The UpFlip Podcast

Clay Lawrence built a generalist digital marketing agency to $17,000 a month, but quickly realized he had created a trap: he was exhausted, overworking, and constantly trading time for money on services ranging from drone footage to SEO. Desperate for a change, he took a massive financial risk—firing his clients and watching his revenue plummet to $4,500—to bet everything on a single, scalable idea that didn't require him to be the bottleneck.That bet was Review Harvest, a low-ticket SaaS focused entirely on automating Google reviews for home service businesses. By niching down and utilizing "trench knowledge" to understand his customers better than they understood themselves, Clay rebuilt his business from the ground up. Today, he generates over $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) with a streamlined model that leverages software like HighLevel to do the heavy lifting, proving that a focused offer often beats a broad service.In this interview, Clay sits down with Ryan Atkinson to reveal the exact blueprint behind his pivot. They dive deep into the anatomy of a high-converting sales call, borrowing frameworks from Alex Hormozi to close deals on the spot, and discuss why the "Jack of all trades" model is a killer for agency growth. Whether you are looking to launch your first SaaS, maximize your HighLevel affiliate income, or master client acquisition through Facebook ads, this episode breaks down the tactical steps to build a business that serves your life, not the other way around.Takeaways:- Scaling a generalist agency is nearly impossible because you cannot afford to hire experts for every service; narrowing down to a single service allows for process automation and higher margins- Growth sometimes requires taking a financial step back; Clay intentionally dropped his revenue from $17k to $4.5k to rebuild a scalable model rather than remaining stuck in a service trap- The most scalable offer is often the one that works for every client without custom labor; automating Google review requests provided high value with zero ongoing manual fulfillment- Shifting focus specifically to home service businesses allowed the agency to double its growth because the messaging and operational knowledge became specialized and repeatable- Conducting over 1,000 sales calls provides "trench knowledge"—such as knowing a client's CRM software better than they do—which builds instant trust and authority during the sales process- A simple, singular value proposition (e.g., "The Google Review Guy") is significantly easier for networkers to remember and refer compared to a vague "full-service marketing" label- Low-ticket offers like reputation management rely on emotional impulse, making it critical to get leads on a call within 24 hours before their excitement fades- Sales calls should follow a structure of clarifying the prospect's pain, labeling the problem, and "selling the vacation" (painting a vivid picture of the future state) rather than just listing features- Success is often just surviving the lows; Clay faced a period where he only closed $6,500 in two months but credits his recovery to simply showing up every day despite the anxiety- Documenting the business journey on YouTube created a secondary income stream through HighLevel affiliate commissions, which now generates more profit than the agency itself.Tags: SaaS, Tech Ventures, Digital marketing, Affiliate marketing, Home Services, Business scaling, Business growthResources:Grow your business today:  https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Clay: https://www.instagram.com/claywlawrence/?hl=en

Eddie Hartman co-founded LegalZoom with a simple but radical idea: legal documents are just information, and information belongs online. Despite facing an industry of lawyers who wanted to sue the company out of existence, Eddie pushed forward to help launch one out of every four small businesses in California. Today, as a partner at Simon-Kucher, he advises global giants like Uber and Airbnb on pricing strategies, proving that the secret to success isn't just building things people want—it's building things people want to pay for.In this interview, Eddie sits down with Ryan Atkinson to deconstruct the psychology of the founder mindset. He explains why entrepreneurs need to be "insane in a specific way" to overcome the fear of failure and how to avoid the "single engine trap" of leaning too heavily on your natural strengths. Eddie breaks down the critical difference between chasing market share versus wallet share and explains how to become a "profitable growth architect" rather than just another business owner with a cool idea.If you are struggling to monetize innovation or wondering if your business model is built to last, this episode is a masterclass in strategy. You’ll learn how to price your product to get to "yes," why you should embrace the fear of failure, and the specific steps you need to take to scale your business from a startup concept to an industry disruptor.Takeaways:- Build for Payment: Don't just build what people want; build what they are willing to pay for.- The Single Engine Trap: Avoid over-relying on your natural strength (like sales) while neglecting other business needs.- Growth Strategy: Successful companies chase market share and wallet share simultaneously.- Founder Psychology: You need "specific insanity"—the fear of failure combined with the certainty of success.- Price First: Validate the price point and willingness to pay before you build the product.- Strategic Packaging: Don't offer one price; create tiers to capture different customer segments.- Fear as a Shield: Use high barriers to entry (like fear of lawsuits) to keep competitors away.- Sales vs. Customers: A one-time transaction (especially a discounted one) is not a loyal client.- Stamina Over IQ: Success is often determined by the ability to "not stop" rather than raw genius.- Leverage Imposter Syndrome: Use the fear of not being good enough as fuel to outwork everyone else.Tags: Startup, Entrepreneurship, Pricing Strategy, Business Mindset, Small Business,  LegalZoomResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Eddie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-hartman 

Teague Egan faced every founder’s nightmare: payroll was due, and a massive investment deal with General Motors was stalled. With his back against the wall, Teague sold his house for $2 million and wired the cash to his company just to stay alive. That "all-in" gamble paid off, securing the partnership and positioning EnergyX to revolutionize the global energy transition.It all started on a Bolivian salt flat, where a chance comment sparked an obsession with lithium. In this interview, Teague sits down with Ryan Atkinson to reveal how he went from a tourist to a founder partnering with industry titans. He breaks down the crucial pivot EnergyX made when their initial licensing model hit a wall, proving that agility is just as important as innovation.You’ll learn the grit required to survive the "valley of death" in startup funding and how to execute cold outreach strategies that land billion-dollar partners. We also dive into high-stakes risk management and the mindset needed for enterperenurs to set bold visions. Whether you are raising capital or scaling a business, Teague’s story offers a masterclass in resilience.Takeaways:- Teague sold his own house for $2 million and wired the funds to the company to cover payroll and bridge the gap while waiting for the General Motors investment to close.- Great business ideas often come from stepping outside your bubble, as Teague’s "aha moment" happened while traveling on a salt flat tour in Bolivia, not in a boardroom.- You do not need prior industry experience to start; Teague entered the lithium space with zero knowledge but bridged the gap through obsessive reading and research.- Networking is often a chain reaction where one contact leads to another, so you must be willing to send cold emails and attend conferences just to meet a single person.- Entrepreneurs must be agile enough to pivot their entire business model if the market resists, just as EnergyX switched from licensing technology to vertical integration when resource owners were too slow to adopt their tech.- The stress of entrepreneurship remains constant regardless of the dollar amount; whether the risk is $50,000 or $50 million, the only way to manage the anxiety is to focus on the daily work you can control.- Securing strategic partnerships with established giants like General Motors provides not only capital but also the institutional credibility needed to scale industrial technology.- Founders should set "unrealistic" and massive visions because bold goals are more effective at rallying employees and investors than modest, safe targets.- Timing can dictate your business model; if your technology is too early for the market to trust, you may have to build the infrastructure yourself to prove it works.- You must be the most confident person in the room regarding your execution, as investors and partners rely entirely on your belief to validate their own risk.Tags: Startup, Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, EnergyX, Teague Egan, Sustainable Energy, Business ScalingResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Teague: https://www.instagram.com/teagueegan/?hl=en

Richard Gould went from a high school dropout to the founder of a blue collar franchise with over 20 locations. After buying a business from his mentor and quadrupling sales, he took a massive risk: selling everything to move to a new state with no connections. There, he rebuilt his empire from scratch, proving his system works anywhere.In this episode, Richard breaks down exactly how to start a painting business with less than $1,000. He explains why simple marketing like door hangers and low-ticket offers like pressure washing are the best ways to secure high-paying jobs. Richard also reveals the critical financial metrics—specifically labor efficiency and material costs—that you must track to ensure a healthy 30% net profit margin.Join host Ryan Atkinson as he sits down with Richard to uncover the secrets of scaling a home service business from a side hustle to a national brand. They discuss strategies for generating Google reviews, transitioning from working in the business to on it, and why you should be a "tugboat" rather than a "showboat" when reinvesting profits. This interview provides the actionable blueprint you need to build wealth through service.Takeaways:- Discover the exact step-by-step process to launch a fully operational painting business with less than $1,000 in upfront capital.- Implement the "Trojan Horse" strategy of offering low-ticket pressure washing services to get your foot in the door and upsell homeowners on high-ticket exterior painting contracts.- Utilize specific door hanger marketing with a clear "20% off" call-to-action to secure your first customers without spending money on digital ads.- Learn how to acquire an established small business without a bank loan by negotiating seller financing with manageable monthly payments.- Track the "golden metric" of $2,500 in weekly revenue per employee to ensure your labor costs never eat into your company's bottom line.- Maintain a strict 10% cap on material costs relative to sales to guarantee a healthy 30% net profit margin on every project.- Master the persistence method for collecting 5-star Google Reviews immediately after job completion to dominate local search rankings.- Avoid the "Showboat Trap" of buying brand-new work vans too early and instead prioritize reinvesting profits into better equipment and skilled labor.- Simplify your sales offers to remove customer confusion, which increases your closing rate on residential bids significantly.- Transition from working "in" the business to working "on" the business by building systems that allow you to scale from a single crew to a national franchise.Tags: Home Services, Service & Consulting, Side Hustle, Low Cost Startup, Blue Collar, Business ScalingResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gould-b838b157/

Michael Sutton was a university student looking to pay tuition when he and a buddy spotted an overlooked problem: dirty grills. With zero experience and just pure hustle, they started knocking on doors. After landing five sales on their very first day, they hit a critical snag—they had no idea how to actually clean a grill. That first job was an "eight-hour disaster," forcing them to learn on the fly.Instead of quitting, Michael turned that grueling summer job into Grill Hero, a rapidly expanding franchise model for grill cleaning. He learned the hard way about the power of door-to-door sales and why employees are crucial for quality control over contractors. After a $10,000 university startup grant and a failed attempt at corporate expansion, Michael pivoted to the franchise model that became the key to his scaling.In this interview, Michael shares with Ryan Atkinson his playbook for turning a simple idea into a scalable home service business. He details the startup costs, his high-value pricing strategy (averaging $315/job), and how his franchisees are set up as managers from day one. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and building a real-world brand.Takeaways:- Sell your service before you have perfected it. Michael and his partner secured five sales on their first day of door-knocking before they even knew how to clean a grill.- Embrace early failures as a necessary learning curve. Their first cleaning was an "eight-hour disaster," but that failure was essential for iterating and developing a workable process.- Leverage your unique attributes. As 18-year-old entrepreneurs, they used their youth as a "superpower" to build rapport, gain trust, and get support from customers and mentors.- For a home service business, door-to-door sales are an invaluable way to get your first 100 customers, build personal relationships, and get direct feedback to refine your service.- The employee model is superior to the 1099 contractor model for a service business that depends on quality control, accountability, and building a strong brand culture.- When scaling, a franchise model can be far more effective than corporate expansion. It allows for deeper market penetration by leveraging a local owner's investment and focus.- Build your franchise model so that owners are "managers from day one." Their primary job should be sales, marketing, and operations, not doing the manual labor themselves.- A premium brand justifies premium pricing. By building a reputation as the most trusted name,- Grill Hero raised its prices from $60 to an average of over $315 by targeting high-end customers.- Look for simple, overlooked problems. Grill Hero found success by being a "first mover," offering a practical service that many people needed but no one else was offering.- Recognize your limitations and hire to fill the gaps. Michael's most significant recent growth came from hiring an experienced CEO, which allowed him to focus on his strengths.Tags: Home Services, Service & Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Side Hustle, Startup, Grill CleaningResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mikesutton7/

John Sampogna co-founded his digital agency, Wondersauce, at just 26, with the ambition to take on the giants of Madison Avenue. He spent five years grinding, building a stellar reputation, and scaling his team from two to 100 employees. But as the operational weight of payroll, HR, and collections threatened to pull him under, he made a decision that shocks most founders: he sold the company he bled for.For most founders, that’s the end of the story. For John, it was just the beginning. He stayed on to run Wondersauce, proving that selling your business doesn't mean selling your soul. Now, 15 years in and still at the helm post-acquisition, John is having his best year ever, redefining success by mastering the shift from entrepreneur to "intrapreneur."In this interview, John sits down with Ryan Atkinson to share his playbook for competing against giants, even when you're the underdog. He reveals his "ruthlessly raw" pitching strategy, the keys to scaling from 2 to 100 employees, and how to build systems and redundancy (SOPs) so you can stop being the bottleneck in your own company. John also gets transparent about the process of business acquisition, what buyers really look for, and how to structure a deal that lets you keep building. Whether you're a service business owner or a founder planning your exit strategy, this episode provides a masterclass in building a business based on reputation, discipline, and relentless growth.Takeaways:- A "ruthlessly raw" and direct pitching style, focused on ideas rather than a polished script, can be a refreshing way to win over clients who are tired of "buttoned-up" agency presentations.- The two biggest levers for scaling a service business from 2 to 100 employees are the quality of your work and the reputation it builds through word-of-mouth.- When planning an exit, you must build redundancy and systems (SOPs) so the business is not dependent on you. This makes it a much more attractive and stable asset for a buyer.- Founders who are "hands-on" in everything are often a bottleneck.1 You should hire people to fill your weaknesses (like project management) so you can focus on your strengths (like sales).- When clients repeatedly ask for a service you don't offer, see it as an opportunity. Be transparent, learn alongside them, and offer it at a discount to prove your capability.- Stop selling services (e.g., "email marketing") and start selling results (e.g., "client retention"). This communicates your true value and avoids commoditization.- Only start a business you are genuinely interested in. If you're not passionate, you'll be beaten by competitors who absorb industry knowledge organically simply because they love it.- Be a broken record with your marketing. No one listens or remembers after one time; you must relentlessly drill your unique message into people's heads.- The toughest, unseen part of being a CEO is the emotional tax of managing and protecting your team, all while having to find your own ways to cope and "keep it together."- There is power in being "blissfully naive." The lack of experience in the early days allows for purer and less conservative decision-making, which can be a powerful advantage.Tags: Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Business Acquisition, Systems and Procedures, Digital AgencyResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with John: https://www.instagram.com/wondersauce/?hl=en

Chase Gallagher wasn't playing video games at 12. He was knocking on doors to build his lawn care hustle. A year later, he sold his dirt bike for a trailer. That relentless drive paid off: his side hustle has exploded into CMG Landscaping, a $1.5 million-a-year operation, with total ventures approaching $2 million annually.In this interview, Chase details the playbook he used to scale his home service business. He breaks down his crucial pivot: shifting from low-margin lawn mowing to high-ticket, project-based landscaping, like drainage work and hardscaping. Chase reveals his customer acquisition strategies, dominating Google Business Profile and local Facebook groups to generate a steady stream of leads.Chase also shares the sales process and communication tactics he uses to close $15,000 average-ticket jobs, highlighting the consultative approach and using design work to sell six-figure projects. He explains why entrepreneurs must invest in marketing before buying equipment and discusses his plans for a coaching platform and private equity. This is the blueprint for scaling a home service company.Takeaways:- The most critical pivot for high-level growth was shifting from low-margin, high-volume lawn mowing to high-ticket, project-based landscaping services.- Drainage work is the most profitable service, followed by large planting projects, as they are high-margin and leverage equipment efficiently.- A massive competitive advantage in home services is simply being professional: answer the phone consistently, show up on time, and provide clear communication.- To win high-ticket sales, use a consultative approach. Arrive as the expert and tell the client what they need (e.g., "You have a drainage problem here"), rather than asking them what they want.- For six-figure projects, the key is to first sell a professional design service. Clients need to see a visual representation before they will commit to a large budget.- The primary marketing focus is dominating the Google Business Profile. Having the most five-star reviews (270+) in his local area is a key driver of leads.- Local Facebook groups are a powerful and low-cost tool for customer acquisition.1 He suggests joining all local groups and having a network ready to recommend your business on posts.- New entrepreneurs should invest in marketing (like a website and Google profile) before buying expensive equipment. Secure the customers and deposits first, then acquire the tools.- Making the strategic decision to switch to online high school at 16 was a key moment, allowing him to work full-time on the business and rapidly scale revenue.- He relies heavily on high-level, in-person mentors, including entrepreneurs running $35M and $400M companies, to guide his business strategy.Tags: Home Services, Retail Goods, Lawn Care, Startup, Google Business, Side hustle, High Ticket SalesResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Chase: https://www.instagram.com/chase_gallagher_/

Giuseppe Grammatico was living the life many dream of—a six-figure salary at JP Morgan. But with a five-hour daily commute and a baby on the way, he realized the "dream" was costing him the one thing that truly mattered: time with his family. He made the terrifying choice to quit his secure corporate job with no business idea, betting everything on a life of freedom. His search led him away from startups and into the world of franchising, where he discovered opportunities beyond just fast food.After building his own successful franchise for 13 years, Giuseppe achieved the time freedom he craved and now works as a franchise coach helping others do the same. In this episode, he sits down with Ryan Atkinson to share his playbook for achieving financial and time freedom. You'll learn how to identify recession-resistant businesses, spot the green flags of a healthy franchise model, and analyze key financial metrics before investing. He also breaks down why strong business systems and discovering your "why" are the ultimate keys to entrepreneurial success.Takeaways:- Your "why" is the most critical driver for entrepreneurship; leaving a six-figure job was about gaining time freedom to be present with family, not just about money.- Franchising extends far beyond fast food, with over 4,000 options in more than 70 industries, providing a viable path to business ownership without needing a unique startup idea.- Prioritize recession-resistant franchise models, such as water and smoke mitigation or essential B2B services, that remain in demand regardless of the economic climate.- A healthy franchise will vet you for a mutual fit rather than just giving you a sales pitch. They should have a clear vision for the future and be transparent about their systems.- Thoroughly vet a franchise through "validation" by speaking directly with existing franchisees. Ask them, "Knowing what you know today, would you do it all over again?"- When evaluating financials, look beyond profit margins and analyze the Average Unit Volume (AUV), as a high-volume business can be more profitable than a high-margin one.- A franchise's value lies in its proven, plug-and-play systems. The franchisor should be able to demonstrate their CRM, marketing, and lead generation processes.- The business is the vehicle to achieve your "why." Don't get stuck on finding a business you're "passionate" about; find one that enables the lifestyle you want.- Time freedom isn't immediate. The first year of a new business often requires more work, but it's a necessary sacrifice to build the systems that enable flexibility later on.- Avoid costly mistakes by tracking your marketing spend. Blindly investing without monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and return on investment is a recipe for failure.Tags:  Franchise, Entrepreneurship, Business Buying, Home Services, Passive Income, Recession-Proof BusinessResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Giuseppe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico

Andrew went from a $13/hour manual labor job to a six-figure sales role at his corporate job. But decided to quit after a feud with a manager who called him “replaceable”. He then took a massive risk, liquidating his 401(k) to buy into his friend's tree-cutting side hustle. That gamble paid off, scaling the home services business into a powerhouse now earning over $180,000 a month with a near-zero marketing budget.In this episode, Andrew joins Ryan Atkinson to share the playbook for his business growth. Learn his unconventional marketing strategies, like using Reddit for free lead generation, plus actionable sales tactics for customer acquisition and crafting an irresistible offer to scale your small business.Takeaways:- A negative corporate experience can be a powerful catalyst for entrepreneurship; being told he was "replaceable" pushed Andrew to leave his stable, six-figure job.- Investing in a friend's existing business can be a viable entry into entrepreneurship; Andrew liquidated his 401(k) to buy a partnership stake, viewing it as a more active investment in his future.- For new home service businesses, the first sales should come from your immediate network of friends and family before expanding outward.- Use every job as a marketing opportunity by approaching neighbors (a "Four Corners" strategy) to let them know you're in the area and ask existing clients for referrals.- Leverage online communities like Reddit by providing genuine expert advice, not just advertising. This builds authority and can lead to organic referrals and top search engine rankings for free.- A strong, simple offer like a "satisfaction guarantee" can be more powerful than complex discounts. It builds trust and ensures customer happiness, which fuels word-of-mouth growth.- Focus marketing efforts on platforms where potential customers are actively searching for a solution (e.g., Google Pay-Per-Click) rather than passively scrolling (e.g., Facebook ads).- Don't underestimate "outdated" sales tactics. When business is slow, personally calling a list of past clients is a highly effective way to generate immediate leads.- In a commoditized industry, differentiate your business with superior quality and expertise. Having a certified expert perform the work was a key selling point for Tree Amigos.- Maintain a lean marketing budget by focusing on high-ROI, organic strategies. Andrew's company spends almost nothing on ads, relying on word-of-mouth, referrals, and his Reddit strategy.Tags: Side Hustle, Service & Consulting, Home Services, Tree Cutting Business, Small BusinessResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-anstrom-50441294/

Dan Blaker was trapped in a sales job he despised while struggling to manage his mother's vacation rental with unreliable cleaners. Searching for an escape, he stumbled upon MaidThis, a cleaning franchise specializing in short-term rentals. With no entrepreneurial background, Dan took a huge risk, securing a personal loan with his mother's help to buy in and start his side hustle.The beginning was a grind of late-night training calls and weekend work. The real test came when he was unexpectedly fired from his sales job, losing his only safety net. This pivotal moment forced him to go all-in on his business, hitting the streets with scrappy marketing tactics to survive. That pressure paid off—today, Dan’s generates over $250,000 a year, and he now trains other entrepreneurs entering the system.In this interview, Dan joins Ryan Atkinson to share his incredible journey from frustrated employee to successful business owner. Tune in to learn about how to start side hustle apart from your day jobl, how he secured funding, and the resilient mindset required to build a profitable business from the ground up.Takeaways:- "Messy, imperfect action" will always beat cautious, slow, and manageable growth. Don't wait for the perfect plan; just get started.- Losing your financial safety net can be a powerful catalyst, forcing you to commit fully and get resourceful with your business.- When starting with limited funds, invest your time instead of your money. Scrappy, in-person marketing like networking and visiting potential clients can be highly effective.- The emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship are real. Learn to separate your feelings from the data-driven needs of the business to make logical decisions.- Focus on the lifetime value (LTV) of a customer. Offering flexibility or a discount upfront can secure a client worth thousands of dollars over the long term.- You don't need to reinvent the wheel. A franchise can provide the systems, playbook, and support network necessary to accelerate growth.- Starting a business often requires creative financing. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks, like securing a personal loan, if you believe in your model.- Resilience is a muscle built during the lowest points. Pushing through tough times equips you with the experience to know you can handle future challenges.- A franchise is not a passive investment. It requires just as much hard work, accountability, and late nights as starting a business from scratch.- Nobody knows exactly what they're doing when they start. The difference between a wannabe and an entrepreneur is the one who takes action despite the uncertainty.Tags: Side Hustle, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Cleaning Business, Small Business, Financial FreedomResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlblaker

Ty McBride comes from a long line of builders, but his grandfather urged him to forge his own path. Ty initially chased success by landing massive historic preservation contracts, only to find himself running a high-stress, low-profit “train wreck.” A sudden pivot during the pandemic pushed him back to his local community, where listening to his neighbors revealed a massive, unsolved problem: wood rot. This discovery led him to build a new business around a specialized epoxy repair service, turning a simple idea into a highly profitable and scalable national franchise.In this interview with Ryan Atkinson, Ty shares the business strategy that turned his company around. He explains how to dominate a niche business with a "mile deep, inch wide" approach, why true success lies in profitability, not just revenue, and how the "just ship it" mindset is crucial for starting a business. Don't miss these hard-won lessons on building a resilient home services company from the ground up.Takeaways:- Focus on Profit, Not Just Revenue: Build a sustainable business by prioritizing profitability from day one. As Ty states, "Revenue is for vanity, profit's for sanity."- Go a "Mile Deep and an Inch Wide": Dominate your market by becoming a specialist in a specific niche. This focus allows you to build better systems, charge premium prices, and become the go-to expert.- Adopt the "Just Ship It" Mentality: Overcome the fear of starting by taking action before you feel 100% ready. Securing the work first and then figuring out the perfect solution is a powerful way to launch your business.- Listen for Your Biggest Opportunities: Your customers' small, recurring problems can reveal massive gaps in the market. By listening carefully, you can identify a high-demand service that competitors have overlooked.- Big Contracts Can Be a Trap: Chasing the largest jobs isn't always the best business strategy. A model built on smaller, more profitable, and repeatable services can lead to greater financial stability and less stress.- Systematize One Thing Before You Diversify: Master and create efficient systems for your core service before you even consider adding another. Ensure your business can run smoothly without you before expanding your offerings.- Solve the Root Problem, Not the Symptom: A true expert digs deeper than a customer's initial request. By identifying the real underlying issue, you provide more value and build stronger trust.- Use Low-Cost Marketing to Start Lean: You can launch a successful home service business with a small budget. Targeted, "boots-on-the-ground" tactics like designing door hangers and canvassing ideal neighborhoods are highly effective for customer acquisition.- Embrace the Pivot: Be prepared to change your business model. Ty’s most successful venture came after a forced pivot, proving that adaptability is essential for long-term success.- Build Your Own Legacy: Even if an opportunity in a family business exists, the greatest growth and fulfillment often come from accepting the challenge to build something entirely your own.Tags: Home Services, Entrepreneurship, Niche Business, Epoxy Floor, Profitability, RemodellingResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Ty: https://www.instagram.com/tymcbrideok/?hl=en

Aubrey Janik was stuck with a Jeep she didn’t like. When a friend mentioned renting his car on Turo, she listed it that same night. That impulse decision grew into a massive car-sharing business with a 34-vehicle, self-funded fleet that now generates up to $40,000 a month in revenue.What started as a side hustle became a lesson in smart asset acquisition. Aubrey mastered sourcing cars from Facebook Marketplace with a simple but brilliant strategy: buying reliable, depreciated vehicles below market value. This approach minimized risk and maximized profit on each rental, allowing her to rapidly expand her portfolio from one car to dozens.In this interview, Aubrey joins Ryan Atkinson to break down her entire business model. She reveals her checklist for buying profitable used cars, the specific models that generate the highest returns, and her system for managing a large fleet. This episode provides a clear roadmap to generating serious passive income through car sharing.Takeaways:- Act quickly to avoid "analysis paralysis." The guest listed her first car the same night she heard the idea, emphasizing that taking immediate action is crucial.- The most important strategy is to buy cars below market value that have already hit their depreciation floor. This minimizes financial risk and can even lead to a profit if the car is totaled.- You can source an entire fleet of vehicles from Facebook Marketplace. This allows you to find deals and scale without relying on traditional dealerships.- Don't rent out a personal vehicle you're emotionally attached to. Treat the cars purely as business assets and be prepared for wear, tear, and damage.- Reliable, low-maintenance brands like Toyota and specific Hyundai models offer the best value. Certain Hyundais, like the Elantra GT, have a lifetime engine warranty, making them a particularly smart buy.- A single car can generate significant revenue, with good cash cars earning $900-$1300 a month and higher-end models earning up to $2,100 a month.- The business is highly scalable. The guest grew her fleet from one car to 34, turning a side hustle into a full-time business generating up to $40,000 a month.- The barrier to entry is low. The guest's second car was purchased for under $3,000 in cash, funded by profits from the first car and personal savings.- Strictly follow the platform's Terms of Service. This is your primary protection against liability and financial loss in case of an accident.- Total losses are a predictable part of the business. By purchasing cars correctly (below market value), you can be financially covered or even profit from an insurance payoutTags:  Side Hustle, Entrepreneurship, Passive Income, Flipping Cars, Car Sharing, Turo, Facebook MarketplaceResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcastConnect with Aubrey:  https://www.youtube.com/c/AubreyJanik

Imagine going from working warehouse shifts to keep your family afloat to owning a portfolio of over 140 rental units and multiple laundromats. That’s Brandon Schlichter's real-life story, and it’s one you have to hear. He found a secret most online gurus miss: while everyone’s chasing the same digital dreams, real wealth is hiding in 'boring businesses' with way less competition.In this chat with our host Ryan Atkinson, Brandon gets super specific on how he built his empire. He walks us through his playbook for buying a business, using creative finance, and setting up brilliant business scaling systems so he only works a few hours a week. If you're looking for a realistic path to passive income, finding business ideas, and achieving genuine financial freedom, this episode is a total game-changer. It’s your sign to stop scrolling and start building something real.Takeaways:- True wealth is often built in "boring businesses" like laundromats and car washes, which are overlooked because they seem like hard work. - The primary advantage of boring businesses is low competition; it's better to compete with five local owners than one billion people online. - A single, well-placed laundromat can generate significant income, potentially over $175,000 in net profit per year.- These businesses are not passive initially. They require significant front-loaded work to establish robust systems and processes before they can run with minimal effort.- To vet a laundromat location, look for a geographic area with around 7,500 people and a renter population of at least 35%, as customers rarely travel more than a mile.- Calculate the long-term value of your time. A task that seems menial is worth it if the business's 10-year opportunity averages out to $1,500+ per hour.- Many aging small business owners haven't updated their processes in decades, creating a massive opportunity for new buyers to modernize and drastically increase profits.- To learn an industry with no experience, offer to work for free at a local business. Most owners will gladly accept free, competent help in exchange for teaching you the ropes.- The single most important skill for scaling any business is learning how to effectively manage other people.- For a business, you can start this weekend for under $500, considering small engine repair. There is a huge demand, and many repairs are simple carburetor cleanings that you can charge $100+ for.Tags: Passive Income, Entrepreneurship, Business Buying, Investmentjoy, Car Wash, Vending Machine, Business Scaling, Boring BusinessesResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/investmentjoy/

Eric Barstow graduated with an economics degree, seemingly destined for Wall Street. Instead, he stuck with the painting business he started in college—a side hustle that was already generating $110,000 a year while he worked only five to ten hours a week. Realizing the massive opportunity and low competition in the home service space, Eric leaned in. Today, he is the co-founder of National Painting Group, projecting $35 million this year, and runs Painting Business Pro. And guess what? He barely knows how to paint.Eric’s entire model proves entrepreneurs don't need trade skills to build a multi-million dollar service business; they need systems. His strategy relies entirely on leveraging subcontractors—a method that fixes profit margins, eliminates liability, and perfectly manages seasonal slowdowns. He reveals his exact tactics for finding reliable subs (including his specific Craigslist and paint store strategies) and shares the "Phase Zero" marketing hustle needed to land your first customers, including his scripts for door-to-door marketing.He details his proven sales process, including how to use price anchoring and specific incentives to close deals on the spot, and breaks down the financial model required to maintain a 20% net profit margin. If you want to build a highly profitable business without ever picking up the tools, this episode is essential listening.Takeaways:- You do not need to be skilled in the trade to build a successful trade business; Eric is an awful painter, but he excels at building marketing, sales, and management systems. - Leveraging subcontractors instead of employees is the most efficient way to scale a service business, as it fixes your margins (fixed price per job), reduces liability, and allows you to scale up or down instantly with seasonal demand.- Find reliable subcontractors by posting ads twice daily in both the "general labor" and "skilled trades" sections of Craigslist, or by approaching painters in unmarked vans at local paint stores.- In "Phase Zero" (getting from $0 to stability), focus only on marketing that generates leads quickly, such as door-to-door sales and lawn signs. Avoid long-term plays like SEO or vehicle wraps.- A highly effective lawn sign strategy is placing them near high-traffic retail areas (like Costco or Whole Foods) on a Friday afternoon, as city workers are unlikely to remove them over the weekend.- Use "price anchoring" in your sales process. Before showing the contract, verbally tell the customer the typical price range for a job their size (e.g., "A house like this is usually about $6,000") to reset their expectations.- Create urgency and close deals on the spot by offering incentives that also benefit your business, such as a small dollar amount discount (never a percentage) if they sign that day or agree to take an urgent open spot on your schedule.- You should aim for a 20% net profit margin. A healthy budget allocates 50% to labor/materials, under 10% to marketing, 6-7% to sales, 6-7% to project management, and 7-8% to overhead.- The market size is irrelevant; success depends on implementation. Eric has clients doing millions in revenue in towns with populations as small as 27,000. - Build the business around your desired lifestyle from day one. By setting firm constraints (like working only 30 hours a week or never on weekends), you force yourself to build efficient systems rather than just working more hours.Tags:  Business Skills, Service & Consulting, Subcontracting, Marketing, Home ServiceResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcastConnect with Eric: https://paintingbusinesspro.com/

Alex Smereczniak's entrepreneurial journey began in college, where he scaled a simple laundry service into a $300,000 a year business with a single, brilliant marketing hack. That early success was so powerful that he walked away from a prestigious corporate job after just 18 months, convinced the 9-to-5 was a broken system. His next venture led him into the world of franchising, where he uncovered its dark side: an industry filled with biased brokers and misaligned incentives. To fix this, he built Franzy, a revolutionary AI-powered marketplace known as the "Zillow for franchises," designed to bring transparency and data-driven matching to aspiring entrepreneurs.In this episode, Alex demystifies the path to successful business ownership and breaks down who franchising is truly for—from the corporate warrior seeking an exit to the investor looking for a profitable side hustle. He provides a clear roadmap for starting a business, detailing how to secure financing through options like SBA loans and identify the business ideas that genuinely align with your lifestyle goals, and explains the myth of passive income. Tune in to learn how to avoid costly industry traps and leverage a proven playbook to find the franchise that will build your future.Takeaways:- A single clever marketing angle is more powerful than a large budget; Alex turned a $30k business into $300k with one strategic move at student orientation.- Don't wait for the "perfect time" to start your business, as it will never come; the best time to take the entrepreneurial leap is always today- Franchising can nearly double your chances of success, with 85% of franchises surviving past five years thanks to a proven playbook and support system.- Define your personal "why" before buying a business; true wealth is aligning your work with goals like lifestyle and happiness, not just chasing the highest profit.- Be skeptical of franchise brokers, as their large commissions from specific brands can create biased recommendations that benefit them more than you.- Business ownership is more accessible than you think with financing options like SBA loans and using your retirement funds tax-free via a ROBS rollover.- AI platforms are disrupting the old franchise model by providing unbiased, data-driven recommendations, removing the need for biased brokers.- The idea of passive income from a new franchise is a myth; success requires consistent, hands-on effort, especially in the beginning.- A corporate job can be the perfect catalyst for entrepreneurship by revealing the flawed systems you want to escape and build something better for yourself.- Accelerate your success by surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who are already further along on the entrepreneurial journey you wish to take.Tags: SaaS, Entrepreneurship, AI, Passive Income, FranchisingResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/4oZ9D1w Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-smereczniak-%F0%9F%A6%81-40310329/

Joseph Lambert was just 17 when a single four-hour junk removal job netted him $1,600 in cash. While his friends were focused on college applications, Joseph saw a different path—a simpler, more scalable business model that others overlooked. That one job was the spark that ignited a multi-million dollar enterprise, growing into a $1 million-a-month operation before he was old enough to legally drink.In this episode, Joseph sits down with Ryan Atkinson to pull back the curtain on his rapid success. He reveals the exact marketing strategies and sales tactics he used to get his first customers and generate thousands of five-star reviews. You'll learn his non-negotiable hiring rules for building a trustworthy team, the secrets to creating an unforgettable customer experience that fuels repeat business, and the critical financial lesson he learned about the difference between revenue for vanity and profit for sanity.If you're looking to start a home service business or scale your current operation, this interview is a masterclass in smart business growth. Joseph provides a practical blueprint on P&L management, leadership, and turning a simple, "unsexy" idea into a highly profitable empire. Tune in to discover the actionable advice you need to build your own successful business from the ground up!Takeaways:- The most important part of any service job is creating an exceptional customer experience that turns one client into five referrals through word-of-mouth.- Make getting customer reviews a non-negotiable process by incentivizing your team with bonuses and monthly competitions; this is crucial for building social proof and trust.- When starting out, build your marketing funnel from the bottom up, focusing first on high-intent channels like Google Ads before scaling to broader branding efforts.- Your hiring standard should be simple: never hire someone you wouldn't feel comfortable sending to your mother's house. It's better to be understaffed than to compromise on quality.- Prioritize profitability over revenue. "Top line is for vanity, bottom line is for sanity." Master your P&L management to ensure smart, sustainable growth.- Track the KPIs you can control on a daily basis, such as labor and fuel costs. Give your team access to simplified financial reports to get their buy-in on hitting profit targets.- For early business growth, leverage free marketing tactics relentlessly. Use your personal network, knock on doors, and be creative to acquire your first customers without a large budget.- Find a mentor who is at least 20 years older than you. Their wisdom and experience are invaluable for avoiding common entrepreneurial mistakes.- In the first few years of your business, pay yourself as little as possible and reinvest heavily—as much as 20-30% of revenue—back into marketing to accelerate growth.- True fulfillment in entrepreneurship comes from a "bigger why" than just money, such as investing in your team and caring for customers. The dollars will follow if you do those things well.Tags: Business Growth, Service & Consulting, Business Scaling, Hiring, Google Ads Resources:Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/45JBr1e Connect with Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcohenlambert/

Kason Knight was a successful mechanical engineer in the oil and gas industry when a sharp downturn hit. His job vanished overnight, leaving him with a newborn daughter and a mortgage to pay. Instead of returning to the corporate world, Kason doubled down on a side hustle he'd started with a single 3D printer in the corner of his kid's playroom.That small bet turned into ISOLIDS, a massive 3D printing company that now operates 160 printers out of a nearly 9,000-square-foot facility. Serving high-stakes industries like aerospace, agriculture, and medical, Kason's business now generates over $500,000 a month. He transformed a self-funding hobby into a manufacturing powerhouse by focusing on strategic growth and building key relationships.In this interview, Kason sits down with Ryan Atkinson to break down his incredible journey from layoff to CEO. He shares the blueprint for scaling a manufacturing business, the best way to manage your product development, the strategies he used to land major B2B clients by punching above his weight class, and why constant, strategic evolution is the key to sustainable business growth. If you're looking to turn your side hustle into your main gig , Kason’s entrepreneurship journey is definitely worth looking into.Takeaways:- Preparation Creates Luck: Having a side hustle for two years before being laid off provided a foundation to go full-time, proving that consistent hard work puts you in a position to capitalize on opportunities.- Start as a "Self-Funding Hobby": Beginning with the simple goal of making a hobby pay for itself removes the initial pressure of profitability and allows a business to develop organically.- Set a Hard Deadline: When going full-time, give yourself a clear timeline to become profitable. Kason gave himself two years, creating a benchmark for success or failure.- Scaling Requires Strategic Pivots: The tactics that get you to your first major milestone won't get you to the next. You must be willing to pivot your strategy and invest in better tools—like upgrading from "shovels to an excavator"—to reach new levels of growth.- Win Big Clients by Focusing Small: To land large B2B clients, focus on building a strong relationship with a single engineer or decision-maker within the company. Solve their specific problem, and they will become your internal champion.- Embrace Constant Evolution: Entrepreneurship is a never-ending cycle of improvement. Be prepared for your processes to constantly change, as what works at one stage of business will not work at the next.- Practice Mindful and Sustainable Growth: Rapid, uncontrolled growth can be dangerous. Aim for consistent, strategic growth where you can implement changes, evaluate the data, and confirm they had the desired impact before moving on.- Your Definition of Success Will Change: The "dream" you have on day one will evolve. Acknowledge when you achieve your original goals, even as you set new, more ambitious ones.- Know and Leverage Your Niche: Combine your unique background with your business idea. Kason's expertise as a mechanical engineer gave him a competitive edge in the technical 3D printing space.- Support Your Gut with Data: Confidence to take risks comes from understanding your business metrics. Kason's decision to scale was backed by the predictable data that every new printer added a specific amount of revenue capacity.Tags:  Side Hustle, Entrepreneurship, 3D Printing, Product Development, Business Growth Resources:Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/4mR2COI Connect with Kason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kason-knight 

Dan Nikas went from chasing criminals as a police detective to building a multi-million dollar e-commerce brand. After a sudden medical retirement at 36 upended his life, he was left with a family to support and no backup plan. With zero experience, he pivoted to e-commerce and scaled his clothing brand to over $4 million in revenue in just one year, proving that a relentless work ethic can overcome any lack of experience.In this episode, Dan gives host Ryan Atkinson a masterclass in his digital marketing playbook. He breaks down his exact three-stage Facebook ads funnel for lead generation, his method for creating organic content that works, and the key metrics every founder should track. If you want a no-fluff guide to building and scaling an online business, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies you can use today. Takeaways:- Skills from seemingly unrelated careers are highly transferable; a detective's ability to find people who don't want to be found is directly applicable to finding customers in digital marketing.- Successful advertising requires a three-stage funnel approach (Top, Middle, Bottom). Don't immediately ask for the sale; nurture the customer first by building awareness and trust.- At the top of the funnel, the goal is to create broad awareness cheaply and allow potential customers to "self-filter" by engaging with your content, rather than trying to sell to everyone.- Use the middle of your funnel to proactively answer common customer questions and overcome objections. Create content around your warranties, manufacturing process, brand story, and social proof.- Your organic social media posts are the perfect testing ground for paid ads. If a post performs well organically, the algorithm has already validated it, indicating it will likely perform well with ad spend behind it.- Marketing Efficiency Ratio (MER) is a more crucial metric than platform-specific return on ad spend (ROAS). Track your total marketing spend across all channels against your total gross revenue for a true measure of performance.- Before you run ads, you must calculate your breakeven Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). Knowing the maximum you can spend to acquire a customer without losing money is essential for profitability.- The key to a successful organic content strategy is consistency over virality. The algorithm rewards a consistent posting schedule, which builds reach and engagement over time.- You don't need to create brand new content every single day. Repurpose your best-performing posts from a few months ago by changing the thumbnail, copy, or format.- When starting out, a great product is more important than great marketing. A bad product will eventually be found out, no matter how clever the marketing is.-The core of marketing is persuasion. If you can convince someone to do something when there is no benefit for them, it's far easier to convince them when they get a great product or service in return.- Don't get emotionally attached to your ad creatives. Let the data and results tell you what's working and be ready to turn off a campaign that is failing, even if you love the creative.Tags:  Digital Marketing, Tech Ventures, Facebook Advertising, Lead Generation, Ecommerce Resources:Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/3H40FiI Connect with Dan: https://www.instagram.com/elite_brands_with_dan_nikas/

This isn't a story about shortcuts. Brian’s big break didn’t come from an investor pitch; it was earned through years of hard work in a coffee shop. When his boss and future partner faced a crisis, Brian’s loyalty and commitment proved more valuable than any business plan. He was offered a co-founder position not because of what he had or because of his entrepreneurship experience, but because of who he is - someone with high integrity and capable of bringing out the best in others when it matters most.That same principle is now the backbone of his restaurant, Bird Bird Biscuits, and its incredible company culture. In this episode, Ryan Atkinson and Brian dive deep into what it takes to build a team that genuinely cares. Brian shares his business leadership philosophy of "tending the garden"—nurturing his people while actively pruning bad habits—and gives a masterclass on creating a positive work environment that reduces turnover and drives success. Tune in for an honest conversation about servant leadership and how to build a business where your team is proud to show up.Takeaways:- Enter markets that are not saturated. Finding an underserved niche, like biscuit sandwiches in a taco-dominated city, provides a significant competitive advantage.- Live or die by focus and simplicity." Instead of offering a wide range of products, concentrate on perfecting one thing to build a strong reputation.- The most powerful marketing is a product and experience so good that customers become your biggest advocates through word-of-mouth.- Company culture starts at the top. Leaders must personally live the values they preach, as their actions set the true standard for the entire team.- View your culture as a garden that needs constant attention. You must actively nurture the good elements and "prune" the negative influences to keep it healthy.- Establish core values that are action-oriented (e.g., "Blow people's minds") rather than passive, single words, as this makes them more practical to implement daily.- The first and most important step in becoming a better leader is to work on yourself. Tend to your own "garden" of personal faults and opportunities for growth.- Trust is forged in adversity. Proving your loyalty and reliability during a crisis can build the foundation for a strong and lasting business partnership.- Don't rely on your own opinions. Create a system to test everything—from products to processes—and let customer feedback and data guide your decisions.- Be prepared to pivot. The forced change to a service-window model during COVID unexpectedly maximized their kitchen's potential and boosted revenue.- Integrity can be more valuable than capital. You can earn opportunities, like a business partnership with no buy-in, through demonstrated hard work and character.- Approach leadership with the philosophy that "we're all just walking each other home." Seeing your team and customers as fellow travelers on a shared journey fosters empathy and unity.Tags:  Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, Company Culture, Data Driven Resources:Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/46F5nxJ Connect with Brian: https://www.instagram.com/birdbirdbiscuit/?hl=en

Frank built a viral food business by brilliantly combining two existing ideas: classic macaroni and cheese and the hyper-efficient, customizable Chipotle ordering model. This single strategy became the cornerstone of his success in the crowded restaurant industry.In this episode, Frank joins host Ryan Atkinson to share his complete playbook for modern entrepreneurship. He breaks down why speed is your greatest asset and reveals his simple formula for turning viral ideas into massive business growth using smart social media and a unique digital marketing strategy.This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone looking to launch a unique business idea, scale their current venture, and build a brand in this hyper-competitive market.Takeaways:- Prioritize speed and rapid execution once you have a solid business idea.- Create a unique market position by combining two existing, successful concepts.- For viral marketing, initially focus on content quantity over production quality.- Design your marketing efforts around a repeatable content formula for brand consistency.- Pay close attention to your metrics to understand what content resonates with your audience.- Adopt a proven, scalable business model to support efficiency and growth.- Find success by dominating a specific niche before attempting to broaden your scope.- Tap into an existing market by putting a modern spin on a classic, beloved product.- Build your business systems around customer choice and customization.- Leverage social media not just for marketing, but for building a community around your brand.Tags: Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Viral Ideas, Instagram Marketing, Social Media Resources:Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/45o4Sqz Connect with Frank: https://www.instagram.com/ronismacbar/?hl=en