Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ellie Daw (https://x.com/Ellieintech), a multiple-time founder who's built over 40 zero to one product builds!In this episode, we tackle the tech questions that keep business owners up at night. We demystify AI integration, clarify the roles of IT, CIO, and CTO, and discuss how to navigate dev shops without being taken advantage of.Ellie also introduces her new company, Yalla, designed to make your technical infrastructure visible and manage technical debt. If you're a founder or business owner with limited tech experience, this conversation is for you.Questions This Episode Answers:• What's the difference between IT, a CIO, and a CTO?• How can business owners avoid being taken advantage of by dev shops?• What does it mean for a business to be "tech-enabled"?• What is a "tech stack" and how can I track it?• What is "technical debt" and why is it a problem for my business?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Chris Koerner for another episode of Holdco Bros! In this episode, we brainstorm a fresh batch of business ideas, starting with a brand-new concept Chris launched minutes before recording: a "give-to-get" platform for discovering AI use cases.We debate the power of personality quizzes to revolutionize hiring and culture fit, and I share a game-changing prompt engineering hack that involves asking LLMs to reverse-engineer their own prompts.We also explore Manus, a tool that can generate full pitch decks in minutes, and discuss how to use Perplexity Labs to create high-value lead magnets from market data. Chris breaks down his real-time experiment validating a secret Pickleball Club using Facebook Ads and Typeform to measure high intent, and we wrap up with a look at the unsexy but profitable world of bathtub refinishing.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can AI help you create professional pitch decks in under 15 minutes?2. What is the "reverse engineering" trick for writing better AI prompts?3. How can you use personality quizzes to improve hiring and employee retention?4. What is the most effective way to validate a local business idea using Facebook Ads?5. How can industry reports generated by AI serve as powerful lead magnets for B2B sales?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 - Underrated AI business idea00:35 - “HowAreYouUsingAI.com” explained05:22 - AI quiz to match tools with your business10:16 - Personality-based hiring with AI17:00 - Manus AI creates pitch decks automatically24:35 -Genius AI prompt engineering method29:25 - What Perplexity Labs can actually do34:15 - $2K AI reports used as lead magnets

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jon Matzner (https://x.com/MatznerJon). In this episode, we dive into the "Matzner Mind" and Jon’s unique approach to satirizing business influencers and gurus without being malicious. We discuss why building a massive following is often a trap, and why niche communities defined by influence and affluence are far more valuable than broad attention.The conversation heats up when we get into a serious debate about the SBA (Small Business Administration). Jon challenges me on whether SBA loans are just a "subsidy for boomers" and an inappropriate use of government force, while I argue they are a vital tool for economic mobility for entrepreneurs like myself. We wrap up by discussing why you should document your journey as a "fellow traveler" rather than trying to be an expert while building your business.Questions This Episode Answers:Why is having influence and affluence in a niche audience more valuable than millions of views?Is the SBA a necessary tool for entrepreneurs or an unethical use of taxpayer dollars?How can you critique business gurus and influencers effectively without being a "hater"?Why is distribution considered the only defensible moat in the age of AI?Why should founders create content about their struggles instead of just sharing "how-to" advice?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Importance of Pointy Opinions03:04 Influencers and Satire in Business06:02 Building a Brand Through Authenticity09:00 The Value of Distribution and Attention11:49 Influence and Affluence in Community Building14:46 The Role of Authority in Marketing18:11 The Podcast as an Intimate Medium21:03 Debating the SBA Loan Program24:29 Understanding the SBA: A Boomer Subsidy or Entrepreneurial Support?26:21 The Role of the SBA in Economic Mobility28:47 National Defense and Economic Supremacy: A Dual Perspective30:45 The Impact of Government on Monopolies and Economic Mobility32:34 Causation vs. Correlation in Economic Growth34:56 Healthcare Costs and Government Intervention36:49 The SBA's Structure and Its Implications39:14 The Debate on Government Involvement in Business Loans42:35 Prioritizing Government Reforms: Where Should Focus Lie?46:30 The Importance of Personal Journey in Entrepreneurship

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), for another episode of HCB with Chris Koerner! In this episode, we dive deep into the latest AI tools, debating whether the $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan is actually worth it compared to Perplexity's Deep Research features.We discuss why Chris prefers Perplexity over Operator for research tasks and share our specific prompting frameworks for getting the best results. We also brainstorm unique business ideas, including a breakdown of the banana ketchup market in the Philippines and how to validate niche trends using Google Trends data.Later, we get real about the state of AI agents versus Robotic Process Automation (RPA), pitch a mobile side hustle inspired by Activate Games, and share the wild story of Ethan Cohen pivoting from a sports book to retrofitting vending machines with credit card readers.Questions This Episode Answers:1. Is the $200 ChatGPT Pro plan better for deep research than Perplexity?2. How can you use AI and Google Trends to identify international product opportunities like banana ketchup?3. What is the difference between true AI agents and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?4. How can you turn a high-cost retail concept like Activate Games into a low-cost mobile side hustle?5. Can you build a profitable business by retrofitting old vending machines with modern technology?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Rise of AI and Deep Research05:51 Custom GPTs and Their Applications12:05 Exploring Business Ideas Through AI18:06 The Future of Agents and Automation23:54 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Corey about his journey building a SaaS application, PetDocument, entirely with AI without any prior coding experience.We dive into how he leveraged AI tools like Lovable AI to turn a "fairy tale business idea" into a live, functional platform at petdocument.com, solving a real-world problem for pet owners.Learn about his experience using natural language prompting instead of traditional coding and how he navigated the process from idea to launch in a matter of months.Questions This Episode Answers:• What's your business and how are you using AI?• What is your professional background?• Did you have any prior coding experience?• How did you actually build this SaaS platform?• How long did the entire building process take?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Harnessing AI for SaaS Development02:57 Identifying Real-World Problems06:13 Building a Pet Documentation Platform09:07 The Development Process and Tools Used12:02 Leveraging AI for Coding Assistance15:11 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Liana Fricker (https://x.comlianafricker). Liana is an incredible entrepreneur who has operated at the fascinating intersection of SMBs and venture capital in the UK and wider Europe.She's helped over a hundred companies through her accelerator, becoming a key resource for founders. Our conversation explores her core belief: that where you end doesn't have to be where you start. We dive deep into how a doll idea transformed into Uplift 360, a venture-backed material circularity company for the defense industry.Liana shares her unique approach to identifying promising ideas using thematic intelligence and the PESTLE analysis framework, revealing how she spots future trends like the push towards "going analog" amidst digital overwhelm from things like ChatGPT.We also discuss the essential traits of successful founders, including openness, curiosity, humility, being of service, and the willingness to collaborate, and even the surprising power of having a "grudge". Finally, Liana unpacks the "tragedy of the purpose-powered founder" and the importance of embracing both ambition and profit.Questions This Episode Answers:• How do you know which startup ideas are truly worth pursuing?• What are the top traits that define successful founders?• How can entrepreneurs effectively spot and interpret emerging trends?• What does it mean to balance purpose with profit as a founder?• How did an accelerator grow from a community for skill-swapping?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Purpose-Powered Founder01:28 Entrepreneurial Journeys and Transformations07:04 Building Community and Accelerators09:49 Evaluating Ideas in Entrepreneurship22:23 Traits of Successful Founders30:00 The Balance of Altruism and Profit

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Sam (https://x.com/@thesamparr). In this episode, we dive into Sam's distinctive approach to building and running businesses. He shares how his desire for financial security led him to sell The Hustle and why he believes in laser focus on a single venture like Hampton, despite being constantly bombarded with new ideas. We explore his insatiable curiosity for information and his unique methods for manifesting success, from his analog journaling to actively seeking out "weirdos" to identify the next big trend. Discover what sets Sam apart, why he finds stubbornness and disagreeableness to be common traits among the ultra-successful, and how he views the traits that truly define successful people.Questions This Episode Answers:• How does Sam maintain focus on one business despite being exposed to countless opportunities?• What are Sam's personal strategies for integrating new information and generating insights?• How does Sam identify potential future trends by seeking out "odd" or "strange" people?• What surprising commonalities has Sam observed among highly successful individuals he's interviewed?• What seemingly small "indulgence" does Sam recommend for entrepreneurs seeking a better quality of life?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 From Hot Dogs to Millions: The Journey Begins02:48 Building a Lasting Legacy: The Family Business06:07 The Dilemma of Focus: One Business or Many?08:55 The Fear of Selling: Regrets and Reflections11:46 The Quest for Financial Security: Balancing Risk and Reward15:02 The Blueprint for Success: Learning from the Greats17:56 The Art of Reflection: Integrating Knowledge into Action20:48 Connecting with People: The Power of Relatability24:01 The Value of Diverse Experiences: A Unique Perspective28:25 The Importance of Health and Family Connections29:57 Redefining Wealth Beyond Money31:24 Embracing Life's Richness and Indulgences33:47 The Journey to Financial Comfort34:16 Superpowers: Tenacity and Curiosity36:03 The Airbnb Experience and Lessons Learned39:51 Building Networks and Community43:02 Curiosity as a Connector44:29 Identifying Trends and the Value of Oddities55:54 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Billy Howell (https://x.com/billyjhowell)! I'm so stoked to have Billy Howell back on the show! Billy is a prolific entrepreneur who has built over 60 apps with AI despite having no traditional tech background. His agency, Stupid Simple Apps, helps other entrepreneurs build their own custom AI apps.This episode, I challenged Billy to teach me how to build a chatbot specifically for my podcast, so I can easily query my extensive archive of 200 transcripts. We also dive into practical small business use cases for chatbots, from HR and onboarding to sales processes and internal SOPs.You'll hear us discuss the challenges of managing large data sets and context windows, exploring solutions like OpenAI's embeddings (also known as RAG) and document summarization. I even share a Google Apps Script I built to summarize my transcripts into a spreadsheet database, which we then use as the foundation for our chatbot.Enjoy the conversation!Questions This Episode Answers:• How can a small business use AI chatbots for internal processes?• What's a cost-effective way to build a custom AI chatbot?• How do you handle large data sets, like 200 podcast transcripts, for an AI chatbot's context?• What's a PRD and how does AI use it to build an app in minutes?• How can you manage AI API costs and avoid unexpected token spikes?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Building Apps with AI: A New Era03:01 Chatbots: Revolutionizing Business Communication05:50 Optimizing Context for AI Chatbots09:11 Creating a Podcast Database for AI Interaction12:09 Developing a Web App: Step by Step15:03 Debugging and Enhancing the App Experience17:52 Exploring AI's Role in Everyday Tasks20:50 Managing Costs in AI Development24:10 Finalizing the Podcast Q&A App26:54 The Future of AI in Gaming and Learning

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and my business partner Chris Koerner (https://x.com/mhp_guy).In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of Summer Sales and the unbelievable Economics of the Pest Control industry. We break down how unsexy services achieve 40% Net Margins and why Large Companies are willing to pay Mercenary Sales Crews more than a year's worth of Revenue just to acquire Sticky Contracts.From a genius Middleman play involving Specialty Licenses to the Vitamin vs. Painkiller framework for choosing a Business Model, we explore how to spot Arbitrage in everyday Convenience Businesses like Christmas Lighting. We even debate the "school of hard knocks" versus buying a Course to skip the line and avoid "straight to jail" Regulatory Mistakes.Questions This Episode Answers:1. Why is Pest Control considered one of the most profitable "scams" in Business?2. How can you leverage Specialty Licenses to create a passive Brokerage or Marketplace?3. Why are Hired Gun sales teams paid 1.3x First-Year Sales to walk away from deals?4. How did a Christmas Lighting startup turn into an Eight-Figure Business in just a few months?5. Is it better to pay for a Course or learn through expensive, real-world Operational Mistakes?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes03:36 The Economics of Pest Control06:45 Insights on Sales Ethics and Practices12:12 Personal Experiences in Pest Control15:50 Questioning the Effectiveness of Pest Control17:15 Revelation: Pest Control is a Scam18:08 The Convenience Business Model19:22 Success Story: Christmas Lighting Business24:46 Entrepreneurial Spectrum: Different Approaches27:02 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Knowledge

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick Gray (https://x.com/nickgraynews), a serial entrepreneur known for building and selling multi-million dollar businesses like Museum Hack and author of The Two-Hour Cocktail Party. Nick shares his unique insights on entrepreneur networking and how to host networking events, even for introverts. We dive into business networking tips and the importance of creating a strong personal online presence with a dedicated website, and how AI tools can help you tell your story. Discover how Nick continuously increases his luck surface area, how to meet other entrepreneurs, and why focusing on deep connections is the true key to wealth.Questions This Episode Answers:What are the different types of icebreaker questions and how should they be used to build rapport?Why is hosting meetups or cocktail parties crucial for new entrepreneurs to gain traction and build an "army of support"?How can having a personal website enhance your professional reputation and online presence?How can entrepreneurs leverage AI tools to automatically generate content for their personal websites and maintain relevance?What's the secret to manufacturing viral moments and achieving organic growth for your business?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Importance of Networking for Entrepreneurs06:46 Hosting Meetups: A Unique Approach to Building Connections11:57 Creating Value Through Personal Websites17:42 Leveraging Online Presence for Success23:13 Leveraging Podcast Appearances for Content Creation30:13 Innovative AI Tools for Transcription and Content Management31:05 Building an Online Presence with AI and SEO37:41 Creating Value Through Personal Branding and Content41:58 The Art of Manufacturing Viral Moments45:44 Fostering Connections and Community Engagement

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Sean O'Dowd (https://x.com/SeanODowd). In this episode, I sit down with Sean to discuss his transition from consulting at BCG to launching Scholastic Capital, a real estate fund that targets homes in high-end school districts. We explore how he used the Catalant platform to scale his independent consulting income to over $500,000 a year by acting as a versatile "athlete" for private equity firms. Sean shares the gutsy move of leaving that high salary for zero income to build a professional leadership team and why he views consulting as the perfect "business training wheels".We also dive into his "underrated" use of Twitter as a powerful fundraising engine and a way to recruit elite vendors and investors. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in operations, asset management, and the logistics of a portfolio roll-up. Enjoy the conversation!Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can an independent consultant scale their earnings to over $500,000 a year?2. What is the specific investment thesis behind buying rental homes in elite school districts?3. How can Twitter be utilized to find investors, vendors, and legal counsel for a fund?4. What are the "business training wheels" learned in consulting that prepare you for entrepreneurship?5. How do you successfully win real estate deals while being the lowest bidder?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Highlights00:40 Introduction to the Real Estate Fund01:08 From Consulting to Real Estate01:48 The Consulting Journey02:33 Breaking into Entrepreneurship03:49 The Catalan Experience04:30 Financial Success and Lifestyle Changes12:40 Starting the Real Estate Fund17:40 Understanding the Fund Structure18:23 Management Fees and Team Building19:11 GP LP Model Explained19:39 Preferred Returns and Fund Models20:10 Hiring and Operational Costs23:23 Growth Strategy and Future Plans25:45 Acquisition Strategy and Market Focus28:23 Twitter as a Fundraising Tool31:46 Investor Relations and Transparency32:55 Current Performance and Market Tactics

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Matthew Chang (https://x.com/MatthewAChang). This episode features Matthew Chang, a Georgia Tech engineer and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, who founded Chang Robotics and is a general partner of the $50 million Chang Robotics fund. We dive deep into how his company designs and installs robotic systems for manufacturing automation, hospital robots, and autonomous vehicles to make the workforce more efficient, safer, and happier through healthcare automation.Matthew shares the story behind America's first autonomous hospital initiative, where $200K hospital robots deliver supplies in 90 seconds with 18-month ROI. Discover why humanoid robots aren't ready for commercial robotics applications and how specialized robotics using collaborative robots (cobotics) are revolutionizing factory automation and healthcare robotics instead.From driverless paper factories producing toilet paper during COVID to FAA-compliant electric vehicles six times more powerful than Tesla, Chang Robotics tackles the hardest engineering challenges in industrial automation. Learn about their breakthrough PFAS-free food packaging using graphene oxide and how they beat 700+ competitors to win the federal DOT grant for America's first driverless bus system in Jacksonville.We explore Matthew's venture studio approach with the Chang Robotics Fund, requiring "Made in USA" manufacturing and proprietary engineering for robotics startups. Plus, hear about his upcoming book "Risk-Taking is Biblical" on faith-based entrepreneurship and Christian business principles.Questions This Episode Answers:How do you ensure robotic automation is adopted by the existing manufacturing workforce and healthcare workers?What technical challenges prevent humanoid robotics from working in real-world applications?How does engineering consulting deliver end-to-end automation solutions from design to robotic system installation?What investment thesis drives a robotics venture fund offering scaled engineering support with "Made in USA" requirements?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Innovating Beyond the Norm02:55 Transforming Healthcare with Robotics05:45 The Journey to Autonomous Solutions08:42 Navigating the Challenges of Robotics12:01 From Engineering to Entrepreneurship14:55 Winning Against the Odds17:51 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles20:42 Building a Sustainable Business Model24:03 Investing in Innovation26:56 The Role of AI in Engineering29:42 Creating a Christian Business Framework

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Clifton Sellers (https://x.com/LegacyBuilder__). I’m sitting down with my friend Clifton Sellers, a man who went from being buried in debt with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership to running a multi-million dollar content agency called Legacy Builder.We dive deep into his journey of "doom scrolling" through Twitter, paying the "ignorance tax" on cheap Gumroad courses, and how pure obsession helped him find his path in ghostwriting and personal branding. Clifton gets raw about his past money trauma and how he finally scaled by hiring a CEO, Brett, to handle operations.This conversation is for anyone looking to move past the hustle and professionalize their business through core values and standard operating procedures.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can you overcome money trauma to finally invest in scaling your revenue?2. What is the "ignorance tax" and why is it a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey?3. How do you transition from being a hustler to a business owner with a real team?4. Why is "Unreasonable Hospitality" a critical core value for a service business?5. How do you use a time-tracking exercise to identify your zone of genius?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 From Debt to Success: The Journey Begins09:52 The Power of Obsession in Business20:02 Navigating the Online Business Landscape30:04 Building a Team: The Key to Scaling39:38 Professionalizing Your Business for Growth

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Justin Donald (https://x.com/justindonald). In this episode, I sit down with the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Lifestyle Investor, to discuss his unique approach to wealth creation. Justin shares how he transitioned from being a "slave" to his sales business at Cutco to achieving financial freedom by investing in passive income assets.We dive into his early success with mobile home parks, his "flywheel" strategy for real estate, and why he currently spends up to $500,000 a year on masterminds and private coaching. From buying dog training companies to scaling home maintenance businesses with VC backing, Justin explains how to stop "buying a job" and start buying back your time.We also touch on his commitment to impact, with all his book proceeds going to fight human trafficking.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can you achieve financial freedom before you even become a millionaire?2. Why are mobile home parks considered a premier niche for passive income and scale?3. What is the difference between survival income, lifestyle income, and earned income?4. How do you use a "cash cow" business to fund a diversified portfolio of private investments?5. Why are masterminds and peer groups the ultimate shortcut to business growth and deal flow?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:43 The Value of Networking and Masterminds01:34 Welcome to Nikonomics01:58 Interview with Justin Donald Begins04:01 Justin's Early Career and First Investments08:52 Transition to Real Estate Investments12:03 Balancing Business and Real Estate16:41 Achieving Financial Freedom24:23 Personal Reflections and Future Plans25:51 Back to the Show25:52 Achieving Financial Freedom27:35 Real Estate Investments and Growth29:00 Business Ventures and Success Stories32:35 The Power of Masterminds44:06 Investing in Yourself47:15 Rapid Fire Questions50:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Derek (https://x.com/derkolstad). I sat down with a man who has cracked the newsletter domination code.Derek has built an audience of over 600,000 subscribers across multiple newsletters, all without spending a single dollar on paid ads. In this episode, we break down the top-down strategy needed to scale fast, the "Trojan horse" method for sneaking into massive communities, and how to turn a newsletter into a fully automated revenue engine that books $30,000 before the first week of the month is over.Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or looking to scale an existing business, Derek’s frameworks on momentum and customer improvements will change how you think about growth.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can you grow a newsletter to 600,000 subscribers with zero ad spend?2. What is the "Trojan horse" strategy for attacking growth from the top down?3. How do you monetize an email list through automated sequences?4. What is the "watering hole method" for finding your ideal customers?5. Why is it a mistake to wait too long before adding sponsors to your newsletter?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Building a Subscriber Base: The Journey Begins03:06 Monetization Strategies for Newsletters06:01 Understanding Newsletter Metrics and Performance08:57 Defining Your Audience and Value Proposition11:52 Creating Engaging Content and Community14:46 Growth Strategies: Trojan Horse Tactics18:07 The Importance of Early Monetization21:00 Final Thoughts and Actionable Steps

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jas (https://x.com/creatingjas) about his incredible success building a local newsletter empire.In just six months, Jas has managed to scale a total audience of 50,000 people in Winnipeg, creating what he calls a modern-day newspaper. We break down the exact business model he used to escape the social media algorithm, his strategy for monopolizing a non-tech-savvy city, and how he’s on track to generate over $100,000 in annual ad revenue.Whether you’re looking for a high-margin side hustle or want to learn how to own the relationship with your customers, Jas shares the exact playbook, from Facebook Ads and AI prompts to B2B sales tactics.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How do you scale a local email list to 16,000 subscribers in under six months?2. Why is owning the audience through a newsletter safer than building on Instagram or Twitter?3. How can you use AI and ChatGPT to write content that sounds like a local resident?4. What is the "strategic scroll" and why should you put your best content at the bottom?5. How do you pitch exclusive annual ad contracts to local businesses?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction00:45 Newsletter Journey and Growth02:53 Understanding the Value of Newsletters03:40 Local vs. Traditional Newsletters04:40 Content and Structure of the Newsletter06:14 Choosing the Right Newsletter Focus10:03 Frequency and Content Management14:55 Using AI and Manual Processes20:01 Growing the Subscriber Base22:52 Subscriber Acquisition Costs23:56 Effective Ad Strategies24:58 Subscriber Retention Insights25:34 Exploring Acquisition Channels30:23 Monetization Strategies39:35 Revenue and Costs Breakdown41:17 The Side Hustle Potential42:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Info

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick Huber (https://x.com/sweatystartup). We dive deep into Nick's incredible entrepreneurial journey, from his early days in the moving and storage business to building a self-storage empire and his latest venture: the acquisition of the global talent company, Somewhere.We explore his unique approach to business, his no-nonsense "sweaty startup" philosophy, and how he built a massive online audience. We also chat about his brand new book, "The Sweaty Startup, how to get rich doing boring things". Get ready for an insightful conversation packed with real-world business wisdom!Questions This Episode Answers:• How did you get started in entrepreneurship?• What was the "massive win" early in your career?• Why did you decide to buy Somewhere?• What's your philosophy on building an audience online?• What's one key thing you look for when hiring?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Building a Self-Storage Empire02:53 The Journey of Entrepreneurship05:46 Leveraging Social Media for Growth09:11 Acquisition and Business Expansion12:03 Navigating Financial Decisions14:55 The Future of Outsourcing Talent24:01 The Weight of Responsibility in Entrepreneurship25:28 Navigating the AI Landscape30:49 The Challenge of Hiring Executives34:13 The Art of Leadership and Team Building38:05 Competition and Market Dynamics43:54 The Journey of Writing a Book

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jesse (https://x.com/JesseTinsley). This week, I sit down with Jesse, a true operator who turned his small consultancy, Job Mobs, into a massive, 100% bootstrapped holding company.We dive deep into his aggressive strategy of acquiring eight companies in two years, playing offense when the market was down in late 2022.Jesse reveals how he scaled from a $7 million services business, to a projected $100+ million SaaS operation. He shares the unconventional tactics used to acquire a publicly traded company (recruiter.com) and why buying premium domain names like employer.com is the secret hack to gaining instant brand credibility.Critically, we break down how he uses creative deal structuring (including paper LBOs) to achieve what he calls infinite IRR.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can you use a market downturn to aggressively acquire competitor businesses?2. How does a premium domain name provide instant brand authority and ROI?3. How is it possible to achieve infinite IRR when buying a business?4. What creative financing methods (like a seller note) allow you to buy businesses with zero cash down?5. Where are the best non-tech opportunities for business roll-ups across the country?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Highlights_Navigating Acquisitions in a Downturn02:54 Building a Diverse Business Portfolio06:11 From Employee to Entrepreneur: The Journey09:00 Strategic Acquisitions: Lessons Learned12:09 The Impact of Branding and Domain Names14:59 Creative Deal Structuring for Success17:47 Opportunities in a Shifting Market20:55 Future Trends in Infrastructure and Technology

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Peter Lohmann (https://x.com/pslohmann). In this episode, we dive into the unsexy but incredibly lucrative world of property management with Peter Lohmann, the founder of RL Property Management in Columbus, Ohio.Peter reveals how he scaled his business from zero to nearly 700 units and $3 million in revenue after leaving his job as an engineer. Peter also shares his controversial advice on why you should start, not buy, a management company if you are new to business, and details the "operational nightmare" you must navigate to reach success.We even discuss the massive opportunity for exits, where Private Equity firms are paying 1.5x to 2x top-line revenue for established companies.Questions This Episode Answers:1. What are the target benchmarks for revenue per door and profit margins in a successful property management business?2. Why does Peter recommend building a company from scratch rather than acquiring an existing one?3. What specific marketing strategies—from Google Business Profiles to meetups—would Peter use to get 100 doors in just six months?4. At what unit count does a property management company typically become self-sustaining enough to hire full-time staff?5. How are Private Equity groups valuing these businesses, and what multiples can you expect if you sell?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Highlights00:27 Introduction to Property Management00:54 Revenue and Profit Margins02:29 Understanding Clients and Tenants03:06 Key Responsibilities of Property Managers03:37 Profiles of Property Owners04:29 Why Hire a Property Management Company?05:41 Payment Structures and Fees06:34 Company History and Growth10:50 Remote and Local Operations16:16 Starting a Property Management Business19:02 Finding Your First Clients19:29 Early Challenges and Strategies20:47 Benchmarks in Property Management21:50 The Importance of Community23:27 Scaling Your Business30:57 Operational Complexities32:21 Opportunities in Property Management35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Minh Nguyen (@minhnxn). In this episode, we dive deep into the exciting world of AI and how it's revolutionizing the way we build businesses and gather information online.Minh, coming straight from the heart of tech in the Bay Area, shares his practical experiences using various Large Language Models like Claude, ChatGPT, and the often-overlooked Gemini for tasks ranging from coding to deep research.We explore his journey building Cash On, a powerful Chrome extension for real estate investors, and uncover the surprising potential of simple browser tools. Get ready to learn about AI-powered web scraping, the rise of directory websites and programmatic SEO, and how no-code platforms like Lovable and Bolt.new are empowering non-technical founders to bring their app ideas to life.Questions This Episode Answers:• What AI tools (like LLMs) do you use and for what specific purposes?• Why do you think people are "sleeping on" Gemini?• How can AI be utilized for web scraping and data acquisition?• What are some good types of app ideas to start with when using no-code or low-code tools?• How can I leverage my existing content (like podcast episodes) using AI?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Automating Data Collection for Real Estate02:59 Exploring AI Tools and Their Applications05:48 Building AI-Powered Web Scrapers09:10 The Future of Programmatic SEO12:07 Leveraging AI for Business Ideas14:54 Creating Chatbots for Business Analysis17:45 Building Without Coding: New Possibilities21:08 Frameworks for Identifying Business Opportunities