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Join entrepreneur and visionary Mike Burke as he interviews other successful business owners, go-getters and influencers to discover their stories - who they are, where they came from, and where they're going next. Check out full episodes on YouTube @RealTalkwithMikeBurke
92 Episodes
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We talk with Brian Johnson about grit, pain, and the craft of building a lean, profitable detailing and PPF shop after a life-altering injury. From flipping sport bikes to clean-room standards, we trade tactics for margins, mindset, and customer trust that lasts. • NASCAR-style install process. • Sport bike consignment strategy, buying low and flipping bikes in Canada. • hotshot hauling across the U.S., union job, and the injury • recovery, depression, and a doctor who opened the door back ...
Wrestling icon Bill Goldberg joins Mike Burke for an unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation recorded at Goldberg’s Texas compound. From rescuing exotic animals to building 1,200-horsepower muscle cars, Goldberg opens up about life after wrestling, his “average is the enemy” mindset, stem-cell therapy, and finding balance beyond the spotlight. Hear stories about Goldberg’s retirement match, his new show “Collectible” on Paramount+, and the legendary cars in his garage. 🔗 Co...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Jeff Green, founder of Lock-N-Climb, to hear the incredible story behind his ladder innovations that are now used worldwide in aviation, trucking, and beyond. Jeff shares how he went from running a family construction business to holding 43 patents, nearly giving up before a major airline deal changed everything, and the powerful advice from his late son that keeps him pushing forward. From personal tragedy to global success, J...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike talks with Ismail Leghari, founder of Detail Scale, a marketing agency dedicated to helping detailers, PPF, tint, and ceramic coating shops grow through Google ads and SEO. Ismail shares why picking up the phone still beats AI chatbots, the importance of Google Business profiles and reviews, and how small shops can grow with smart, low-cost marketing strategies. At just 24, he’s already helping nearly 60 clients scale their businesses — provi...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with James Melfi, PPF Product Manager at XPEL. James shares his journey from geeking out on detailing products in college to running a shop in New England, and now shaping the future of paint protection film at one of the industry’s biggest innovators. They dive into how product development really happens at XPEL, the launch of their new colored PPF line, and why listening to both installers and consumers is key to creating products...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Gabe, owner of Gabe’s Auto Detailing in Philadelphia. From starting out washing cars in front of his parents’ house to building a thriving shop now expanding to a second location, Gabe shares his journey of resilience, discipline, and vision. He talks about learning from setbacks, the importance of building a strong team, and how social media and word of mouth turned his passion into a business serving everyday clients and even...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike chats with Erick Bravo, owner of Skinztek in Chicago. Erick shares his incredible journey from welding in Tennessee to building his own tint, paint protection, and ceramic coating shop in the heart of Chicago. From starting work at six years old in Mexico to hustling through welding school and ultimately finding his path in window film, Erick’s story is one of grit, resilience, and family-driven motivation. Tune in to hear how he’s growing hi...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Katie Jasmin, VP of Sales at Source One Digital and the face behind CreativeFx custom window films. Katie shares her 20-year journey in the digital printing world, how CreativeFx partners with installers to bring custom graphics to life, and why embracing technology and design can unlock massive opportunities in the window film industry. From Google offices to hospitals and universities, Katie explains how custom window films a...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Nick Antonovich, founder of Fusion Tools, to talk about the passion, grit, and innovation behind one of the industry’s most iconic tool brands. From building a 12-foot squeegee that became a SEMA sensation to navigating the challenges of scaling from a garage startup to a global supplier, Nick shares his journey of risk, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of quality 🔗 Connect with Nick: Instagram: @fusiontools Facebook: Fus...
In this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Eric, owner of a small but growing tint, PPF, and ceramic coating shop in downtown Chicago. From his early days welding and hustling in Tennessee to building a business in one of the toughest markets in the country, Eric shares how hard work, humility, and relentless hustle shaped his journey. Hear about his roots in Mexico, the lessons learned from past setbacks, and his vision for expanding into residential and commercial fil...
Join Mike on location at the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off in Reno, NV, as he sits down with Bruce Slavich—inventor, creator, and driving force behind TruSpray Systems. Bruce is no stranger to the spotlight, with multiple podium finishes and a first-place win in the Architectural Window Film competition. In this episode, he shares the story behind TruSpray, how his system is reshaping installation techniques, and what it takes to stand out on the international stage. 🔗 C...
In this episode of Real Talk, I am joined by Rev Ford, a native of Charlotte, N.C., and a dedicated Business Banker at First Citizens Bank. Rev shares his journey from being a college football player to becoming a successful banker, all while balancing family life and his passion for building relationships. In this episode, we discuss: • Small business and credit • The challenges of switching banks after a merger • How his competitive mindset from athletics influences his professional life&n...
In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse behind some of the most impactful moves in the SFR, BTR, and Multifamily space—Yovonne Kenny, Vice President of Strategic Growth at Palisade™, an ACP, LLC brand. Yovonne’s not just talking growth—she’s building it. With over 13 years of experience across housing’s fastest-growing sectors, she’s scaling Palisade™, a grout-free, waterproof LVT wall panel system, into a national standard for smarter, faster, cleaner installs. From field crews to bo...
Join Mike Burke at the 24 Hours of Booty, featuring young adult cancer survivor and long‑time 24 Foundation supporter Lauren DiFrank. Lauren, in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 12 years, has participated in 24 Hours of Booty for over a decade—raising thousands of dollars to support survivorship programs that go beyond medical treatment. Lauren reflects on the profound personal connections she formed through the event, including meeting her late husband, Rob, through the community. Toge...
Mike Burke sat down with none other than Spencer Lueders, the founder of 24 Hours of Booty and a true champion for cancer navigation and survivorship support. They talked about the inspiration behind the ride, its impact on local communities, and what keeps this mission rolling strong year after year. 🚴♂️💪 Whether you’ve ridden the Booty Loop yourself or just love a good story about grit and giving back, you don’t want to miss this one. 📸 Follow along: ➤ 24 Foundation on IG – @24foundation...
From 42 U.S. states to 30+ countries… this guy’s done it all 🌍 🍻 Party boats. Party buses. Pub crawls. Welcome to the world of Snapper. In this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, we dive into Snapper’s crazy journey from American road trips to running the hottest pub crawl and party cruises in Australia. We talk boats, buses, burnout, and the business of bringing people together through music, mayhem, and meaningful connection. 📍 Check Out Snapper’s Businesses: 🚤 Cairns Party Boat...
In this episode, we chat with Saad Hafiz, the owner of Obsession Car Detailing in Canberra, Australia. With nearly a decade of experience in the detailing industry, Saad shares insights on his journey, the challenges of reaching the million-dollar revenue mark, and the importance of networking at industry events. Topics covered: ✅ Background: Saad discusses his transition from a side business to running Obsession Car Detailing full-time since 2016. ✅ XPEL Experience: Learn about Saad’s...
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Sharp, the owner of Australian Detailing Services in Sydney, Australia. With a decade of experience in the detailing industry, Ryan shares insights on his journey, the growth of paint protection film, and the importance of networking within the industry. Episode highlights: ✅ Background: Ryan discusses his transition to starting his own detailing shop and focusing on paint protection film. ✅ XPEL Partnership: Learn about Ryan’s experience with XPEL and ...
Ryan Townsley joins us in Sydney, Australia! Ryan is currently heading up the rapidly growing marine program at XPEL after the acquisition of PFS. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Ryan's Journey: Building a marine program from the ground up, starting with a bold idea and a blank canvas. ✅ Challenges in Education: Overcoming obstacles in educating boat owners about the importance of paint protection films and coatings, amidst widespread misconceptions. ✅ Luxury Marine Insights: Collaboration...
In this episode, Mike catches up with his longtime friend and XPEL’s VP of Asia-Pacific, Chris West, on location in Sydney, Australia. Chris shares his journey from Alaska to Shanghai, his insights on the booming opportunities for XPEL in Asia-Pacific, and what it’s like navigating cultural and market differences in China, Australia, and beyond. This podcast covers: ✅ Why China’s PPF and tint market is worth over $1 billion — and how XPEL is raising the bar. ✅ How the Australian market remin...
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