Next Level Pros

Welcome to Next Level Pros, where we explore the journeys of some of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. I'm your host, Chris Lee. Throughout my career, I've founded multiple nine-figure companies and learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the world of business. Now, I want to share those lessons with you by bringing on guests who have their own incredible stories to tell. I'm on a mission to find the most unique and entertaining individuals that have done it the right way.

#130: How Jotform Founder & CEO Aytekin Tank Got Great at Solving One Problem

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Aytekin Tank, the mastermind behind the transformative software JotForm, which has dramatically altered the landscape of online forms. Aytekin will share his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on the pivotal role of sustained focus and compounded growth in achieving business success. He discusses the evolution of JotForm, from its inception as a simple form builder to a comprehensive suite catering to varied business needs, emphasizing automation and customer-centric development. Stay tuned as Aytekin shares the principles that kept him on track amidst the allure of new opportunities, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs at all stages. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "We hit oil by digging one hole 1000 feet deep, not 1000 holes one foot deep." "Giving something away for free is the biggest marketing tool you can have."  "Automate your busy work to focus on what's truly important."  "Persistence is key; you need to learn to pivot and persevere through challenges." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Aytekin Tank and the genesis of JotForm. 02:52 - Aytekin joins the show; background and initial motivations. 07:13 - The leap from employment to entrepreneurship. 10:34 - Learning from side projects and the transition to full-time on JotForm. 16:41 - The evolution from free to paid subscriptions and early challenges. 23:15 - Expanding JotForm's functionality beyond basic forms. 28:17 - Introduction of enterprise solutions and learning the ropes of sales. 32:20 - Growth and scaling challenges faced over 19 years. 35:16 - The critical importance of focus and saying no to distractions. 41:28 - Where to find Aytekin Tank and closing remarks. Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

11-18
41:32

#129: will.i.am Unplugged: Will AI take over the world?

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In today’s conversation, our guest is Will.i.am—artist, tech innovator, and futurist. Will dives into a range of topics including his journey from music to technology, the future of AI governance, and his thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI). He shares unique insights into his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and how curiosity has driven him to pioneer in the tech space. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to innovate fearlessly and the mindset needed to push boundaries in both art and technology. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation; stay curious, and you'll find the answers." "We’re headed towards a world where companies run themselves with only a few people overseeing data."  "You don’t need to own something to find value in it, but own your data and your identity." "True collaboration happens when minds gel, ideate, and challenge each other without ego." Timestamps: 00:00 – The Future of AI and Business 06:56 – Creative Thinking and Influence 14:00 – Autonomous Vehicles 20:20 – Universal Basic Income Debate 26:57 – Data Ownership and Modern Society 29:32 – Craftsmanship vs. Planned Obsolescence 33:02 – Pioneering in Tech 39:34 – Learning at Harvard 47:29 – Pitching Success Stories 50:21 – Principles for Success Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

11-05
53:59

#128: A company that helps you automate your profits, isn’t making profit.

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Schultz, a budding entrepreneur who's navigating the challenges of turning his marketing firm, Profit Automation, into a profitable business despite its current unprofitable state. We'll dive deep into the issues holding Andrew back, including a detailed analysis of his financials and marketing strategies, along with some personal obstacles that are impacting his professional progress. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "I mean, when you asked me what my biggest challenge was, I don't know what I'm selling."   "Your secret sauce is identifying what the problem is around their customers in their pipeline, so you can pull them into action." "I will help increase your conversion, or I will add another 2% to your conversion, or you don't pay anything." "I haven't done a whole lot of marketing or talked to a lot of people about it, so I find it hard to believe that you have enough data to say that this doesn't work." Timestamps: 0:00:00 Profit Automation is not turning a profit 0:04:13 Describing the Business 0:06:03 Explaining the Lead Conversion Offering 0:08:15 Identifying the Biggest Challenge - Packaging the Offer 0:13:25 The Pipeline Crisis and how to fix it 0:19:21 Addressing the Perception of Free vs. Paid Offers 0:20:24 Exploring Performance-Based Pricing Options 0:25:47 Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset 0:27:08 Comparing Eliminating Downside vs. Eliminating Risk 0:41:00 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in the Business 0:48:30 Refocusing on Sales and Marketing as the Priority 0:55:47 Balancing Personality Types within the Team 0:57:41 Shifting Mindset from Home Runs to Consistent At-Bats 1:03:29 Overcoming the Need for Certainty 1:11:08 Adopting a Scientific Approach to Testing and Measuring 1:17:07 Final Plan and Closing Thoughts Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

10-23
01:19:43

#127: Risk the $600K in His Home or Play it Safe?

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us as we delve into a compelling discussion with Seth Shaner, who shares his candid experiences about the financial and emotional challenges of being house poor. Discover how these challenges are impacting his business operations and family dynamics. Seth, who has a rich background in the restaurant industry, opens up about his journey through business failures, relocations, and the intricate balance of financial decisions and family life. Don't miss this deep dive into the real-world consequences of living beyond one's means. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "I always said I would never be house poor, but here I am because the house is the expensive part."   "You can't have high society desires overcome what your income is."  "Being in proximity to people you know can be helpful too."    "I'm not going to go in as the president of a company this big very often."  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction  04:15 - Seth discusses his early business failures 08:54 - How past business experiences and financial choices impact Seth 13:16 - Seth’s current financial strategies and his consulting work dynamics 17:25 - Emotional and financial challenges post-divorce 20:31 - Benefits of relocating for financial and family stability 30:08 - Past financial disasters and their influence on present decisions 34:43 - Seth discusses shifting focus from consulting to what he truly enjoys 39:42 - Strategies for utilizing resources effectively in business  50:57 - The potential impacts of moving to more affordable locations. 55:30 - The pros and cons of staying in California versus relocating. 01:05:22 - The impact of financial stress on mental and emotional health. 01:15:39 - Closing thoughts  Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

10-15
01:12:42

#126: Race Car Driver Questions God

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us today as we dive into the electrifying world of racing with none other than Lucas Di Grassi, the godfather of Formula E. From his early days racing go-karts to his profound insights into professional struggles and personal growth, Lucas shares his journey through the high-speed turns of his career and life. We explore not just the exhilaration of the race track but also the challenges and philosophical questions that come with being at the top of one's game. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "You can never be satisfied. You can always improve." "Being happy could be an enemy of performance."  "Happiness is not a state. It is a moment."  "Imposter syndrome is real. You always question how good you are."  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Lucas and the world of Formula E 01:32 - The creation of Formula E and its impact 03:07 - Lucas's lifelong racing career and personal background 05:04 - Challenges in Lucas's personal and professional life 10:40 - The intersection of happiness and performance in sports 15:18 - Lucas's battle with imposter syndrome and aging in sports 19:03 - The clash of pragmatism and religious belief 22:34 - Debating the role of science and God in the universe 27:54 - The concept of E + R = O: Event plus Response equals Outcome 31:21 - Skepticism and self-examination in personal growth 35:07 - Leadership principles and the willingness to be wrong 37:19 - Lucas's take on social media and the importance of showing humanity Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

10-04
38:48

#125: Scaling Fails: How Financial Blind Spots Cost Him Big

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with PR expert, Ulyses Osuna. Known for his remarkable work with top industry figures, Ulyses shares a candid look into the financial hurdles and strategic pivots of scaling a business. Dive deep into the practicalities of growth, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and how Ulyses recalibrated his business model to align better with both his professional and personal life. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "You can grow, but it doesn't work like that if you don't understand the underlying metrics."  "The right reasons to grow a business are about making it the vehicle for your life, not just your life itself."    "Scaling isn't just about growth; it's about smart, sustainable actions that align with your long-term vision." "When you truly understand your business numbers, you unlock the power to scale effectively."  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The pivotal decisions in business growth 05:24 - Ulyses discusses the challenges of scaling too quickly 11:00 - Breaking down the cost of goods sold and gross margins 17:00 - Importance of fixed and variable costs in scaling 23:16 - The strategic recalibration for better business health 29:45 - The psychological impact of rapid business changes 36:05 - Sales strategies and maintaining quality during growth 42:11 - Leveraging existing resources to maximize output 48:22 - Effective financial strategies for sustainable growth 50:37 - Closing thoughts Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

09-24
55:03

#124: Next Level Pros - A New Chapter Begins

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros We’re excited to bring you this episode of what we used to call the Founder Podcast—now rebranded as Next Level Pros! Join Chris and Daryl as they dive into the essence of always striving for the next level in entrepreneurship and life. They discuss the importance of designing lives that impact the world through entrepreneurship, embracing change, and setting new directions with meaningful missions and core values. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "If you are not actively progressing and working towards the next level, you are either maintaining or dying."  "Designing lives that impact the world starts with deliberate choice and action."  "Culture is built by design, and we're all about designing positive changes." "Trust is gained one drop at a time but can be lost with one swift kick." Timestamps: 00:02 - Introduction to Rebranding 05:00 - Core Values of Next Level Pros 07:51 - Designing the Mission Statement 10:00 - The Role of Financial Success 14:08 - Realizing the Importance of the Big Picture 18:12 - Encouraging Listener Engagement 20:00 - New Format of the Show 24:45 - Defining the Core Values (NEXT) 30:00 - Defining Trust and Excellence 32:59 - Balancing Trust in Character and Ability Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

09-17
35:15

#123: Escaping the Broken Education System for Success with Jerome Maldonado

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, we're excited to have real estate investor and entrepreneur Jerome Maldonado joining us. Jerome has built an impressive $600 million real estate portfolio over the past 28 years, focusing on sustainable and workforce housing. What's fascinating about Jerome's journey is his unique perspective on working with immigrant business partners versus those from the US. He believes immigrants who aren't "jacked up" by the US education system often make better partners, as they're more eager to learn. Dive into Jerome's insights and lessons learned over his 30+ years in the industry and discover a new perspective on education. Highlights:  "You know, what's great about America is that I love and I tell people, this is I'll take an immigrant as a business partner over somebody from the United States nine times out of 10." "If I would have known 10 years prior that people would have really believed in me, I would have grown exponentially." "What I caught it big is when we're going to the 2008 recession, I bought a bunch of subway stores." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 03:42 - Scaling Through Outside Capital  05:07 - Lessons Learned Over 28 Years in Real Estate  11:21 - Dealing with "Bottom of the Barrel" Employees  15:00 - Navigating Economic Challenges  21:00 - Dealing with Investor Emotions  24:40 - Adapting Strategies Amidst Rising Costs  27:51 - Transitioning to a More Hands-Off Role  37:59 - The Curious Case of American Food 50:16 - Jerome’s Tips for Better Relationships01:02:30 - Jerome’s Future Goals and Plans 01:12:50 - The Power of Enjoying the Now & Conclusion Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. ⁠https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl⁠  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com⁠  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://⁠www.thefoundermastermind.com⁠ ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://⁠www.golfwithchris.com⁠ ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S⁠ ⁠ Spotify- ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2⁠ ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

09-07
01:16:25

#122: 3 Strategies to Scale Your Business to 9 Figures

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Mick Hunt from the Mick Unplugged Podcast to explore the essence of entrepreneurship. Together, we dive into why culture is the cornerstone of any successful business. We discuss the challenges that most entrepreneurs face, including the importance of understanding your business identity, the true competition entrepreneurs face, and how focusing on people over profits can lead to transformational success. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Highlights:"You're not in competition with anyone but the pain you’re solving for your customers." "Culture isn't just something; it is the only thing." "Success is not a destination; success is a trajectory, and there is always a next level." Timestamps:00:01 - Welcome & Introduction02:06 - Chris’ Deeper Reason Behind His Entrepreneurial Journey.04:27 - Changing Society Through Entrepreneurship06:41 - Common Mistakes in Scaling09:13 - The Pricing Dilemma14:41 - Business Identity & Competition20:58 - The Power of Culture In Business23:15 - Building Culture by Design25:22 - Chris' Platform & Rebrand26:27 - Final Thoughts Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ Watch my latest PodcastApple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

09-04
27:22

#121: What's the Craze All About? Wyatt Ewing Founder of Ice Barrel

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Join us today as we sit down with the innovative founder of Ice Barrel, Wyatt Ewing. He shares his journey from discovering the benefits of cold therapy out of personal necessity to creating a multi-million dollar business around the concept. Whether you're a startup enthusiast or just curious about the impact of cold therapy, this episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and health. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "It boosts your mood and your energy levels in just two minutes a day... Cold therapy is incredible for reducing inflammation and resetting the nervous system." "I had terrible anxiety from childhood... Cold showers and ice baths were the only thing that brought significant and sustainable improvement." “The key to success in this space is to build a real business that's resilient and adaptable." Timestamps: 00:00 - Wyatt's Journey into Cold Therapy 02:27 - Discovering the Benefits of Cold Showers 05:13 - Transitioning from Corporate Aircraft Sales to Ice Barrel 07:15 - Scaling the Business from the Garage to Ohio 09:15 - Breakthrough Moments in Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing 12:10 - Successful Go-to-Market Strategy 14:15 - The Science and Benefits of Cold Therapy 20:00 - Wyatt's Daily Cold Therapy Routine 27:43 - Emerging Biohacking Technologies and Trends 35:43 - The Future of Ice Barrel and Advice for Entrepreneurs Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

08-22
39:20

#120: Personal Brand Building 101

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! In this episode, Chris Lee interviews Joseph Shalaby, the founder of E Mortgage Capital, one of the largest loan originating companies in the nation. Joseph shares his journey of building not only a massive business but also a powerful personal brand. The conversation delves into the importance of personal branding in today’s business world, strategies for lead generation, and how Joseph uses innovative marketing tactics to stay ahead in a competitive industry.  https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "If you're not building a personal brand, regardless of what industry you're in, you are doomed." "Your competitors can buy data, but they can't buy a personal connection with millions." "Be uncomfortable because you will not be creating good content if you're just comfortable." "How many eyeballs can I attract to the brand? That’s what matters." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Joseph Shalaby and E Mortgage Capital. 01:29 Scaling through human capital and data-driven lead generation. 05:01 The importance of Consumer Direct platforms in generating leads. 07:06 Building an in-house marketing team and owning your lead generation. 10:32 The power of personal branding in the mortgage industry. 18:25 The unexpected perks from building a personal brand. 21:16 The Rule of Seven Hours: Building a connection with your audience. 26:25 Joseph's advice on creating content and staying consistent. 29:42 Why outsourcing tasks like video editing can prevent burnout. 31:42 Final words from Joseph  Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

08-16
32:03

#119: How to Do More of What You Love

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, Chris and Daryl dive into a crucial topic for any entrepreneur—how to manage energy and maximize efficiency by identifying tasks that should be outsourced. They discuss the importance of focusing on activities that not only excite you but also play to your strengths, transforming how you approach work and life. This episode explores strategies for auditing your time, understanding the value of different tasks, and prioritizing what truly matters to energize your daily routine. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "Identify what you need to outsource so you can focus on what gets you most excited." "If it's low energy and you can hire it out, why keep it on your plate?" "We need to be trading up, always aiming to operate in our quadrant four." "The energy matrix helps you identify what truly matters in your work and life." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Energy and Efficiency 02:49 - Discussing High Energy and Low Energy Tasks 05:00 - The Importance of Delegating Unwanted Tasks 08:40 - Introducing the Energy Matrix and Time Audit 10:04 - Calculating the Value of Your Time 13:15 - Applying the Matrix to Real Business Scenarios 16:27 - Strategies for Eliminating Low-Value Tasks 20:00 - Balancing Personal Satisfaction with Professional Efficiency 23:48 - Hiring Passion vs. Hiring Desperation 26:44 - Engaging in High Energy, Low Value Activities Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

08-09
29:55

#118: How to run weekly, monthly and quarterly meetings

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! This episode is all about the importance of consistent and structured meetings to build a strong organizational culture. Chris discusses the critical components of planning and executing effective meetings at various levels within your company, from daily check-ins to annual executive retreats. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how to establish a rhythm of accountability, goal setting, and problem-solving to drive your business forward.  https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "One of the most important things in establishing a great culture is consistency." "Weekly trainings in every single department should be happening once a week in conjunction with your daily check-ins." "In your monthly finance meetings, create a 13-week cashflow projection to make plans." "During your annual executive planning, get away, get offsite, and spend three days really dialling in on goals and budgets." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Consistency 01:01 Weekly Meeting Structure 02:05 Management Team Meetings 04:09 Monthly Financial Meetings 05:34 Executive Goals and Forecasting 09:10 Quarterly Leadership Retreats 12:40 Quarterly Budget and Green Hat Meetings 14:01 Safety, Compliance, and Customer Experience 15:39 Annual Kickoff and Executive Planning 22:06 Company Trips and Conclusion Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

08-01
26:12

#117: How to Design Your Org Chart

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! In today's episode, Chris discusses how to build an effective accountability chart for your business. Unlike traditional organizational charts, accountability charts focus on roles and processes rather than just people. This approach helps in managing growth, avoiding silos, and creating clear paths for accountability and communication within the company. He also shares his personal experiences and provides practical steps to design an accountability chart tailored to your business needs and future goals. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "The fault of that is you're relying on people and not processes and roles." "We overestimate what we can do in one year and vastly underestimate what we can do in five to 10 years." "Any one person can manage between three and eight people." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Accountability Charts 01:10 - Differences Between Org and Accountability Charts 04:31 - The Law of Management 12:07 - Building the Sales and Marketing Structure 14:55 - Roles Within the Sales and Marketing Structure 16:18 - Calculating Marketing Spend 24:24 - Building the Operations Structure 29:11 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities 30:00 - Importance of Defining Roles and KPIs 31:00 - Next Steps: Creating SOPs Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

07-26
34:57

#116: Life After a 9-Figure Exit

⁠https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop⁠ Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! In this episode, Chris and Levi discuss the journey from running a successful business to navigating the complexities of a nine-figure exit. They share personal stories and lessons learned during this major life transition. The conversation touches on the emotional and practical aspects of stepping away from a daily operational role, dealing with sudden wealth, and finding new purpose and motivation. Highlights:"What would you do if one day you sold your business for millions of dollars and the next day you woke up with that kind of money in your bank account?" "It felt like it was always six months out... there's just so many things that you just can't account for." "I went from working 60 hours a week to zero, essentially zero." "Ultimately, that's where The Founder Podcast was born because I'm like, Dude, I need something that gets me excited and gets me out of bed." Timestamps:00:00 - Selling a Business and Waking Up with Millions02:36 - Believing in the Vision from the Beginning04:13 - Balancing Risk and Reward in the Exit Decision06:25 - The Long Process of Preparing for a Transaction09:58 - The Emotional Toll of Leaving a Business Behind13:28 - Leveraging the Podcast to Connect with Other Entrepreneurs16:29 - Designing a Program to Help Business Owners Grow20:24 - Seeing the Impact of the Coaching Program26:12 - Offering Different Levels of Engagement and Support30:02 - The Power of Community and Networking in the Program Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us.  https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠Apply for our next Mastermind: https://www.thefoundermastermind.com/ ⁠  ⁠Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com  ⁠Watch my latest PodcastApple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

07-20
32:11

#115: The HOW of Building our $233M Rocket Ship

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! In today's episode, Chris Lee is joined by Julio Domenech. Chris shares his incredible journey from rock bottom to building a multi-million dollar business, while Julio brings his unique entrepreneurial insights from Puerto Rico. Together, they discuss the principles of scaling a business, the importance of influence, and the role of faith in their success. This episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs at all stages. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "Most people will never experience rock bottom because they're scared of rock bottom. It was actually a blessing to experience it because I realized, man, it's really not that bad." "Influence is the number one skill that anyone can develop. It applies to sales, marketing, recruiting, and building a team." "If you want to build confidence, you have to be a person of your word. Start doing what you said you were going to do." "God's blessings are like rain. It is constantly pouring out, but a lot of times we throw up an umbrella and block it out." Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Hitting Rock Bottom 03:13 The Blessing of Rock Bottom 09:00 Building a Business from the Garage 14:28 Developing a Five-Year Blueprint 17:59 The Role of Influence and Confidence 22:16 Importance of Integrity and Consistency 26:33 Integrating Faith into Business 30:40 Structuring a Large Organization 37:04 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action 43:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

07-13
44:23

#114: The Exact Formula for Building Confidence and Selling More

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! This episode is all about the importance of influence and how it can make or break your success. Today, Chris Lee breaks down how confidence is the root of influence and shares his personal tips on building both. You’ll hear about the significance of integrity and truth in developing confidence and becoming influential in all areas of life. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "Your ability to influence others will be the difference between making it and falling flat on your face." "Confidence is all about integrity, doing the things that we said we were going to do." "Every time I do something that I said I was going to do, that's a vote in the confidence level." "You gotta create a vision and an exact roadmap of how you get there." Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro  02:00 - Defining influence and its impact  4:30 - Confidence and its role in influence  7:00 - Building confidence through truth and integrity  9:30 - Actionable steps to increase confidence and influence Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

07-06
12:15

#113: Maximize Your Business Potential: Highlights from Our Growth Workshop

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, Chris and Daryl Kelly, a seasoned business strategist, discuss the transformative power of strategic decision-making in business. Throughout the episode, Chris and Daryl explore the critical importance of having a clear and actionable vision, the role of environmental factors in business success, and practical insights on financial structuring and organizational management. This episode is not only a deep dive into strategic growth but also offers valuable lessons on aligning business goals with personal values to foster both professional and personal development. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "Vision without action is merely a dream. Vision with action can change the world."  "Charge more for the experience you provide. It’s about who values you and what you offer."  "Your environment impacts your growth. Change it, and you change your path." Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and a case study 1:33 - The Importance of Understanding 'Why' in Business 3:17 - Defining Personal and Business Goals 4:54 - How Clear Goals Motivate and Drive Business Progress 8:22 - The Role of Environmental Influence on Business Success 13:27 - Overcoming Challenges and Transforming Your Mindset 16:08 - The Dynamics of Pay Structure and Employee Incentives 19:49 - The Impact of Pay Structures on Business Scalability and Profitability 23:36 - Building Effective Organizational Structures 27:24 - The Power of Role Definitions in Scaling a Business 30:02 - Recap and Closing Thoughts  Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

07-02
34:11

#112: 4 Simple Ways to Transform Your Sales

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, we discuss the four principles of closing that can transform your sales approach. These principles, developed through years of sales experience, are designed to help you make more effective sales and achieve financial success. We’ll discuss how understanding and committing to these principles can make a significant impact on your sales performance. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "A principle is something that, if broken, always has a consequence." "The goal is to eliminate maybes and get a definite yes or no." "Buying is always an emotional experience backed by logic." "Truth is the only way that we can make change." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Four Principles 01:34 - Understanding Rules vs. Principles 04:06 - Principle #1: Yes or No, No Maybes 06:09 - The 10-80-10 Rule in Sales 10:57 - Handling Maybes and Respecting Time 13:23 - The Importance of Being Okay with a No 18:11 - Evaluating Your Own Decision-Making Process 20:30 - Principle #2: Strike When the Iron is Hot 27:03 - Emotional vs. Logical Buying Decisions 29:28 - Principle #3: 100% Deal Done 34:12 - Principle #4: Quit Lying to Yourself Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

06-25
39:41

#111: Income Statement Explained and How to Use it to Grow

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into understanding the financials of your business, focusing on building an income statement and conducting a break even analysis. Learn how to effectively assess your sales, costs, and margins to ensure your business is scalable and profitable. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/june25thworkshop  Highlights: "Not understanding the financials of your business could be costing you millions." "There’s the traditional way to look at it with GAAP accounting principles, and then there’s the business owner way." "Every dollar collected would mean 45 cents to the bottom line once you're breaking even." "For every dollar I spend on marketing, it's going to equal $40 in revenue." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Importance of Understanding Financials 03:45 - Basics of an Income Statement 05:20 - Understanding Sales and Cost of Goods Sold 08:00 - Gross Profit and Gross Margin Explained 10:00 - Calculating Cost of Acquisition (CAC) 13:30 - Breakeven Analysis Breakdown 17:50 - Scaling Your Business Effectively 20:30 - Impact of Fixed Costs on Breakeven 24:00 - Workshop Announcement and Closing Remarks Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

06-21
25:39

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