The Entrepreneur Experiment

Nick Keegan, the CEO & co-founder of MailMetrics is your mentor this week. He teaches us how to use venture debt and company acquisitions to supercharge your company growth.  Check out the full podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRHfAvJGC0  --- Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast Growing Further: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF 

In today's Mentor Moment, we are going all the way back to episode 67 with Brody Sweeney. Brody founded the famous O'Brien's Sandwich Bars before going on to found Camile Thai. This week's mentor teaches us how to deal with failure and most importantly how to bounce back. In a brutally honest interview, Brody shared what it meant to lose a global empire at the height of his business fame and how he used that to fuel even bigger success the second time around with Camile Thai. If you are trying to figure out how to bounce back from a loss or setback, this mentor has the answers you need.   Sponsored by Square - Power your Business with Square Visit Square: https://squ.re/3x8oiOo  Location Partner: Iconic Offices  Claim your free office for a day: https://bit.ly/iconicEE23  MentorsWork - Get a free mentor https://bit.ly/eementorswork Music by Andrew Applepie

In this episode, I sit down with Phillip McGlade, the CEO of Therapie Clinics, to uncover the secrets behind building Europe’s largest aesthetics chain—a business turning over €100 million annually. With 77 clinics across the globe, Therapie has become a household name in beauty and wellness. But Phillip isn’t stopping there; he’s now expanding into fertility clinics, tackling deeply personal and impactful challenges. We dive into the mindset that fueled 14 years of relentless growth, the sacrifices Phillip has made along the way, and how he balances family with building a business empire. You’ll hear about the big risks, bold moves, and lessons learned from scaling not just one, but two life-changing ventures. Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to create a €100+ million business, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action. --- Thanks to my season title partner Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21  Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.

In this episode, Gary sits down with Conor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Mad Egg & Nory, to dive into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant world and how he's shaking things up. This is the second time Conor has been on the pod and we catch up on a whirlwind few years for Conor as he raised $25 million to build Nory, the operating system for restaurants. Conor is building the ultimate operating system for restaurants to help them thrive, not just survive. We chat about why so many restaurants struggle with profit, how digital tools can change the game, and what it takes to scale up from a local spot to a powerhouse brand. Whether you’re in hospitality or just hungry for business insights, Conor’s journey will inspire and entertain. Tune in and get a taste of the future of dining!   Here is a sneak peek of some of the lessons in today's pod. Optimize for Efficiency: Profitability often hinges on operational efficiency rather than just increasing sales. Adapt Quickly: Embrace adaptability as a survival tool, especially in competitive or challenging markets. Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to streamline operations and stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Tell a Compelling Story: When fundraising, present a clear vision that solves real, pressing problems. Build a Strong Culture: Cultivating a positive work culture aligns your team with the mission and fuels growth.   Show Notes Connect with Conor Sheridan: Mad Egg Nory Connect with Gary Fox: Follow Gary on LinkedIn Join Gary's free weekly email newsletter community.  Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes where we uncover the founder’s formula for success. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! --- Thanks to my season title partner Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21  Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.

Today, we have a world exclusive. Will O'Brien unveils his stealth startup to the world for the first time. Will is my pick for the rising star of season 22 and this episode will clearly show why. Not only is he backed by some of the hottest investors in the world, he is solving a problem that could potentially save the world.  Will shares the rationale behind keeping his company under wraps for so long, focusing on engineering challenges away from the public eye. Our conversation then turns to the ambitious quest of seagrass restoration, an innovative solution for carbon removal. We explore the immense potential of scaling restoration efforts, fueled by global climate goals, and discuss the strategic fundraising journey that brought on board top-tier investors aligned with the venture's long-term vision. Will is a fascinating guy and we explore some of his wilder adventures including going to live with Buddhist monks and writing letters to Denis O'Brien which landed him a dream job. --- Thanks to my season title partner Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21  Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.

Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one. Bad writing and communication is holding your business back.  Learn how to unlock this marketing superpower in today's Mentor Moment.  Eamon Fitzgerald has used writing and in particular email newsletters to grow a business worth millions. Eamon is the founder of WineSpark. --- Thanks to my season title partner Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21  Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above. --- Listen to the full Eamon episode: https://youtu.be/YKIHvFW6hEc?si=6KtBT1xCZktYWpQ7 

Today, we sit down with Briain Curtin, the Irishman leading the marketing behind one of my favourite brands, Whoop. I've been using Whoop since 2019 to elevate my fitness, help recovery and guide me on my longevity journey. As VP of Global Marketing, Briain is the brains behind campaigns with global superstars such as Rory McIlroy, Christiano Ronaldo and Michael Phelps. Briain shares how Whoop has carved its unique path in the wellness industry through relentless innovation, a commitment to science-backed insights, and a user-centered design philosophy. On top of all that, you'll get a marketing masterclass from one of the brightest minds in sports marketing.  From helping elite athletes optimize their performance to supporting everyday individuals on their wellness journey, Whoop is transforming the way we understand our bodies. Briain discusses the brand’s approach to creating wearable tech that isn’t just a gadget but an empowering tool for life-changing health decisions. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Whoop Philosophy: How Whoop approaches wellness from a health-first perspective, focusing on meaningful, real-time data. Innovation in Wearable Tech: What sets Whoop apart in the health tech industry, including its commitment to continuous improvement and cutting-edge features. The Power of Data: How Whoop’s technology provides actionable insights into recovery, sleep, and overall wellness. User-Centered Design: Why Whoop places its users at the heart of its innovation, constantly evolving to meet the needs of diverse groups, from athletes to professionals. Future of Health Tech: Briain’s insights into where the wellness industry is headed and Whoop’s role in shaping it. Get a free Whoop & a month free: https://join.whoop.com/9736D656  --- Thanks to my season title partner Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/leodigital21  Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.   Show Notes Links & Resources: Whoop Website Connect with Briain Curtin on LinkedIn Check out Whoop’s latest features and advancements on social media: Instagram, Twitter

Every top founder needs a great mentor. Each week, I bring you a brand new mentor who can help you on your journey. This week is a great friend of mine, my real-life mentor and accountability buddy, James McCormack. In this raw episode, he shares the moment when he knew his life must change and the dramatic steps he took to reshape his entire world in the last 5 years.  To listen to the full episode, go to episode 302.  --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this episode, I sit down with David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, to explore his fascinating transition from the fast-paced world of banking to becoming a trailblazer in PropTech. David shares his journey of becoming disillusioned with the traditional financial system and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. He reveals the critical moments and insights that pushed him to start Property Bridges, a platform transforming how people invest in property. Through candid reflections on risk, failure, and resilience, David provides a roadmap for anyone feeling trapped in a corporate world and ready to pursue something meaningful. We discuss how technology can solve real-world problems and reshape industries, and David offers practical advice for founders looking to innovate. This is a story about breaking free from convention, building something impactful, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Every succcessful founder I've met has a mentor. Each week I bring you a new mentor so you can access some of the world's best founders and have them for 10 minutes each week to guide you for the week ahead. Your mentor this week is health and fitness entrepreneur Rob Lipsett. Rob is a regular guest on the pod as he represents a new breed of location-flexible, works off his own schedule, and has built a highly profitable business while doing it. This week, we delve into why you just need to make tiny wins daily as opposed to trying to achieve superhuman feats. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Paul Quigley, the founder of Newswhip, shares his extraordinary journey from the legal world to becoming a trailblazer in media analytics.   We analyse the early days of the Irish startup scene, where camaraderie and a post-economic crash environment gave rise to companies like Intercom and Boxever. Drawing parallels to today's world, Paul discusses the potential for groundbreaking startups emerging from global shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of hybrid business models. With an ever-evolving media landscape, Paul and I dive into the complexities of news consumption. Social media has become the dominant source for many, especially younger generations, but it brings its own set of challenges. We talk about the role of bias, the rise of news influencers, and how political figures like Donald Trump shape public discourse. Our conversation touches on the importance of curation and factual reporting, highlighting outlets that blend traditional journalism with modern platforms, while pondering the role of AI and influencers in redefining media norms. Balancing innovation with maintaining success is a fine art, and Paul offers insights into his personal approach to mental and physical well-being. From sea swimming to silent retreats, he underlines the importance of managing the 'noise' in one's head. We reflect on the significance of curiosity and passion in business, underscoring the necessity of effective storytelling and marketing in building a successful brand. Financial security's impact on the entrepreneurial journey also features in our discussion, revealing the personal sacrifices and dedication required to thrive in the ever-changing media landscape. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Will and Adrian, the innovative minds behind Sons, a trailblazing men's healthcare brand, share their journey of transforming male pattern hair loss treatment with honesty and accessibility. Their personal experiences with subpar hair loss clinics drove them to create a brand that not only delivers evidence-based solutions but also shatters the stigma surrounding hair loss.  With backgrounds in business and science, they offer a fresh perspective on making hair loss treatments relatable and affordable, all while navigating the challenges of launching a healthcare brand during tumultuous times. Throughout our conversation, Will and Adrian reveal the hurdles they overcame in launching Sons, from validating their business concepts to leveraging their networks for investment. The duo shares their strategic decisions in marketing, including the bold move to invest in TV advertising, which proved vital for building trust with their audience. As they recount their entrepreneurial journey, they touch on the impact of global events like Brexit and the pandemic, offering valuable insights into their adaptive strategies and the importance of creativity and risk-taking. As we wrap up, Will and Adrian candidly discuss the balance between personal life and business growth, highlighting their transparency with both their team and investors. They delve into the challenges of fund-raising, the shift from revenue focus to profitability, and the joy and complexity of balancing family life amidst entrepreneurial ambitions. With an eye on the future, they share their plans for European expansion and the potential for Sons to lead in the men's healthcare market. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone aspiring to make waves in the healthcare industry. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this week's Idea Lab, I share the progress from our finance experiment. Every day for 12 months, I am investing €10 into Bitcoin and €10 into the stock market. Today, I reveal the one-month update and share the progress so far. Have we made a profit or loss, and what has he learned so far. I also share the three books that have shaped my philosophy for this experiment.   --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey. This week, it's Charlie Butler, the CEO & co-founder of Bounce Insights. Charlie's episode was one of the most popular from 2023. Today, he teaches us the art of having radically honest conversations and how this is the bedrock for building trust. Check out the full podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsg_1O8x0l8&t=524s --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Meet my Rising Star pick for season 20, Luke Joyce, the founder of The Cleaning Company. Each season, I pick one founder I believe is an exceptional talent and who I believe will go all the way to the top. Luke ticks every box I look for in a founder: hard-working, self-aware, with unstoppable ambition. His journey from creating a simple college job for himself to a thriving business offers a powerful testament to the impact of a positive outlook and innovative thinking. Despite multiple setbacks, Luke has taken the next logical step at every crucial turn and is now on the verge of building an empire. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, employee empowerment, and the transformative power of gratitude and goal-setting. The Cleaning Company: https://rebrand.ly/b73a31 The Cleaning Company Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/defad6  --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey. This week, it's Kealan Lennon, the founder of Clevercards. He teaches us his exact playbook for survival when it looks like your entire business will collapse.  This week is about resilience and survival against the odds.  Watch full episode: https://rebrand.ly/mmkealan --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

  In this episode, host Gary Fox sits down with Eamon Leonard, the visionary behind Broadstone Baseline and This Next Thing for an inspiring deep dive into the world of impactful event curation, startup investing, and the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey. Discover how Eamon, alongside Paul Campbell and Abby Phoenix, masterfully orchestrates transformative events in Switzerland, turning venues like the stunning Grand Hotel Kronenhof into hubs of innovation and connection. Learn the art of crafting memorable experiences where professional networking meets family-friendly atmospheres, offering insights into creating environments that foster genuine, lasting relationships. Eamon also pulls back the curtain on his approach to early-stage startup investing—sharing how he evaluates founders, their motivations, and their ability to solve problems. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating the crowded AI landscape and spotting real opportunities beyond the hype. The conversation shifts to the Irish startup ecosystem, where Eamon and Gary explore the role of exited founders, government policies, and what it takes to fuel entrepreneurial ambition locally. They also dive into the pivotal moments of Eamon’s journey from consulting to product development, offering valuable lessons in leadership, conviction, and navigating early-stage ventures. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure   Episode Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Building Connections (13:21) Creating Memorable Shared Experiences (17:35) Networking at Family-Friendly Tech Event (23:02) Early Stage Investment Strategies and Relationships (32:33) Navigating Startup Ecosystems and Trends (39:25) Irish Startup Ecosystem Challenges and Solutions (49:46) Entrepreneurial Journey and Startup Success (54:48) Founder Reflections on Failure and Resilience (01:00:32) Startup Projects and Global Expansion (01:04:27) Founder Insights on Business Direction (01:15:56) Founder Challenges and Community Support (01:20:55) Navigating Trust and Gray Areas (01:24:26) Exploring Broadstone, Baseline, and Next Thing

Each week, I bring you a new mentor. This week, your mentor is Alice Carroll, co-founder of Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey. Today, she teaches us how to dominate an industry, by turning your perceived weakness into a superpower. Listen to full episode with Alice: https://rebrand.ly/mmalice --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, host Gary Fox sits down with Oonagh O'Hagan, the dynamic founder of Meaghers Pharmacy. Oonagh shares her inspiring journey from running a single pharmacy to expanding to ten locations in a short span, while also building a thriving online presence. She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, fostering a fearless mindset within her team, and continuously learning along the way. Packed with insights on scaling a business and adapting to change, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure.

Each week I bring you a new mentor. This week, your mentor is former pro golfer Jeff Hopkins, founder of New Dimensions Active. Jeff gives us an insight into the lessons he learned from the world of professional elite sports and how he applies them to win in the business world.  To listen to the full episode with Jeff, go back to episode 285.  --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure.