarter) ⏐ Ep. #210
Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Cody Schneider and we broke down what might be the easiest business you can start online right now. Cody walked me through how to launch a fully automated print on demand business using AI-generated graphics, Etsy, and tools like Everbee, Printify, and N8N. We talked about how to find winning products with data, spin up thousands of listings without touching a design tool, and scale the whole thing using automations and zero inventory. Then we riffed on a killer idea: building a merch automation agency for creators. Cody showed me exactly how he’d pitch creators, find their catchphrases, design the merch, cold email them, and even handle all fulfillment using platforms like Fourthwall. If you want a smart, low-cost way to make money with AI and automation, this is it. You can follow Cody on YouTube and X to see more of what he’s building. Enjoy! --- Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os ---
Aug 18, 202534 min
There’s a Great Business Hiding in Your State⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #209
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. Beehiiv is the newsletter platform I’ve used for over a year and a half because their data shows you exactly what’s working. Get 30% off three months at beehiiv.com/chris HoldCo Bros are back. In this one Nik and I map out a crazy challenge for next summer where I start a new business in every state in 50 days. We get into state‑specific ideas like Breaking Bad tourism in New Mexico with themed experiences and rentable props, shed hunting in Wyoming and Montana, and even a tour guide concept for Zion National Park. We also break down goats for land clearing and wildfire prevention as a real business with simple lead gen using Meta ads to target rural landowners. Then we riff on the Unclaimed Baggage monopoly in Alabama, what other lost and found style markets might exist in hotels, Airbnbs, and car rentals, and how to play the middleman to turn overlooked inventory into profit. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.com 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 The Cost of Clearing Land and Business Ideas 02:56 Starting a Business in 50 States 05:46 The Power of Influencer Marketing 09:08 Unique Business Concepts for Each State 11:56 Monetizing Local Attractions and Experiences 15:01 The Unclaimed Baggage Business Model 17:53 Innovative Ideas for Movie Props and Tours 20:47 The Goat Business Model for Land Clearing
Aug 15, 202534 min
This $15K/Person Grant Feels Like a Cheat Code⏐ Ep. #208
If you want Hector’s help starting or growing your own trade school, fill out this quick form: https://form.typeform.com/to/Fz6CExfS Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with my friend and neighbor Hector to talk about how he built and scaled trade schools using little-known government grants. We covered how states pay $5,000 to $15,000 per student, why white labeling courses leads to huge margins, and how he’s helped schools in industries like nursing, CDL truck driving, pest control, IT tech sales, and more. We also discussed how existing business owners can bolt a school onto their operation, solve staffing shortages, and get paid to train their own employees. 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 ---
Aug 13, 202538 min
Which AI Should You Use to Make Money? GPT 5 vs Others⏐ Ep. #207
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions. In this episode I put ChatGPT 5, Claude Opus 4.1, Grok 4 and Gemini 2.5 Pro head to head to see which AI can create the fastest, most practical money making plan from scratch. I gave each model the exact same challenge to become a $100 per hour consultant in 72 hours starting with no audience, no connections, and just $500, and then I compared their strategies step by step. After ranking their ideas for quality, simplicity, and likelihood to work, I pushed the competition further by testing each AI in a real money options trading experiment. I followed their instructions live, invested my own cash, and revealed the exact results the next day including profit, losses, and all. This was a full stress test of speed, accuracy, and real world outcomes, and the results may surprise you. 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 ---
Aug 11, 202540 min
These Businesses Can Completely Change Your Life in 6 Months ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #206
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. HoldCo Bros are back with part two of our million dollar in six months challenge. If you missed part one, go check it out here: [ https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5y6hOtgrtVb ]. In this episode, Nik and I keep stacking high return business ideas you could actually start today. We dig into liquidation flipping for fast cash, breaking down how to buy inventory for pennies on the dollar and move it for solid margins. We explore the strategy of buying a business and adding instant value through AI automation to unlock massive equity gains from day one. I share my glamping site idea for under served markets, plus a unique equity for value add deal inspired by our friend Hector. We also kick around niche service plays like coil cleaning for grocery stores and even unconventional experiences like a “fantasy camp” for mowing enthusiasts. This one is packed with creative ways to hit big revenue fast and some might surprise you. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.com 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 Starting Small: The Power of Flipping Equipment 02:56 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 05:50 Innovative Business Models: Equity Without Purchase 08:59 Exploring Glamping: A Unique Investment Opportunity 11:59 Niche Markets: Finding Pain Points to Profit 14:54 Creative Business Ideas: Bingo and Beyond 17:47 The Future of AI in Small Business 20:38 Building a Business: The Importance of Experience 23:34 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Business Model
Aug 8, 202529 min
The Most Overlooked $10K/M Business Anyone Can Start ⏐ Ep. #205
If you want Kyler’s full training, repair tips, sourcing strategies, and templates, check out his community at http://Applianceskool.com ━ Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com ━ I sat down with Kyler, a 23-year-old who makes $10,000/month renting out $50 washers and dryers on Facebook Marketplace. We actually did an interview last year (Dec 9, 2024) [ https://youtu.be/UXgGQT-IJEY ], and people loved it, so we decided to do this special out-and-about episode to show you exactly how it works. Kyler broke down his entire three-step system, which he calls Post, Rent, Buy, and explained how he started with literally zero dollars by picking up free or broken sets. We dive into how he sources cheap appliances, automates monthly payments, keeps churn incredibly low, and even makes money offering delivery services. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly business that works in almost any town, this is it. Enjoy! --- Ask me a question on or off the show here: https://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: https://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: https://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: https://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: https://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: https://tkopod.co/p-os ---
Aug 6, 202534 min
I Started an Online Business in 56 Minutes (Beginner Friendly) ⏐ Ep. #204
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. Get 30 days free on HighLevel only with my link: https://tkopod.co/30daysOfFreeHL How to scrape leads: https://tkopod.co/Os How to mass text: straighttext.com - promo code KOERNER for 50% off! ━ I launched a brand new AI automation agency from scratch in just 56 minutes. No audience tricks, no prep, no fluff. I recorded the clock, sent 50 texts, built a real AI voice agent using HighLevel, and got an actual home service business owner to say yes all in under an hour.This is one of the biggest business opportunities I’ve seen. Most local businesses don’t answer the phone after hours and miss out on thousands in lost revenue. You can fix that with an AI answering agent, built in minutes, using tools that are basically free to start with.I walk you through the whole thing scraping leads with Outscraper, cleaning up the data, setting up the AI in HighLevel, and sending personalized texts using StraightText. Everything you need to start is right here. No logo. No LLC. Just real execution. Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- 00:00 Launching a Business in Under an Hour 02:44 The Power of AI Voice Agents 05:59 Building an AI Voice Agent 08:53 Scraping Data for Leads 11:35 Cleaning and Organizing Data 14:28 Texting Potential Customers 17:51 Pitching the Service 20:52 Analyzing Response Rates 23:27 Scaling the Business 25:52 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Aug 4, 202526 min
$1M in 6 Months? These Are the Business Ideas We’d Bet On ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #203
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 take on a simple but powerful challenge: how would you build a business worth $1 million in just six months? We each pitch our favorite ideas, from RV rentals and AI wrapper agencies to offshore staffing, buying up newsletters, and starting an AI automation agency with real clients and real money. Nik lays out his hero workflow strategy, and I break down how I spun up an AI-powered voice agent for a garage door company and closed a deal in under an hour. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.com 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 ---
Aug 1, 202531 min
You Don’t Need a Big Idea. AI Can Clone These Giants for You w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #202
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about why it’s never been easier to clone massive SaaS companies and sell the same functionality for 90% less. We broke down how AI is turning platforms like Salesforce, AppFolio, and RentManager into overpriced dinosaurs, and how you can use tools like BuiltWith, G2, and Manus to reverse-engineer their features and customers. Sam even shared how he ran paid traffic to a $1 trial landing page before building the product—and people bought it. We also talked about his new strategy for selling backlinks like products in a Shopify-style marketplace, why form factor changes (like caffeinated gum or chewable toothpaste) are underrated business models, and how his hummingbird nectar side hustle is still going strong. 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! --- 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 Disruption in Software Pricing 02:58 The Commoditization of Services 05:52 AI and the Future of Business 09:08 Innovative Business Ideas and Form Factors 12:04 The Rise of Transparency in Business 14:57 Exploring New Market Opportunities 17:53 Backlink Strategies and SEO Insights 20:45 Testing New Business Models 24:04 The Value of High-Quality Backlinks
Jul 30, 202535 min
Finding Great Reselling Deals Is Easy (If You Know Where to Look) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #201
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we walked through a whole new batch of insane liquidation deals you could flip for serious money. We talked about truckloads of auto parts from the Advanced Auto Parts and Pep Boys merger, flipping Costco returns like Blackstone griddles, and why now is the perfect time to buy Christmas trees for resale. Shannon also broke down strategies for flipping Lego sets, Google Glass, and even modular buildings and flooring from college auctions. We talked about how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Manus to analyze manifests, how to talk to potential buyers before you even bid, and how these flips could turn into a full-time business. 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: How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061Shannon returns! More high ticket flipping and deal making tips. Part 2 of 2. Ep. #041Asymmetric bets & flipping high ticket items for profit with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep. #038 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 Unlocking Wealth Through Seasonal Arbitrage 02:47 The Power of Seasonal Selling 06:03 Investing in High-Demand Products 08:46 Maximizing Profits with Liquidation Auctions 12:01 Exploring Unique Reselling Opportunities 14:52 Navigating the World of Auctions 18:07 Leveraging Market Trends for Profit 20:55 Strategies for Successful Reselling 23:49 The Future of Reselling and Investment
Jul 28, 202528 min
This Simple Playbook Built a $120M AI Business (in 3 Months) w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #200
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. 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 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! --- 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)
Jul 25, 202529 min
How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. 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 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: Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061Shannon returns! More high ticket flipping and deal making tips. Part 2 of 2. Ep. #041Asymmetric bets & flipping high ticket items for profit with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep. #038Timestamps below. Enjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os--- 00:00 Unlocking Reselling Opportunities02:47 The Power of Liquidation Deals06:00 Finding Hidden Gems in Unsexy Markets08:49 Building Relationships for Reselling Success12:08 Leveraging Local Markets for Profit14:55 Understanding Product Demand and Pricing17:47 Avoiding Common Reselling Pitfalls21:10 Crafting Your Reselling Narrative24:00 The Future of Reselling: Trends and Insig
Jul 23, 202534 min
6 Ways to Make Money With the New GPT Agent (It Blew My Mind) ⏐ Ep. #198
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! --- 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 ---
Jul 21, 202538 min
You Don’t Need an Online Business to Get Rich ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #197
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: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 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
Jul 18, 202532 min
The Most Profitable Local Business Everyone Overlooks ($70K/Month) ⏐ Ep. #196
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! --- 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 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
Jul 16, 202549 min
The Smart Way to Start Small and Still Win Big ⏐ Ep. #195
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! --- 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 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
Jul 14, 20251h 3m
These Local Businesses Are Hidden Goldmines ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #194
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: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 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
Jul 11, 202523 min
Everyone’s Chasing AI. Start This Simple $250K/Year Business Instead ⏐ Ep. #193
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! --- 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 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
Jul 9, 202523 min
Learn AI Automations Before You’re Replaced by Them ⏐ Ep. #192
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.aiChatGPT / OpenAI: https://chat.openai.comGemini (Google): https://gemini.google.comPerplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.aiGrok (xAI / Twitter): https://x.ai⚙️ Automation & No-Code Tools N8N (Workflow Automation): https://n8n.ioMake.com (formerly Integromat): https://www.make.comZapier: https://zapier.comGumloop: https://gumloop.comReplit (Browser-based IDE & AI dev): https://replit.com💳 APIs & System Integration MCP (Multimodal Communication Protocol): https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocolLinear (Project Management): https://linear.appTimestamps 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 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
Jul 7, 202550 min
Start a Business With Just a Prompt (w/ Bolt CEO)⏐ Ep. #191
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! --- 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 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
Jul 4, 202553 min
Google’s Veo3 Changed Video Forever. Here’s What It Can Actually Do w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #190
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com I sat down with Sam Thompson again to dive deep into how he’s actually using Veo3 to create viral style AI videos and turn them into real business opportunities. We got tactical on everything from building niche media accounts to running ads for local businesses using short form, hyper specific clips. Sam shared his full prompting framework, how he uses ChatGPT to help write scripts, and even the tricks he’s learned after spending over $1,000 testing different styles. We also talked about how this isn’t just a gimmick. If you’re playing with these tools now, you’re learning skills that’ll be wildly valuable when the tech levels up. You can find Sam on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he’s building at https://www.unlimitedcontent.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 Exploring VO3: The Future of Video Generation 03:00 Creative Applications of VO3 in Advertising 05:46 Crafting Effective Prompts for VO3 09:10 Innovative Business Ideas with VO3 12:05 The Evolution of Content Creation and Monetization 14:57 The Future of AI in Video Production
Jul 2, 202522 min
Don’t Quit Your Job… Yet. Listen to This First ⏐ Ep. #189
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com Today I talk about the most controversial question in entrepreneurship: should you quit your job to start a business? It’s something I’ve wrestled with for years, and in this episode I share the frameworks, personal stories, and mindset shifts that have helped me figure out when to go all in and when to hold back. Then I bring on my friend Steven Hale, who actually did it. He walked away from a high-paying job at a publicly traded company and launched Oak Bridge, which went from zero to 25 employees and nearly $6 million in revenue in just one year. We talk about the fear, the clarity, the hard choices, and why sometimes you need your options taken away in order to move forward. If you’re stuck at the edge of the leap, this one’s for you. You can reach out to Steven on LinkedIn or by email at [email protected] 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 The Great Boat Burning Debate 02:46 Understanding the Risks of Entrepreneurship 06:00 Personal Stories of Burning the Boats 08:52 Strategic Planning for Business Success 12:08 The Journey of Stephen Hale 13:20 Navigating Career Transitions 14:47 The Journey to Ownership and Entrepreneurship 16:40 Navigating the Early Days of a Startup 19:16 Balancing Confidence and Insecurity 20:08 The Joy of Building and Creating 24:09 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks 26:44 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Jun 30, 202528 min
You Don’t Need to Invent New AI Tool. Just Package One Use Case ⏐ Ep. #188
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 talk about a bunch of AI wrapper ideas you could build today without needing to invent anything new. We talk about using ChatGPT to create personalized trivia games for parents and kids, then turn that into a full-blown business idea, just package it as a niche mobile app. We also brainstorm an AI handyman mentor, where ChatGPT walks you through fixing stuff around the house via voice and video. Later, we go deep on how image generation tools can power things like AI-powered postcards that show homeowners what their house would look like with new paint, windows, or landscaping. All real tools. All working today. You just need to package the use case. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 01:00 - Trivia Game Idea with ChatGPT 05:34 - Build a Family Trivia App 07:45 - AI Captures Family Stories 12:27 - HandymanMentors.com Idea 19:37 - DIY Kits for Learning Home Repairs 23:56 - ChatGPT as a Virtual Handyman 28:46 - Free Gifts Hack: Mailing Wedding Invites 31:07 - Personalized Postcards with AI 33:31 - Live Remodel Previews Using AI
Jun 27, 202534 min
You’re Doing Everything Except the One Thing That Works w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #187
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about how starting a business really isn't that complicated. We broke down why perfect logos, pricing models, or websites don’t matter early on, and how getting on sales calls with nothing to sell is often the best place to begin. We shared an example of a guy who launched a Google Maps optimization service from scratch (no prior experience) and closed clients in under 30 days. We also talked about pricing strategies, paid ads, building confidence through customer conversations, and even how AI tools like Replit and ChatGPT can be packaged into customizable templates and sold as one-time products. If you’ve been thinking about launching something simple but powerful, this idea might be exactly what you need. You can find Sam on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he’s building at https://www.unlimitedcontent.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 Impatience with Action, Patience with Results 03:02 The Power of First Party Customer Research 06:00 Adapting to Customer Needs 08:55 Understanding Willingness to Pay 11:47 The Importance of Action Over Research 15:05 Pricing Strategies for Success 17:59 Creating Value for Customers 19:58 Navigating Idea Hopping 23:44 Innovative Product Ideas and Market Fit 30:45 Replit Wrapper Idea
Jun 25, 202542 min
A Business Anyone Can Start Today With Just $100 ⏐ Ep. #186
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com I sat down to break down one of the most overlooked service business ideas out there: mailbox installation and repair. This is the kind of high-margin local business that’s hiding in plain sight, with real entrepreneurs pulling in over $9K a week just by fixing what’s already broken. We talked about how to start with almost no money, how to land HOA contracts, and why this is a goldmine for offline lead generation and local SEO. I also got into ways to turn this into a real ecommerce play using custom products, AI-driven mockups, and smart Facebook ad targeting. If you’ve been looking for a simple scalable service business that can actually make money, this one’s for you. 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 Unlocking Hidden Business Opportunities 03:04 The Mailbox Repair Market: An Untapped Goldmine 05:49 Diverse Business Approaches: From Handyman to Custom Designs 08:42 Marketing Strategies for Success 12:01 Scaling Your Mailbox Business 15:09 The Path to Starting Your Business 18:04 Understanding Your Market Potential 20:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Jun 23, 202525 min
Starting a Business Has Never Been Easier. Here’s How to Capitalize⏐ Ep. #185
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 talk about why starting a business has never been easier—and how to actually take advantage of that. We go deep on AI-powered outreach and automation, including a guy closing $7K/month deals with in-person pitches and guarantees, and a 24-year-old automating CPA services with 140 clients at $50/month. We also got into selling custom GPTs, why friction kills momentum, and the idea of a local handyman “fantasy camp” for guys like us who never learned how to fix a sprinkler. Finally, we brainstormed more B2B piggyback businesses like pool digging and fence post augering—ideas you can copy and launch fast. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 00:45 Intro for New Listeners 02:48 Start of The Episode 06:02 Cold Outreach and Sales Strategies 08:55 Piggybacking on Existing Businesses 11:59 Emerging Opportunities in Home Services 17:43 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 23:56 The Importance of Reducing Friction in Entrepreneurship 29:46 Hands-On Learning and DIY Business Ideas
Jun 20, 202535 min
Your Playbook to Selling Anything on the Internet in 2025| Ep. #184
👋 Welcome to The Koerner Office! If you're here from my MFM appearance, thank you! You're gonna love this show. BUT this episode is better on YouTube because it's super visual and tactical. ▶️ Watch it here → https://youtu.be/uUlU5G1Nda0 This one covers Facebook Ads for Beginners, but if you want my best episodes start here: 🔥 Ep 164: The Most Overlooked Way to Make Money Online (Directory Biz) 🔥 Ep 161: Missed Every Gold Rush 🔥 Ep 163: You're Overthinking It. Here’s the Simple Way to Start (ft. Nick Huber) 🔥 Ep 169: How to Actually Make Money with ChatGPT 🔥 Ep 162: I’ve Started 75+ Businesses — Here’s What Matters 💎 Bonus Bangers: Ep 73, 123, 156, 167, 171, 173 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down to record this five-part crash course for anyone struggling to make Facebook ads actually work. Whether you're running a local business, selling an online product, or just trying to get more leads or sales, this series walks you through everything from the ground up. I cover how to build winning campaigns in Meta Ads Manager, write high-converting ad copy, test ads without wasting money, and scale from $10 to $500/day. I also share my favorite low-budget hacks, ad examples, and shortcuts for getting cheap leads and better ROAS. If you're trying to grow with digital marketing, this is the step-by-step blueprint you need. 🚀 Get 30 days of powerful AI tools for free with HighLevel. Automate your funnels, follow-ups, and more, all in one platform. 👉 Try it here: https://www.gohighlevel.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 to Facebook Ads for Noobs 11:07 Building Your First Facebook Campaign 18:24 Writing High-Performing Facebook Ad Copy 23:32 Crafting Compelling Visuals for Ads 26:16 Writing Like a Human: The Key to Engagement 29:49 Testing and Optimization: The Science of Ads 35:28 Scaling and Automation: Growing Your Ad Strategy 42:14 Expert Shortcuts: Accelerating Your Ad Success
Jun 18, 202546 min
Here's Exactly How You Can Let Robots Do all the Work for You | Ep. #183
I sat down with Flo Crivello, the founder of Lindy, and this one completely changed how I think about AI agents. We talked about how Lindy works like an AI employee that can handle everything from customer support and sales outreach to booking meetings and even making phone calls. Flo showed me real examples from his own workflow, daily digests, email triage, recruiting, you name it. We also got into how people are already building entire agencies on top of Lindy, charging thousands a month just to set up and maintain these AI flows. If you're even slightly interested in automation, starting a business, or just want to work less and get more done, you need to hear this. https://www.lindy.ai/ 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 The Rise of AI Agents 02:46 Understanding AI Agents vs. Automation 05:58 Practical Applications of AI Agents 08:46 AI Agents in Sales and Customer Support 12:10 Innovative Use Cases and Examples 14:59 The Future of AI Agents in Business 17:53 Building Agencies with AI Agents 20:45 Challenges and Limitations of AI Agents 24:08 The Human Element in AI Interactions 27:01 Integrating AI Agents into Existing Workflows 29:50 The Future of AI in Recruitment and Lead Generation 32:43 Conclusion and Future Outlook
Jun 16, 202543 min
The Easiest Way to Test Any Business Idea⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #182
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 discussed a bunch of real-world business ideas. We started with how I generated 70+ high-intent leads for a secret pickleball club using just $200 in Facebook ads. We got into the economics of renting out backyard sport courts, talked about a Swimpley-style marketplace for pickleball (www.portacourts.com), and broke down why bathtub refinishing might be one of the best overlooked home service businesses out there. Toward the end, we talked through a new idea for an AI-powered accountability partner that feels more like texting a friend than using an app. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Building a Pickleball Club: A Unique Business Idea 12:03 Exploring the Bathtub Refinishing Business 24:11 Leveraging AI for Accountability and Personal Growth
Jun 13, 202532 min
The Most Overlooked Way to Make Money with AI (+10 More Ideas) - Chat with Michael Girdley | Ep. #181
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Michael Girdley again for part 2 of our business idea marathon. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go check out Ep. #178. In this one, we talked about cloning your content with ElevenLabs for massive Facebook monetization, recreating hit shows for different cultures, and how someone could legally take over a Texas county with just 20 friends. We also got into the craziest invention idea I’ve ever heard, literally a mosquito-zapping Death Star powered by AI. This one’s loaded with wild, practical, and “someone’s definitely going to do this” startup ideas. You can find Michael on X at https://x.com/girdley or at https://girdley.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 Unlocking Facebook's Hidden Potential 03:01 The Power of Cultural Adaptation in Media 05:55 Internationalization as a Service: A New Business Model 08:51 The Mosquito Death Star: A Revolutionary Idea 11:45 Exploiting Local Government Loopholes 24:46 Pro-Natalism: Investing in the Future 28:55 Final Thoughts and Business Ideas
Jun 11, 202532 min
Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. This is part 2 of a two-part episode, if you missed it, go check out part 1 in episode #177. In this episode, I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we talked about how to train your bias for action and build real momentum. We dug into the idea of using curiosity and dopamine feedback to stay motivated, why “delusions of grandeur” might actually be a good thing, and how to turn failed ideas into real wins. Shannon shared his take on building revenue streams instead of chasing side hustles, and why “buy with math, sell with emotion” is his favorite rule. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean) And learn more at: https://shannonjean.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 The Journey to Self-Discovery 02:55 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Action 06:10 The Power of Delusions of Grandeur 08:55 Curiosity as a Catalyst for Success 11:45 Building a Bias for Action 15:05 The Role of Dopamine in Motivation 17:52 Turning Ideas into Reality 21:09 The Value of Community and Connection --- ⚫ Track: Dramatic Adventure by MaxKoMusic License: http://bit.ly/CCBY-SALicense Provided by: https://bit.ly/YouTubeEMW ⚫
Jun 9, 202529 min
Sell These $3.5K AI Pitch Decks Built in 12 Min (+4 More Ideas)⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #179
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 talked about some of the most practical AI use cases we’ve seen in a while. I shared a new idea I spun up just 10 minutes before we hit record, literally bought the domain and had Replit building it mid-episode. We talked about how to turn AI-generated pitch decks into real income, how to use Manus and Perplexity Labs to shortcut market research and make money with it, and how quizzes powered by LLMs can reshape hiring and lead gen. This one's packed with ideas for anyone trying to actually use AI to build and grow something fast. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 The Underrated Potential of AI 02:58 Innovative AI Applications and Ideas 05:48 Leveraging AI for Personalization and Hiring 09:14 Pitch Decks and AI: A New Frontier 12:08 Using AI for Market Research and Lead Generation 15:00 Prompt Engineering: Enhancing AI Outputs 17:52 Perplexity Labs: Revolutionizing Research 21:07 B2B Applications of AI-Driven Reports
Jun 6, 202536 min
You Can Replace This $10,000/Day Job With AI - Chat with Michael Girdley | Ep. #178
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. This is part 1 of a two-part episode, come back next week for part 2. I sat down with Michael Girdley (https://x.com/girdley) and we went back and forth pitching business ideas like it was a game show. Michael came loaded with a list of 15 ideas, and we talked through each one, from a browser plugin that detects AI-generated content to an AI that replaces $10K/day EOS consultants. We also got into fun and low-cost offline businesses like old-timey photo booths and gold-panning kiosks for malls, plus more strategic plays like a marketplace for forgotten businesses and a fund that offers minority buyouts to small business owners. We even explored how to reimagine EOS from the ground up to be fully AI-first. Lots of laughs, lots of frameworks, and tons of real opportunity in this one. You can find Michael on X at https://x.com/girdley or at https://girdley.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 AI's Impact on Business and EOS Implementation 02:56 Exploring Innovative Business Ideas 05:50 The Role of AI in Content Authenticity 09:10 Nostalgia and Experiential Businesses 12:05 Minority Investments in Small Businesses 14:54 Creating a Marketplace for Distressed Businesses 18:12 Reimagining EOS with AI 21:06 The Future of Business Automation
Jun 4, 202527 min
This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. This is part 1 of a two-part episode, come back next week for part 2. I sat down with Shannon Jean to talk about the mindset shifts that actually matter when you’re getting into entrepreneurship. We talked about why problem-solving is the real job, how fear can be fuel, and why small experiments lead to big wins. We also got into building confidence, staying scrappy, and the underrated power of just changing something when you feel stuck. If you’re thinking about taking the leap, this one will give you the push you need. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean) And learn more at: https://shannonjean.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 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change 02:57 The Mindset of Problem Solving 05:50 The Power of Self-Discipline and Storytelling 08:45 Navigating Success and Failure 12:07 The Importance of Action and Adaptability 14:58 Building Confidence Through Experience 17:52 Embracing Change in Daily Life 21:07 The Role of Fear in Motivation
Jun 2, 202527 min
Google Veo 3 Just Changed the Game: Here’s Your Money-Making Tutorial | Ep. #176
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. Everyone's freaking out about Google’s new Veo 3 video model, but nobody’s telling you how to actually make money with it. So in this episode, I break down exactly how people are already landing $10K video gigs, pitching Veo content to agencies, and replacing full editing teams with a single AI tool. I tell you who’s buying this stuff, how to build a quick portfolio, and what to say to close your first deal. We also talk about turning this into recurring income with productized video offers, and even how to monetize it without clients. https://deepmind.google/models/veo/ 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 Veo 3 and Monetization Strategies 02:47 Understanding Veo 3: The Game Changer in Video Production 06:08 Identifying Potential Clients and Monetization Opportunities 09:02 Pitching to Agencies: Strategies for Success 12:13 Building a Portfolio and Landing Clients 15:09 Creating Recurring Income with Veo 3 18:02 Expanding Revenue Streams Beyond Video Production 20:59 Leveraging Veo 3 for Upselling and Client Retention 23:49 Getting Ahead of the Competition 27:13 Voice Licensing for Passive Income
May 30, 202527 min
“It’s Not That Easy”? Sam Launched Overnight to Prove It Is | Ep. #175
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Sam Thompson for part 2 of our two-part episode, if you haven’t listened to the first one yet, go check out Ep. #172. In this one, Sam breaks down how a Twitter reply turned into a real hummingbird nectar business doing over $5K in its first 21 days. We talked through his process from idea to Shopify store, how he branded literal sugar, used AI tools to create ads, and scaled it with Meta campaigns. He built everything using tools like ChatGPT, a $20 heat sealer, and SoloDrop, which let him launch the store overnight. We also riffed on smart seasonal products, digital upsells, and brainstormed low-lift business ideas anyone could start using Supliful, Canva, and other very simple tools. If you’re still waiting to “start,” this one proves you really don’t need much. You can find Sam on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he’s building at https://www.unlimitedcontent.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 The Launch of Hummingbird Food 03:03 E-commerce Insights and Strategies 06:02 Advertising Tactics and Cost Management 08:57 Product Development and Scaling Challenges 11:55 Digital Products and Market Testing 14:48 Exploring New Business Ideas 18:03 Understanding Offers and Vehicles in Business
May 28, 202527 min
If People Pay for This, Your Idea Will Work Too | Ep. #174
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Brandon Doyle (x.com/_BrandonDoyle_) for part 2 of our two-part episode, if you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go check out Ep. #171. In this one, we talked about how the weirdest business ideas can actually make the most money. We started with Excel esports, horse hair competitions, and a $7M business turning YouTube tutorials into magazines. Then we riffed on viral marketing stunts like the ghost-free home guarantee, crazy no-code competitions with live commentary, and even a “Most Dangerous Game” style footrace. Toward the end, we dove into how physical products like magazines or plaques could become the next big thing in a world obsessed with digital. 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 The Power of Unique Business Ideas 03:03 Creative Event Marketing Strategies 05:53 Innovative Competition Concepts 09:13 Survival Challenges and Unique Experiences 12:04 Viral Marketing and Content Creation 14:55 Physical Products from Digital Content 18:11 Quirky Marketing Ideas for Real Estate 21:02 Embracing Creativity in Business
May 26, 202523 min
You Don’t Need a Big Idea. Copy These Winners Instead ft. Connor | Ep. #173
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a regular on the podcast, and we went deep on some wild business ideas. We talked about plastic-free products, AI voice agents, and even how a company selling stuffed animals in a box did a million orders. We also got into the idea of turning everyday kids products into $100M brands and how AI is reshaping who wins and who gets left behind. This one’s packed, don’t miss it. 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 The Rise of E-commerce and Gifting Ideas 02:54 Innovative Business Concepts in AI and Gifting 05:45 The Future of AI Wrappers and Personal Assistants 09:09 Navigating the Impact of AI on Labor Markets 12:00 Microplastics and Sustainable Alternatives 14:53 Creative Solutions for Everyday Problems 17:49 The Evolution of Consumer Products for Kids 21:11 The Future of AI in Business and Society
May 23, 202536 min
AI Is Replacing Content Creators (Here’s How to Profit) w/ Sam | Ep. #172
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about some crazy ways people are making money with AI voice cloning, plus how he's building a full AI ad pipeline that actually converts. We also got into the weird world of viral AI videos showing up online and whether billboards are better than Facebook ads for growing a podcast. If you're into automation, ads, or just want smarter ways to scale, this one's for you. You can find Sam on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and check out what he’s building at https://www.unlimitedcontent.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 Monetizing AI Voice Cloning 03:04 The Future of Content Creation 05:52 AI in Advertising: The New Frontier 09:11 Testing AI-Generated Ads 12:06 Billboard Marketing vs. Facebook Ads 15:02 Understanding Metrics in Marketing 17:56 The Role of AI in E-commerce 20:44 The Impact of AI on Content Consumption 23:55 Exploring New Marketing Strategies 26:50 The Future of AI in Business
May 21, 202534 min
Quit Waiting. Start This Simple Business with $0 | Ep. #171
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Brandon Doyle (x.com/_BrandonDoyle_) again, he was on back in episode #060, and we brainstormed creative ways to grow small service businesses. We bounced around a bunch of low-cost, scrappy business ideas. Some of them sound kinda out there at first, but they’ve got real-world results behind them and they’re super easy to test. If you’re trying to get more customers without spending a ton, this one’s worth a listen. 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 Growth Hacks for Small Businesses 01:00 Innovative Marketing Strategies: QR Codes and Yard Signs 02:57 Leveraging Local Networks: Neighbor Blitz and Referral Incentives 06:50 Creative Partnerships: Collaborating for Mutual Growth 11:02 Utilizing AI for Business Growth: ChatGPT Insights 13:54 AOL's Viral Marketing Strategy: Lessons for Today 26:55 Conclusion and Future Insights
May 19, 202529 min
How to Get a Yes From Anyone (and Change Your Life) | Ep. #170
I sat down with Stu Heinecke, the bestselling author of How to Get a Meeting with Anyone, and we talked all about creative outreach that actually works. Stu shared some insane stories, like how he gets 100% response rates by mailing personalized cartoons, and how someone landed a $2 million Walmart order from a $28 Facebook ad. I shared my own story of turning a $1,500 order and a few cold emails into a multi-million dollar business. We discussed everything from sending swords to CEOs, to using Venmo to get attention, to sponsoring Little League teams as a way to stand out. This episode is full of ideas that could seriously change your life if you actually use them. You can check out Stu’s book at stuheinecke.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. 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 Creative Outreach Strategies for Business Success 03:04 The Power of Personalization in Marketing 05:56 Unique Campaigns with High ROI 09:13 The Art of Follow-Up in Contact Marketing 12:08 Using Humor and Cartoons to Stand Out 14:56 The Role of AI in Modern Marketing 17:52 Auditioning for Relationships in Business 21:13 Innovative Approaches to Getting Meetings 24:05 The Importance of Human Connection in Marketing
May 16, 202535 min
This Is How You Actually Make Money with ChatGPT | Ep. #169
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I went deep on ChatGPT in this episode and broke down exactly how I’m using it every single day. I shared a ton of hacks, prompt ideas, workflows, tools, and even real business ideas I’ve actually tested. I explained why you should treat ChatGPT like a business partner, not a search engine, how to build repeatable systems, and why layering your prompts is the secret sauce. We also got into stuff like building SEO blogs from customer reviews, spotting market gaps using one-star reviews, and making all the AI models compete against each other. Plus, I dropped a bunch of my own favorite prompts you can steal and use right now. Check out the Limitless pendant here: https://www.limitless.ai 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 Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT 02:51 Strategic Prompting Techniques 06:11 Building Effective Workflows 09:02 Leveraging ChatGPT for Business Ideas 11:48 Creative Writing and Content Generation 15:02 Advanced ChatGPT Hacks and Tips
May 14, 202520 min
You’re Not Ready for What’s Coming (Robert Scoble on AI + Future Tech) | Ep. #168
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com. I sat down with Robert Scoble and we talked about the future. He’s been around for the first Tesla ride, the early days of Uber, and now he’s deep into AI, smart glasses, and even Neuralink. We covered where tech is heading next, why most people are still sleeping on it, and what happens when AI starts watching you and giving you advice. He also shared his thoughts on China’s rise, virtual beings, and why America better wake up. You can find Robert on X at https://x.com/scobleizer where he posts his list of 800+ AI tools, aka “The Holodeck.” 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 The Future of AI: Underhyped or Overhyped? 02:58 The Evolution of Mixed Reality and Wearable Tech 06:08 AI in Everyday Life: Tools and Gadgets 08:58 The Impact of AI on Business and Entrepreneurship 12:05 Neuralink and the Future of Human-Machine Interaction 14:55 Comparing the AI Boom to the Dot-Com Boom 18:10 The Global Race in AI and Robotics 20:51 Innovation and Creativity in a Competitive Landscape
May 12, 202535 min
How an 88 Cent Mistake Led to a $100M Empire. (Playbook with Al Doan) | Ep. #167
Find my new community at https://www.tkowners.com/ I sat down with Al Doan, founder of the Missouri Star Quilt Company, and the guy is just electric. We talked about how he turned his mom’s love of quilting into a massive business that transformed the tiny town of Hamilton, Missouri. What started as a small quilt shop and some YouTube tutorials eventually became a retail empire with 16 quilt stores, restaurants, a hotel, a magazine, and a whole lot more. Al's vision didn’t just grow the business, he's also bought up nearly the entire downtown district to create what he calls a "Disneyland for quilters." Toward the end, we bounce around some really creative business ideas, especially ones you could launch in small towns that most people overlook. You can find Al on Twitter and Instagram as @DrBillNye. Check out his company at missouriquiltco.com and their deals site at quiltersdailydeal.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 The Quilting Capital of the World 03:00 Building a Quilting Empire 05:49 Creating Unique Shopping Experiences 09:10 The Power of Content and Community 12:00 Navigating Early Challenges 14:51 Inflection Points in Business Growth 17:47 Owning a Town: The Hamilton Story 21:12 The Future of Small Town Businesses 25:25 Transforming Small Towns into Destinations 32:06 Building Unique Experiences Around Hobbies 37:20 Unexpected Successes in Business Ventures 40:14 Innovative Home Services Business Ideas 45:51 Reimagining Small Town Economies
May 9, 202551 min
How to Get Your Significant Other Onboard with Entrepreneurship: A Chat with my Wife | Ep. #166
Find my new community at https://www.tkowners.com/ I sat down with my wife Jessie for a really special episode of the podcast. We talked about what it’s actually like being married to a serial entrepreneur, the highs, the lows, and all the uncertainty in between. I asked her how she’s managed to stay supportive through all the pivots, experiments, and tough seasons. We got honest about what it’s really been like building a life together while also building businesses. Whether you're an entrepreneur yourself or you're married to one, I think this one will hit home. 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 Overcoming Overwhelm in Entrepreneurship 03:02 The Role of a Supportive Spouse 05:56 Navigating Scary Moments in Business 08:49 Trust and Confidence in a Partner 12:12 Advice for Spouses of Entrepreneurs 15:07 Balancing Family and Business 17:56 Reflections on Stability and Sacrifice 20:49 Key Conversations in Marriage 24:08 Parenting as Entrepreneurs 27:01 Compartmentalizing Work and Family Life 29:55 Maintaining a Strong Marriage 32:49 Future Aspirations and Business Dreams
May 7, 202538 min
How to Generate Big Profits from Little Email Newsletters | Ep. #165
Get 20% off Beehiiv for 3 months with my link: https://beehiiv.com?via=chris-koerner-BH-COLLAB I sat down with Tyler Denk (@denk_tweets), cofounder and CEO of Beehiiv, to talk about the biggest opportunities to make money with newsletters right now. Tyler shared how small niche newsletters are making serious revenue by focusing on community and creative monetization like design cohorts, recruiting, and smart sponsorships. We talked about growth strategies like Beehiiv Boost, co-registration, and why acquiring the right subscribers matters more than just getting them cheap. We ended with a killer idea: turning a corporate email list into a media business that brings in sponsorship revenue. You can subscribe to Tyler’s newsletter Big Desk Energy at mail.bigdeskenergy.com, and check out his Spotify playlist of the same name if you're into deep focus work sessions. --- 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 Gold Mine of Email Lists 02:58 Monetizing Newsletters: Strategies and Insights 06:13 The Power of Local Newsletters 09:04 Building a Community Through Content 11:53 Experimentation and Growth Strategies 15:06 The Future of Local Newsletters 17:54 Creating Value Beyond Sales 21:10 Referral Programs: The 80/20 Rule 23:58 Transforming Email Lists into Revenue Streams
May 5, 202540 min
The Most Overlooked Way to Make Money On the Internet | Ep. #164
I sat down with Frey Chu (https://x.com/freychu), who started by building profitable directory websites and later began teaching others how to do the same. We talked about how he went from flipping items at flea markets to pulling in up to $3,000/month in passive income from sites he barely touches. He broke down his process for finding untapped SEO opportunities, how he uses Ahrefs and Reddit for research, and shared a realistic approach to building simple, mostly passive websites that can steadily bring in income over time. 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 The Power of Simple Solutions 03:12 Opportunism and Business Growth 06:01 Navigating Online Criticism 09:23 The Nature of Selfishness in Business Relationships 12:16 Stress Management and Decision Making 15:09 The Role of a CEO 18:03 AI in Business Efficiency 21:54 The Impact of AI on Employment 25:18 Navigating Wealth and Parenting 31:53 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 36:15 Business Ideas and Getting Started 42:03 The Book Writing Journey
May 2, 202552 min
You're Overthinking It. Here’s the Simple Way to Start (ft. Nick Huber) | Ep. #163
Link to buy Nick’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bLazjW Link to buy Nick’s book in the UK: https://bit.ly/422njPW Nick's Offshore Recruiting Company: https://tkopod.co/huber Nick's Real Estate Cost Segregation business: https://tkopod.co/recostseg I sat down with Nick Huber and we talked about what it actually takes to build wealth through service businesses. We started with Nick’s framework for opportunity, how being an opportunist isn’t a bad thing if you use it to build momentum, not chase distractions. He walked me through his current companies, explaining how each one fits into a power-law strategy. We also got into his view on AI. Nick shared how he's approaching parenting with wealth, and how to raise humble kids in a privileged environment. Toward the end, we talked about his new book The Sweaty Startup, the brutally hard process of writing it, and why he ultimately partnered with HarperCollins. You can find Nick on X (@sweatystartup) or download his 500+ business ideas at sweatystartup.com/ideas. Links to all Nick’s social profiles: www.x.com/sweatystartup www.instagram.com/sweatystartup www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup www.youtube.com/sweatystartup www.tiktok.com/sweatystartup www.threads.net/@sweatystartup.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 The Power of Simple Solutions 03:12 Opportunism and Business Growth 06:01 Navigating Online Criticism 09:23 The Nature of Selfishness in Business Relationships 12:16 Stress Management and Decision Making 15:09 The Role of a CEO 18:03 AI in Business Efficiency 21:54 The Impact of AI on Employment 25:18 Navigating Wealth and Parenting 31:53 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 36:15 Business Ideas and Getting Started 42:03 The Book Writing Journey --- Links to Nick’s businesses: www.sweatystartup.com www.nickhuber.com www.sweatystartupbook.com www.somewhere.com/nick www.boltstorage.com www.recostseg.com www.adrhino.com www.spidexx.com www.boldseo.com www.webrun.com www.titanrisk.com www.recruitjet.com www.hubermethod.com
Apr 30, 202543 min
I've Started 75+ Businesses: Here’s What Actually Matters | Ep. #162
In this episode, I'll walk you through the biggest lessons I've learned starting 75+ businesses over the past 15 years. From six to eight figures, I share real stories about making it happen, surviving setbacks, protecting your team, and learning when to say no. I talk about how I navigated some of the toughest moments in both business and life. If you're building or buying a business, these are the lessons I wish I had earlier. 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 Welcome and Introduction 00:11 The Role of a CE Owner 01:14 Lessons from Starting Businesses 03:04 The MIH Gene: Make It Happen 05:35 Knowing the Weeds 07:07 Insulating Your Employees 09:02 Cover Your Assets 09:42 Inventing a Rival 11:16 Capitalizing the Business 12:04 Taking Advice from the Right People 14:02 Seven to Eight Figure Lessons 15:14 Escaping the Spreadsheet 15:54 Lessons from Past Business Ventures 16:55 The Bitcoin Mining Boom 17:42 Balancing Business and Personal Life 18:35 Dealing with Difficult Customers 20:20 Managing Toxic Employees 21:13 The Importance of Rockstar Employees 23:13 Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward 26:57 The Role of a CEO 29:25 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Apr 28, 202529 min
Missed Every Gold Rush? This One Started Just 2 Days Ago | Ep. #161
I sat down with Jacob Posel right after OpenAI launched their image generation API, literally the same day, and we talked about the massive wave of opportunity that’s about to hit. If you’ve got a laptop, internet, and time, now’s your moment. Jacob shared two main paths to make money fast with AI images. We explored how fun and simple image ideas can turn into real businesses, and how most people still don’t even know what these tools can do. We got into the tactics too. Jacob explained how to launch fast, how to pitch to ad agencies, and why offering this as a white-labeled service could be a game changer. I even bought a domain live during the episode, right in the middle of the conversation. You can follow Jacob on X: @jacob_posel or find him on LinkedIn. If you're building something cool, reach out. He wants to see it. 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 The Dawn of AI Image Generation 02:58 Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in AI 05:47 Building an Agency with AI Tools 09:07 Prompt Engineering and Best Practices 11:59 Micro-Personalization in Marketing 14:52 Creative Applications of Image Generation 18:13 Navigating the Future of Advertising 21:08 Collaborating with Ad Agencies 23:59 The Importance of Focus in Entrepreneurship
Apr 25, 202529 min
You Don’t Need to Be a Genius! Just Do This. w/ Sam | Ep. #160
I’m back with Sam Thompson for part two of our two-part conversation (if you missed the first one, go check out Ep. #157). In this episode, Sam walks me through the custom task management app he built for himself using Lovable, and how it completely changed how he handles his time. We go deep on what makes good productivity tools and how to think like a “vibe coder”. We also talk about how he sold his AI cooking app, how he's helping someone scale it, and why more businesses should start fast, test faster, and sell what people are already asking for. Toward the end, we riff on why people always pay for shortcuts, from dunk training posters to rucking programs (PDF), and how momentum is the most underrated asset for entrepreneurs. You can find Sam on Twitter at @ImSamThompson and check out what he's building at unlimitedcontent.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 The Power of Momentum in Entrepreneurship 02:58 Selling Ideas and Business Models 05:51 The Reality of Make Money Online Offers 08:48 Understanding Customer Needs and Offers 12:14 Creating Value Through Digital Products 15:12 The Role of AI in Business and Marketing 17:56 Building Custom Solutions for Productivity 20:46 Navigating the Future of AI Influencers 24:05 The Importance of Task Management and Productivity
Apr 23, 202536 min
This Episode Will Change How You Think About Money | Ep. #159
This is part two of my conversation with Shannon Jean, and it’s somehow even better than part one. Shannon’s a seasoned flipper, reseller, and liquidator who’s built real wealth by buying pallets of returned or surplus goods and reselling them, sometimes flipping phones for $9 million in profit. In this episode, we talk about advanced tactics. Shannon breaks down how to build trust in an industry full of scams, how to spot undervalued products, why you should be okay with others making more money off your deals, and the mental frameworks that make resellers unstoppable. He shares wild stories, like the time he bought $2M worth of iPhones and sold them back to China for $11M. We also talk about Facebook Marketplace testing, niche reselling and more. Whether you're trying to make $100 or $100,000 extra this year, the blueprint is in this episode. If you missed it, go back and check out Part 1 (Ep. #156), and if you’re hooked, listen to his other appearances in Ep. #38, #41, #61, and #64. You can find Shannon Jean on X at @shannonjean (https://x.com/shannonjean) - he posts about his $5 mastermind there, where he shares deals, advice, and great opportunities. He’s also the cohost of the Business Brain podcast, which you can find at businessbrain.show. 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 The Power of Reselling 04:56 Building Credibility and Relationships 10:06 Learning Through Experimentation 14:53 Finding Your Niche in Reselling 20:09 Scaling and Managing Risks 24:51 Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Apr 21, 202530 min
What AI Tools Are Worth Your Time in 2025⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #158
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik shares what he learned from 30+ conversations with entrepreneurs using AI in their businesses—what tools they’re using, what’s actually working, and some surprising patterns that came up. We also talk about how he built a full workflow using Google CoLab and OpenAI to analyze all the data. I also share my experiment with a real-world billboard ad for the podcast, how I’m testing taglines with Facebook ads, and different ways I’m tracking the results. We even get into some fun ideas around using AI for things like relationship advice and business mediation. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Check out Limitless pendant here Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 00:33 ChatGPT's Bias and Trustworthiness vs. Google 02:58 Seeking Unbiased Feedback from AI (and its Challenges) 07:38 AI for Business Mediation and Conflict Resolution 10:04 Most Popular LLMs and Their Use Cases (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) 12:33 Claude’s Advanced Project Structure & Writing Strengths 15:02 Cursor vs. Replit: Coding Tools and Usability vs. Functionality 17:26 AI Tools Summary: Use Cases and Strengths by Model 19:52 Cleaning and Analyzing Podcast Transcripts Using AI & Google Colab 22:20 Automating Insights: Creating Lead Magnets and Quizzes with AI 24:40 The Importance of Data for Personal AI Assistants 27:07 Billboard A/B Testing Strategy for Podcast Growth 29:27 The Power of “Best” in Marketing and Ratings Psychology 31:54 Measuring Billboard Effectiveness via Download Geography 34:19 Saturating Small Cities with Ads: A Contagion-Style Growth Idea
Apr 18, 202536 min
This One AI Prompt Could Land You a $15K Client w/ Sam | Ep. #157
This is part one of a two-part episode, keep an eye out for part two dropping next week. I sat down with Sam Thompson and we went deep on how we're using the new ChatGPT memory update - from self-reflection prompts to turning it into a personal coach and therapist. Sam shared some killer use cases like a CIA-style report on himself and even a custom SWOT analysis. Then we riffed on turning AI-generated images into real businesses. Sam told the story of a viral tweet he had about creating custom coloring books with ChatGPT, and we brainstormed dozens of B2B and home services ideas—like AI-powered landscaping mockups, remodeling postcards, and photo-personalized marketing that feels like magic. You can find Sam on Twitter at @ImSamThompson and check out what he's building at unlimitedcontent.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 Exploring AI Opportunities in Business 06:58 The Impact of Image Generation Technology 12:09 Hyper-Personalization and Customization 20:07 Innovative Marketing Strategies with AI 29:49 Future of Home Services and AI Integration
Apr 16, 202538 min
Don’t Sleep on This Specific $0-to-Millions Reselling Strategy | Ep. #156
I sat down with Shannon Jean, who's built and sold over 10 companies, and we talked all about the art of reselling. He shared how he made $557K net profit selling luxury handbags, and why building systems is the real game—no matter what category you're in. We covered how he connects directly with eBay and Poshmark execs to avoid account issues, how he uses liquidation sites like B-Stock, and why category only matters 30%—the rest is all systems and execution. Shannon also dropped gold on customer service, like his “two tokens” method to de-escalate unhappy buyers, and how flipping industrial gear or niche apparel can create huge upside if you know how to sell it right. Follow him on X (@ShannonJean), where he shares deals and posts about his $5 mastermind. He’s also the cohost of the Business Brain podcast at businessbrain.show. 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 Starting from Scratch: The Reselling Journey 03:00 Building Relationships: Networking for Success 05:54 Understanding the Market: Research and Strategy 09:13 Finding Your Niche: The Handbag Business 12:07 Customer Service: The Key to Repeat Business 15:05 Navigating Challenges: Dealing with Low Margins 17:55 The Power of Auctions: Finding Hidden Gems 20:46 Scaling Up: Systems and Processes for Success 24:08 Real-Life Examples: Success Stories in Reselling 26:55 The Future of Reselling: Trends and Opportunities
Apr 14, 202535 min
What Types of Ideas are Worth Chasing Today?⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #155
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the exciting advancements of ChatGPT 4.0 image generation, highlighting its ability to now edit pictures and create incredibly realistic AI images. We brainstormed potential business ideas leveraging this new technology, then we discussed the fundamentals of business success, where Nik introduced his framework emphasizing competitive advantage within idea and execution (grit, distribution, fulfillment, knowledge). We debated the significance of a strong market versus having a unique edge and explored the concept of a barbell strategy, focusing on either full AI or completely no-tech ventures. Finally, we discussed the growing trend of rucking and identified several potential business opportunities in that space. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 The Rise of Image Generation Technology 02:59 Ashton Hall: The Viral Sensation 05:52 The Future of NFTs and Image Attribution 08:46 Innovative Business Ideas in Image Generation 12:05 The Importance of Competitive Advantage in Entrepreneurship 15:00 Navigating the Path to Entrepreneurship 17:56 The Barbell Strategy: AI vs. No AI 20:52 Learning vs. Doing: The Entrepreneurial Dilemma 24:12 Rucking: A New Trend in Fitness 27:07 The Power of Community and Influencer Marketing
Apr 11, 202538 min
Tariffs. Here's How to Make Money While Everyone Panics | Ep. # 154
The United States is in Trump tariff turmoil, and while everyone's freaking out, I'm seeing opportunity. I don’t care about macroeconomics or politics, but I do care about business ideas. So in this episode, I walk through how to take advantage of what's happening right now. From using tools like Import Yeti and Jungle Scout to find hot products, to becoming a sourcing agent, launching a reverse engineering newsletter, or just figuring out where the next winners are coming from, this moment might be the nudge you’ve been waiting for. Shopify URL suffix: /?sort_buy=best-selling/collections/all?sort_by=best-sellingTimestamps 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 Economic Turmoil and Opportunity 03:02 Navigating Tariffs and Sourcing Strategies 05:56 Innovative Business Ideas Amidst Change 08:48 Historical Context: Success in Adversity 12:03 Embracing Made in America 13:02 Seizing Opportunities in Uncertainty
Apr 9, 202513 min
How to Build Your Next Business on Top of this New AI Tool That’s Blowing Up | Ep. # 153
Use promo code TKOPOD for 20% off Gumloop. I sat down with Max Brodeur-Urbas, founder of Gumloop, and got into all things AI automation. Max described Gumloop as an intuitive drag-and-drop tool where you can build powerful AI workflows without writing a single line of code, think Zapier, but supercharged with AI. We explored how Gumloop isn't just great for automating tasks like web scraping and sales outreach; it's also a huge opportunity for people looking to start their own businesses or side hustles. Max shared how you can become an in-demand Gumloop expert, build an agency offering custom automation services, or even create businesses by white-labeling Gumloop flows. We also touched on real-world examples of individuals successfully monetizing their skills and ideas with Gumloop. Max also gave us a sneak peek at their upcoming co-pilot feature that's designed to make creating workflows even easier and more accessible. Connect with Max: X (formerly Twitter)LinkedInTimestamps 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 Gumloop and Its Value Proposition 02:59 AI-First Automation: The Future of Workflows 05:52 Real-World Applications of Gumloop 09:12 Understanding Automation: The Role of Workflows 12:05 Case Studies: How Businesses Use Gumloop 15:01 The Next Steps for Gumloop: Co-Pilot Feature 17:53 Challenges and Future Directions in Automation 23:08 Growth and Opportunities in AI Business 24:33 Identifying Exceptional Talent in AI 26:30 Creative Use Cases for AI and Automation 28:22 Building Scalable Workflows with Gum Loop 30:44 Expert Marketplace and Demand Dynamics 32:35 Transitioning from User to Expert 33:06 Automating Customer Engagement and Research 34:33 Sales Prospecting and Meeting Preparation 36:28 Leveraging Competitor Insights for Marketing 39:52 Programmatic SEO and Content Generation 42:44 White Labeling and Business Opportunities with Gum Loop 43:43 Choosing the Right AI Models for Tasks
Apr 7, 202545 min
How To Charge $1.5K/month Helping Businesses Use This Simple AI Device⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #152
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I explore the idea of launching an AI implementation agency to help businesses effectively navigate AI tools. We also dive into the concept of using wearable devices, like the Limitless pendant, for automated medical documentation, potentially replacing scribes. Additionally, we brainstorm various different applications for this technology, including sales coaching, enhancing employee productivity, and more. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Check out the Limitless pendant: Limitless Pendant Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Embracing Entrepreneurship and AI 02:58 The Role of AI in Healthcare 05:47 Innovative Applications of AI Technology 09:10 Transforming Sales with AI 12:03 Leveraging AI for Personal Development 14:56 Deep Research and Its Implications 17:48 The Future of AI in Business
Apr 4, 202532 min
5 Core Business Lessons You Can't Afford to Miss | Ep. # 151
Welcome to this solo episode where I'm trying something a little different by going solo and focusing on key business principles that I find to be really important. What I wanted to do differently was explain these ideas through relatable stories and analogies, something I picked up from my teaching days. I share several personal experiences and then break down the business lessons we can take away from them. We talk about the significance of a solid foundation versus just outward appearances, the value we assign to things based on effort, and even those hidden problems we might not see. Ultimately, it's about understanding different aspects of business and life through these everyday comparisons. 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 Exploring Business Principles Through Analogies 04:49 Lessons from the Vasa: Stability vs. Appearance 10:06 The Value of Hard Work: Basketball and Business 14:53 Hidden Challenges: The Treadmill Analogy 20:13 Cleaning Up Messes: Life Lessons in Business
Apr 2, 202521 min
Billy Quit his Job to Start an AI App Agency: Here's How | Ep. # 150
I sat down with Billy Howell to explore his journey into building and selling apps with AI as a self-taught solopreneur. Billy shared how he transitioned from defense consulting into the world of simple app creation. We talked about the power of AI-driven tools like Replit for rapidly creating simple solutions, and his first successful app. He talked about leveraging Upwork to find initial clients and build a freelance business. Billy also touched on his strategy for tackling "shiny object syndrome" and the potential for reselling custom-built apps. If you're curious about creating simple apps and potentially starting your own agency, Billy's experience is a must-hear. Find Billy on Twitter (Billy J Howell) and explore his work at https://stupid-simple-apps.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 From Zero to Full-Time: The Journey of a Self-Taught Coder 02:59 Vibe Coding: Building Apps with Natural Language 05:47 Choosing the Right AI Coding Tools 09:06 Navigating Upwork: Finding Clients and Jobs 11:58 Building Custom Solutions for Niche Markets 14:56 The Last 10%: Overcoming Development Hurdles 17:49 Shiny Object Syndrome: Managing Multiple Projects 21:09 Scaling Your Freelance Business 24:01 Distribution Strategies for SaaS Tools 26:56 Personal Branding and Sharing Your Journey
Mar 31, 202539 min
AI Agents and Deep Research Hacks. The Latest Updates⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #149
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the latest in AI and some unique business ideas. We begin by comparing ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting the strengths of Perplexity's deep research function. Our conversation touches on our experiences with custom GPTs and the power of using AI for identifying emerging trends. We also discuss the current reality of AI agents versus more traditional RPA. Later, we explore the idea of leveraging AI to create forward-looking industry reports, a concept brought up by Zach Ashburn. Finally, Nik shares the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Ethan Kohan, from the world of gambling to the unexpected success of vending machines on college campuses. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 The Rise of AI and Research Tools 02:56 Custom GPTs and Their Applications 05:50 Deep Research and Market Trends 08:48 Exploring Unique Business Ideas 12:07 The Evolution of Agents in AI 15:07 Predicting Future Trends with AI 18:01 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles
Mar 28, 202534 min
Everything I'm Working on in March 2025 | Ep. # 148
Dear diary, here are all the businesses I accidentally started this month. 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 New Beginnings: Church and Personal Growth 10:51 Innovative Event Ideas: Interactive Business Nights 13:14 Marketing Strategies: Billboards and Audience Engagement 16:03 Content Creation: Growth and Monetization Strategies 18:20 Business Ventures: Successes and Challenges 20:55 Community Engagement: Q&A and Listener Feedback
Mar 26, 202522 min
How to Test Your Business Ideas Before Launching with Sam (Part 2/2)⏐Ep. #147
Here's part 2 of my latest conversation with Sam. If you haven't already, go listen to part 1 (Ep. #145) now! I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about a bunch of potential business ideas. We started riffing on how people still pay for simple AI wrappers even though they could use AI themselves, which led us to think about simple AI models like a pay-as-you-go option for deep research. The conversation then bounced to the idea of a super simple ChatGPT-like interface that anyone could use without any problem. We spent a good chunk of time brainstorming merch and apparel, looking at how brands like God Is Dope and Dad Gang built a strong following. We also talked about quickly testing these ideas using Facebook ads and print-on-demand services. Finally, we talked about the concept of a niche online marketplace for products that "never touched plastic." 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! --- 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 Role of AI in Business and Human Behavior 02:52 Innovative Business Ideas and Market Saturation 06:11 Subscription Models and User Engagement 08:58 Branding and Resonance Marketing 11:50 Testing Ideas and Market Feedback 15:12 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Action 18:06 Marketplace Models and Business Strategies
Mar 24, 202530 min
How to Connect the Right People and Profit⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #146
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I, Chris, talk about the power of the middleman business model as a great way to start a low-risk business today. We discuss the core idea of connecting buyers and sellers without dealing with inventory or providing services directly. I share the concept of a "Never Touch Plastic" marketplace, similar to Etsy, but focused on environmentally conscious consumers. We also talk about building an affiliate marketing website for plastic-free products. We also discuss how the United States Postal Service represents a government-subsidized marketing method that entrepreneurs can leverage for cost-effective outreach. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Government Subsidies and Marketing Channels 02:59 Innovative Business Ideas and Trends 05:52 Sourdough Starter and Microplastics 08:48 Leveraging the Postal Service for Business 12:09 Customer Acquisition Cost and Marketing Strategies 15:04 Monetizing Government Distribution Channels 17:58 Driving for Dollars and Real Estate Opportunities 20:51 AI and Survey Data Monetization 24:02 Plasma Transfusion and Health Innovations
Mar 21, 202535 min
Fresh Growth Hack Ideas with Sam, Friend of the Pod (1/2)⏐Ep. #145
I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to riff on business ideas, starting with the development of his sourdough GPT wrapper app and how he used AI to build a website for it in a few minutes. We then talk about his marketing plans for his InstantChef GPT wrapper, focusing on leveraging viral content through automation with tools like Zapier and BannerBear. Our conversation touched on copyright concerns when using others' content. I shared my experience with AI tools like Manus and Deep Research. We also talked about digital products and exploring marketing tactics, including the use of influencers and the power of Facebook Ads Manager and more! https://www.unlimitedcontent.com https://www.72hoursites.com Please note that this is part 1 of a two-part episode, come back next week for part 2! 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 The Pursuit of Practical Business Ideas 02:55 Launching the Instant Chef App 05:48 Content Creation and Automation Strategies 09:02 Navigating Copyright and Fair Use 11:51 The Value of Unique Perspectives in Entrepreneurship 14:48 Exploring Digital Product Opportunities 18:08 Leveraging Influencer Marketing for Digital Products 21:02 Simplifying Business Models with Digital Products 23:52 Creating Custom Business Plans with AI 27:12 The Future of Content Creation and SEO
Mar 19, 202536 min
How to Get Everything You Want Out of Life⏐Ep. #144
I sat down with Jordan Mix, a partner working with Greg Isenberg at Late Checkout, to talk about permissionless projects. We discussed what they are, and Jordan shared the core ideas behind Ryan Holiday's canvas strategy and Jack Butcher's permissionless apprentice philosophy. He shared a few fascinating stories about how undertaking these projects, such as creating custom sneakers and responding creatively to social media posts, led to unexpected opportunities with big names. Jordan explained how this approach can create valuable connections and skills. Listen to this episode to learn how you can start your own permissionless projects! X.com: https://x.com/jrdnmix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mix1/ Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Get a free 30 day trial of HL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner 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 Permissionless Projects 05:45 The Canvas Strategy and Its Impact 11:56 Real-Life Applications of Permissionless Projects 18:06 Building Relationships Through Creative Projects 24:12 The Art of Creating Without Permission 25:09 Visualizing Business in 2023 26:36 The Birth of 'Do Within' and Permissionless Projects 27:35 Building Community and Business at Late Checkout 29:30 Finding Value in Collaboration 31:54 The Power of Being a Number Two 32:52 Learning from Experiments and Rejections 34:49 The Compounding Effect of Opportunities 36:07 Identifying Skills and Targeting Opportunities 38:03 Creating Value Without Expectation 40:54 The Asymmetric Bet of Permissionless Projects 42:19 Rethinking Networking and Problem Solving 44:10 Building a Portfolio of Experiences 45:37 Chasing Rejections and Learning from Failure
Mar 17, 202550 min
Brainstorming Businesses You Could Start Around This One Genius Marketing Channel⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #143
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the initial stages of starting a business and why founders are so important early on. Nik shares his thoughts on how to grow your business by gradually giving up tasks, always keeping the most important things for yourself . We also discuss some interesting business ideas, like renting out Cybertrucks. This leads to a conversation about creative marketing, specifically using Airdrop in unique ways at different events. Later in the episode, we touch on Bitcoin, the mystery of its creator Satoshi Nakamoto, and the surprising theory suggesting it might be a well-known entrepreneur. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 00:30 Founders' Challenges 00:56 The Framework for Business Growth 02:26 Phases of Business Development 03:08 Avoiding Common Pitfalls 04:56 The Elon Musk Example 08:40 Optimizing for Quality of Life 09:14 Innovative Business Ideas 12:15 Airdrop Marketing Strategies 18:55 Creative Marketing Strategies 20:14 Brainstorming Unique Ideas 21:09 Airdropping at Conferences 22:34 The Value of High-Ticket Offers 23:40 Unveiling Satoshi Nakamoto 25:19 Bitcoin's Mysterious Origins 27:21 The Hidden Genius? 32:20 The Future of Bitcoin
Mar 14, 202537 min
An Insider Spills the Secrets to Starting a $1M+ SaaS Agency⏐Ep. #142
Get a free 30 day trial of HighLevel with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner I sat down with HighLevel co-founder Robin Alex (www.linkedin.com/in/robinalex) to talk about launching a profitable agency using their all in one platform that is perfect for white labeling, including AI tools, and is very popular with SaaSpreneurs. He explained that it is the ideal platform for anyone who has a business or wants to start an agency, and he detailed exactly how he would do it. Robin shared HighLevel's inspiring journey from solving his own agency's lead management issues to building a platform that now has 1,700 employees and supports five million users worldwide. He also talked about how some SaaSpreneurs are using HighLevel for recurring revenue and building very large companies, with some partners making eight-figure incomes. Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Get a free 30 day trial of HL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner 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 01:33 Introduction to High Level and Its Mission 08:35 The Journey from Marketing Agency to SaaS 15:47 Innovative Features and Unique Selling Proposition 22:31 Strategies for Small Business Engagement 26:24 Pricing Models and Revenue Potential 27:50 The Importance of Pricing Strategy 31:12 Understanding Lead Generation Models 34:06 Identifying High-Potential Industries 37:27 The Role of AI in Customer Engagement 41:13 Building a Certified Consulting Economy 47:20 The Value of Predictable Sales Models 50:43 Leveraging Franchise Networks for Growth
Mar 12, 202553 min
Greg Isenberg on AI Tools That Will Replace You (or Make You Rich) | Ep. #141
I sat down with Greg Isenberg to talk about AI, automation, and the tools shaping the future. He started by breaking down his current AI stack - what he’s using, what’s overrated, and what’s actually making him more productive. We talked about the biggest AI business opportunities, how to separate real innovation from hype, and why now is the best time to act on AI trends. Greg also shared his thoughts on the role of design and user experience in AI products and why the way we interact with AI is about to change forever. This episode is packed with valuable insights, don’t miss it. Greg’s Podcast on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@GregIsenbergFollow Greg on X → https://x.com/gregisenbergTimestamps 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 00:35 Greg's AI Stack 05:38 The Power of Data in AI 08:51 Recording Life with Limitless Pendant 11:38 The Future of Note-Taking and AI Tools 14:22 Exploring New AI Innovations 17:36 The Beauty of User Experience in AI Products 21:42 The Allure of AI vs. Automation 22:58 Programmatic SEO: A Case Study in Animal Aftercare 25:51 The Future of Content Farms and SEO Arbitrage 29:12 Navigating Opportunities in a Saturated Market 32:01 The Importance of Taking Action Now 33:28 Building with AI Tools: The Last Mile Challenge 35:14 Innovative Business Ideas and Accreditations 40:46 Vibe Revenue: The Reality of AI Business Models
Mar 10, 202545 min
Making $23K/Month by Month 2 with a B2B Home Service | Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #140
OG Episode that inspired Tyler: B2B Stump Grinding. Cash Cow or Dud? HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, we feature Tyler (https://x.com/StumpGuyTy), a listener who acted on our B2B stump grinding idea after hearing it on a previous episode, which led him to quit his 9-to-5 job. Tyler shares how he followed our advice word-for-word, testing the concept in Boise before launching in Provo. By implementing our strategies, he achieved impressive results, with $23,000 in September alone. He provides key insights into building relationships with tree trimming companies, his pricing strategy, and cold outreach techniques and more. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 00:37 Tyler's Journey: From B2B Sales to Stump Grinding 01:13 The Initial Spark: Discovering Stump Grinding 01:41 Building the Business: Early Challenges and Successes 02:27 The B2B Sales Connection 04:41 Testing the Market: Boise vs. Provo 06:03 First Jobs and Early Experiences 12:05 Overcoming Hurdles: Mistakes and Lessons Learned 15:11 Revenue Growth and Scaling the Business 17:45 Financing the Stump Grinder 18:40 Monthly Earnings Breakdown 20:05 Building Business Relationships 21:46 Pricing and Payment Structure 23:22 Marketing Strategies 29:03 Future Business Prospects 32:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mar 7, 202537 min
How to Start this $337k/Yr Service Business You’ve Never Heard Of⏐Ep. #139
I sat down with Marc Gaskins (https://x.com/OvenPusher) of Event Kitchens to discuss his $337k/year event rental business in Charleston, South Carolina. Marc noticed caterers needed quality equipment and turned that opportunity into a thriving business. We explored how a bar fire led to community support, becoming a turning point. We also discussed the value of patient growth versus rapid scaling. Marc explained the unit economics of renting convection ovens, the benefits of a niche focus on caterers, and his warehouse hacking real estate strategy. He also shared why he's relied on organic growth and his future interests. This episode offers actionable insights for starting an event rental business. 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 00:34 The Beginning of Squeeze Bar 01:18 First Equipment Purchases 02:18 The Bar Burns Down 02:42 Community Support and Business Growth 04:44 Competitor Exits the Market 06:17 Slow and Steady Growth 08:38 Unit Economics of Rental Items 17:31 Equipment Insights and Investment Strategies 18:21 Expanding Beyond Charleston 19:22 Organic Marketing and Customer Relationships 20:47 Catering to Caterers: Business Operations 22:03 Scaling and Maintenance Opportunities 24:11 Exploring New Business Ideas 25:58 Starting Fresh in a New Market 29:05 Challenges and Rewards of the Business 30:45 Team and Facilities Overview 34:24 Financials and Final Thoughts
Mar 5, 202531 min
Is It Too Late to Start a Shopify Store or YouTube Channel? + AI Agents⏐(Pt. 2/2) Ep. #138
Here's part 2 of my latest conversation with Connor. If you haven't already, go listen to part 1 (Ep. #135) now! I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), and we discussed whether it's too late to get into e-commerce, launching apps, or YouTube. We talked about AI agents and their potential, like reverse engineering successful YouTube channels or Shopify stores. Connor shared his e-commerce insights for 2025. We debated the future of content creation and the human element, because although AI can create faceless YouTube channels, there's something to be said for being real. 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 The E-commerce Gold Rush 02:53 The App Store Evolution 05:51 Emerging Trends in E-commerce 08:46 The Future of AI Agents 12:09 Innovative Business Ideas 15:02 The Role of Content in Distribution 17:53 The Human Element in Business 20:48 Social Impact and Entrepreneurship
Mar 3, 202529 min
I Built a $250K Tool During the Super Bowl without Coding.⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #137
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about GPT Operator, Nik shares his insights on preparing for AI agents with standard operating procedures, treating them like new employees. I recount building a tool with Replit for a friend, potentially adding seven figures in value. I also share insights from spending seven hours with a West Texas oil billionaire, emphasizing long-term thinking and valuing the thought process over correct answers. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Links and Resources: https://replit.com https://www.cursor.com Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Operator Usage 01:27 Experimenting with Multiple AI Tools 04:44 Preparing for AI Agents 08:04 Building a High-Value AI Tool 13:56 Insights from a Billionaire 17:18 The Shared Office Dynamic 17:59 Overqualified Team Members 18:38 Engaging and Direct Leadership 19:50 First Impressions and Office Culture 22:12 Action-Oriented Decision Making 23:36 Open Communication and Transparency 27:34 Long-Term Vision and Thinking 29:07 Validating Through Thought Processes 32:35 Encouraging Action and Sharing 33:37 Different Paths to Success
Feb 28, 202535 min
How to Create a Viral Business: Lessons from Toasted Tours' Success⏐Ep. #136
I sat down with Kevin Throop, founder of Toasted Tours, and talked about creating his unconventional tour business. Kevin, formerly at Tesla, wanted to control his destiny, starting with $65,000 and a $3,000 school bus. He renovated the bus for wine tours in Temecula, using a "lipstick on a pig" strategy to make it appealing despite limited funds. Kevin launched with a basic Instagram account, focusing on appealing visuals and honest storytelling. He emphasized customer experience, including wine and food. The move to a semi-truck trailer bus was driven by a desire for expansion and a unique platform. This required ensuring it was legal and insurable, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol. Kevin drew inspiration from Tesla and Apple, aiming for visually appealing products that sell themselves. His vision includes franchising to promote safety and best practices. https://www.instagram.com/toastedtours https://www.toastedtours.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 to a Viral Phenomenon 00:38 Meet Kevin Throop: The Man Behind Toasted Tours 00:51 From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship 01:00 Building the First Tour Bus 01:36 Launching Toasted Tours 01:58 The Early Challenges and Successes 09:39 Marketing and Social Media Strategy 17:16 Operational Insights and Business Growth 22:37 Insurance and Financials 26:58 Expanding the Fleet: From Bus to Semi 27:29 Choosing a New Challenge 28:21 Mitigating Risks and Exploring New Ideas 28:57 The Unique Concept of Trailer Buses 31:47 Overcoming Safety Concerns 33:10 Navigating Legal and Insurance Hurdles 35:05 Building and Launching the Trailer Bus 45:43 Marketing and Public Reception 51:20 Future Plans and Opportunities
Feb 26, 20251h 1m
Which Jobs Will AI Steal First?⏐(Pt. 1/2) Ep. #135
I sat down with podcast regular Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), and we talked about practical applications of AI in business. Connor shared the story of an AI program boosting sales by instantly claiming leads in a Slack channel. We considered how executive assistants could dramatically increase their earning potential. I shared my experience running multiple ChatGPT operators, including one finding arbitrage opportunities in used cars. Connor recounted his dad's experience using Claude and ChatGPT to quickly summarize a 125-page insurance document. We also touched on AI tools like Limitless AI and Lindy. This is part 1 of a two-part conversation with Connor. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2. 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 Highlights 00:31 Experimenting with Chat GPT Operators 01:11 Leveraging AI for Various Tasks 03:23 Future of AI in the Workplace 06:40 AI Tools and Their Applications 12:09 Maximizing Efficiency with AI 17:57 The Evolution and Impact of AI 23:10 The Future of Work and AI 28:07 Normalizing AI in Daily Life
Feb 24, 202529 min
How to Piggyback Your Way to Success: AI, Med Spas, Golf Courses and More.⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #134
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I kick things off with a funny story about going to Raisin Canes while wearing a "Think You Should Leave" t-shirt. Then we talk about the booming Med Spa market, which is really driven by millennials who are both vain and obsessed with their health. Nik and I then discuss how there's potential in integrating Med Spas with golf courses and other membership-based businesses. I share my idea of starting a sauna/cold plunge business inside a gym or country club. Then we shift gears to AI agents, and discuss how to leverage them for market research and identifying new opportunities, and also how to extract insights from interviews. We wrap things up by talking about OpenAI's new tools, which are GPT Operator and Deep Research, weighing both the pros and the cons for different business applications. 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 00:33 Family Outing at Raisin Cane's 01:07 The Iconic '55 Burgers' Shirt 03:11 Med Spas and Their Growing Popularity 04:50 Med Spas in Golf Courses: A New Trend? 06:25 Revenue Models and Business Strategies 10:24 Cold Plunge and Sauna Business Ideas 16:17 Leveraging AI for Business Success 23:40 Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs 26:54 Unveiling Deep Research Capabilities 28:16 Exploring Chris Crone's Profile with Deep Research 29:26 Deep Research: Asking the Right Questions 30:46 Maximizing Deep Research on a Budget 31:58 Introducing GPT Operator and Deep Research 33:36 Impact on Industry Reports and Market Analysis 36:07 Challenges and Limitations of GPT Operator 39:20 The Future of AI and Self-Driving Technology 43:57 Deep Research: Pros and Cons 47:17 Practical Applications and Early Adoption
Feb 21, 202550 min
How to Build a Chat GPT Wrapper (Real Success Story)⏐Ep. #133
Sign up at HeyRosie.com and use code TKO50 for 50% off your first month I sat down with Jordan Gal (https://x.com/JordanGal) about how he built Hey Rosie, an AI voice answering service for small businesses, leveraging AI to provide a better alternative to traditional answering services. Jordan shared how his GPT wrapper addresses the challenges small business owners face with handling phone calls and converting leads, emphasizing focusing on solving customer problems rather than getting caught up in the tech. Hey Rosie is experiencing impressive growth, doubling every month, with a low churn rate. We also touched on the various business categories that Hey Rosie serves. And very importantly, Jordan offered advice on building AI wrappers. 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 Welcome 00:53 Introducing Rosie: The AI Answering Service 01:36 Challenges with Traditional Answering Services 02:24 AI's Potential in Business Communication 04:39 Real-World Use Cases for Rosie 07:09 Customer Interaction and AI Transparency 10:55 The Journey to Building Rosie 17:38 Pricing and Positioning Strategies 20:54 Unexpected Business Applications 21:28 Understanding the Role of Phone Calls in Business 21:45 Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Small Businesses 22:10 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses 23:51 The Broad Approach to AI in Business 25:06 Opportunities in AI Sales Coaching 27:34 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners 30:27 Customer Acquisition and Market Demand 32:50 Live Demo: Setting Up a Rosie Agent 37:07 Customizing Your AI Agent 39:05 Conclusion and Special Offer
Feb 19, 202540 min
Part 2/2: How to Profit Big from the AI Wrapper Gold Rush⏐Ep. #132
Get a free 30 day trial of HL with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again, and we talked about AI wrappers and a tweet from Greg Isenberg about DeepSeek and ChatGPT wrappers. We discussed interface loyalty and why user interface is more important than the AI model. Sam shared experiences with Creative OS and integrating into Facebook ad management. We also brainstormed actionable ideas like building a simplified version of ChatGPT for older adults and automating cold emailing with a specialized AI wrapper service. We also talked about using AI and the Facebook Ad Library to find add creatives and more. https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/ http://creativeos.com/ This is part 2 of our conversation about AI. Be sure to tune in to the previous week for part 1 to find out more about the basics. 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 & Introduction 00:38 Greg Eisenberg's Tweet 01:05 The Value of GPT Wrappers 02:00 Interface Loyalty and Market Strategy 02:48 Real-World Applications and Examples 07:38 Entrepreneurship and AI-Powered Apps 12:53 Cold Outreach and Niche Markets 20:15 Retail Arbitrage with AI 22:14 Exploring AI for Catering Quotes 22:32 Real-Time AI Task Demonstration 23:51 AI in Real Estate and E-commerce 25:02 AI as a Travel Agent 27:33 Automation and AI in Business 31:00 Advanced AI Use Cases and Future Potential 37:17 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information
Feb 17, 202538 min
Building AI Tools to Defend Against AI Tools⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #131
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I discuss the world of controversial self-help gurus, specifically focusing on Dan Pena. We dissect Pena's background, from his early days in Florida to his claims of a massive oil empire and his now infamous $30,000 mastermind seminars. We analyze his aggressive persona and tactics, while trying to understand what makes him successful. We question the real value of his teachings, including his QLA principles, and if his advice is actually useful or just pure motivational hype. We also discuss the difference between gurus that just motivate you versus the ones that have a concrete business plan. Finally, we explore how AI is changing things and whether businesses can be created to protect consumers from all the spam that is going to come with the new technology. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Controversial Gurus 00:58 Meet Dan Pena: The Trillion Dollar Man 02:09 Dan Pena's Predictions and Background 03:59 Dan Pena's Business Ventures 08:32 The QLA Principles Unveiled 12:55 A Personal Encounter with Dan Pena's Team 17:32 Unshakable Belief in Entrepreneurship 18:18 The Fyre Fest and WeWork Examples 19:33 Alex Hormozi's Tactical Approach 20:14 Sales Gurus and Their Strategies 21:38 Dan Pena's Podcast Invitation 24:36 AI and the Future of Outbound Marketing 26:53 AI Tools and Consumer Defense 35:15 PhD-Level Autonomous Agents 36:45 Productizing AI Prompts 39:20 Exploring Custom GPTs 40:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Feb 14, 202540 min
Q&A: Facebook Group Marketing, AI Clones, Domain Name Investing & more⏐Ep. #130
Get a free 30 day trial of HL with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner I'm back with another Q&A episode! I start by sharing viral marketing stunts for an escape room and emphasize finding a "Kirk" for business partnerships. Then, I explain how to grow a local newsletter using Facebook groups and ads, and monetize through AI and high-ticket services. I discuss why premium domain names aren't valuable for crypto and suggest focusing on trending niches, like AI. Finally, I advise on cloning content creators with AI chatbots, and selling this service to creators and community owners, as well as stressing the need to outsource weaknesses and double down on strengths. 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 00:11 – Early Bird vs Night Owl Debate 02:53 – Creative Marketing Strategies for Escape Rooms 03:12 – Finding the Right Operational Partner 08:45 – Building a Local Newsletter and Monetization Strategies 13:09 – Exploring Crypto Domain Names and Their Value 18:04 – Creating AI Chatbots for Content Creators 21:53 – Conclusion
Feb 12, 202521 min
Part 1/2: How to Make Money With a No-Code App: A Step-by-Step Guide⏐Ep. #129
Get a free 30 day trial of HL with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner I sat down with podcast regular Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), and we talked about how he's planning to launch an AI-powered recipe app using no-code tools and Facebook ads. We discussed his idea to become a free proposal consultant to get into the wedding business. He also shared his views on the importance of understanding business math like CAC and cash conversion cycle. We also touched on using affiliate marketing to generate revenue with a lead magnet created with ChatGPT and promoted using ads, and using tools like Creative OS and HeyGen to make ad creatives and videos. This is part 1 of a two-part conversation with Sam. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2. 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 Initial Thoughts on AI and Apps 00:49 Wedding Planning Business Strategy 02:29 Personal Reflections and Technology Evolution 04:15 Exploring No-Code App Development 05:42 Recipe App Concept and Monetization 07:52 Marketing Strategies and Business Models 14:11 Collaborations and Future Plans 16:07 Cold Audience Strategies 16:40 The Power of Facebook Ads 17:19 Optimizing Ad Campaigns 22:33 Affiliate Marketing Tactics 29:17 AI in Marketing 30:00 Viral Marketing Case Studies 32:35 Conclusion and Next Steps
Feb 10, 202532 min
The Margins on this Boring Business are Kind of Insane⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #128
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I discuss the world of sales and unexpectedly profitable business models, such as pest control, a field I have personal experience in. We examine how high incomes can be achieved through door-to-door sales, as well as the financial dynamics of the pest control industry. We also discuss the compensation structure of sales crews and the potential of renting out specialized licenses. We explore the idea of pest control as a convenience service rather than a necessity, and share the story of an entrepreneur who achieved remarkable success with a Christmas lighting business. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Personal Anecdotes 03:37 The Economics of Pest Control 06:46 Insights on Sales Ethics and Practices 11:38 Personal Experiences in Pest Control 15:16 Questioning the Effectiveness of Pest Control 16:08 Revelation: Pest Control is a Scam 17:00 The Convenience Business Model 18:15 Success Story: Christmas Lighting Business 23:39 Entrepreneurial Spectrum: Different Approaches 25:55 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Knowledge
Feb 7, 202528 min
Part 2/2: Home Service Masterclass – How to Find Customers⏐Ep. #127
This is part 2 of a two-part conversation with Daniel. Be sure to listen to part 1 (aired Jan 27, 2025, Ep. #123) to hear how he got started, found the right niche, and set up the systems to grow and succeed. I sat down with Daniel Cronauer (LinkedIn), to continue our conversation about his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique strategies for acquiring customers, using rock flyers and yard signs. Daniel also talks about how he expanded his business with Christmas lights, and discusses his experience building his own gym from the ground up. He also touches on his experience with permanent light installations and their drawbacks as a business. 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: Acquiring Customers 01:06 The Power of Yard Signs 01:35 Handling Complaints and Mental Toughness 01:49 Success Stories and Testimonials 02:51 Rock Flyers: A Unique Marketing Strategy 03:54 Operation Carpet Bomb: Aggressive Marketing 05:33 The Importance of Visibility and Branding 11:27 Networking and Personal Connections 16:23 Gym Anecdotes and Personal Stories 18:50 Vigilante for Good: Sneaking into Gyms 19:48 Building a Gym from Scratch 20:06 Entrepreneurial Lessons and Challenges 23:46 Navigating Competition in the Gym Business 30:15 Expanding to Multiple Locations 33:33 Permanent Light Business Insights 36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Feb 5, 202536 min
I Tried to Run 10 AI Agents At Once. Here's What Happened (ChatGPT Operator)⏐Ep. #126
In this episode, I'm sharing my mind-blowing experience using OpenAI's new ChatGPT Operator, where I ran 10 AI agents simultaneously. I'll discuss how I used the Operator to perform 10 business tasks, like finding underpriced items and scraping product reviews. I’ll explain how the AI opened multiple tabs, and completed tasks like a human, and even how it learned from its mistakes, and how it was able to reverse Google image search to find a supplier. I'll share how it can watch videos on Instagram, and how I had ChatGPT talk to ChatGPT for me. I’ll also mention the glitches I found, but also why I'm so excited about the future of AI in business. 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 AI Operator and Excitement 03:00 Exploring the Capabilities of AI Operator 05:53 Practical Applications and Results of AI Tasks 08:51 Challenges and Limitations Encountered 12:07 Innovative Uses and Future Implications of AI 14:59 Conclusion and Reflections on AI's Impact
Feb 3, 202518 min
The Easiest Way to Make Money with AI (No Code)⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #125
HoldCo Bros are back! This episode, Nik and I explore how AI is changing the world and talk about cool AI business ideas. We talk about digital detox, po*nography addiction, and phone addiction - real issues that also present business opportunities. We cover creating info products and selling AI prompts on platforms like PromptBase.com, showing how a simple prompt can serve as the foundation for an entire business, including a SaaS product. We also discuss how prompts are becoming the new SEO and how AI wrappers can simplify complex tools. Lastly, we introduce the concept of a tool that helps entrepreneurs find business ideas by analyzing their data and personal experiences. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Links and Resources: https://promptbase.com - Buy and sell prompts for AI tools.https://replit.com - Make a chatbot.https://www.cursor.com - Tool that helps you coding and creating apps.Share your ideas with us: [email protected]@cofounders.comTimestamps 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 Exploring Business Opportunities in AI 02:51 Digital Addiction and Its Impact 06:08 The Role of po*nography in Modern Society 09:00 Creating Retreats for Digital Detox 11:54 Leveraging AI for Business Ideas 14:50 The Power of Prompts in AI 18:14 Building SaaS Products from Prompts 21:04 Understanding the Concept of Wrappers 23:57 Real-World Applications of AI in Business 26:46 Accountability and Idea Validation with AI
Jan 31, 202532 min
Q&A: Masterclass on Starting a Newsletter, Business Failure and Validating Ideas⏐Ep. #124
Check out the tools I use for my newsletter business: ➡ Beehiiv – Build and monetize your newsletter: [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=chris-koerner] ➡ SparkLoop – Grow your list with co-reg: [https://dash.sparkloop.app/signup?aff=b0c6f403] Using these links gets you a discount and helps support this podcast. 🚀 I'm back with another Q&A episode! This week, I advise Dustin on recovering from business failure, suggesting he consider buying a business and exploring local opportunities. Then, I help Demetrius focus his many ideas, suggesting he validate them with online tools rather than launching them right away. I also talk about focusing on improving your current business and getting more customers. Finally, I discuss the power of newsletters with an anonymous listener, explaining the benefits of co-registration and using Facebook ads to drive traffic, as well as recommending Beehiiv and SparkLoop. 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 00:31 Dustin’s $500K Business Vanished—What Now? 04:58 Demetrius’ ‘Uber for Trees’ Idea—Can It Work? 09:29 Newsletter Writer Goes Solo—Will It Succeed? 23:58 Conclusion
Jan 29, 202524 min
Part 1/2: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your First Service Business⏐Ep. #123
I sat down with Daniel Cronauer (LinkedIn), an entrepreneur who built his success by starting and scaling service-based businesses. In this episode, Daniel shares practical advice on getting started, finding the right niche, and setting up systems to grow and succeed. If you’re thinking about starting your first business, this episode is packed with clear, actionable steps to help you hit the ground running. This is part 1 of a two-part conversation with Daniel. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2, where we explore advanced strategies for acquiring customers and other home service niches that really no one's talking about. 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 Power Washing Business 01:29 Danny's Journey: From Gym Teacher to Entrepreneur 07:14 The Power of Marketing and Customer Acquisition 12:21 Diversifying Services: From Roof Cleaning to Commercial Power Washing 19:01 Niche Opportunities: HVAC Coil Cleaning 27:37 Scaling the Business: Predictable Revenue Streams 35:54 Christmas Lights: A Seasonal Revenue Stream
Jan 27, 202532 min
The Best Marketing Masterclass You'll Hear in 2025⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #122
Get a free 30 day trial of HL with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I are diving into marketing with a look at the "OG" internet marketing guru, Frank Kern. We talk about his 8-step sales process, from overwhelming with value to creating scarcity, and explore how these methods remain relevant in the AI age. We also talk about how to reverse engineer successful marketing funnels and the importance of copying what works, adapting it to your unique experiences, and how Frank Kern learned from the likes of Gary Halbert and Claude Hopkins. Finally, we discuss two AI investment strategies - the "cigarette butt" approach and a long-term view focusing on human interaction and authenticity, while also discussing the concept of rebundling and how what’s old becomes new again. 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 The Origins of Internet Marketing and Frank Kern 10:10 Frank Kern's Eight-Step Selling Process 19:58 The Importance of Scarcity in Marketing 30:10 Investment Strategies in the Age of AI
Jan 24, 202540 min
Why I’m Bullish on Home Services⏐Ep. #121
In this episode, I share my thoughts on why I love home service businesses, including their potential for binary outcomes, recurring revenue, and recession resistance. Then, I interview Doug Steel (parkcitiespowerwash.com), a home service business owner in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, about his journey building his power washing company and expanding into other services like Christmas lights and window washing. Doug shares advice on how to start a home service business, how to get your first customers and how to price jobs. This episode is a mix of a monologue and an interview. 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 Welcome and Introduction 00:40 Why Home Services? 01:14 The Binary Outcome Business Model 01:50 High Demand and Recurring Revenue 03:32 AI and Home Services 05:19 Interview with Doug: Starting a Power Washing Business 06:25 Expanding Service Lines 11:32 Challenges and Advice for Home Service Businesses 22:52 Conclusion and Contact Information
Jan 22, 202523 min
Deep dive on the front porch floral business.⏐Ep. #120
I sat down with Darryl Knight, the owner of From Porch Flora (https://frontporchflora.com), a seasonal flower subscription business, about how he built his company. We start by discussing Darryl's background in landscaping and horticulture, and how that led him to this idea. Darryl shares the story of his initial business idea, which involved greenhouses growing plants in "plant pies" and delivering them to nurseries, then he explains how he pivoted to buying plants from greenhouses, pre-assembling them into inserts, and swapping them out seasonally for his customers, which made his business far more scalable. Darryl also shares insights on the financial side, including his revenue, costs, and net margins, and the challenges of managing a seasonal business with fluctuating labor needs. Finally, we talk about the surprising way that he started offering pumpkins, based on my previous episode, and lastly his great idea to expand by partnering with realtors. Links for Front Porch Flora's Social Media Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/frontporchflora Follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/frontporchflora 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 00:35 Introduction and Guest Background 00:42 Inspiration Behind the Business 01:17 Business Model Evolution 01:57 Guest's Professional Background 04:42 Challenges and Pivots 07:42 Current Business Model 14:35 Customer Base and Marketing Strategies 20:16 Seasonal Operations and Labor 22:53 Scalability and Future Plans 27:33 Customer Retention and New Ideas 29:06 Conclusion and Contact Information
Jan 20, 202530 min
Analyzing Business Ideas from Viral Instagram Reels⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #119
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I are discussing "IGenius," a segment where we analyze business ideas found on Instagram, focusing on how to turn viral trends into real-world opportunities. We brainstormed various ideas, including experiential businesses, such as a coffee shop with a sandbox, a kids' play area with a high-end parent area, and a live fish vending machine. We also explored mobile businesses like a mobile bookstore, and the importance of being "indistractable" in the physical world. Additionally, we considered unique product businesses such as a wart removal kit, and the business potential of the microplastics trend. We also discussed frameworks for creating businesses that capture attention, and ways to make it harder for parents to say no to their kids when making purchases. 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 Introduction to the New Episode Format 00:55 Evaluating Instagram Business Ideas 01:36 Sandbox Coffee Shop Concept 03:32 Experiential Business Models 08:46 Cold Wet Socks Therapy 10:46 Marketing and Monetizing Simple Ideas 16:33 Micro Peas and Immaturity 16:38 Live Fish Vending Machine 19:07 Business Ideas for Kids 22:14 Mobile Bookstore Concept 27:00 Jerry Springer and Attention Economy 31:46 Parenting and Technology
Jan 17, 202533 min
Part 2/2 - Riffing on Business Ideas with James Camp⏐Ep. #118
In this second part of the episode, we continue my conversation with James Camp (https://x.com/JamesonCamp), an entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple internet-based businesses. We talk about his idea for a subsidized rehab business model that leverages asynchronous technology to provide treatment for addiction, particularly in the context of the rise of sports betting. We also share our thoughts on the importance of taking action and copying successful business models, as well as the concept of the "Midwit curve" and why being like the "caveman" can be more effective. If you missed the first part, be sure to check out episode #117. 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_Record-Breaking Sales and Unusual Courses 00:31 Introduction to Part Two with James Camp 00:45 Opportunities in the Rehab Industry 01:09 The Rise of Gambling and Addiction 02:52 Asynchronous Telemedicine for Gambling Addiction 06:13 The Future of Junk Food and Addiction 07:37 Lessons from Business Failures and Successes 10:02 The Myth of Market Saturation 11:55 The Power of Copying Successful Ideas 16:18 Effective Cold Email Strategies 17:03 Selling High-Value Packages 18:28 Lessons from Nightclub Promotions 19:28 Targeting the Right Audience 21:35 The Power of In-Person Networking 24:27 The Importance of Just Doing It 30:38 Mindset and Belief in Success 31:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jan 15, 202532 min
Part 1/2 - Riffing on Business Ideas with James Camp⏐Ep. #117
I sat down with James Camp (https://x.com/JamesonCamp), an entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple internet-based businesses. In this episode, we focus on unique business ideas and how to spot opportunities in untapped markets. James shares insights on identifying niches, leveraging AI tools to streamline operations, and practical ways to monetize audiences. If you’re trying to figure out your next move, this episode is packed with ideas you can run with. Check out episode #118 for the second part of our discussion with James Camp, where we discuss his unique subsidized rehab business model, the importance of taking action in business and more! 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 Business Potential 00:26 Guest Introduction: James Camp 01:08 James Camp's Business Philosophy 02:34 Current Projects and AI Integration 03:32 Crypto and Ad Tech Innovations 05:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Business 07:55 Managed Services and AI Implementation 13:16 Scaling and Pricing Strategies 16:32 Token Pricing and Market Dynamics 17:00 Strategies for Small and Medium Businesses 17:37 Starting from Zero: Building a Business with AI 18:51 Innovative Business Ideas: Never Call Again 22:07 AI in Business: Opportunities and Challenges 24:08 The Future of AI: AGI and ASI 29:58 Digital Detox: A New Business Opportunity
Jan 13, 202534 min
How to Use AI Agents to Do the Work For You⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #116
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I discussing how AI agents can automate tasks, focusing on their potential to revolutionize both business and personal productivity. We brainstormed various ideas for using AI agents, such as making restaurant reservations and gathering quotes for wedding planning. We also considered having AI agents call businesses for market research, gather data from different industries, and build newsletters based on that data 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 Introduction and Opening Banter 00:51 AI Agents and Restaurant Reservations 01:32 The Evolution of AI Technology 03:03 Washing Dishes and Creative Thinking 04:44 Business Ideas and Market Research 06:36 Wedding Planning with AI 11:17 The Future of AI in Everyday Tasks 14:39 Practical Uses of AI and Personal Experiences 19:38 Domain Names and Business Potential 20:36 Exploring Business Ideas: From Weddings to Parking Tickets 21:08 The Power of a Good Domain Name 21:36 AI's Transformative Potential 21:52 Teaching AI to the Next Generation 23:50 Entrepreneurial Opportunities with AI 24:29 Building a Business Around AI Education 31:17 Proprietary Information and AI Agents 33:41 The Value of Aggregated Data 39:15 Challenges and Costs of AI Agents 41:12 Final Thoughts and Future Applications
Jan 10, 202543 min
Q&A: Real Estate Scraping, Selling Spreadsheets On Etsy, Bookkeeping Basics & More⏐Ep. #115
I'm back with another Q&A episode! This week, I answer your questions about scraping commercial real estate for leads, selling custom spreadsheets on Etsy, and how to close more deals over the phone. Plus, I share my thoughts on the best type of side hustle to start, whether you should choose e-commerce or a service business, and discuss my framework for starting, holding, and selling businesses. I'll also tackle the question of how to stay motivated when you're already well-off, and offer advice on bookkeeping for all of your new businesses. 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 Ideas and Strategies 01:08 Scraping Commercial Real Estate for Grants 03:59 Selling Custom Spreadsheets on Etsy 11:06 Closing Sales Over the Phone 13:54 Choosing Between E-commerce and Service Businesses 15:48 Exploring Low-Cost Mattress Stores 19:04 Finding Motivation for New Business Ventures 22:50 Business Philosophy: Starting, Holding, and Selling 28:02 Bookkeeping and Accounting Essentials
Jan 8, 202533 min
How I Built a $10M Business⏐Ep. #114
In this episode, I'm talking about my first major business, an iPhone parts business called LCD Cycle, that I ran for seven years. I'll discuss how it started from a small iPhone repair business and grew to a multi-million dollar e-commerce operation. I'll share some key business frameworks I learned along the way, such as the importance of location, recognizing good ideas, and the fact that it's never too late to start a business. I also talk about the importance of product market fit and that businesses don't always fail, sometimes founders just run out of energy. Finally, I discuss my decision to turn down a million dollars in investment. 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 Overview 00:37 The Beginnings: iPhone Repair Business 04:18 Launching the iPhone Parts Business 07:28 Scaling and Success 10:21 Frameworks and Lessons Learned 15:46 Navigating Market Saturation 16:02 The Rocket Ship Growth of LCD Cycle 16:44 Innovative Business Strategies 18:38 The Power of Customer Feedback 19:10 Strategic Relocation to Dallas 20:47 Expanding Distribution Centers 21:13 Financial Challenges and Solutions 23:11 The Turning Point: Seeking Investment 24:39 The Unexpected Answer 25:54 Winding Down the Business 27:34 Reflecting on the Journey 30:22 Final Thoughts and Advice
Jan 6, 202532 min
Is Consistency Overrated? Content, Wins & Losses, Investments, & Our 2024 Business Lessons⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #113
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about our absolutely transformative 2024. It was a year of big wins and some pretty big fails, and we're breaking it all down. Is consistency overrated when it comes to content? We're debating that and more! We discussed the world of content creation, going from cringe to building an audience of over a million people across multiple platforms. We explore how short-form video is like a lottery ticket - a small investment that can change everything. We also discuss how building an audience can create new opportunities, such as launching our vending machine business that already did over $200k in sales, as well as getting into some unsexy but profitable businesses. Of course, we're also talking about some tough lessons learned from our crypto business and other ventures that didn't work out. Plus, we're sharing our exciting plans for 2025. 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 Reflecting on a Chaotic Year 01:22 Quitting the Job and Embracing Entrepreneurship 02:31 The Power of Content Creation 03:59 Building an Audience and Exploring Opportunities 05:33 The Impact of Short Form Video 07:46 Turning Ideas into Reality 14:40 The Value of Consistency and Passion in Content 23:15 Exploring the Fun of Reporting 23:48 Big Wins and Validations 26:08 Building a Sales Team 28:31 Launching Repeat Leads 29:46 Investing in Communities and Businesses 36:51 Challenges and Failures 42:24 Looking Forward to 2025
Jan 3, 202545 min
My 2024 in Review. Net Worth Breakdown, Investments & More⏐Ep. #112
In this episode, I'm giving you a peek behind the curtain with my 2024 year in review. I'm talking about all the crazy stuff that happened, from launching the tree biz bootcamp to blowing up my online content. I'm breaking down my net worth, (not exact numbers), I'm getting into percentages and where all my money is at. I'm also going to tell you what my plans are for the future, including maybe switching gears with my content and what my new health and fitness goals are. It's a raw look at my year, and I think you'll find it interesting. 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 00:27 2024 Year in Review 01:41 Launching the Podcast 02:51 Partnership with Blue Metric 04:16 Investment Strategies and Lessons 10:00 Real Estate Ventures 14:14 Reflections and Future Goals 17:17 Content Creation Insights 18:40 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
Jan 1, 202518 min
The Legal Way to Sell Fake Pills? Placebo Business & More⏐Ep. #111
I sat down again with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to keep riffing on some great business ideas. In this second part, we cover everything from a tree-trimming service with a clever insurance-style add-on to a home concierge service for busy families, and even a placebo-based product line that plays on the power of perception. We also talk about using AI for stuff like recipe generation, automating the boring parts of running a business, and spotting ways to cash in on trending social media content. Missed part one? Check out Ep. #108 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 & Introduction 00:37 Innovative Ideas for Tree Trimming Business 01:32 The Power of Recurring Revenue 02:10 Quarterly Inspections and Upcharges 02:29 Home Service Maintenance Plans 04:30 The Family Concierge Concept 05:31 Middleman Business Model 11:00 Leveraging DIY Trends for Business 14:15 ChatGPT and Recipe Blogs 16:13 AI-Powered Apps and Business Ideas 19:11 Plant Identification and AI Potential 20:50 Breaking the Pattern of Selection Bias 21:51 Understanding Market Perception 22:16 Leveraging Social Media Algorithms 23:35 Creating and Selling Digital Products 28:30 Exploring the Placebo Effect 29:57 Building a Business Around Placebos 31:39 The Power of Perception and Marketing
Dec 30, 202435 min
Robot lawnmowers, Christmas tree business & monetizing email lists⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #110
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about starting a Christmas tree rental service with delivery and pickup, acquiring tree lots from landscaping companies, and buying into this type of seasonal business. We also discuss robot lawn mowing and cleaning services, how you can help small businesses monetize email lists, and a business owner accountability platform to help entrepreneurs stay on track. 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 00:32 TikTok Shop Concept Comes to Life 02:12 Christmas Tree Business Ideas 07:14 Exploring Landscaping and Tree Businesses 12:25 Innovative Uses for Autonomous Lawn Mowers 20:05 Exploring the Tree Farm Business 21:15 Monetizing Customer Email Lists 29:24 Business Owner Accountability Platform
Dec 27, 202436 min
Q&A: Is Passive Income a Lie? Fake Private Jet Studio, Advice for 2025 & More⏐Ep. #109
I’m back with another Q&A episode! This week, I answer your questions about launching a private jet photo studio business, starting a tree trimming business while working a full-time job, and when to form an LLC for your side hustle. Plus, I share my thoughts on investing in e-commerce stores for “passive income,” how to cold email real estate agents for online personal training, expanding dog training business and creative ways to monetize inflatable walls. Finally, I leave you with some advice to help you kick off 2025 with the right mindset: Now, Not How. 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 Welcome and Quick Overview 00:23 Private Jet Photo Studio Business Idea 03:39 Starting a Tree Trimming Business 05:48 LLCs for Business Experiments 08:08 Investing in E-commerce for Passive Income 12:57 Cold Email Follow-up Strategies 15:36 Monetizing Inflatable Walls 17:47 Expanding a Dog Training Business 21:09 Final Advice for 2025
Dec 25, 202424 min
How to Build No-Code SaaS Business in Days. Ep. #108
I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to riff on business ideas. We start with the prosumer software market, breaking down why targeting creators, real estate agents, and other prosumers offers huge opportunities. Then, we get into viral referral marketing, looking at the strategies behind companies like Robinhood and Dropbox, and brainstorm how to apply these methods outside of tech. Finally, we discuss box truck businesses, breaking down how to use mobile assets for high-margin ideas like podcast studios, golf simulators, and more. 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 & Highlights 01:09 Introduction to Prosumer Software 04:02 The Power of Viral Coefficient 05:02 Referral Marketing Success Stories 07:51 Creative Referral Marketing Strategies 13:19 Innovative Box Truck Business Ideas 15:37 Mobile Business Models and Flexibility 21:40 Fake Private Jet Studio 25:50 The Food Truck Parking Dilemma 27:55 Retrofitting Cars for Profit 28:30 Exploring Turo Opportunities 30:55 Camper Conversion Vans Business 32:28 AI Personal Assistants and Agents 34:23 Building and Monetizing Subreddits 41:34 Market Positioning and Pricing Strategies
Dec 23, 202446 min
How to Start a Tuition Negotiation Business + More College Ideas. Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #107
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three big ideas this week. First, we talk about college tuition negotiation - helping families save thousands while building a lean, profitable service. Then, there’s the concierge service for college parents, offering insider knowledge and peace of mind. Finally, we talk about dead inventory and share creative ways to turn surplus stock into cash. 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 00:35 Introduction: The Untapped Potential of Negotiating College Tuition 01:33 Exploring the Concept: Why Isn't Tuition Negotiation More Popular? 03:14 The Business Opportunity: Tuition Negotiation as a Service 05:28 Strategies for Negotiating Tuition 10:38 Case Study: A Friend's Apparel Business Venture 17:11 Creative Ideas for T-Shirt Designs 18:27 The Success Story of 'God is Dope' 19:43 Marketing Strategies for T-Shirt Brands 23:25 The University Concierge Service Idea 29:46 Evaluating Business Ideas: Marry, Date, or Kill 33:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Dec 20, 202433 min
A Billion Dollar Travel Business Idea Hiding in Plain Sight ft. Connor⏐Ep. #106
I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a regular on the podcast. We got into some cool ideas once again. We started with used golf sets - why they’re easy to refurbish, flip, and scale. Then, we talked about aquascapes: personalized, high-ticket, very niche and profitable. We also talk about the cruise industry and why it’s a massive, untapped market for entrepreneurs. And we also talked about pianos and how they’re a nightmare to get rid of and the surprising business opportunities that come with solving that problem. 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 Highlights - Introduction 01:00 Exploring the Golf Club Business Idea 01:55 Facebook Marketplace Opportunities 03:21 High-Ticket Niche Markets 06:38 Travel Agents and Cruise Bookings 10:43 Shore Excursions and Travel Hacks 18:04 Aquascapes: A New Business Idea 20:30 Piano Disposal Business Model 25:16 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Dec 18, 202426 min
How to Growth Hack a Bounce House Rental Biz with $1,600 (Step-by-Step Guide) Ep. #105
In this episode, I dive deep into the bounce house rental business, breaking down how you can start with a one-time investment of $1,600 and get your money back the first month. From low overhead to high margins, I discuss why this is one of the best side hustles that can grow into a 6, 7, or even 8-figure business. I recently spoke with the owner of Castles of Dallas, a successful bounce house rental business, to bring you real-world insights on finding your first customers, leveraging referral marketing, and scaling efficiently using Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local mom groups, and more. 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 Bounce House Rental Business 00:32 Explanation of New Format 01:37 (Episode Starts Here) Why Bounce House Business? 04:07 Tweet about bounce house rental Business 07:06 Marketing and Scaling Strategies 09:44 Operational Insights and Challenges 15:08 Industry Insights and Opportunities 22:37 Conclusion and Next Steps
Dec 16, 202423 min
The Place to Validate and/or Launch a Business That Everyone Overlooks. Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #104
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I dive into three big ideas this week. First, we explore how to use farmers markets as a testing ground for new ideas, getting direct customer feedback and validating concepts. Next, we discuss creating and coordinating farmers markets, including strategies for organizing and scaling them effectively. Finally, we brainstorm the pet piggyback idea: leveraging pet-related products and services in niche markets to tap into a growing industry. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl 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 Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 HIghlights_The Booming Pet Industry 00:34 The Quest for Authentic Texas Brisket Jerky 04:02 The Secret Behind McDonald's Coke 06:38 Pizza Oven Business Idea 08:45 Scaling Food Businesses at Farmer's Markets 12:13 Exploring the Farmer's Market Concept 12:35 Building an E-Commerce Platform for Local Markets 14:28 Understanding State Laws for Farmer's Markets 15:14 Pet Industry Insights: A Growing Market 16:24 Leaky Gut in Pets: A Business Opportunity 17:26 Marketing Strategies for Pet Products 18:07 Leveraging Email Lists and Facebook Groups 19:35 Exploring E-Commerce Business Opportunities 22:56 Shopify Marketplace and Business Listings 25:50 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
Dec 13, 202426 min
Q&A: Creative Growth Hacks, Fixing Burnout Problems and Agency Startup Tips Ep. #103
In this episode, I answer your voicemail-submitted questions about launching a vending machine business with math on your side, overcoming burnout and rediscovering passion, pricing for a mobile oil change service, and whether accountability coaching can work as a business model. Plus, I share insights into starting an email marketing agency built around Klaviyo and why a bike-powered smoothie business might be the next big thing at farmers' markets. 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 --- 00:42 Claw machine business tips 08:01 Handling failure and burnout 13:17 Pricing for mobile oil changes 15:44 $20k—service biz vs. perfume vending 20:54 Bike smoothie biz at festivals 22:36 Business tutor—worth it? 26:52 Klaviyo agency saturation
Dec 11, 202431 min
How This 23-Year-Old Profits by Renting Out 200 Used Washers and Dryers. Ep. #102
In this episode, I sit down with Kyler, founder of Utah Appliance Rental (utahappliancerental.com), to talk about how he turned a $30k investment into a business that generates near-passive income requiring only 5-10 hours of work per week. We talk about how he started his appliance rental company, scaling, and leveraging Facebook Marketplace to validate ideas. 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 The Birth of an Idea: Washer and Dryer Rentals 02:56 Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Entrepreneurship 06:11 Scaling the Business: From Rentals to Deliveries 09:01 Understanding the Market: Customer Needs and Preferences 11:47 Operational Insights: Tools and Strategies for Success 15:07 Addressing Concerns: Insurance, Risks, and Customer Relations 17:57 The Bigger Picture: Financial Education and Ethical Entrepreneurship 20:47 Final Thoughts: Building a Sustainable Business Model
Dec 9, 202441 min
How to Cash In on the $16 Billion Genealogy Boom with AI Tools. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #101
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I are talking about two big ideas today. First up, we talk about the Silver Tsunami - how to capture stories from the older generation using AI. Think video interviews, AI transcription, and even creating chatbots based on family history. Then we talked about biohacking - Chris shares his idea of using tools like continuous glucose monitors for accountability challenges. It’s all about health, growth, and leveraging tech to make life better. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl 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 Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights_Innovative Business Ideas in Elder Care 02:51 The Silver Tsunami: Understanding Aging Population Trends 05:46 Capturing Family Stories: A Growing Opportunity 09:10 Leveraging Technology for Story Preservation 12:06 Creating Value in Assisted Living Facilities 14:59 The Business Model: Vitamins vs. Painkillers 17:48 Practical Implementation: Building a Storytelling Studio 21:36 Innovative Storytelling in Assisted Living 23:15 New Year, New Business Opportunities 24:40 Digitizing Personal Histories 26:07 Understanding Health Through Technology 28:59 Accountability in Health Challenges 30:55 Monetizing Passion Projects 33:16 Finding Your Business Passion 38:05 Evaluating Business Ideas: Mary, Date, or Kill?
Dec 6, 202442 min
How to Turn Your FEAR Into FUEL and Start a Business. Ep. #100
In this episode, I answer your voicemail-submitted questions about scaling a furniture flipping business, overcoming entrepreneurial fears, starting with limited capital, launching a photo booth business, finding leads for a health insurance business, and the best low-risk, high-reward businesses to start. Plus, I share thoughts on what apps I'd build with an elite developer. Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl 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 Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Furniture Flipping Business 06:28 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Fears 15:04 Creative Solutions in Business 16:22 Low-Risk, High-Reward Business Ideas 19:35 Photo Booth Business Idea 22:58 Scaling a Health Insurance Business 26:21 Developing and Scaling Apps 29:13 Conclusion and Feedback Request
Dec 4, 202429 min
Deep Dive: This Dude Quit His Job to Make $18K/Month With This… Ep. #99
In this episode, I sat down with Cinco Winston, the founder of True Line Striping TX (https://truelinestripingtx.com). Cinco shares his journey of leaving his W-2 job to starting a successful pavement marking business in Waco, Texas. We discuss his approach to finding clients, managing cash flow, and offering early discounts to build credibility. Cinco shares his strategies for pricing jobs effectively, the challenges of door-knocking for new customers, and the lessons learned from navigating the early months of running a business. Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl 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 Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 06:07 Understanding the Business Model: Costs and Profits 11:53 Navigating the First Jobs: Building a Customer Base 18:15 Job Types and Revenue: Small, Medium, and Large Projects 24:49 Building a Customer Base Through Networking 30:52 Sales Strategies and Customer Acquisition 36:13 The Challenges and Rewards of Business Ownership 41:55 Scaling the Business and Future Plans
Dec 2, 202449 min
How to Monetize Facebook Groups Without Owning One. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #98
Facebook Group Lead Generation Tool: https://groupboss.io/?ref=Tkopod HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I are talking about three fun business ideas today, but this is just Part 1 - stay tuned for Part 2 next week. First up, we talk about custom concerts: turning live music venues into unique experiences by letting fans bid on song requests, almost like a live auction. Then we talk about AI-powered local newsletter idea = using AI to create super-targeted newsletters that help generate local leads. Finally, we get into Facebook groups as a way to get leads. 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 00:30 Live Music Idea 14:50 Local Newsletter Idea 18:11 Monetizing Newsletters and Facebook Groups 21:04 Facebook Groups for Lead Generation
Nov 29, 202439 min
Deep Dive: Making $80k in One Day with a Fireworks Stand. Ep. #97
I sat down with Daniel Astleford, a CPA and the owner of a unique fireworks business. In this episode, Daniel shares how he manages both a remote CPA firm and a fireworks stand business in Texas. We discuss the unexpected opportunities and the hurdles that come with acquiring and scaling seasonal businesses, the challenges of working with silent partners, and the ins and outs of running a fireworks business legally. Links and Actions: Learn more about Daniel's Fireworks Business: https://bigarrowfireworks.comConnect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daniel-astlefordTimestamps 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_Introduction to the Fireworks Business Journey 02:49 Building a Remote CPA Firm and Fireworks Side Hustle 06:09 The Decision to Buy a Fireworks Company 09:05 Understanding the Financials and Revenue Potential 11:50 Navigating the Challenges of Location and Zoning Laws 15:11 The Impact of Seasonal Sales and Location Changes 18:05 Lessons Learned from the First Year of Operations 24:46 Scaling the Fireworks Business 30:08 Navigating Competition and Location Challenges 36:55 Operational Success and Future Goals 40:45 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement
Nov 27, 202449 min
Is Sleep Consulting the Best Work-From-Home Side Hustle? Ep. #96
Become a Certified Sleep Consultant: https://tkopod.co/sleep I sat down with Jayne Havens, the founder of The Snoozefest.com. In this episode, Jayne shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a certified sleep consultant, running a highly successful business that helps parents get their children to sleep better. We talk about how she turned her skills into a successful business. She also shares the details of her sleep consulting services and how she is training others to follow in her footsteps. Useful Links: Become a Certified Sleep Consultant: https://tkopod.co/sleepLearn more about Jayne: https://theSNOOZEFEST.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomeasleepconsultantBecoming a Sleep Consultant Podcast: https://thecpsm.com/category/podcast/ 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-From Event Planning to Sleep Consulting 02:56 The Importance of Certification in Sleep Consulting 05:49 Understanding Client Relationships and Boundaries 08:48 Service Structure and Pricing Models 12:12 Success Rates and Client Commitment 15:07 Key Strategies for Helping Children Sleep 17:56 The Role of Emotional Support in Sleep Consulting 20:46 Identifying Underlying Issues in Sleep Problems 24:01 Building a Referral-Based Business 26:55 The Future of Sleep Consulting as a Franchise 30:03 Final Thoughts and Resources
Nov 25, 202432 min
How to Build & Sell $2K/Month Software with No Coding Experience. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #95
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I sit down to continue our discussion from last week (check out Part 1 - Episode #92 if you missed it!). In this episode, we continue brainstorming cool business ideas, like how to capitalize on website change monitoring for arbitrage and creating a tax Sherpa concept for entrepreneurs. We also do our "marry, date, or kill" segment to assess which of these ideas are worth pursuing, testing, or dropping. 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 Website Monitoring Idea 11:50 CPA Idea 20:52 Evaluating Business Ideas: Mary, Date, or Kill?
Nov 22, 202423 min
Deep Dive: 40% Margins and Insane Demand in the Wedding Venue Business. Ep. #94
I sat down with Alex Nelson (https://x.com/weddingvenueguy), the owner of The Midnight Gem, a successful wedding venue in Swisher, Iowa. In this episode, we talk about how he went from concept to pre-booking $300,000 in weddings before construction was even completed. We also discuss how he achieved his $800,000+ annual revenue, how he differentiated his venue from the typical Iowa barns, and his approach to scaling profits with events beyond weddings. 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 - The Birth of a Wedding Venue Dream 02:58 Navigating the Wedding Venue Landscape 06:11 Funding the Vision: From Idea to Reality 09:03 Marketing Strategies for Success 11:52 Understanding Demand and Market Fit 15:10 Building a Unique Venue in a Saturated Market 17:58 Financial Performance and Future Outlook 21:24 Exploring Wedding Venue Opportunities 23:21 Innovative Rental Services in the Wedding Industry 25:12 Understanding Supply and Demand in Wedding Services 27:32 Diversifying Event Offerings Beyond Weddings 30:20 The Importance of Alcohol Sales in Venue Revenue 32:42 Lessons Learned from Operating a Wedding Venue 35:02 Trends in the Wedding Industry 38:26 Maximizing Venue Potential with On-Site Accommodations 40:19 Advice for Aspiring Wedding Venue Owners
Nov 20, 202443 min
How to Monetize Any Game of Skill ft. Connor Ep. #93
I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), for Part 2 of our discussion on creative business ideas. If you haven't listened to Part 1 (Episode #90), go check it out to get the full context! In this episode, we talk about a "hole in one" challenge business in New Zealand that makes use of a lakeside setup to bring in around $650,000 in annual revenue. We also talk about how games of skill can be turned into sustainable business models, including franchise opportunities. Lastly, we came up with an idea for a build-your-own record player kit for kids, something that could be the next big thing, like an Easy-Bake Oven for vinyl lovers. 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 Innovative Business Ideas in Skill Games 02:47 The Viability of Skill-Based Gambling 06:09 Franchising Opportunities in Skill Games 08:58 The Nostalgia of Record Players 11:51 Creating Engaging Experiences for Kids 14:45 The Future of Physical Products in a Digital Age
Nov 18, 202431 min