Next Level Pros

What happens when your sense of identity is intertwined with your company to the point where stepping down feels like losing a part of yourself? That's the journey I embarked on after my nine-figure exit. This week, I sat down with Sean Kelly on "Digital Social Hour" to share the personal struggles I faced in the aftermath of stepping down. I had to rediscover my purpose and learn to appreciate the beauty and balance in life. Understanding the significance of masterminds, mentors, and the right circle of influence can be a game-changer. I give a peek behind the scenes of my journey, from attending masterminds that altered my life to building a team and facing the challenges of relinquishing power. Through a personal, life-threatening incident, I want to remind you of the power of appreciating the simple moments in life and the significance of cultivating gratitude. Join us on this enlightening journey that challenges us to reevaluate our definitions of success. Highlights: “And I think that's what people really want. They want authenticity, they want somebody that's done it.” "I think the biggest thing that I've learned is that you have to be willing to take risks.” "Nothing bugs me more than some self-help guru that is like 22 years old and never done it. Timestamps: (0:00:00) - Founder's Journey (0:01:47) - Transition From CEO to Chairman (0:07:50) - Harvard's Elite Owner-President Management Program (0:13:23) - Masterminds and Building a Team  (0:22:57) - The Power of Resilience and Gratitude (0:27:24) - Overcoming Comparison on Social Media  (0:31:45) - Gratefulness and Reflection on Life's Challenges 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

This episode of The Founder Podcast offers an exclusive peek into what we've been building since my transition from CEO to Chairman and the launch of this podcast. Discover how my team and I are embarking on challenges that push us out of our comfort zones and how we're using these experiences to fuel our productivity. Listen in as I share my journey through a 130-day challenge of no sugar, no white flour, and no fried foods, and learn how accountability has played a key role in keeping me committed. I am excited to introduce you to our Founder Acceleration community, a vibrant group of like-minded entrepreneurs meeting thrice a month to analyze businesses, participate in Q&A sessions, and support each other. We also dive into the Founder Project, where we're partnering with businesses, investing in real estate, and making strategic moves to secure our futures. Find out how you can be a part of this thriving community and gain access to our wealth of knowledge and experience. Plus, get a heads up on my upcoming book, The Founders Core. So, tune in, follow, and share with your friends and family. This is not just a business structure we're building; it's a lifestyle! HIGHLIGHTS "Fear of loss is much greater than motivation to gain." "Life isn't just about the money; doing awesome things with awesome people is what truly matters." "I think that the world lacks incredible entrepreneurs... I want to make business education accessible to everybody." TIMESTAMPS 00:03 - Building a Nine Figure Business 01:05 - Challenge Accountability and Motivation 06:06 - Passionate About Educating and Sharing Knowledge 08:03 - The Founder Project and Community 🚀 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 the special Halloween episode of the founder Podcast! Today, we have a unique guest on our show, Mr. Jay Wasley, a driving force behind the hit show, Ghost Adventures. This episode takes a different turn as we delve into the world of the paranormal.  Ghost Adventures, a reality TV show where the paranormal comes to life. Jay has been part of this show for over a decade, visiting haunted locations across the globe, including Dracula's castle, the catacombs of Paris, and much more.  With over 300 episodes and multiple spin-off series, Ghost Adventures continues to captivate audiences, offering a unique perspective on the afterlife. Jay shares his wildest experiences, including getting dragged by an unseen force in an old saloon basement, and witnessing objects moving on their own. What makes these encounters even more captivating is Jay’s belief that these occurrences are manifestations of energy left behind, often triggered by human emotions and actions.  Could there be a connection between the energy we put out and the spirits we encounter? We explore the intriguing link between energy, spirits, and our own success in life. Join us in this hair-raising and thought-provoking episode as we venture into the world of Ghost Adventures and uncover the mysteries that surround us. You won't want to miss this spine tingling episode!  HIGHLIGHTS “My personal theory is that we're all made up of energy, right. And suppose the energy doesn't go away. So like, imagine you walk up and down the same hallway every day of your life, and then your body dies, it makes sense that a little bit of your energy might still linger and just kind of linger and move up and down that hallway.” "I think there's something that like watches out for us, there is something that like, kind of keeps things together in a way."  "It's a fascinating perspective that can extend beyond the realm of the supernatural and into our personal and professional lives." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:19: Illegally entering the Paris catacombs 05:53: Energy & Spirits  12:57: Paranormal Experiences 17:11: Demonic Possession 20:23: Spiritual Energy 27:09: Exorcisms  30:54: Personal Experiences 38:06: Beliefs  41:37: Ouija Boards 47:45: Investigations 🚀 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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