Travis Makes Money

Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur, fashion innovator, and now tech founder who’s built her career around solving real-world problems. From co-founding Alice + Olivia to developing a patented women’s sizing system called TrioFit, Rebecca has consistently combined creativity and practicality to build impactful businesses. Now, she’s channeling that same drive into Synchrony—a new social app designed to help neurodivergent adults connect and combat loneliness in meaningful ways. On this episode we talk about: How Rebecca transitioned from fashion and retail into tech entrepreneurship The story behind founding Alice + Olivia and what she learned about branding and innovation Why ideas alone aren’t enough—and how to validate your market before launching The challenges and benefits of self-funding vs. outside investment How Synchrony is using technology to address the loneliness epidemic among neurodivergent adults Top 3 Takeaways Great businesses start by solving problems you truly understand—personal experience is a powerful indicator of market need. Validation matters more than inspiration. Don’t build before you know who actually wants your product. Bootstrapping gives you control, focus, and creative freedom that investors often limit. Notable Quotes “Ideas are easy. Execution and validation are what separate entrepreneurs from dreamers.” “When you solve a problem for yourself, you’re often solving it for thousands of others.” “Connection is the most human need we have—and we’re building a tool to make that accessible again.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Powell is the innovative CEO of JP Inc, a talent management agency revolutionizing influencer licensing with offices in LA, Nashville, and New York. With over 20 years of experience in modeling and influencer marketing, Jen has transformed the traditional fashion industry by embracing influencer-driven commerce early on, making her a unique leader in this space. On this episode we talk about: Jen’s transition from a top modeling agent to a pioneer in influencer marketing Early success stories of monetizing fashion blogs through sponsorships The challenges and opportunities within traditional modeling agencies Founding JP Inc and growing it into a national influencer talent agency The future of modeling, including digital/AI models and the enduring need for human connection Creator brand development and licensing as a low-risk business strategy Details about Jen’s course, "The Creator’s Path to Product" Top 3 Takeaways Social media followership is now a critical factor in hiring talent within the modeling and influencer industries. Licensing allows creators to retain ownership of their intellectual property while scaling their brands with less risk. Despite advances in digital and AI models, authentic human connection remains vital in storytelling and marketing. Notable Quotes "If there’s two models up for a job and one has 3 million followers and one has 5,000, the model with 3 million followers is going to get the job." "It’s better to make everybody think you’re dumb than to speak up and remove all doubt." "Human connection matters more than people think it does in modeling and storytelling." "Licensing your creator business offers a less risky path while you build your brand and audience." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Elmore is the founder of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to developing emerging leaders, with over 20 years of experience working alongside leadership expert John C. Maxwell. He is a prolific author of 40 books on leadership, including his latest, The Future Begins with Z, which explores innovative strategies for leading Generation Z as they disrupt the modern workplace. Tim’s insights into generational differences, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurship make him a valuable voice for anyone navigating today’s rapidly changing workforce. On this episode we talk about: The unique characteristics of Generation Z compared to Millennials How Gen Z’s relationship with technology and social media influences work habits The rise of micro-entrepreneurship among young people and economic shifts Leadership strategies for coaching and connecting with Gen Z rather than commanding The changing nature of work ethic and purpose across generations Top 3 Takeaways Connection and coaching are more effective than authority when leading Gen Z. Gen Z values purpose and flexibility in work, often seeing jobs more like hobbies. Micro-entrepreneurship is growing rapidly as many young people seek autonomy and reject traditional corporate models. Notable Quotes "Generation Z is the sandpaper on my leadership. I did not know I needed. We become better leaders because of them." "Your connection gives you the right to influence, not your position." "We’ve got to lead from bridges we build, not badges we wear." Connect with Tim Elmore: LinkedIn: Tim Elmore LinkedIn Twitter/X: @TimElmore Instagram: @timelmore Website: timelmore.com Growing Leaders nonprofit: growingleaders.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a candid conversation between Travis and his producer Eric, diving into the ways that religious backgrounds shape money mindsets and personal finance decisions. Travis reflects on his own experiences growing up in a large, well-resourced church and how both healthy principles and harmful attitudes have impacted his financial outlook over time. Through personal stories and playful banter, Eric and Travis explore the tension between gratitude, ambition, and the reality of pursuing financial stability. On this episode we talk about: Money lessons learned in church environments How religious upbringing impacts beliefs about wealth Church paradoxes regarding money and religious leaders Harmful vs. helpful financial mindsets from faith backgrounds Advice Travis would give his younger self about money Top 3 Takeaways Your spending reveals what truly matters to you—track where your money goes to understand your priorities and values. Religious environments often transmit complex and conflicting attitudes about money, sometimes discouraging the active pursuit of wealth while still praising and seeking it when helpful to institutional needs. The pursuit of money itself is not inherently wrong; examine your beliefs and recognize that financial empowerment offers options and flexibility that can benefit both you and your family. Notable Quotes "Where your money is, that's where your heart is. You can examine your expenses to quickly see your true priorities." "Churches talk about money as if it's evil, but they also highly value it when it serves their purposes—that dissonance can mess with your mindset." "Money is an amplifier of who you are. It by itself is not intrinsically good nor bad. Choose to see it as a tool for good and an option creator." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma Rainville is a fractional CEO and operations strategist with over a decade of experience transforming seven, eight, and nine-figure businesses behind the scenes. Known as the "integrator by DNA," she specializes in moving founders from burnout and cash bleed to scalable, profitable growth. Emma’s reputation rests on her blunt, practical approach and her obsession with execution—not just theory—and on her proven ability to architect systems that protect profits and foster company culture. With her trademark SCOPE model and Wave Vision process, Emma helps businesses create sustainable systems that unlock new levels of efficiency and profit. On this episode we talk about: Emma’s first entrepreneurial hustle at age eight and early lessons in leverage The hidden pitfalls founders face with unchecked expenses and chaotic systems Why most business owners fail to understand their true numbers—and how to fix it The critical role of SOPs: why written processes and automation trump hiring How AI and automation are disrupting labor-intensive businesses, from landscaping to admin work Emma’s journey through the IDF, ER trauma nursing, and operations leadership—plus the real secret behind her career pivot Highest-leverage automation opportunities business owners miss The key mindsets and habits of growth-focused founders Top 3 Takeaways Unchecked expenses silently destroy profit—regular, ruthless review of every expense can unlock 3-4% profit instantly. Most business owners don’t know actual unit-level profitability; tracking this granular data enables better decisions, higher margins, and less work. Strong businesses scale with written SOPs and automation, not by hiring; processes should come before people. Notable Quotes “Sales is king.” “Every dollar needs to have a name, and every person should know the numbers that matter.” “You can’t automate chaos—get your processes right, then use AI and automation to scale.” Connect with Emma Rainville: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Dyrdek, entrepreneur, producer, and former pro skateboarder, is best known for creating and hosting "Ridiculousness," the viral video clip show that dominated MTV from 2011 to 2025. His relentless work ethic, innovative approach to the clip show format, and deep understanding of changing TV and streaming habits helped drive the show to unprecedented success, spanning 46 seasons and over 1,700 episodes. Dyrdek’s business savvy made him not only a staple on TV but also one of the most well-compensated talents on the network, earning over $32 million a year in recent seasons. In this episode, Travis and Eric break down the recent news that "Ridiculousness" has been canceled after 14 years, explore the show’s legacy, and share Dyrdek’s insights from his past interview about content creation, business strategy, and media evolution.​ On this episode we talk about: The unprecedented cancellation of Ridiculousness after 46 seasons on MTV Why the show’s viral format succeeded across all demographics and became a TV staple Rob Dyrdek’s strategy for negotiating big business deals and content syndication The future of MTV and potential impacts of the Paramount merger on creative programming How Dyrdek adapted to shifts from traditional television to streaming and social media Top 3 Takeaways The relentless volume and fast-paced format of Ridiculousness helped the show thrive even as cable viewership habits changed and streaming dominated.​ Rob Dyrdek’s approach to building, negotiating, and owning production allowed him to capitalize on market timing, adapt to new trends, and maximize personal earnings.​ MTV’s shift towards curated, experimental content signals a major change in the network’s strategy, reflecting broader media trends and the challenges of legacy cable brands competing in the streaming era.​ Notable Quotes "There’s a lot of miraculous things that sort of happened over time that led to [Ridiculousness dominating MTV]." – Rob Dyrdek "You’re the right man, right vision, legs – and created something and then made it work. But then you got lucky along the way, and market factors that you could have never even seen coming." – Rob Dyrdek "Market factors, market timing, getting lucky and things working at the right time is where a lot of this really unexplainable high level of success comes from." – Rob Dyrdek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a grab bag episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, where Travis and producer Eric riff on the reality behind success—highlighting why business is the great equalizer for anyone willing to put in the work. Rather than featuring a singular guest, this episode is a candid discussion between Travis and Eric, full of humor, pop culture, and philosophical digs about work ethic, optionality, the nature of talent, and actionable (if often ignored) business wisdom. They use standup comedy and pop references as a lens on entitlement, the “special snowflake” myth, and the sometimes mind-numbing monotony behind real progress. On this episode we talk about: Why most people settle for being a cog and what it actually takes to “opt out” Daniel Tosh’s take on employment, entitlement, and the myth of guaranteed fame The difference between success in business versus creative arts: luck, timing, and talent Why simple, repetitive business actions (doing the boring work) are the true formula for income The reason people mock Gary Vee’s advice, but why doing the basics still actually works Top 3 Takeaways Most people are held back not by talent or opportunity, but by their own acceptance of mediocrity and avoidance of repetitive, boring work that creates options and freedom. Business is fundamentally a learnable, math-like skill: boring, repeatable actions generate income better than “waiting for your shot.” Freedom requires you to learn how to make money outside of a paycheck—otherwise, you’ll always be forced to trade your time for someone else’s goals. Notable Quotes "The barrier to entry isn’t talent; it’s being willing to do the boring, repetitive work that most people constantly avoid." "For creative fields like acting or music, sometimes world-class talent never gets a shot—business isn’t a zero-sum game that way." "You have to put yourself in a position to have options. Staying broke is another way of saying you decided to let someone else define your ceiling." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis and producer Eric jump into a mix of thoughtful, funny, and heartwarming clips, landing on a story about comedian Chris DeStefano and the challenge of choosing between earning more money and spending time with family. Chris discusses turning down work to prioritize his kids, sparking a candid conversation about career, sacrifice, and what success truly means at different life stages. On this episode we talk about: Why Chris DeStefano values family moments over chasing every dollar​ How personal circumstances and seasons of life dictate work/family choices​ Navigating parenting, money, and the tradeoffs of financial hustle​ Lessons from upbringings and parental examples, and their impact on work ethic​ Building a life that aligns with personal priorities, not just chasing excess​ Top 3 Takeaways You don’t need all the money—knowing when “enough” is enough lets you choose family and peace over constant hustle​ Life happens in seasons—sometimes you must work extra, but intentional planning lets you cherish key family moments​ Children learn most by watching you; modeling responsible hustle and thoughtful sacrifice is as impactful as time spent​ Notable Quotes “I just feel like I don’t need all of it. I just need enough for me … I don’t want to miss my kids’ lives.”​ “Kids don’t need you there 24/7—they need you present for the moments that matter.”​ “Doing nothing is not the solution. Doing something is, and doing something in volume is even better.”​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis is joined by producer Eric for a wide-ranging, deeply philosophical episode exploring how beliefs, meaning, and personal philosophy influence the way money, work, and life are experienced. Both hosts share their takes on existential questions (with spontaneous detours into Star Trek, simulation theory, and work ethic), showing how practical mindset shifts are inseparable from financial success. On this episode we talk about: Various mental models that shape work, motivation, and the experience of meaning How philosophy—like Nietzsche’s ‘eternal recurrence’—reframes choices and ambitions The importance of recognizing meaning as self-generated, not assigned by circumstance or others Why evaluating beliefs by their practical usefulness is a key discipline in modern business How accepting truth wherever you find it drives personal growth, resilience, and sharper decisions Top 3 Takeaways Philosophy matters: Questioning and reframing beliefs about meaning and agency lead directly to greater productivity and financial outcomes. Meaning is self-generated—thinking carefully about what keeps you going can reveal your true priorities and help you make better life and money choices. Adopt beliefs and mindsets that are useful for your growth—even if you can’t prove them, lean into what propels you forward and out of ruts. Notable Quotes “Meaning is entirely self-generated. You decide, and it might change over time. So choose wisely.” “If a belief system isn’t useful—if it doesn’t propel you into meaningful action—why keep it?” “Accept truth wherever you find it, regardless of who says it. That’s how growth happens.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down why building a career or business in 2025 means leveraging the power of content and relationships on social media. Drawing inspiration from powerhouse voices like Gary Vee, they explore the real tactics, mindset shifts, and simple habits that separate those who get results from those who just “post and ghost.” On this episode we talk about: Why creating content is no longer optional for business owners and sales pros The biggest mistakes new (and seasoned) agents make on social—and how to fix them Why “posting” alone isn’t enough (and why engaging with others matters more) How to start from scratch: practical tips for getting over perfectionism and fear The right approach to building habits, including using accountability tricks and “just doing the thing” Top 3 Takeaways Social media attention is a massive business opportunity, but most people overthink and underact—just post, learn, and iterate in public. Engagement—commenting, DMs, reacting, and showing up in conversations—is what unlocks genuine relationships and leads. Stop screaming at the crowd; start talking to them. Consistency and volume win. Your first attempts might suck, but nobody wins without building the habit of simply creating and sharing. Notable Quotes “The number one thing that will change every person in this room’s life financially is making content for social media.” “Doing nothing is not the solution. Doing something is the solution. And doing something in volume is even better.” “Social isn’t a bullhorn—it’s a cocktail party. If you’re not actively engaging, you’re just the weird guy yelling at everyone." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erinn Nobel is an innovative real estate leader with over two decades of experience, starting as a solo agent and eventually building a successful team, scaling across state lines, and spearheading global growth for top brokerages like eXp and Real. Now, as co-founder of ENRG Realty, she’s joined by Mark Chappell, a seasoned real estate investor and agent with more than 30 years in the business, who brings hands-on expertise from flipping houses, building teams, and mentoring new agents. Together, they’re at the helm of ENRG Realty—a new brokerage focused on leveraging data, technology, and agent-centric systems to make real estate careers more sustainable and profitable in a rapidly changing market. On this episode we talk about: The real story behind launching a new brokerage (ENRG Realty) in a tough real estate market How Erinn and Mark built their real estate careers—starting as solo agents and enduring slumps and pivots Why data-driven tools and transparent revenue sharing are reshaping brokerage models Advice for aspiring agents on thriving regardless of market timing—what’s myth, what’s reality The unique culture, tech, and support that set ENRG Realty apart for new and veteran agents alike Top 3 Takeaways The best time to start in real estate is now—success depends more on drive, mentorship, and willingness to learn than on perfect market timing. New agent-focused brokerages like ENRG Realty thrive by combining seamless data integration, true agent support, and a share-based rewards system. Real estate rewards relentless action, transparency, and a willingness to adapt, with more people achieving financial freedom through property than any other industry. Notable Quotes "The market is the opportunity you make of it—there’s always business for those willing to do the work." "Nobody owes you a dream life—you have to stop complaining, put your head down, and create it yourself." "We’re building a brokerage that’s agent-first: seamless data, real support, and a culture where everyone’s success is connected." Connect with Erinn Nobel and Mark Chappell / ENRG Realty: Website: https://enrg.realty/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Wright is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and digital marketing architect known for designing intelligent AI agents and automation solutions for business owners. After starting as a teenage lawn care entrepreneur and enduring a tumultuous journey through corporate HR, sales, and safety roles, Jason carved his own path by embracing the ups and downs of self-employment. Today, he runs Intentionally Inspirational, specializing in AI-driven marketing and automation for real estate investors and fellow entrepreneurs, helping them scale efficiently while keeping a sense of humor and authenticity at the forefront. How humble beginnings (mowing lawns for fishing tackle) sparked Jason’s entrepreneurial bug—and why he rebelled against the "get a degree, find a boss" script.​ The struggle of his first business launch, running out of money, and being forced to ask family for support—and why hitting bottom forged business resilience.​ Pivots through jobs (cars, mortgages, publishing), freelancing on Upwork, and finally building a niche business serving real estate investors with automated marketing solutions.​ The essential mindset shifts: the world doesn’t owe you anything, ego means nothing, and success requires adapting to rejection and uncertainty.​ Why discipline, over motivation, is key to entrepreneurship—and how the habit of working through difficult periods produces long-term results.​ Jason's advice for leveraging AI now, niching down, and automating the parts of business that drain your energy.​ Top 3 Takeaways You must earn your entrepreneurial credibility through setbacks, pivots, and doing the grunt work—even without recognition or immediate financial reward.​ Automate, outsource, and delegate aggressively; focus only on the work that maximizes your unique value and happiness.​ Embrace failure as a necessary precursor to growth—your timeline is unpredictable, and your highlight reel will be built on low points.​ Notable Quotes "The world doesn’t owe you anything. Your ego doesn’t mean anything in the entrepreneurial world."​ "Motivation is not required to get things done—even if you’re not motivated, do it anyway."​ "Most business owners overestimate the value of their time, and underestimate the importance of discipline and automation."​ Connect with Jason Wright: Website: intentionallyinspirational.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis On this episode we talk about: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode flips the mic to dissect iconic movie sales scenes—especially the legendary real estate monologue from "Glengarry Glen Ross"—with Travis and producer Eric swapping stories from the trenches of commission sales. They break down the psychology of high-pressure closing, how silence can be an indispensable tool, and why consultative selling beats boiler room tactics for long-term success. What real sales moments get right—and wrong—in famous movies The thrill and dread of securing deals in 100% commission environments Why holding the silence is harder (and more effective) than most people realize The difference between authoritative vs. assumptive closes—and why discovery sets you up for the sale The emotional rollercoaster of sales jobs, from adrenaline rushes to crushing self-doubt Use silence as leverage; resist the urge to talk past your own close—let the prospect sit with the decision. Great sales begins with genuine discovery and honest self-selection—you want lifetime clients, not regret-fueled chargebacks. The close should be the natural conclusion to a quality conversation—practice assumptive and options-based closing for better results. "Most people just can't stand the awkward silence, but in sales, that's your friend—it gets the prospect thinking, and helps you avoid talking yourself out of a deal." "Don't overcome objections that haven’t been spoken—otherwise, you talk yourself out of the sale." "Consultative selling doesn't force the close; it builds trust, clarity, and repeat business in the long run." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level—the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis On this episode we talk about:Top 3 TakeawaysNotable QuotesConnect with Travis Chappell & Eric: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric react to viral financial influencer Brandon Carter, aka King Keto’s, raw and relentless advice for young people on how to save their first $100K. Brandon’s story of grinding through multiple low-paying jobs and side hustles for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in New York City is a wake-up call on the power of hustle, discipline, and focus. On this episode we talk about: The reality behind making $100K in your 20s through sheer hard work, sacrifice, and multiple jobs Why using free time strategically—avoiding distractions like partying, clubs, and frivolous spending—is key to wealth-building The value of creating a savings gap between income and expenses to fund your entrepreneurial dreams How Brandon’s early hustle primed him for success when he launched his first business with capital already saved The balance between hustling hard and burning out—listeners reflect on their own work-life tradeoffs Advice on staying focused vs. scattershot hustling and the benefits of developing clear career clarity over time Top 3 Takeaways Hustle isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective: relentless work for sustained periods builds financial runway. Sacrifice short-term pleasures to create long-term financial freedom and opportunity to pursue what truly matters. Real success comes with focus and clarity, which often takes years to develop—don’t rush, but don’t waste precious time either. Notable Quotes “Work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, and save half your income. It’s not for the soft or the punk.” “Using your free time effectively is the difference between building wealth or watching YouTube all night.” “Most 20-somethings have more free time than they realize—use it or lose it forever.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level — All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and Eric dive into a viral clip from financial podcaster Caleb Hammer, known for brutally honest, entertaining, and accessible advice that puts real-life financial struggles under the microscope. Together, they unpack Hammer’s take on emergency funds—and the problems with generic one-size-fits-all advice in personal finance. On this episode we talk about: Why $1,000 in emergency savings rarely works—and the psychological trap of feeling secure with too little cash How Dave Ramsey’s famous “starter emergency fund” may work in theory, but often isn’t enough in practice, especially for those with significant debt The real meaning of building financial discipline: Knowing your risk level, running the numbers, and tailoring your strategy How Travis approaches emergency savings for entrepreneurs vs. employees—and why life always costs more than you expect Tips for keeping your money liquid, accessible, but not so visible you lose your financial hustle Top 3 Takeaways Personal finance isn’t one-size-fits-all—generic playbooks don’t address your actual risks or needs. A starter emergency fund (like $1,000) is better than nothing, but long-term security needs three to six months of expenses—especially if your income is volatile. Financial discipline means both protecting yourself from unexpected setbacks and making your money work for you—don’t let “safe” dollars stop you from growing. Notable Quotes “Life will always demand more money than you think it will.” “Past a certain dollar amount, every extra dollar should be out working for you. Money in a savings account loses value over time.” “You want that feeling of urgency when you look at your accounts—you should be hustling, not getting comfortable.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Travis is joined by his producer, Eric, for a fun break-down of the worst financial advice out there—reacting to viral clips and sorting the truly terrible from the merely misunderstood. They cover everything from “buy low, sell high” myths to the dangers of credit cards and the unpredictable path of moving to NYC for your dreams. On this episode we talk about: Listening (and laughing) through clips of supposed “awful” financial advice—from cash hacks to leveraging credit as a college student Why “buy low, sell high” sounds easy, but almost no one—except 1% of day traders—actually wins playing that game over time The power of environment and why moving to a “dream city” could either ignite your career or send you financially underwater When using credit can make sense for disciplined business owners—but why most people should stick to cash Travis’s ranking of the worst, most misleading, and situational money advice people keep hearing Top 3 Takeaways “Buy low, sell high” is not a strategy—it’s gambling, and 99% of would-be day traders lose money over time. Your environment shapes your success; place yourself where the most opportunity exists, but only with a concrete, disciplined plan. Cash keeps you disciplined, but leveraged credit can be a useful tool—if you treat it like investment capital and avoid consumer traps. Notable Quotes “You’re not going to beat the S&P 500—over 96% of funds and day traders fail to outperform the market.” “Don’t confuse play money with nest egg money—it’s fun until you gamble away your future.” “Environment shapes you, but most people never shape their environment.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level—the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Oliver is the founder of Atlas Bar, a clean, high-protein snack company built around real ingredients, adaptogenic superfoods, and a purpose-driven mission to help people unlock their full potential. While still a college student at Tufts University, James started experimenting in his kitchen and turned his early prototypes into a multimillion-dollar business that’s thriving in the ultra-competitive nutrition space. On this episode we talk about: Why he jumped into an overcrowded market and how he found his niche by making real food first protein bars What it actually costs to start a brand—how he went from $5,000 to $1.5 million in revenue with zero outside funding The “freedom framework” of time, location, and financial choice that drove his entrepreneurial path Why Amazon is his secret weapon for scaling fast without the overhead of traditional retail The power of focusing relentlessly on product quality and iterating one improvement at a time Top 3 Takeaways There’s always room for the best—crowded markets reward innovation, not imitation. A small starting capital and strong execution can outperform heavy investment when paired with discipline and product obsession. Great marketing starts with a great product; if people truly love it, word-of-mouth will do the rest. Notable Quotes “I started Atlas with $5,000 and a goal—to build freedom, not just a company.” “Every ingredient you see on the label is something you could find in your own kitchen.” “If you build a great product, people will tell other people about it—it’s the purest form of marketing.” Connect with James Oliver and Atlas Bar: Website: atlasbars.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Vanderbloemen is the founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group, one of the leading executive search firms serving churches, nonprofits, schools, and values-based businesses. A former pastor and now a trusted advisor to mission-driven organizations, William has helped over 3,000 clients find leadership talent that aligns both in competence and character. He’s also a Forbes contributor and the author of Work How You’re Wired, Be the Unicorn, and Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. On this episode we talk about: How polishing his grandmother’s silver as a kid sparked his entrepreneurial streak Lessons learned from ministry leadership that translated into building a multimillion-dollar faith-based search firm The moment he left job security to launch a business from scratch — in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis Why pursuing your deeper mission matters more than any financial metric The role of relationships, purpose, and wiring in long-term success How understanding your natural strengths can transform your leadership, career, and team dynamics Top 3 Takeaways You’ll never have perfect clarity before you start—take the first step and let the next one reveal itself. Success looks different when you’re doing work aligned with your unique wiring and purpose. No relationship is accidental—treat every connection as an opportunity to serve and grow. Notable Quotes “Work how you’re wired. Everyone has unique lanes that make them better at what they do.” “If you wait until it’s clean to take the first step, you’ve already missed your chance.” “You can do good and do good business at the same time.” Connect with William Vanderbloemen: Website: vanderbloemen.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Simons is the co-owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, a mission-driven hospitality company behind the award-winning Founding Farmers brand, in partnership with the North Dakota Farmers Union. The group operates eight sustainably run restaurants, a distillery, and a catering company, all with one goal: to drive profits back to American family farmers while redefining how restaurants can serve people, planet, and profit in equal measure. On this episode we talk about: How Dan fell in love with teamwork and hospitality in college bar jobs His corporate climb from restaurant manager to VP and the turning point that pushed him into entrepreneurship Going broke—twice—before building a $100M restaurant business The three-year stretch living in his mother-in-law’s basement while starting over Lessons from failed ventures, debt, and the mindset shift that built a thriving farmer-owned enterprise Why creating a people-centric culture is not just good ethics—it’s good business Top 3 Takeaways Success is built through failure; each failure is an ingredient in your eventual success recipe. Find your deeper “why.” Profit is what happens when your purpose solves real problems for people. There’s never a perfect time or enough money—start smart, stay lean, and play the long game. Notable Quotes “You’ll never have enough money. So stop waiting and start building.” “We gave customers what we thought they needed—not what they wanted. That’s how we failed our first restaurant.” “Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it.” Connect with Dan Simons: https://www.dansimonssays.com/ ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level—the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get your extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shane Barker is the Founder and CEO of TraceFuse, the first Amazon-approved system for removing fraudulent negative reviews. With more than 25 years of marketing experience supporting Fortune 500 brands, Shane is a leading voice in digital influence and e-commerce integrity. His mission now: to protect honest Amazon sellers from fake reviews that destroy small business reputations—and give power back to real entrepreneurs. On this episode we talk about: The dark side of online reviews and how companies like Yelp and Amazon impact small business survival Why TraceFuse became the first Amazon Terms of Service–compliant solution for negative review removal The two-year grind it took to “crack the code” building TraceFuse from scratch Lessons learned from earlier startup failures and how to decide whether to quit or double down The danger of burnout, managing personal finances, and hiring a team that can keep you grounded How mentorship can shortcut the expensive learning curve for new entrepreneurs Top 3 Takeaways Review manipulation crushes small businesses—but true innovation means fixing broken systems without breaking the rules. Entrepreneurs often mistake constant growth for success; real wealth comes from clarity, focus, and sustainable scaling. Mentorship is a shortcut to mastery—paying for expertise can save years of trial, error, and wasted money. Notable Quotes “Yelp is like the mob—they’ll tell you, ‘Pay us, or those reviews stay hidden.’” “It took two years to figure out how to do it right, but now we’ve removed over 14,000 fake reviews.” “If you’re going to bet on something, bet on yourself. But get someone who’s already done it to help you place that bet smarter.” Connect with Shane Barker: Website: ShaneBarker.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 The Travis Makes Money podcast is powered by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices