SharkPreneur

Most business owners don’t realize they’re building an exit they can’t afford. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Marc Adams, Strategy Mentor & Business Exit Planner at Acquisitions4You, who shares how his work has helped provide $22B in funding support and why he now focuses on helping founders double business value in 12 months or less. After a stage-four cancer diagnosis during the pandemic and a life-changing conversation with his son, Marc pivoted his mission toward helping the “nine out of ten” owners who never get the outcome they need. He explains the Double and Keep It framework, designed to grow value fast while protecting owners from the usual traps of dilution, debt burdens, and painful exit costs. Key Takeaways:→ Most business owners don’t get the value they expect when it’s time to sell.→ Exit-math can be brutal, especially in states with high taxes. → Traditional private equity doesn’t solve the real problem. → The “double and keep it” framework aims to achieve value growth without dilution or debt service.  → This framework is meant to create a real retirement-grade exit.  Marc Adams is a strategy mentor and business-exit planner who helps founder-led companies double enterprise value in 12–24 months and structure tax-efficient exits without heavy dilution or personal guarantees. He’s helped take a company from roughly $140M to a $1B valuation and led a loss-making $18M-revenue business to a $140M exit. A bestselling author with Times Square features, Marc works closely with family offices and private capital, providing founders with a practical, buyer-aligned playbook for value creation, clean diligence, and better after-tax outcomes. Connect With Marc:Website: https://acquisitions4you.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marcadams/ 

Your benefits plan may be getting more expensive for reasons unrelated to better care. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Chris Hamilton, Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance and a healthcare industry expert, who explains why employer health costs keep skyrocketing. He breaks down how misaligned incentives in traditional plans drive inflation and why mid-market employers often have far more control than they realize. You’ll hear practical, modern strategies such as self-funding, direct agreements, and transparency tools that can improve coverage while reducing total costs for both companies and employees. Key Takeaways:→ Traditional compensation structures can incentivize higher premiums rather than better outcomes for employers and employees.→ When insurers own PBMs and other components, pricing can become a circular profit engine that justifies ongoing rate hikes. → If you reduce the underlying cost of care, the premium required to fund the plan naturally drops.→ The same procedure can vary dramatically in price across facilities, with no reliable correlation to quality. → Employers can contract directly with hospitals and concierge physicians to simplify access, improve care, and reduce both company and employee financial burdens.  Chris Hamilton is a Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance in Texas, where he leads the employee benefits consulting practice. He specializes in managing healthcare and insurance costs to improve benefits coverage, reduce expenses, and enhance employee health outcomes. With over a decade of experience in corporate finance, Chris has advised clients across various industries, including private equity and oil & gas. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, working out, attending live music events, and spending time with family. Connect With Chris:Website: https://hotchkissinsurance.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrishamiltonbenefitsinsiderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamilton/ 

If your business only works when you’re working, it’s time to redesign how it runs. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Lady Jen Du Plessis, DC, The Scaling Architect, who shares how she went from knowing nothing about mortgages to becoming a top-producing leader who helped fund more than a billion dollars in loans. A celebrated Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, and TV host, she’s helped more than 8,000 entrepreneurs transition from practitioner mode to scalable companies that don’t require daily intervention. She breaks down the mindset shift, systems, and leadership habits that drive real harmony and long-term growth. Key Takeaways:→ Teams can’t execute consistently without documented, repeatable processes.→ People struggle when they aren’t empowered with clear workflows and expectations. → Scaling a business requires clarity about vision, values, and voice. → AI is useful, but it can’t replace the human touch. → Know when to hire using lead indicators and KPIs, not out of desperation.  Affectionately known as The Scaling Architect, Lady Jen Du Plessis is the Leading Expert in helping powerhouse business owners create a company that runs smoothly without them - achieving massive revenue growth while gaining more freedom and fulfillment in life with grace and ease. Who would have ever thought that little "Jenny Who Ain't Got a Penny," now Dame Lady Jen, a member of the Royal House of Cappadocia and the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, would have become a numerous #1 Amazon best-selling author, host of 3 top ranking podcasts, and producer and host of her TV show Business on the Vine. Connect With Jen:Website: https://www.ladyjenduplessis.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenduplessis/X: https://x.com/JenDuPlessisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDuPlessis22LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenduplessis/ 

Are you a high-income earner looking to build long-term wealth without spending more time on active investing? Learn the secrets of passive real estate investing and why it’s the key to financial freedom. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Whitney Elkins-Hutten, Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com, Founder of Ashwealth.com, and Author of the #1 Bestseller Money for Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth, who shares her journey from accidental real estate investor to expert in passive investing. With a wealth of experience, including a bestselling book Money for Tomorrow, Whitney explains how high-income earners can transform active income into passive income while capitalizing on cash flow and equity growth. If you’re looking for ways to achieve financial independence, Whitney's insights on real estate investments and market strategies are invaluable. Key Takeaways:→ Passive investing enables high-income earners to focus on their jobs while building wealth through real estate.→ Diversification across asset classes is crucial for long-term financial success, especially as capital stacks grow. → Market dynamics, such as job and income growth, are critical factors in evaluating investment opportunities. → Deals should have clear paths to capital preservation, cash flow, and equity growth, with tax benefits as a bonus. → The current economic climate requires patience as investors must navigate volatility and identify genuine opportunities.  Whitney Elkins-Hutten is the Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com, founder of Ashwealth.com, and author of the award-winning #1 bestseller Money for Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth. Through her proven wealth-building framework, Whitney empowers high-earning professionals and business owners to create secure, passive income streams that support a legacy of financial freedom for generations. With over $800MM in assets—including 6,500+ residential units, 15 express car washes, and 2,200+ self-storage units—Whitney guides clients to invest strategically, helping them confidently turn a single $100,000 investment into hundreds of thousands within a few years or millions over decades. Connect With Whitney:Website: https://www.passiveinvesting.com/welcome-whitney/https://ashwealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyelkinshutten/

Looking to raise capital and elevate your business? Discover how proximity, trust, and AI can be game changers in the world of family offices. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Richard Wilson, Founder & CEO of Family Office Club, who shares expert insights on navigating the world of family offices, capital raising, and building trust with investors. With 18 years of experience and a reach of 18 million across his social platforms, Richard discusses the power of proximity to highly successful entrepreneurs and how leveraging AI tools can give you an edge in investor relations. Tune in as he unveils the mental models and strategies that have helped him build a thriving community of capital-raisers and investors. Key Takeaways:→ Surrounding yourself with highly successful entrepreneurs and investors elevates your thinking and expands your opportunities. → The most important aspect of pitching is building trust before presenting. → Pitching without adding value or establishing trust is a common mistake among capital raisers. → Leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance decision-making, messaging, and client engagement for capital raisers. → Live events where investors and capital-raisers can meet face-to-face increase the chances of success by 16 times. Richard C. Wilson is the founder of the Family Office Club, a global investor community with millions of members and dozens of live events each year, serving professionals in the family office and private wealth sectors. He has built the leading media platform in this niche, including the most-visited website, the top-ranked podcast, and the most-watched YouTube channel dedicated to family offices.Richard is also the creator of Investor Super Intelligence, an AI platform that models how investment deals are sourced, evaluated, and closed, based on thousands of investor conversations and real-world deal workflows. He is the author of 13 books, has spoken on over 1,000 stages and podcasts across 20 countries, and runs Billionaires.com, a leading resource on the mental models and strategies of ultra-high-net-worth families. Connect With Richard:Website: https://familyoffices.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyofficeclub/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyofficeclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/familyoffices/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FamilyOfficeClub 

If you’re looking to scale your business without breaking the bank on full-time hires, fractional staffing could be the game-changer you need. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Nicole Grinnell, 2x Business Founder of Bosun Solutions and Mic'd Up Booking, who shares her entrepreneurial journey from executive assistant to building a staffing solutions business that helps small businesses thrive. With over nine years of experience, Nicole discusses the benefits of fractional staffing and virtual assistants, offering affordable and flexible solutions for growing companies. Tune in to learn how fractional teams can help you scale your business efficiently, avoid hiring mistakes, and create a well-balanced work-life environment. Key Takeaways:→ There is a growing need for fractional staffing solutions among small businesses. → Fractional teams provide the flexibility to scale without the overhead of full-time employees. → The difference between traditional staffing and fractional work, and how they complement each other. → The role of personality assessments in ensuring a successful candidate-client match. → Common hiring mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them.  Nicole Grinnell comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is a 2x business owner and launched her first business, Bosun Solutions, in 2017. As the daughter of a small business owner turned corporate executive support, she has unique insight into the needs entrepreneurs and CEOs face when scaling their businesses. Her entire career has been defined by finding a work-life balance, from working for her family business to getting married, having children, and climbing the corporate ladder. She is now married and has two teenage children, and her businesses have grown to $2 million in revenue. Her goal is to help other small businesses succeed. Connect With Nicole:Website: https://www.bosunsolutions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosunsolutions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosunsolutions/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bosunsolutions/ 

What happens when a wealth manager applies institutional discipline and global insight to hospitality investing?  In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews William Huston, Founder and General Partner at Bay Street Hospitality, who discusses his journey from a call center business to creating global hospitality-focused funds designed to deliver high yields through quant-driven strategies. William shares deep insights into hospitality investment, covering topics from student housing in Hong Kong to tourism growth in India, and how his firm’s data-driven approach maximizes returns for institutional investors. He explains how combining local market intelligence, government partnerships, and strategic acquisitions has enabled Bay Street to scale rapidly while maintaining high-quality service for asset owners, operators, and developers worldwide. Key Takeaways:→ Long-term success depends on backing proven operators and developers—not just attractive properties. → Student housing shortages in Hong Kong, India’s tourism boom, and Australia’s Olympic-driven infrastructure investments all represent distinct, time-sensitive market drivers. → The same disciplined frameworks used in wealth management, including risk assessment, alignment, and scalability, can be successfully applied to hospitality. → Hospitality is an experience-driven business, shaped by human connection, culture, and memory. → Growth should align with life priorities.  In 2018, William Huston founded Bay Street Hospitality, where he currently serves as General Partner. Bay Street started as a call center based in El Salvador, structured as an LLC, serving his own investment fund rather than other companies' clients. The firm operates globally across public and private markets and applies a proprietary quantamental investment framework that integrates quantitative scoring models with fundamental underwriting discipline and targets hospitality operators, developers, and asset owners, offering equity, credit, and hybrid capital solutions. In May 2025, Huston launched a $430 million hospitality investment fund aimed at combining financial returns with positive social impact, targeting underinvested hotel markets globally, with a particular emphasis on India’s fast-growing tourism sector. Connect With William:Website: https://www.baystreethospitality.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huios/  

Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about presence, character, and who you choose to be when things get hard. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mick Hunt, creator of the MICK Factor™, who shares the deeply personal story that shaped his leadership philosophy. From a promise he made at age ten to change his mother’s life to building a successful career in entrepreneurship, consulting, and podcasting with over 20 million downloads, Mick explains why emotional intelligence and presence now matter more than authority. He breaks down his MICK Factor framework and explains why leadership today requires empathy, accountability, and the courage to keep going. Key Takeaways:→ How leadership has fundamentally changed in a world where everything is instantly validated.→ Trust, transparency, and empathy outweigh titles, perks, and compensation packages. → Sustainable success is never about the individual; it’s about developing people.→ Growth comes from committing to your own development, not just from working harder. → Your standards and values are visible before you ever say a word.  Mick Hunt is the unapologetic voice of modern leadership. As the creator of the MICK Factor™—a leadership framework rooted in Mastery, Impact, Courage, and the drive to Keep Going—he helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs and executives lead with clarity, courage, and authenticity. He's the founder of Mick Hunt Official and host of Mick Unplugged, the #1 Self-Improvement podcast with over 2 million monthly downloads. A dynamic speaker, business builder, and mentor, Mick has been featured in Forbes, collaborated with brands like Nike and McDonald's, and been mentored by icons like Les Brown and Daymond John. Connect With Mick:Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/X: https://x.com/MickUnpluggedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunpluggedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/ 

If AI answer engines stopped reading your brand tomorrow, would anyone searching for your solution still find you? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Julian Lopez, Head of Research at AEO.co, who explains how brands can become the answer AI is most likely to recommend. Drawing on months of deep research with co-authors Perry Belcher and Kasim Aslam, Julian explains why branding, structure, and multimodal content now sit at the heart of discovery in an AI-driven world. He also outlines what small businesses can do over the next 6–12 months to become compliant with this new landscape, increase AI visibility, and prepare for shifts such as zero-click search and wearables. Key Takeaways:→ How AEO builds on top of traditional SEO rather than replacing it.→ Why branding is becoming the key differentiator in AI recommendations. → Why you shouldn’t chase schema hacks and listicle formats without first building a solid foundational structure. → How video, transcripts, and repurposed clips give AI the rich data it craves. → How profiles, mentions, and consistent brand signals across platforms help engines confirm you’re real and relevant.  Julian Lopez is a 'recovering' graphic designer with over 8 years of branding experience who decided to get into marketing as a new challenge to sharpen the skills that can make or break a business. Julian has co-authored The AEO Blueprint, the first full-length book on Answer Engine Optimization, which guides business owners and entrepreneurs in future-proofing their brands and becoming the AI-recommended answer in their market. Connect With Julian:Website: http://aeo.co/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aeo.coX: https://x.com/AEOdotCO 

Social media management is evolving rapidly, and the future of content creation hinges on understanding both technology and audience behavior. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Emeric Ernoult, Founder and CEO of Agorapulse, a social media management platform that has grown to $20 million in revenue without external funding. With more than 26 years of entrepreneurial experience, Emeric shares the challenges and breakthroughs that led to Agorapulse's success, from its early days of bootstrapping to its emergence as a leader in social media management. In this episode, Emeric also discusses the shifting social media landscape, trends businesses can't afford to ignore, and how AI is poised to revolutionize content creation. Key Takeaways:→ Agorapulse supports 10 major social networks and helps businesses publish content, engage with their audience, and analyze social media performance.→ AI automation within Agorapulse enables brands to manage high volumes of interactions, prioritize engagement, and streamline moderation.→ Social listening capabilities extend beyond social profiles to track brand mentions across forums, blogs, and other online platforms. → The future of social media is evolving from a focus on follower count to “interest media.”→ Content creation today must be hyper-targeted, focusing on understanding the audience’s pain points and creating content they would pay for. Emeric Ernoult is a serial entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in Social Media and Saas (software as a service). He is the CEO and co-founder of Agorapulse, a Paris-based Social Media Management Software launched in 2011. Agorapulse has 175 team members in 19 countries, and is currently being used by more than 37,000 users across 180 countries. It is the only business in this industry to have exceeded $20M in annual revenue without raising capital. Connect With Emeric:Website: https://www.agorapulse.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agorapulse/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@agorapulse TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agorapulse X: https://x.com/agorapulse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Agorapulse/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agorapulse/  

Struggling with paid ads? Find out how to simplify your strategy and grow your small business without blowing your budget! In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Andy Janaitis, Founder & Chief Strategist at PPC Pitbulls, a digital marketing agency specializing in paid advertising for small businesses. With a background in data science and software development, Andy transitioned from corporate work to help e-commerce businesses scale through more strategic, simplified, and cost-effective marketing. He shares insights on avoiding common ad mistakes, leveraging AI tools, and building campaigns that drive long-term growth. Key Takeaways:→ How many small businesses are overwhelmed by digital marketing, so they overcomplicate campaigns and waste money.→ Simplifying ad structures and focusing on robust measurement systems can lead to better results with smaller budgets.→ Why you should focus on what’s working and avoid jumping onto multiple platforms or constantly chasing new strategies.→ E-commerce businesses aiming for 7-figure growth need a targeted, scalable paid ad strategy.→ Automated bidding and data-driven decision-making are essential to optimizing ad campaigns effectively. Andy Janaitis is the founder and chief strategist of PPC Pitbulls, a boutique digital marketing agency that helps small businesses grow past 7 figures using Google and Meta Ads. He partners with founder-led brands and e-commerce teams to simplify their paid ad strategies,ensuring campaigns are built on solid tracking, clean execution, and profitability—not noise or guesswork.With over 10 years of agency and analytics experience, Andy’s background spans engineering, web development, and digital strategy. He’s known for his practical, down-to-earth approach that cuts through marketing overwhelm and empowers business owners to take confident action. Whether he’s helping a brand understand attribution or demystifying Performance Max, Andy brings clarity, integrity, and a deep respect for the entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Andy:Website: https://www.ppcpitbulls.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppc-pitbulls/ 

What if three minutes in cold water could reset your brain and your day? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Troy Laing, Founder of Culture OC, who shares how fitness, breathwork, and modern recovery tech power a community-driven biohacking and performance center. From overcoming addiction to building a hub with medical-grade LED light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, infrared saunas, and coached cold-plunge protocols, he explains what truly moves the needle. He also unpacks his approach to discipline, leadership, and his vision to scale internationally while preserving the intimate culture that drives outcomes. Key Takeaways:→ Why breathwork and cold plunges rewire stress responses and build everyday resilience → How stacked protocols synergize to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery. → The role of mindset and brainwave training. → How health, family, leadership, and then business create a practical framework for balance. → How your morning routine shapes the rest of your day.  Culture OC was founded by Troy Laing, an Australian entrepreneur passionate about health and fitness, inspired by his global travels and immersion in diverse wellness practices. His vision was to create a pioneering biohacking social wellness club that fosters strong community bonds while promoting physical and mental well-being. This mission has earned recognition in esteemed publications highlighting its innovative approach to merging fitness with social connectivity. Troy, also a devoted husband and father, instills values of compassion and resilience, adding a personal touch to the club's ethos. Connect With Troy:Website: https://cultureoc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoc_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culture_ocX: https://x.com/cultureoc_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultureocusa/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-laing-591a71285/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CultureOC 

What if one hour of creative testing beats a month of ad spend? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Daniela Bolzmann, Founder of MindfulGoods.co, who leads a boutique Amazon creative studio that helps seven- and eight-figure CPG and DTC brands turn product pages into high-converting brand experiences. Known for running hundreds of split tests and publishing aggregate metrics, she shows where creative focus delivers outsized conversion gains. In this conversation, Daniela breaks down the three highest-impact tests, why brand-driven storytelling wins on Amazon, and how shifting a slice of ad budget into creative can unlock rapid lift. Key Takeaways:→ What brand-specific storytelling looks like on a PDP.→ Why it’s vital to have the right title, images, image stacks, and content.→ How to make your main image drive clicks. → How ongoing split tests compound results across SKUs. → The importance of going all in with conviction.  Daniela Bolzmann is the Founder of MindfulGoods.co, the go-to creative studio for Amazon brands. As a featured speaker at Amazon Accelerate 2024, she is a leading expert in Amazon optimization and supports hundreds of eCommerce brands in doubling and tripling their sales on Amazon through creative content that converts.  Connect With Daniela:Website: https://mindfulgoods.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabolzmann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbolzmann/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielabolzmann

What if your biggest sales breakthrough began the moment you stopped trying to sell? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Vivian Weyll, The Sales Queen™, who shares how she went from $500,000 in debt to leading a nine-figure holding company. She created Influence OS, a science-based framework that scales revenue through presence, neuroscience, and ethical influence rather than pressure, and today owns one of the largest insurance IMOs in the country. In this conversation, Vivian unpacks the identity shifts, practical methods, and environment design that transform average producers into trusted advisors. Key Takeaways:→ How presence outperforms pressure in every conversation. → How to use the Presence Protocol to structure the first six minutes of any pitch to earn trust, defuse objections, and establish authority. → Why you should listen, reframe, and allow buyers to reach their own conclusions. → Why salespeople should handle common objections early, then guide them with questions and purposeful silence. → How surrounding yourself with top performers upgrades your own results.  Vivian Weyll is an internationally recognized speaker, visionary CEO, and founder of The InfluenceOS™ framework. Known worldwide as The Sales Queen™, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of high-ticket sales. Born in Brazil, Vivian came to the U.S. at 20 and faced early hardships including a failed business, painful divorce, and over $500,000 in debt. With no corporate background or formal training, she turned to sales — becoming a top producer in her first month and earning six figures monthly within six months. In just five years, she scaled from first-time salesperson to building and leading multiple 8-figure companies worth over $100 million. Through her programs, including the CROWN™ Million Dollar Masterclass, Vivian has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and coached leaders to 7- and 8-figure success, cementing her role as a global authority on influence and ethical sales. Connect With Vivian:Website: https://vivianweyll.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viweyll/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivianweyllX: https://x.com/vivweyllFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/viweyllLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-weyll-d-andrea-0479b52a/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vivianweyllsalesqueen

You’re not stuck; you’re just repeating yesterday and calling it normal. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dianna Kokoszka, CEO of DK Businesses, who led Keller Williams Realty International through a turnaround, moving from losing $1M a year to generating over half a billion dollars in revenue. She explains why mindset isn’t fluff; it’s the operating system. Dianna shares how she built high-performance cultures, raised people’s “financial thermostat,” and helped leaders turn vision into execution, even in uncertain times. She also discusses her book Becoming More: You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different, her mindset assessment tools, and why your first 10 minutes of the day predict your future. Key Takeaways:→ Unless you raise your “financial thermostat,” you’ll sabotage yourself as you near success.→ People don’t follow slogans; they follow a vision they believe they’re part of. → You can rewire your thinking by using deliberate language that moves you away from frustration and toward curiosity. → The fastest way to build belief is through repeated exposure to possibility. → The first ten minutes of your morning predict your trajectory for the day.  Dianna Kokoszka is an entrepreneur, keynote and TEDx speaker, best-selling author, investor, podcaster, and mentor. She is recognized as one of the top 25 business coaches in the U.S., has been named Entrepreneur of the Year four times, and has been named Businesswoman of the Year three times. As CEO of Keller Williams Realty International MAPS Coaching, she turned a $1 million annual loss into 1/2 billion in revenue. She authored BOLD: Business Objective, a Life by Design, helping KW be recognized as the world’s #1 training company for five years straight and earning a T125 Hall of Fame induction. A founding member of John Maxwell Certified Coaches and a board member of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, she travels with the team, meeting Presidents and Prime Ministers and bringing value-based training to their countries. And now into the schools of many states across America Her bestselling book, Becoming More, has been recognized as the number one book for divergent entrepreneurs. Her book provides models for rewiring your brain for greater success. She is the owner of Dynamic Growth Collective, Coaching Consortium, and DK Businesses. Connect With Dianna:Website: https://www.diannak.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianna.kokoszka/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianna.kokoszkaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannakokoszkaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingMoreDiannaK

Are you ready to scale your business without the overwhelm? Discover how automation and AI can help you drive traffic, generate leads, and create video content while you sleep. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Reed Floren, The Solopreneur Automator, who shares his journey from early internet marketing to revolutionizing his business with AI-driven automation. Known for his expertise in marketing and automation, Reed has helped six-, seven-, and eight-figure entrepreneurs scale their businesses efficiently. With his innovative use of AI to automate video creation, lead generation, and social media content, Reed is paving the way for marketers to optimize their operations while saving time and money. Key Takeaways:→ Why speaking with industry leaders can accelerate your career.→ How AI-driven automation enables entrepreneurs to scale video content with minimal effort.→ How Facebook Ads with broad targeting can generate leads for under $1, enabling high-volume, profitable campaigns at scale.→ AI scripts and video generation tools enable people to produce hundreds of videos daily.→ Why it’s vital to optimize video ads and content using automated rules in Facebook Ads to improve performance and reduce waste. Reed Floren is “The Solopreneur Automator,” the entrepreneur who teaches founders to scale without hiring teams. He designs AI agents that handle sales conversations, follow-ups, client support, and audience growth 24/7 - turning busywork into profit. Reed has trained thousands of marketers worldwide to use automation as real leverage, not hype, and build businesses that run even when they don’t. Connect With Reed:Website: https://automatedaimarketer.com/index617911Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reedfloren/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reedflorenofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedfloren/

You don’t really know how alone you are after a wreck until the insurance company starts talking. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Darrell Burrow, a Bankruptcy and Personal Injury Attorney at Burrow & Associates, who shares what he’s learned over nearly 30 years representing injured people in Georgia. Darrell explains why insurance companies aren’t there to “do the right thing,” why most people leave money on the table, and what to do in the critical moments after a wreck. He also discusses building a values-driven law firm, fostering a culture of client empathy, and preparing the next generation of attorneys to carry the torch. Key Takeaways:→ The first call you should make after a car crash or personal injury is 911.→ Photos at the scene can become critical evidence.→ Documenting injuries immediately can make or break a claim.→ If the police don’t file a report, Burrow & Associates can help by using a self-report form to create an official record.→ Making sure each client has an excellent experience is intentional, as most clients are often scared and overwhelmed. Darrell Burrow is an accomplished attorney with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate personal injury and bankruptcy cases. Born in Alabama and raised in Virginia, he earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama in 1992 and began his career clerking for Judge John Bush. In 1996, with the support of his wife, Darrell opened his own practice in Atlanta, which has since expanded to multiple offices across Georgia. Over the course of his career, he has successfully handled more than 30,000 cases, earning a reputation as a trusted advocate and advisor. Beyond the courtroom, Darrell is a devoted family man who values faith, fitness, and the outdoors. Whether boating, golfing, or camping under the stars with his children, he embraces life with a spirit of adventure while remaining deeply committed to his clients and community. Connect With Darrell:Website: https://legalatlanta.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burrowassociatesllc/X: https://x.com/burrow_assocLLCFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763112141LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burrow-associates-llc/ 

If your business disappeared from under you tomorrow, would your balance sheet, cash strategy, and exit plan keep you standing?In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Willis, CFP®, and David Barnett, best-selling author and veteran buy/sell advisor. Together, they unpack their new book The Business Fortress: How to Grow, Protect, and Exit Your Business with Confidence. David shares what thousands of real-world transactions reveal about banker risk, valuation blind spots, and why owners too often discover their exit gap too late. Mark outlines liquidity-first strategies, “be your own line of credit” concepts, and how fortress-style cash design creates moats for growth, resilience in shocks, and negotiation power at exit.Key Takeaways:→ How scaling low-margin activities dilutes valuation. → Why you should build strength before deploying capital. → How golden-handcuff tools help keep key clients through growth and transition.→ Why internal, policy-style lending frameworks can shorten cycles and capture distressed opportunities. → Where you store your cash changes how you act and how stable stores enable decisive moves, acquisitions, and better terms across the table. Mark Willis, CFP® is a man on a mission to help you think differently about your money, your economy and your future. Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a three-time #1 Best Selling Author and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, a financial firm in Chicago, Illinois. As co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast™, he shares some of his strategies for investing in real estate, paying for college without going broke, and creating an income in retirement you will not outlive. Mark works with people who want to grow their wealth in ways that are safe and predictable, to become their own source of financing, and create tax-free income in retirement.  International speaker, author, and consultant David C. Barnett has spent over two decades guiding small and medium-sized business owners through buying, selling, financing, and managing their companies. He is the author of ten books, including the best-selling How to Sell My Own Business, and creator of the Business Buyer Advantage program. Barnett’s YouTube channel and podcast reach a global audience, with over 2.9 million views and 667,000 podcast downloads. Recognized for making complex deal-making concepts accessible, David works with entrepreneurs worldwide to structure successful transactions and avoid common pitfalls. His engaging talks and workshops equip audiences with actionable insights for building and exiting businesses strategically.Connect With Mark:Website: https://lakegrowth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyouraveragefinancialX: https://x.com/lakegrowthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklakegrowth/Connect With David:Website: https://www.davidcbarnett.com/ Website: https://www.davidcbarnettlist.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dbarnettmoncton/X: https://twitter.com/DBarnettMonctonLinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton 

If your brand feels too small to matter, this blueprint shows why that might be your unfair advantage.In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital, who unpacks how a niche idea became a global category. Mark shares the strategy that took ZICO from yoga studios in NYC to nationwide shelves, the discipline behind constant pitching and fundraising, and why exits aren’t the finish line. He also discusses his new book on putting freedom first, and his work at Ground Force Capital (backer of brands like Liquid Death and Beyond Meat), helping founders scale both their companies and their lives.Key Takeaways:→ Why “inch-wide, mile-deep” focus beats broad launches for breakthrough CPG growth.→ How pairing a product with a specific usage occasion (post-hot yoga) created early traction.→ The surprising first hurdle: taste—and how “preach to the choir” accelerates momentum.→ Fundraising reality: why you either get profitable fast or get great at raising—continuously.→ The nine-year “overnight success” mindset and the decade-long horizon most wins require.Mark Rampolla is Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital (GFC), where he works closely with founders and teams to build impactful businesses. He has represented GFC on the boards of leading companies, including Vive Organic, OWYN, Liquid Death, Kinder Farms, Flying Embers, and ZICO Rising. Prior to GFC, Mark founded and served as CEO of ZICO Beverages, pioneering the coconut water category and growing the brand into a global leader before its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. Earlier in his career, he held senior management roles at International Paper, overseeing joint ventures across Latin America and the Caribbean. A Peace Corps alum, Mark has advised more than 100 CEOs, raised over $1B, and invested in 40+ social-impact startups. He is the author of High-Hanging Fruit and holds degrees from Marquette University and Duke University.Connect With Mark:Website: https://www.markrampolla.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markrampolla/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/

Explore how strategic leadership, global legal expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset help companies navigate expansion, talent acquisition, and innovation in today’s fast-moving markets.In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dean Fealk, Northern California Co-Managing Partner at DLA Piper and WSJ Best-Selling Author, who has decades of experience guiding technology companies through global expansion, talent strategy, and market growth. A former international practitioner with work spanning East Asia and Northern California, Dean has advised top-tier clients like IBM, McDonald’s, and Pfizer, as well as contributing to civic organizations and three U.S. presidential campaigns. In this episode, he shares lessons on scaling businesses, leading diverse teams, and applying strategic legal and operational insight to real-world challenges.Key Takeaways:→ Strategies for helping companies expand into new markets with minimal friction.→ Balancing global corporate standards with local flexibility for success.→ The importance of hiring and empowering top talent in different regions.→ Lessons from advising major multinational clients and navigating complex business environments.→ Dean’s experience contributing to civic organizations and U.S. presidential campaigns.Dean Fealk is the Northern California co-managing partner at global law firm DLA Piper and a recognized citizen statesperson tackling international issues at the intersection of business, politics, and security. With 25+ years advising multinational companies on over $40 billion in cross-border transactions, Dean brings unparalleled expertise on how geopolitics impacts business and economy. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Chief Influencer, his insights appear in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Atlantic. Dean serves on numerous international security organizations including the Halifax International Security Forum and co-founded Transatlantic West to strengthen Silicon Valley-Europe relations. His leadership in global diplomacy has earned him designations as a Fulbright Scholar, Eisenhower Fellow, and Council on Foreign Relations life member.Connect With Dean:Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlapiper/X: https://x.com/DLA_PiperFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLAPiperGlobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dla-piper/