
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 26, 2023 • 56min
#46: Naveen Jain: Founder Of Viome, World Class Innovator, Philanthropist
Get ready for a mind-expanding conversation with self-made billionaire and tech empire builder, Naveen Jain. This episode is a goldmine of ideas! Learn all about the power of asking the right questions, and the potential of new technologies to improve human health.
We pull back the curtain on Mr. Jain's company, Viome, revealing its mission to understand and tackle the onset of chronic diseases. You'll get a front-row seat as we explore how asking "Why this? Why now? Why me?" before launching any venture can lead to success and profits.
We'll also talk about Naveen's unique perspective on work-life balance, and the importance of integrating the two, rather than trying to balance them.Mr. Jain concludes the episode with a few gems on self-love, finding purpose, and the power of cross-subject learning.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs of our time. So, tune in for this episode brimming with valuable insights and lessons that are bound to inspire and propel your journey ahead.
HIGHLIGHTS
"Making money is a byproduct of doing things that improve people's lives."
"Every culture has these stories around this that things that look bad turn out to be really, really good."
"So it's for every day when you wake up, ask yourself what can I do today that will improve other people's lives? And if you keep doing it, one day you will find you created a massive empire."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction08:36: The Power of Asking Why14:16: Exponential Technology and the Microbiome25:39: Personalized Supplements for Improved Health29:42: Lessons and Perspectives as a Founder35:32: Embracing Self-Love and Finding Purpose40:56: Finding Balance Between Work and Life55:15: The Power of Cross-Subject Learning
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 24, 2023 • 46min
#45: Brad Lea: Founder of LightSpeed VT, Top Podcast Host, Best Selling Author.
Ever wonder what it takes to build a successful business from scratch, manage a large family, and still find time to pursue big dreams?
Join us on a massive episode, with the founder of LightSpeed VT, Mr. Brad Lea!
He opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from selling candy bars as a child to creating a thriving training platform. Hear how he leveraged the 'Rule of Seven' along with influencer marketing to expand his business empire. But that's not all, we delve into his near-death experience, and how it shifted his perspectives on gratitude and motivation.
In our candid conversation, Brad isn't shy to discuss his family life, juggling a brood of seven children, and his learning curve as a family man. It's a genuine exploration of work-life integration rather than balance.
As we venture further, he offers insights into his biggest regrets, the importance of being present in family life, and the life-altering books he reads to fuel his ambition. From starting his own training company to now aspiring to become a billionaire, he shares his relentless journey and the power of thinking big.
Listen in as he recounts experiences where he embraced risks and how it contributed to his success. Throughout this enlightening episode, Brad’s authenticity, resilience, and unwavering determination offer invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.
It's a compelling episode that'll provoke thought, inspire action, and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit!
Highlights
"What turned me into an entrepreneur was I helped somebody make some money and change their life. I watched a family go from minimum wage, broke, struggling, no confidence, to making money and confident."
"I think everybody makes [the mistake of not thinking big enough] at a level. There’s always bigger, there's levels."
"If you can sell, that’s great, but in reality, it's marketing that's more important. If you take an average salesperson and give them more opportunities through marketing, they will outperform a top-notch salesperson with fewer opportunities."
Timestamps:
(0:00:00) - Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, and Motivation
(0:11:29) - Starting a Business With the Rule of Seven
(0:19:58) - Successful Training Platform With Collaboration
(0:24:20) - Journey of Fitness, Family, and Business
(0:28:21) - Regrets and Thinking Big
(0:33:58) - Thinking Big, Marketing Power
(0:45:24) - Overcoming Fear of Failure and Opinions
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 20, 2023 • 26min
#44: Inside the Founder's Mastermind: Three Days of Transformation
Get ready to unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success! Today we revisit my exclusive Founder Mastermind Event. I invited the world's finest entrepreneurs to my home, to learn all about the fundamental pillars of successful entrepreneurship.
From building a culture of trust and teamwork to the role of mindfulness and fitness in fostering success, this episode is packed with insights and experiences to inspire and guide you in your entrepreneurial journey.
To top it all off, we'll share the exhilarating experiences of cold plunges, IVs, and even tactical shooting! So, gear up for an episode loaded with lessons, fun, and tools to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The number one dysfunction of a team is lack of trust, when trust is just not there."
"A lot of us, as entrepreneurs, as founders, we don't feel worthy of what we're accomplishing and we just feel like we're an imposter."
"This is imperative. You need to help management see that it is imperative, that communication exists across all channels, but decision making and accountability only exists in the accountability chart.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:11: Building Trust
03:56: The Power Of Meditation
06:21: Importance Of Fitness
08:34: DISC Assessment
12:37: Accountability and Communication
16:59: Building an Effective Accountability Chart 21:54: Affordable Membership
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 18, 2023 • 53min
#43: Alex Morton: Founder of AlexMortonMindset, Millionaire By 30, 2x Best Selling Author
In this engaging interview, Mr. Alex Morton, a successful serial entrepreneur, joins Chris Lee to share insights into his journey from a humble dorm room to becoming a multimillionaire at just 33 years old.
Throughout the conversation, Alex discusses the core principles that underpin his success, with a strong emphasis on the value of hard work, dedication, and a relentless work ethic.
He reflects on the misconceptions surrounding success in today's society, where external factors like family background, skin color, or educational institutions are often overemphasized.
Instead, Alex highlights the significance of hustle and grind, coupled with the ability to adapt and leverage technology, as essential components of his own journey to success.
The discussion delves into the shifting seasons of Alex's career, from early financial struggles to helping others achieve financial independence. He explains how his work ethic remains a constant, but over time, it has evolved to include smarter approaches and technology-driven methods.
This interview provides valuable insights into the mindset, work ethic, and personal growth of an entrepreneur who has transcended adversity to find success and purpose.
HIGHLIGHTS
"Work ethic is still one of the biggest components of my success."
"If you see another human being doing something I firmly and fully believe you can do."
"I'm here for a reason. I was created for a purpose."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:08: Technology & Business Growth
08:13: Success Mindset
11:25: Overcoming Setbacks
18:47: Faith, Purpose & Fulfillment
28:33: The Power Of Visualization
36:10: Routines For Success
38:59: Personal Growth & Legacy
44:43: Side Hustles
47:15: Opportunities
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 13, 2023 • 55min
#42: Ryan Pineda: Founder Of Pineda Company, Real Estate Titan, Best Selling Author
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Ryan Pineda, a former professional baseball player turned real estate mogul and serial entrepreneur. Ryan's journey is a rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, resilience, and unyielding support from his family.
From his early days flipping furniture to scaling his real estate business, Ryan's story is filled with unexpected twists and valuable lessons.
He shares insights into his transition from sports to real estate, the pivotal moments that changed the game for him, and the remarkable role his wife played in his success. Ryan's genuine character and unwavering determination have not only inspired millions but also propelled him to the pinnacle of the real estate industry
Tune in to hear how Ryan went from flipping couches to flipping houses! If you're looking for motivation, entrepreneurship wisdom, and the power of unwavering support in your journey, this episode is a must-listen
HIGHLIGHTS
"Success isn't just about talent; it's about work ethic, it's about the hours you put in."
"When I realized I wasn't going to make it to the Major Leagues, I had to find a new dream.
"Failure is part of the journey. I've made terrible real estate investments, but I've learned from them."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:06: Professional Baseball
05:02: Starting From Zero
11:04: Real Estate Flipping
14:43: Social Media Success
21:06: Gender Roles & Homeschooling
24:21: Realtionships
29:13: Parenting Challenges
32:35: Power Of Positivity
39:08: Faith & Core Values
43:08: Regrets
50:19: Personal Growth
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 9, 2023 • 57min
#41: Richard Parker : Founder of 13 Businesses and 12 Exits, Best Selling Author
In this episode of The Founder Podcast, host Chris Lee welcomes Mr. Richard Parker. Richard has an impressive track record, having acquired 13 businesses, selling 12 of them, and served as an advisor to countless entrepreneurs. He's also the author of the bestselling book, "How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price," a topic every entrepreneur wants to explore.
Richard shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began at a young age in Montreal. He recounts his early career and the pivotal moment when he decided to start his own business after a financial setback. His passion for acquiring and growing businesses led him to become a successful serial entrepreneur.
During the conversation, Richard unveils his five golden rules for acquiring businesses, emphasizing the importance of aligning the business with your skills and preferences. He stresses the need for businesses to be sales and marketing-driven, have high margins, existing demand, competitiveness beyond price, and an element of exclusivity.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate art of negotiation and the importance of building rapport and trust with sellers. Richard's wealth of experience and practical advice provide aspiring entrepreneurs and business acquirers with valuable insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions.
Tune in to this episode to discover the keys to successfully acquiring businesses, negotiating effectively, and making sound entrepreneurial decisions. Richard Parker's expertise and engaging storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in business acquisition and entrepreneurship.
HIGHLIGHTS
"I've always believed that you want to buy a good business, you don't want to buy a distressed business or garbage business."
"The faster you can get the guts of that business in your belly and make all the decisions, the better off you are. You buy a business, you're the new sheriff in town."
"As long as you've made the determination that that type of business is the right business to fit with your skill set, you like the business, you remain keenly interested in acquiring it. The conversations that you want to have with the seller are more casual. You want to keep their guard down."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:45: Entrepreneurship Journey
04:18: Strategic Acquisitions
10:17: Buying & Selling Businesses
13:42: Small Businesses
20:04: SBA Loans
22:22: Negotiating Business Deals
32:31: Networking
38:00: Business & Personal Relationships
40:35: Common Business Acquisition Mistakes
46:36: Overcoming Obstacles
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 5, 2023 • 15min
#40: Chris Lee: My Story on "10 Minute Entrepreneur" With Sean Castrina
In this episode, host Chris Lee joins Sean Castrina on the 10 Minute Entrepreneur podcast. Chris shares insights and experiences from his entrepreneurial journey. Chris's path to entrepreneurship began with selling Cutco knives and doing door-to-door sales, where he realized the power of creating value and the importance of selling. Over time, he built two successful businesses that he exited for nine figures each, a remarkable achievement for any entrepreneur.
Joining Together, they discuss the secrets behind Chris's successful exits, emphasizing the significance of building a strong company culture, maintaining clean operations, and assembling an exceptional salesforce. They also touch on the importance of partnership and attracting the right talent to scale a business effectively.
As Chris reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, he shares his post-exit plans, including his involvement in consulting and helping other entrepreneurs reach their seven, eight, or even nine-figure exits. Chris believes that strategic thinking and identifying opportunities for growth are key to revitalizing businesses that may have plateaued.
Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Chris Lee on entrepreneurship, sales, building a winning culture, and the exciting prospects of partnering with businesses to fuel their growth!
HIGHLIGHTS
“Both of my businesses were built with partners. Because I knew that I could run faster with incredible people than I could alone. And I've never met a billionaire that did it completely on his own."
"So, I'm very much a strategist, and I can identify, you know, issues and potential within businesses. And so really, the next step for me is partnering with businesses that are that are at a plateau that have been around for a while haven't experienced a lot of growth, maybe they're just been steady and coming in and given them a new fresh eyes, how to market and sell and scale and attract good talent."
"I'd rather have 50% of something growing than 100% of something dying."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:28: Exit Strategies
05:17: Scaling
07:31: Partnerships
11:53:Leadership Strategies
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Oct 3, 2023 • 13min
#39: Powerful Partners, Massive Results
Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Founder Podcast" with your host, Chris Lee. In this installment, Chris reflects on the incredible journey of the podcast, approaching a million downloads since June. He shares the importance of leaving reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, emphasizing the value of good feedback.
Chris believes that everyone should treat their life like a business, whether you're an entrepreneur or an employee. You are the founder of your own corporation, and this podcast is here to provide invaluable business knowledge to help you succeed.
In this episode, Chris dives into a critical aspect of entrepreneurship: partnerships. Drawing from his own experiences, he discusses the significance of cultivating a positive company culture and structuring partnerships to incentivize growth effectively.
Chris distinguishes between good and bad partnerships, highlighting the role of culture and equity sharing. He explains the importance of a vesting schedule, ensuring that all partners, including founders, are committed for the long term. The honeymoon period, Chris notes, lasts at least six months, during which you'll discover if a partner is truly invested in your venture.
Chris offers a 6-18-36-month vesting program as a structure to consider, explaining how it works to align interests and commitment. He underscores the power of equity in attracting partners who are willing to forego salary for a piece of the business's future success.
Throughout the episode, Chris explores various equity-sharing methods, including cliffs, daily vesting, phantom equity, and profit shares. He emphasizes the role of equity in scaling a business and shares his own success story with private equity.
Additionally, Chris introduces the concept of profits interest, a strategy for incentivizing employees with a strike price that has unique tax implications.
Join Chris as he imparts his expertise on partnerships and equity-sharing, providing valuable insights to help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring founder or an established business owner, this episode is packed with knowledge to guide your journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur and take your business to the next level. Tune in now!
HIGHLIGHTS
“Everyone has to treat their own life like a business and be the founder of it."
"Good culture is imperative, people will bleed for it."
"Properly structured equity can bring in top talent even if you can't afford high salaries."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Podcast Growth & Monetization
01:13: Culture Importance
03:05: Equity Structure
07:15: Growing Businesses With Partnerships
09:27: Incentivizing Employees
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Sep 28, 2023 • 31min
#38: Financial Discipline and the Road to Millionaire Status
In this episode of The Founder Podcast with Chris Lee, Chris shares his personal journey to becoming a millionaire by the age of 33, long before his massive success with his business.
He delves into financial strategies and principles that helped him achieve this milestone. Chris emphasizes the importance of discipline, delayed gratification, and smart financial choices, including leveraging real estate as a wealth-building tool.
He breaks down the five ways to make money in real estate, from cash flow to principal buydown, depreciation, interest savings, and appreciation.
Tune in for valuable insights on building wealth and achieving financial freedom!
HIGHLIGHTS
"You only buy luxuries with Level Three income... A luxury is something you don't need to survive."
"Always look for opportunities to experience pain and discipline in the moment because when you do so, I promise you the real fruit is so much sweeter."
"Your personal home is not an asset... It's got to be viewed as a money pit."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
04:37: Smart Financial Habits
09:46: Saving & Investing
14:29: Real Estate Investments
19:08: Strategies & Returns
24:05: Tax Savings
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Sep 24, 2023 • 12min
#37: The Foundation of Trust: A Blueprint for High-Performing Teams
In this episode of "The Founder Podcast, Chris dives deep into the critical topic of trust within teams and organizations. He discusses the importance of both trust in character and trust in ability, drawing a clear distinction between the two.
In this insightful episode, Chris Lee encourages listeners to consider their own confidence and openness to others' opinions, as this can ultimately lead to commitment, accountability, and results within their teams and organizations.
Stay tuned for more valuable insights from Chris and his upcoming mastermind program for entrepreneurs.
Whether you're a business owner or simply striving to become a founder in various aspects of your life, Chris Lee provides the wisdom and guidance you need to make it happen.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The foundation of a functional team is the absence of trust."
"Trust is required for any transaction to be able to take place, whether that's in interaction at work within a team, organization, somebody to buy a product, whatever it may be."
"There's nothing worse than doing a transaction with somebody that you trust their ability, but you don't trust their character."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:22: Importance Of Trust
04:09: Disfunction
05:21: Team Dynamics
09:22: Confidence, Commitment, & Growth
🚀 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/id1687030281
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.