Next Level Pros

Daryl Kelly, co-founder of Solgen Power, reminisces about growing up in a big family, the values instilled in him, and memorable experiences with Chris over 19 years. They discuss their first business venture, a coupon book fundraiser, and the challenges they faced. From competitions in wheelbarrows to daring dares with hot sauces, join them for a fun look back at their entrepreneurial journey!

This episode of the Founder Podcast features host Chris Lee interviewing serial entrepreneur Ian Prukner. Ian shares his background growing up in Michigan and his journey starting in network marketing after facing financial difficulties.  He discusses scaling his business to 48 locations and selling it for millions. Ian provides insights on principles of success like winning fully across faith, family, fitness, finance and future self. He describes tough times like losing business overnight and how he overcame challenges through discipline and commitment.  Ian offers a masterclass on recruiting through identifying pain points and making people feel special. Listeners will learn lessons on building a business through principles, mentoring others and more. Highlights:  "My philosophy is ran by this faith, family, fitness, finance, future self, these are the five things, Chris that like, in my opinion, if we get them wrong, that is irreparable, irreparable damage."  "You can be disciplined, or somebody can discipline you, but there is no escaping the discipline, just like there's no escaping the pain, you can pick your pain, pick it now or pick it later. But you're gonna have to pick it." "Recruit people away from where they are not to what you're doing. So another word for that is expose the nightmare and sell the dream."  Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction  04:28: Quick Vs Long Term Success 09:20: Investing In Personal Growth  19:04: Short Vs Long Term Consequences  28:21: Leadership  31:23: Unethical Practices  40:44: Real Estate During Covid  50:19: Recruiting   Live Links:  🚀 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

Join host Chris Lee on another exciting episode of The Founder Podcast, where he sits down with the renowned Dr. Chau Ong, a real estate guru with a unique approach to achieving financial freedom. Dr. Chau, formerly a pharmacist turned entrepreneur, has made a mark in the world of real estate by teaching thousands of individuals how to scale to a multiple six-figure income without massive upfront investments. In this episode, Dr. Chau shares his journey from immigrant beginnings, sleeping on a single mattress in a challenging neighborhood, to becoming a successful entrepreneur. With an MBA and a background in pharmacy, Dr. Chau decided to break free from the corporate grind and dive into the world of entrepreneurship. He reveals how he built an impressive Airbnb portfolio, garnering attention from industry giants like Tony Robbins and Grant Cardone. Chris, a seasoned real estate investor himself, explores the practicalities of Dr. Chau's methods and challenges him on the accessibility of such strategies for individuals with limited resources. Dr. Chau shares insights on mindset transformation and resourcefulness, emphasizing that anyone can overcome financial constraints with the right mindset and connections. Listeners get a glimpse into Dr. Chau's Financial Freedom Formula, where he breaks down the steps to achieving financial freedom through his unique approach. The conversation takes a turn towards mindset and personal development, with Dr. Chau revealing his commitment to continuous learning from industry elites like Tony Robbins and Richard Branson. Tune in to this episode of The Founder Podcast for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond real estate strategies, offering valuable insights into mindset, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of financial freedom. Learn how Dr. Chau's unconventional approach can empower everyday individuals to break free from the rat race and live life on their terms. Highlights: "It's not about me. It's about you. It's about leaving a legacy and helping people achieve their legacy." "Cash flow is king, cash flow is freedom." "The question to ask in business is not what kind of business do and the question to ask is, who is the ideal clients I want to serve?" Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction Dr. Chau BnB  01:34: Financial Freedom 07:35: Real Estate Investing 12:33: Overcoming Financial Obstacles 17:43: Personal Development 22:54: Investing in Yourself 27:39: Spirituality & Growth Live Links: Live Links: 🚀 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

In this vibrant episode of the Founder Podcast, we dive into the enthralling world of hiring all-stars! Get ready to discover how to attract top-tier talent to your organization and build a winning team. We kick off by exploring a fundamental truth: the essence of successful recruiting is salesmanship. If your sales game needs a boost, now's the time to level up! Read that book, tune into a sales podcast, or seek training from the world's leading sales experts. Then, we explore the topic of unraveling personalities using the DISC assessment. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights into assembling a dream team for your business! Highlights: "You have to master the skill of influence. If you can't, you need to have a partner or somebody in your organization who can." "You don't have to be that personality to be a successful entrepreneur, you just have to balance yourself out." "If you are unwilling to stand up against me, I just believe that your opinion isn't that strong. And so I give people permission to fight against me, to conflict against me." Timestamps: (0:00) DISC Assessments in Hiring (3:56) Business Personality Types (7:04) Applying Personality Types (11:08) Personality Strengths/Weaknesses (14:29) Talent Recruitment Strategies Live Links: For more information: www.thefounderdisc.com & www.thefounderdisc.com/employee 🚀 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

Get ready for a thrilling ride in this episode of the Founder Podcast, featuring the charismatic Jayson Waller, founder of Power Home Solar, known as Pink Energy. Jayson's entrepreneurial journey is a captivating tale of scaling a business to billion-dollar heights and facing sudden, steep challenges. In this candid conversation, he shares the rollercoaster of emotions and decisions involved in leading a high-stakes business. This episode is a treasure trove of raw, honest insights, delving into the complexities of entrepreneurship, the impact of public perception, and the resilience required to navigate through tough times. It's a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the real stories behind business headlines – whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for years. So, tune in as we explore Jayson's remarkable story, filled with valuable lessons, humor, and genuine reflections. His openness and hard-earned wisdom are not only inspiring but also a reminder of the relentless spirit of entrepreneurship. Let's embark on this journey of learning, inspiration, and a bit of laughter with Jayson Waller! Highlights: “I have an 80 20 rule... The bottom 20% are on a pit plan. If they can't get off the pit plan next month, they're fired.” “Somebody else's opinion of you says more about them than it does about you.” “It's okay to have your name on a business, but then you outgrow that.” Timestamps: 0:00 - Building a billion-dollar business and its downfall. 2:50 - Company closure and product liability. 5:38 - Dealing with negative publicity and death threats. 8:31 - Building a successful company and dealing with criticism. 11:35 - Business struggles and recovery after losing $400 million. 14:24 - Business regrets and net worth reset. 18:03 - Entrepreneurship, reality TV, and personal life. 25:07 - The human side of reality TV and dealing with criticism. 29:11 - Overcoming haters and finding success. 32:27 - Entrepreneurship, business, and impact. 36:16 - Business name changes and marketing strategies. 40:16 - Overcoming failure and starting a comeback story. 43:26 - Aliens, mentors, and business success. Live Links: 🚀 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

On this weeks enlightening episode of The Founder Podcast, I join the ConsistencyWins Podcast. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of diminishing consumerism in business. I share invaluable insights, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a business that not only thrives sustainably but remains consistently productive. A must-listen for those aspiring to build a resilient business model immune to the shifts of consumer trends. The conversation delves into the genesis of Solgen, my revolutionary vertically integrated solar company. We discuss the challenges we  encountered in navigating the heavily regulated solar sector, underscoring the pivotal roles of a robust team and effective standard operating procedures in overcoming hurdles. This episode transcends a mere interview; it serves as a masterclass in business and sustainability. Don't miss the opportunity to glean wisdom from my time on the ConsistencyWins Podcast. Highlights: “I utilize the law of management, which says no one person can manage more than five to eight people.” “Once it becomes impossible to grow, then now it's time to hire and time to delegate.” “So important in running a business that you have to own the truth and be willing to work with what is true.” Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction on ConsistencyWins Podcast    02:58: Overcoming Limited Beliefs  08:57: Importance Of Culture  14:45: Risk Taking  17:09: Entrepreneurship 28:08: Prioritizing Focus  35:47: DISC Assessment  40:41: 5-Year Growth Chart  50:59: Business Growth    Live Links: 🚀 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

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Founder podcast, featuring Casey Adams, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who started his podcasting journey at the age of 17. Casey's story is a true testament to the power of ambition and hard work. In our conversation, Casey explores his entrepreneurial endeavors, offering precious insights and advice for those dreaming of a similar path. He emphasizes the importance of effective listening, asking meaningful questions, and the invaluable impact of mentors in navigating the business world. Get an inside look into Casey's latest project, Listener FM, a groundbreaking platform designed to transform the podcasting landscape, making it more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Discover how Casey's forward-thinking and innovative approach is shaping the future of digital media. Beyond business, Casey shares his personal experiences, revealing the challenges of balancing a professional career with personal life and how he maintains motivation in the face of adversity. His passion and determination are palpable throughout our discussion, offering a dose of inspiration for every listener. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an avid business enthusiast, Casey's insights and experiences are sure to ignite your passion and broaden your perspective. Tune in and be inspired! Highlights:  "I've never learned anything while I was talking."  "The thing that we could all do, is just bring on interesting people and ask unique questions coming from different walks of life, having different perspectives." "The biggest thing that I've learned is that you have to be willing to take the first step."  Timestamps:  00:29 - Casey's podcasting start and audience growth. 06:00 - Startup challenges and staying driven. 09:00 - Listener FM's inspiration and goals. 15:00 - Maintaining podcast consistency and guest relations. 22:54 - Casey's approach to new projects. 24:00 - Importance of market and content strategies Live Links: 🚀 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

Welcome to another episode of the Founder Podcast! Today, Chris Lee, explores the topic of finances. Operating a business often starts with a cash-based approach, especially during the early stages. Chris reflects on his experience running Founder Acceleration, a group of 50 entrepreneurs, and emphasizes the critical role of understanding the basic financials for scaling your business. As Chris shares insights gained from scaling a business from zero to $233 million annually, he highlights the importance of CEOs and founders having a solid grasp of financial principles. While hiring professionals like controllers, CFOs, or accountants is valuable, Chris asserts that CEOs must possess fundamental financial knowledge to guide decision-making and drive profitability. If you're looking to enhance your understanding of financial aspects crucial for business growth, this episode provides valuable insights. Tune in and take the first step toward becoming a more informed and strategic founder! Don't forget to check out Founder Acceleration, where entrepreneurs gather weekly to discuss and learn from each other's experiences. Visit founderacceleration.com to apply and join this dynamic community of business leaders. Highlights: "Understanding the basic financials of your business is absolutely imperative to really be able to go and scale." "You can hire a controller, you can hire a CFO, you can have a great accountant. But as the CEO, as the founder of your organization, it's imperative that you have a grasp on the basic knowledge." "Your gross profit margin percentage should not vary tremendously, it should be within one to two points if you have a really tight dialed-in direct labor cost of goods sold, managing your inventory and those types of things." Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction 02:21: Product Cost & Profitability 03:59: Revenue & Gross Profit 06:34: Acquisition Cost 08:19: Cost Management Live Links: 🚀 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

Welcome to another episode of the Founder Podcast with host Chris Lee. In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Pilar Deza, a trailblazing serial entrepreneur from Peru. Pilar's journey is nothing short of extraordinary as she defied societal norms and government restrictions to pursue her passion for education. The episode starts with Pilar recounting the challenges she faced when the government forbade teaching English in Peru. She shares her powerful mantra of not obeying the rules and how she navigated through obstacles. Pilar reflects on growing up in Peru and her decision to start a preschool, defying societal expectations. She shares the challenges and triumphs of building a foundation that would eventually impact thousands of lives. Listeners gain insights into Pilar's commitment to social leadership and education. As the president of the Harvard Club of Peru, she discusses her experiences at Harvard's OPM program and her dedication to giving back to her community. Tune in to this captivating episode of the Founder Podcast to witness the incredible journey of Pilar Deza and discover the transformative power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Highlights:  "I love problems. I love problems. And that is one of the things that we let the kids learn here. No, because you know, the problems are full of opportunities, to better strategies to be a problem solver." "I believe that God loves me. And that it is very, very important that you feel sure yourself. And then you are all the time in a learning you are a continuous learner, continuous learner." "If you don't engage, if you're not passionate, you have to be passionate and enthusiastic and to vibrate for what you do." Timestamps: 00:00: Entrepreneurship 04:39: Social Leadership 11:19: Perseverance 17:24: Education 23:07: Daily Routines 29:43: Resilience  Live Links:  🚀 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

In this episode of The Founder Podcast, I join host Nikhil Sai on The Nikhil Sai Show. Join us as we explore my journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a millionaire and launching various businesses. Discover how I navigated failures, bankruptcy, and ultimately built Solgen into one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn the secrets behind leadership, team building, and an innovative approach to digital door knocking. I share insights on culture, operations, and the mindset that fueled Solgen's success, attracting top talent and achieving a multi-million-dollar exit. Don't miss this inspiring conversation all about turning challenges into opportunities! Highlights:  "I was always looking for ways to change the world. Initially, I thought it was by being a doctor. And so I went and set up my roadmap in order to become a doctor." "Work is something that I've never been afraid of. And I've always enjoyed doing." "I saw an advertisement that said, 'Get paid a minimum of $13 an hour,' and I was like, minimum, what does that mean?" Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction 02:24: Work Ethic 06:12: Business Failures 13:02: Scaling Solar Company  15:22: Long-Term Cash Flow 18:00: Leadership  25:36: Hiring  29:19: Retaining High Level Talent 36:21: Culture 39:48: Scaling Growth 43:19: Selling 48:57: Acquisition 52:16: SOP's  58:30: Financial Planning   1:01:36: Priorities  1:12:41: Personal Growth  Live Links:  🚀 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