Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Taylor Jones (https://x.com/MrJonesSTRs), the founder of strsearch.com.Have you ever wondered if short-term rentals (STRs) are as passive as they seem? I used to think so, but Taylor completely changed my perspective. He breaks down how he went from a sales guy to overseeing over $120 million in STR investments by treating it not as a real estate game, but as an operations business.We dive into his first investment—a cabin in the North Georgia mountains that he bought having never owned real estate before—and how it generated $22,000 in cash flow its first year.Taylor reveals the critical mistakes he made, the lessons he learned about market supply and demand, and how a single amenity like a pickleball court can add $40,000 to your annual revenue.We also get into the incredible tax benefits and how STRs can offer active losses to offset your regular income, something I wish I'd known sooner.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can a single pickleball court add over $40,000 in annual revenue to an Airbnb?• Why is a short-term rental business more about operations than real estate?• How can you use short-term rentals to legally reduce your taxable income?• What is the biggest mistake new STR investors make when choosing a property?• Why are large-group rentals and small, romantic getaways the hottest trends right now?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 Allure of Short-Term Rentals02:55 Understanding the Operations Behind STRs05:42 The Journey into Real Estate Investment09:00 Lessons from Early Investments12:09 Scaling Up: From One to Multiple Properties14:56 Market Dynamics and Supply-Demand Imbalances18:11 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape20:55 Investment Strategies for Success26:00 Understanding Market Dynamics and Profitability30:13 Revenue Estimation and Occupancy Rates33:25 Tax Implications and Depreciation Strategies40:27 Investment Strategies for Short-Term Rentals47:31 Advice for New Investors in Short-Term Rentals

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Mike Hoffman (https://x.com/mrpassive). Ever wonder if you can actually create enough passive income to quit your job? In this episode, I talk with Mike, who went from being a college coach to living off the cash flow from his assets in just a few years.He shares how an observation at an airport led him down the rabbit hole of unattended retail and the vending machine business. We get into the nitty-gritty of what "passive" really means. Mike explains how he started by servicing his first machine himself (literally buying snacks at Costco with his daughter in the shopping cart) and built the systems that allowed him to scale to over 60 machines.He also reveals how the vending industry is being disrupted by new technology like micro markets and AI, creating huge opportunities for new entrepreneurs.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can a vending machine business generate enough income to replace a full-time job?• What does it really take to make a "passive" income stream truly passive?• How can you start a vending machine business with no money down?• Where are the best, most profitable locations to place a vending machine?• How is new technology like AI and micro markets changing the vending industry?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 Highlights01:02 Meet Mike Hoffman: The Passive Income Expert02:36 Mike's Journey from Coach to Entrepreneur03:27 Diverse Income Streams: Real Estate, Vending, and More04:22 Challenges and Strategies in Crypto Mining07:03 Building a Passive Income Empire09:35 The Vending Machine Business Model12:40 Scaling and Systematizing Vending Operations18:59 Community and Coaching for Aspiring Entrepreneurs20:29 The Disruption in the Vending Machine Industry21:18 Real Estate and Vending Machines: A Parallel21:48 Expanding Vending Routes in Chicago22:41 Building a Vending Community23:24 The Business Model and Revenue Streams24:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Vending33:34 Innovative Vending Solutions37:12 Future of Vending and Micro Markets37:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Trenton Hughes and Chris Munn for a jam-packed episode where we cover everything an entrepreneur needs to know right now.We kick things off by debating which AI tools are worth paying for, from ChatGPT and Claude to Grok, and discuss how AI might soon replace your doctor.Then, we dive into the new "big beautiful bill" and what its tax changes mean for you. I'll share why the accelerated depreciation clause is a "massive boon" for entrepreneurs and how you can leverage it by investing in real estate like car washes or storage facilities to potentially pay zero in taxes.We also break down the confusing new rules on tips and overtime and why we think tipping should be abolished altogether. Finally, we explore why smart salespeople are ditching Zoom for in-person meetings to close bigger deals.Questions This Episode Answers1. Which AI tools are essential for business owners today?2. How can entrepreneurs use accelerated depreciation to save big on taxes?3. Will the new tax bill really eliminate taxes on tips and overtime?4. Why are successful salespeople returning to in-person meetings?5. Is it a good time for business owners to invest in real estate?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 Exploring AI Services and Their Impact10:19 Navigating the Big Beautiful Bill and Real Estate Investment22:51 Understanding Tax Deductions on Overtime29:05 The Complexity of Overtime Tax Deductions35:35 The Shift Back to In-Person Sales39:49 The Return of Business Travel44:24 Growing the Podcast Audience

Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brad Smith (https://x.com/bradsmithcoach).In this episode, I talk with Brad Smith, the co-founder of Automation Links, a business that helps other companies automate their marketing. Brad's company is doing an incredible $100k a month with 80% margins, and he shares the secrets behind his high-margin business model.He explains the power of being omnipresent and why a customer needs to see you 24 times on four different channels before they trust you.The most mind-blowing part? We dive deep into a marketing strategy involving pixels. Brad breaks down how these small pieces of code can track visitors to your website and social media posts, allowing you to retarget them with ads for a fraction of the cost. It’s a secret weapon for scaling your business!Questions This Episode Answers:• How can pixels help you track and retarget customers for a quarter of the cost?• What is the "one action item" every business owner should do today, even if they aren't ready for ads?• Why does staying small and profitable lead to a better quality of life than chasing massive top-line revenue?• How can you get your ad to the top of Google Maps searches with zero competition?• What is a simple "themed day" system for creating a consistent social media content calendar?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 to Brad and His Business01:17 The Role of Automation Links02:07 Revenue and Growth Insights03:55 Investment Opportunities and Business Philosophy10:57 Digital Marketing Channels Explained14:19 The Power of Pixels in Marketing17:17 Setting Up Pixels for Your Business19:06 Targeting Your Audience Effectively19:39 Setting Up Pixels for Better Ad Targeting20:35 Using Ads to Boost Organic Growth22:09 Leveraging YouTube and Google's Ad Network22:52 Pixel Tracking for Small Businesses24:05 Practical Examples and Tips for Businesses26:39 Choosing the Right Channel and Content Strategy33:36 SEO and AI: The Future of Search35:57 Content Calendar Strategy36:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick (https://x.com/mattressguy_). We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of the mattress business. Nick, owner of Direct Outlet Mattress and part of a family with stores across North Carolina, shares his unique insights.We discuss everything from the less glamorous side of old mattresses to the economics of running a mattress store, even comparing his approach to giants like Mattress Firm. You'll be fascinated to hear how he's leveraging Twitter to build a successful brand and reach customers in unexpected ways.Questions This Episode Answers:How do these businesses (Mattress Firm) make money?What other overhead expenses would you have besides lease? How do you acquire customers for your mattress store?What is your approximate customer acquisition cost?How much does it typically cost to start a mattress 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 Mattress Business Journey03:05 Family Dynamics in Business05:56 Understanding the Mattress Market08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies11:47 Expanding Product Offerings15:05 The Importance of Quality17:58 Navigating Business Challenges20:55 Building a Brand on Social Media23:51 Future Plans and Online Expansion

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Justin Moore (https://x.com/justinmooretfam). Justin Moore is a legit master marketer, content creator, and the author of Sponsor Magnet, who has personally closed over $5 million in brand partnership deals and built a $600,000 coaching business teaching others how to get sponsorships and secure major brand deals. We track his journey from working in medical devices and corporate influencer marketing to pivoting alongside his wife April's early YouTube monetization side hustle, which eventually gave them time freedom and entrepreneurship success.This episode is essential for any entrepreneur looking to make money content creator style, even if you hate the word "creator." We discuss why your personal brand and organic distribution are the last moat in the age of AI for first million dollar business owners. Justin breaks down his powerful R.O.P.E. method—a four-step sales formula and sponsorship email template system that can be applied to business outreach for any company, not just content creator sponsorships.Plus, I put Justin's creator monetization systems to the test: he walks me through exactly how to get your first sponsorship deal and generate $10,000 sponsorship revenue in the next 30 days by gathering the right audience data and understanding the difference between a vitamin and a painkiller solution for your customers.__________________________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 Understanding the Importance of Distribution for Founders02:45 The Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur05:57 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing08:47 The ROPE Method: A Framework for Successful Partnerships12:07 Common Mistakes in Influencer Marketing14:50 The Power of Customer Understanding and Personalization18:02 The Importance of Clarity and Saying No22:43 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Trading Time for Freedom25:08 Architecting Your Life: Defining Success26:07 Building Trust at Scale: The YouTube Focus27:06 Analyzing Audience Engagement: The Importance of Feedback30:23 Identifying Pain Points: Crafting Effective Surveys34:07 Sponsorship Strategies: Aligning with Audience Needs39:47 Proof of Influence: Validating Your Impact43:35 Reframing Sponsorship: Serving Your Audience

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I discuss with Chris Munn and Trenton about the tough realities facing small business owners and entrepreneurs today. We dive deep into how business leaders are navigating increasing political polarization in business and the pressure to take a public stand on social issues, discussing case studies like the backlash against Bud Light and MyPillow, and whether sticking to company core values and business values is the best path for small business survival.We also break down the latest economic shifts affecting small businesses, from Fed rate cuts and Federal Reserve policy, and their impact on small business asset prices, business valuations, and SBA loan delinquency rates, hitting a 20-year high. We explore the small business hiring crisis, challenges of employee retention, and talent acquisition amidst low unemployment rates and the rising cost of living for those not holding business assets or real estate assets.Plus, we dive deep into the massive business opportunities and strategic shifts driven by AI automation, artificial intelligence implementation, and AI tools for small businesses, from boosting productivity and business efficiency to the rise of the solopreneur movement and one-person businesses. We discuss AI implementation strategies, business automation tools, and how AI consultants and automation engineers are becoming essential business roles.Questions This Episode Answers:How should business leaders and entrepreneurs navigate the pressure to take a public stand on political issues and social issues while maintaining business growth?What do Fed rate cuts, interest rate changes, and high borrowing costs mean for small business valuations, business acquisitions, and SBA loan approval?How is the current economic climate and inflation impact affecting small business hiring, employee expectations, and wage demands for small businesses?What are the biggest AI opportunities and practical AI applications for small businesses, including AI automation tools and AI implementation strategies?Why is it becoming harder to buy and sell small businesses in the current business market, and what are the alternative business strategies and entrepreneurship opportunities?__________________________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 Navigating Leadership and Political Stances17:53 Understanding the Impact of Fed Rate Cuts on Small Businesses24:09 Economic Disparities and Asset Ownership29:49 The Impact of AI on Employment and Business35:59 Entrepreneurship and the American Dream41:46 AI as a Business Multiplier47:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hector (https://x.com/ts_secrets). Hector reveals how he accidentally stumbled upon a little-known government grant and used it to build a multi-million dollar online trade school.He teaches trades like HVAC, plumbing, and medical billing completely online, sometimes using VR goggles. He shares how the government pays him directly, up to $10,000 per student, for courses that are only 80-100 hours long.We get into the nitty-gritty of how he finds students for free by partnering with nonprofits and sober living homes, achieving SAS-like margins without any traditional marketing. Questions This Episode Answers:How can you get the government to pay you $10,000 per student?How do you start an online school with almost no startup costs?What is the "secret" to getting unlimited students for free?How do you automate a business to the point you only work two hours a day?What is the WIOA grant and how does it work for entrepreneurs?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 to the Online Trade School Model03:07 Understanding the Grant System and Its Impact05:56 The Evolution of the Business Model08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies11:48 Curriculum Development and Accreditation15:02 Operational Insights and Business Growth17:55 Challenges and Future Aspirations

🚨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?What strategies won a competitive federal grant for autonomous transportation against major tech companies?__________________________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/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for an incredible dive into AI app building and no-code development tools transforming entrepreneurship. We explore Google's Nano Banana AI, their revolutionary Gemini Flash 2.5 image model with game-changing visual memory technology for precise editing and AI image generation.Elizabeth demonstrates Google AI Studio live, showcasing the powerful Stream feature for real-time debugging and AI automation. She reveals how she used Claude Code tutorial methods to build custom RSS feed automation, replacing paid subscriptions, plus her personal AI assistant dashboard with AI agents for project management and task automation.Questions This Episode Answers:What is Nano Banana AI, and why is visual memory revolutionary for AI image editing?How does Google AI Studio Stream enable real-time debugging during custom app development?How can entrepreneurs use Claude Code and AI automation tools to build apps without coding?What are the benefits of AI-powered project management with personal AI assistant agents?Where are the arbitrage opportunities in AI app building for non-technical entrepreneurs?Tools Covered:Google AI Studio complete walkthroughClaude Code tutorial for beginnersNano Banana (Gemini Flash 2.5) AI image generationCustom dashboard creation with AI agentsRSS feed automation and app replacement strategiesEnjoy 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 to AI Tools and Excitement for Innovation03:09 Exploring NanoBanana: Google's New Image Model05:50 Visual Memory and Image Generation Improvements09:01 Google AI Studio: A New Interface for Building Apps11:53 Real-Time App Development with Claude Code15:04 Innovative Features: Maps and Video Analysis17:53 Creating Engaging Content with AI Tools21:47 Harnessing AI for Arbitrage Opportunities23:13 Building Custom Tools with Google AI Studio24:36 Creating a Personal RSS Feed Tool26:27 Project Management and Organization Strategies28:39 Developing a Personal Operating System32:14 Automating Tasks with AI Agents35:25 Curating Information and Building Newsletters

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I speak with Michael Girdley (https://x.com/girdley), a serial entrepreneur and investor, about building a business, avoiding common mistakes, and identifying future opportunities.Michael shares insights from his diverse experiences, from Alamo Fireworks to Gertling Media, emphasizing the importance of experience and strategic business choices.We delve into overrated business opportunities and explore unconventional business models.Questions this Episode Answers:What two-step process would Michael Girdley follow to build a business in 2025, and how would he make his first million dollars?Why does Michael Girdley advise against buying a business as your first venture, especially for a young entrepreneur?What are some overrated business opportunities in today’s market, and what sectors hold promise for the future?What is Michael Girdley's contrarian belief about business, and how does it influence his perspective on career choices and entrepreneurial paths?What unconventional business model does Michael find fascinating?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this  with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:00 Business Ventures and Investments01:44 Current Business Scale and Operations03:09 Starting Over in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide05:13 The Value of Experience and Financial Safety07:11 Starting a Low-Capex Services Business10:01 The Reality of Online Courses14:19 The Hold Co Conference and Learning from Failure19:44 Sympathizing with the Struggles of Entrepreneurs19:15 The Fine Line Between Faking It and Failing21:22 Excitement for the Upcoming Conference22:09 The Concept of an Unconference23:21 Challenges and Risks in Event Planning24:28 Innovative Business Models in Event Management29:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs32:24 Contrarian Views on Business Opportunities35:16 The Importance of Personal Fit in Career Choices38:32 Different Paths to Entrepreneurship39:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Sam Nebe (https://x.com/1_of_Sl), the founder of Good Wipes! This entrepreneur startup story shows how two college roommates bootstrapped a million dollar business from $42,000 to conquering 14,000 stores.Learn how they achieved their first million through retail distribution strategy, growing their consumer products startup in the flushable wipes industry to reach 2.2 million households and adding 430,000 new customers through Walmart alone.Sam shares how he and co-founder Charlie built this CPG startup using pure intuition and unwavering conviction in an "unsexy" category that's now worth $5 billion. This business growth story reveals their bootstrap business strategy of mastering the Four P's of Marketing, employing irreverent marketing with creative director Maria Gilbo, and strategic retail partnerships that made them a Walmart supplier.We dive deep into customer acquisition strategies including influencer marketing, PR box campaigns, and their viral Golden Porta Palace experiential marketing activation. Sam also discusses his work with the Responsible Flushing Alliance, promoting Flush Smart Month and consumer education initiatives.Enjoy the conversation!Key Topics Covered:Entrepreneur startup journey from fraternity bathroom idea to retail empireBootstrap vs venture capital funding strategiesRetail distribution strategy and partnership buildingConsumer goods startup scaling tacticsMillion dollar business development through focused growthCPG entrepreneur insights and industry knowledgeCustomer acquisition through creative marketing campaignsBuilding a startup podcast-worthy success storyQuestions This Episode Answers:How did Good Wipes transform a college business idea into a multi-million dollar business and category leader?What role did intuition and unwavering passion play in building a startup brand before having significant market data?How can bootstrap entrepreneurs use irreverent marketing and the Four P's to compete against larger companies?What customer acquisition strategies work for consumer products startups, including influencer marketing and experiential activations?How can young entrepreneurs strategically say "no" to growth opportunities for sustainable expansion?__________________________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 Journey of Good Wipes: From Concept to Success10:08 Innovative Marketing Strategies and Influencer Engagement19:55 Navigating Challenges and Growth in the CPG Space29:54 Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jas from Winnipeg Digest (https://x.com/creatingjas). Jas is back for a third time, and his journey is incredible to watch. He first built a local newsletter, the Winnipeg Digest, into a massive distribution channel with over 100,000 people in his audience. Now, he's leveraging that audience to launch his own businesses, starting with a seasonal holiday lighting company.In this episode, we break down his new venture from the ground up. Jas shares the exact strategy he used to launch the lighting business using his newsletter, including a brilliant giveaway tactic he learned from Alex Hormozi. He explains why he chose a seasonal business, his goal of hitting $100,000 in revenue in his first season, and how this entire project serves as a case study to attract future business partners. We get into the nitty-gritty of his first week—how he sold $5,000 in jobs with no website, just an ad in his newsletter. This is a masterclass in using an existing audience to create new revenue streams and build a portfolio of companies.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can you leverage a newsletter audience to launch a completely new business?• What's a smart, low-cost marketing strategy to get your first customers for a service business?• Why would an entrepreneur choose a seasonal business model like holiday lighting?• What are the key startup costs and revenue goals for a new holiday lighting business?• How can a new business be used as a "case study" to attract future equity partners?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 Launching a New Venture: Christmas Lights Business02:41 Building on Audience: From Newsletter to Business06:02 Marketing Strategies and Initial Success08:54 Understanding the Business Model and Pricing11:44 Execution Challenges and Future Plans14:39 Exploring New Opportunities and Growth18:02 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Michael Clark. We dive into the incredible story behind The Flower Letters, a subscription business started with his wife, Hanny Clark, that mails immersive, physical story letters to subscribers.What started as a small idea in April 2020 with World War II love letters has exploded into a multi-million dollar venture, projecting $8-10 million this year! Michael shares how they bootstrapped this unique concept, scaling to over 50,000 subscribers by focusing on daily profitability and smart advertising strategies, leveraging a prepaid option for cash flow.You'll hear why he considers this direct mail business, despite his FinTech background, the most complicated he's ever built, managing over 900 inventory pieces in-house. We also discuss their "long game" vision, transforming The Flower Letters into a mission-driven company with potential for TV shows, audiobooks, and more, while carefully integrating AI only for artistic elements. Questions This Episode Answers:How did The Flower Letters grow from 33 subscribers to over 50,000 with multi-million dollar revenue?What advertising strategy was key to their rapid customer acquisition and how did they manage a $30 CAC?How does a subscription business like The Flower Letters prioritize daily profitability and manage cash flow through prepaid options?Why is a seemingly simple direct mail business considered the "most complicated" venture by a FinTech entrepreneur, and how is its fulfillment handled?How do The Flower Letters leverage a "long game" strategy to build a mission-driven company with a growing catalog of stories and future content expansion?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 Rapid Growth and Business Model Overview03:02 The Origin Story: From Idea to Execution05:53 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition08:46 Financial Insights and Business Economics12:06 Creating a Unique Customer Experience14:58 Operational Challenges and Fulfillment Process25:07 In-House Fulfillment and Customer Service27:58 The Importance of Storytelling in Business30:21 Creative Storytelling and the Role of AI36:38 Revenue Growth and Business Strategy38:59 Building a Sustainable Business Model42:47 Leveraging the Postal Service for Success44:45 Community Engagement and Pen Pal Ideas46:43 Launching a Podcast and Sharing Stories

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview serial entrepreneur Kriss Berg (https://x.com/Krissbergtweets) about his $10 million revenue business empire and revolutionary wealth building flywheel strategy! Discover how this commercial real estate investor generates massive cashflow from his e-commerce health supplements business and innovative telemedicine platform featuring GLP-1 medications, semaglutide (Ozempic), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Learn Kriss's game-changing approach to tax optimization as he reinvests business profits into commercial real estate investments like car wash businesses and gas stations to maximize bonus depreciation tax benefits and achieve zero income tax liability. This real estate tax strategy has transformed his net worth and created a sustainable passive income stream.From his early days running a construction business to living off the grid after reading The Four Hour Workweek, Kriss shares his entrepreneurship journey and proven methods for identifying undervalued businesses ripe for business acquisition and rapid scaling. We explore practical business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs, including parking lot striping, stump grinding, and other service-based businesses that build entrepreneurial skills without requiring massive startup capital.Key topics include understanding cap rates, EBITDA multiples, business valuation, the power of active vs passive losses, real estate professional status, 1031 exchanges, depreciation recapture, effective delegation strategies, and achieving work-life balance while building generational wealth.Questions This Episode Answers:How does Kriss Berg's flywheel business model generate high cashflow while achieving zero tax liability through strategic real estate investments?What is bonus depreciation for car washes and gas stations, and why don't these commercial properties require real estate professional status for tax write-offs?What are proven strategies for finding and acquiring neglected businesses with strong value-add opportunities and multiple expansion potential?How can entrepreneurs use commercial real estate cash flow and appreciation to compound wealth building over decades?What low-capital business opportunities like home service businesses, parking lot maintenance, and equipment-based services offer the best ROI for new business owners?How do cap rate investing and NOI optimization create superior returns compared to traditional stock market investing?What delegation frameworks and operational systems enable business owners to transition from working in the business to working on the business?__________________________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 Tax Revelation: A Surprising Discovery02:51 Building a Business Flywheel: Cash Flow and Investments05:47 Understanding Bonus Depreciation: A Tax Strategy Unveiled09:06 The Journey into Commercial Real Estate: From E-commerce to Car Washes11:51 The Power of Passive Income: Lessons from a Real Estate Mogul14:39 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Mistakes and Lessons Learned17:58 The Shift to E-commerce: Finding Opportunity in Health Supplements20:53 Telemedicine and Health Innovations: The Next Frontier23:50 The Importance of Delegation: Building a Sustainable Business27:06 Starting from Scratch: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs30:04 The Reality of Growth: Compounding Success Over Time

MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview business broker Jackie Hirsch (https://x.com/SMBJackieHirsch) to get the real lay of the land in the current M&A market and small business acquisition landscape. Jackie, whose Florida business brokerage company did over $40 million in transactions last year, shares crucial insights on SBA loan changes 2024 and how new SBA 7a program rules are impacting first-time business buyers and licensed businesses like HVAC companies and survey businesses.We dive deep into why it's always been a seller's market in lower middle market deals and discuss common, costly business acquisition mistakes, like a buyer who lost millions because of due diligence delays and poor SBA lender choices. Jackie pulls back the curtain on the kinds of cashflow-generating businesses attracting private equity and individual buyers today, from materials testing companies to underground construction and the booming private chef services market.This business broker interview explores how AI impact on business is shaping the acquisition landscape and why, even with tariffs 2024 and market uncertainty, there are always small business deals to be made. You won't want to miss her incredible "real deal" stories about business deal interventions and sellers with criminal backgrounds, highlighting why building a strong seller relationship and business deal negotiation skills are paramount to getting any M&A transaction across the finish line.Perfect for entrepreneurs, business buyers, search fund professionals, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition or business valuation strategies.Questions This Episode Answers:What recent SBA policy changes are affecting business acquisitions and seller financing?How can first-time buyers avoid "boneheaded mistakes" in an M&A deal and business due diligence?What types of profitable businesses are currently attracting the most buyers in a seller's market?How is AI automation impacting different business sectors and acquisition strategies?Why is building a strong seller relationship so crucial for closing business deals and post-acquisition success?What are the new SBA standby rules for seller notes and personal guarantees?Which recession-proof businesses and AI-resistant businesses are trending in 2024 business market?__________________________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 Ever-Persistent Seller's Market02:52 Current Trends in M&A and Market Dynamics05:44 Navigating Changes in SBA Regulations09:04 Challenges in Selling Licensed Businesses12:01 Real Deal Stories and Lessons Learned14:52 The Importance of Relationships in Business Transactions22:07 Building Trust in Business Transactions24:53 The Role of AI in Business27:48 Emerging Business Trends31:35 The Future of Food Services35:29 Navigating Buyer Red Flags

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Garth Fasano (https://x.com/garthfasano). Garth shares his incredible entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) success story of acquiring a call center business and crushing it, paying off his SBA loan in just two years through strategic small business acquisition!We dive into how he scaled by dramatically improving lead conversion rates for small businesses through clever integrations with platforms like Thumbtack and Angie's List. This business acquisition success story showcases how proper ETA business strategy can transform a traditional call center into a thriving enterprise.This rapid success paved the way for Garth to pivot his company into Rainmaker AI, an innovative AI-powered sales platform that's revolutionizing AI sales automation for SMBs. He discusses the future of AI voice technology in end-to-end sales solutions, the concept of recursive learning with their Rain Brain technology, and what this means for the evolving role of humans in sales.We also explore the exciting, yet challenging, landscape of the post-close search entrepreneur community and how search fund strategies are evolving. This business acquisition case study demonstrates how buying an existing business can create significant wealth through smart operations and AI transformation.Questions This Episode Answers:How can a business pay off an SBA loan in just two years after small business acquisition?What is the most effective way to improve lead conversion rates for small businesses?How is AI sales automation transforming small business customer interactions?What is "recursive learning" in the context of AI-powered sales platforms?How can Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) create significant wealth for entrepreneurs?__________________________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 Transforming Sales with AI Integration10:00 The Journey of Acquisition and Growth19:57 Innovating Sales Processes for Small Businesses29:52 The Future of AI in Sales and Customer Interaction

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Anne McGinty to unveil the top first-time entrepreneur business ideas and small business ideas we would start today as startup entrepreneurs.Anne, who famously earned $150,000 in just 60 days with her Christmas lighting business, shares her proven insights on high-margin business ideas and profitable small business opportunities. I lay out my complete framework for entrepreneur success, focusing on leveraging powerful macro trends, building high-profit margin businesses, and ensuring a quick cash conversion cycle for maximum business cash flow.Home Service Business Ideas: Anne's home service business picks include expanding seasonal business ideas like luxury holiday decor services and Christmas lighting business for ultra-wealthy clients to year-round offerings, creating recurring revenue businesses with low startup costs.Her second home services business idea focuses on exterior cleaning business and detailing for high-end homes, covering pressure washing business, window cleaning business, solar panel cleaning, and gutter cleaning business - emphasizing the power of repeat business with wealthy homeowners and luxury home services.Healthcare Business Ideas: My healthcare business opportunities explore the booming medical business space, particularly elderly care services targeting the aging population trend and ABA clinics for autism services and behavioral health business.The rapidly growing Med Spa business sector offers incredible healthcare entrepreneurship opportunities, including cutting-edge wellness business areas like hormone replacement therapy, longevity business, and the innovative field of functional medicine business.Key business strategies covered:Low competition business ideas with high profit margins Recession-proof business models for economic stabilityPassive income business potential through recurring clientsLocal business opportunities serving high-net-worth individuals Service-based business models with minimal overhead Scalable business ideas that grow with demandQuestions This Episode Answers:• How can first-time entrepreneurs identify business ideas with "dummy insurance"?What are Anne McGinty's top home services business ideas for targeting the ultra-wealthy market?Why are macro trends like the aging population and wellness industry crucial for new business ventures?What makes the healthcare business space and Med Spa opportunities particularly attractive for entrepreneurs right now?How can you ensure a small business startup provides both substantial profit and business purpose?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 Identifying Lucrative Business Opportunities03:07 Understanding Macro Trends for Entrepreneurs05:58 High Margin and Quick Cash Conversion Businesses08:48 Exploring Seasonal Business Ideas12:07 The Potential of Healthcare Services15:03 Building a Business in the Elderly Care Sector27:52 Architecting a Purposeful Lifestyle28:50 The Value of Client Relationships30:47 High-End Service Business Strategies32:12 Customer Acquisition Techniques35:02 Exploring Home Services Opportunities38:19 The Growth of Med Spas41:41 Innovations in Health and Wellness44:33 The Future of Functional Medicine46:59 Macro Trends in Health Spending49:58 The Role of Entrepreneurs in Healthcare

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Malcolm Marshall (https://x.com/malcolmpools). Malcolm shares his incredible W2 to entrepreneur journey from a VP of Finance role at C4 Energy during its hyper-growth phase (from $8 million to $300 million!) to successfully scaling his business, Poolology, an $18 million pool construction and home services business in Central Texas.We dive into the surprising challenges of scaling businesses, the reality of bootstrapping, and how he navigated the shift from a W-2 to full-time entrepreneurship. You'll hear about the "aha!" moments, the hard-earned lessons, and what he would focus on if starting a new business today, especially in the promising field of AI infrastructure.Questions This Episode Answers:• How did Malcolm Marshall go from W2 to entrepreneur and scale his business, Poolology, from a small pool route to $18 million in revenue?• What were the biggest financial stressors and operational challenges during C4 Energy's hyper-growth?• Why did Malcolm leave a high-paying W-2 job with equity to start a small business?• How do pool construction and maintenance businesses acquire customers and what are their typical EBITDA margins?• If starting over, what industry would Malcolm focus on, and what’s the most crucial lesson he learned about team building?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 Corporate to Entrepreneurship: The Journey Begins02:40 Building Poolology: The Early Days and Growth Strategies05:53 Navigating Rapid Growth: Challenges and Lessons Learned08:47 The Transition to Construction: Expanding Services11:38 Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Strategies for Success15:01 Future Aspirations: Scaling and New Opportunities17:52 Reflections on the Journey: What Would You Change?

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/@leveragedupside) about the one AI tool everyone is raving about: Cloud Code! We dive deep into why this new offering from Claude is a game-changer for business and automation, even if it looks a bit old-school in the terminal. We also discuss the latest in the model war, including the releases of ChatGPT-5, Claude Opus 4.1, Grok 4, and Gemini, and share our personal rankings. Elizabeth gives a mind-blowing demonstration of how she uses Cloud Code to tackle massive data analysis automation cleanup and analysis tasks, like processing hundreds of thousands of job scraping entries, all by simply speaking English to the AI.Learn how this tool can remove friction, simplify complex multi-step tasks, and help you build powerful agents for your business.Enjoy the conversation!Questions This Episode Answers:• How has the AI model war evolved recently, and what's the general sentiment?• What are the key differences and improvements in new LLMs like ChatGPT-5 and Claude Opus 4.1?• How do leading AI models like Grok, Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini rank in terms of utility and performance?• What is Cloud Code, and how can it simplify complex data analysis and automation tasks for business users?• How can you install and begin using Cloud Code to manage and analyze local files without extensive coding knowledge?__________________________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 to AI Models and Cloud Code07:48 Ranking AI Models: A Comparative Analysis12:08 Exploring Cloud Code: Installation and Setup18:19 Building Projects with Cloud Code23:10 The Social Contract of Podcasting24:08 Project Overview and Data Cleanup Tool25:56 Data Analysis and Job Market Insights28:42 Building Automation Tools with Claude31:58 Classifying Text and Job Data36:03 Interactive Data Analysis and Visualization41:06 Automating Data Cleaning and Insights Generation