Next Level Pros

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

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

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

Welcome to another episode of The Founder Podcast, hosted by Chris Lee! In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Brandon Poulin, who, along with his wife Kaelin, built a remarkable empire at a young age. Brandon is the founder of Lady Boss, a thriving health and apparel company that achieved a staggering $50 million in annual revenue before its recent sale.  But Brandon's journey wasn't an overnight success. He shares the story of his early entrepreneurial ventures, from running an auto glass company at the age of 17 to getting involved in network marketing. It was in the world of network marketing that Brandon and Kaelin found their footing and laid the foundation for Lady Boss. Brandon reveals the turning point in their journey, where they embraced a predictable revenue model, understood customer acquisition costs, and honed their financial strategy. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the math of your business and how it can lead to sustainable growth. As Brandon reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, he offers valuable insights about hiring the right team members and paying competitive salaries to attract experienced professionals. He shares the challenges of transitioning from a scrappy startup to a company with seasoned leaders and the benefits of investing in high-level talent. Tune in to this episode of The Founder Podcast to gain wisdom from Brandon Poulin's incredible entrepreneurial experience and learn how strategic thinking and effective team building can drive long-term success in business. HIGHLIGHTS "It's been a crazy journey for us, but I think the biggest thing is just the impact that we've been able to have." "Being able to retire your wife, give your family the life that you've always dreamed of, that's a really special feeling." "You learn so much from failure, and that's what I've learned." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:00: Personal Growth  07:43: Network Marketing 10:43: Growth Strategies  17:22: Bootstrapping  21:53: Hiring Your Team 25:06: Hiring High Level Management  30:26: Time Management  36:54: Family Rhythm and Alignment 40:23: Motivation 🚀 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 special episode of the Founder Podcast, Chris shares his experiences from the prestigious Owner's President's Management Program at Harvard. Discover what it's like to be part of this elite program that brings together successful business owners from around the world. Chris dives into the world of negotiations and reveals valuable insights that can benefit entrepreneurs and business leaders.  Learn about the essential elements of business success: Select, Serve, Satisfy, Survive, and Thrive. Chris discusses the importance of understanding your customers and employees, serving them with excellence, and creating a culture of trust and transparency. Discover how negotiations can be a win-win situation, focusing on the long-term relationship rather than just the current deal. Chris shares real-life examples and practical advice that can help you navigate the world of business negotiations successfully. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes from the Founder Podcast!  HIGHLIGHTS  "I pay $50,000 a year to be a part of this program to attend here for three weeks." "You got to be very selective...You got to have an incredible hiring process in place." "The cost of doing a mistake is very high, but mistakes are forgiven and mistakes are okay." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Harvard Business School 04:43: Strategies & Guarantees  09:37: Customer Service  14:10: Create A Unique Experience  18:41: Employee Satisfaction  22:52: Trust Building 27:03: Long Term Partnerships 🚀 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 in an exhilarating conversation with Tommy Mello, the entrepreneurial powerhouse behind the massively successful garage door service empire, A1 Garage Door Service. Tommy's journey from humble beginnings in Michigan to scaling a multimillion-dollar business in the home service industry is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Tommy shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial path, from hustling side gigs in his early years to realizing the importance of processes and management in business growth. Tommy's story takes a remarkable turn when he delves into the intricacies of navigating a private equity deal and the transformative impact it had on his company. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the process of preparing a business for private equity, the role of due diligence, and the pivotal moments that led to Tommy's business success. Tommy's infectious enthusiasm and candid storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone aspiring to scale their own venture, providing practical lessons and inspiration along the way." HIGHLIGHTS “I hear it every day. I'm just gonna do what you did in my industry. I'm like, Well, how many markets are you in? You're in one. And you own 1% of the market, you need to take market penetration in your market plus two or three other markets.” “The other thing is, don't listen to broke people. Because broke people are going to tell you all the reasons why something won't work. But successful people are going to say, 'Well, if you do this, this, and this, this will happen.'" "I love helping people, I love growing people, I love watching them succeed. And I think that's one of the big keys to my success." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction  02:39: Making Money At A Young Age 04:34: Selling Cars 09:27: The Beginning  12:50: Service Titan 19:06: Hiring The Right CEO 21:37: Rasining Capital  28:44: Process Of Buying And Selling A Company 38:06: Freedoms 46:30: Family & Business 🚀 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 energizing episode of the Founder Podcast, your host, Chris Lee, shares a profound message about the key to success and lasting happiness. Post-workout and brimming with enthusiasm, Chris reflects on his journey and how he unlocked a vital principle: the Consumption Deficit. Whether you're at a low point, running a business, or contemplating a new venture, this message is for you. Chris emphasizes that success extends beyond financial gain, highlighting how it's all interconnected – from relationships and spirituality to economics and physique. Chris delves into the principle of operating in a consumption deficit, drawing parallels with calorie counting for weight loss. He explores how we're all chasing feelings in life and why creating joy in every aspect is the ultimate purpose. Join Chris as he discusses his own journey to sobriety (from sugar) and his commitment to self-improvement. Discover how embracing a consumption deficit can transform your life, leading to greater joy and fulfillment. Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and inspiration to create a more meaningful, joyful life in every area. HIGHLIGHTS  It's all connected, association, spirituality, economic and physique. Like it, how you do anything is how you do everything." "Each of us are chasing feelings... for example, we think if we go and drive a $300,000 sports car, it's not about the car, it's about how we potentially feel while driving it." "How you do anything is how you do everything." TIMESTAMPS  00:00: Introduction  02:03: What Are We Chasing? 05:42: Investments Vs Living Expenses   07:50: How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything 11:43: The Parable Of The Talents Of The Lord 🚀 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 on this episode of the Founder Podcast. I had the opportunity to sit with Dawn Dahlby on The LIVE WELLthy Podcast. We dive deep into my journey, Chris Lee, a serial entrepreneur who has experienced both the highs and lows of the business world.  Chris's story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and transparency in building successful companies. From starting as a college dropout with dreams of becoming a doctor to facing a devastating bankruptcy, Chris shares how he turned adversity into opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and transparently sharing your challenges with your team to build a thriving company culture. Discover the critical elements Chris learned from his failures and his mentors that have led him to scale businesses to nine-figure exits. We explore the value of being truthful about your weaknesses, focusing on your strengths, and fostering a culture of teamwork and shared ownership. Tune in for valuable insights on why transparency and sales are essential components of scaling a business successfully. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Chris’s story will inspire you to live wealthy through financial success, personal growth, and serving others. Don't miss this episode of the Founder Podcast. HIGHLIGHTS "Real education is everything that I need mentors, like not these sages that went to college, got a doctorate and come back and teach us. I'm talking about people that have actually done it." "Transparency is the number one factor in a great culture. We lack a ton of transparency in the business world a lot of times, owners, executive teams or whatnot, that kind of hide behind the scenes of what actually is happening in the business." "Own your weaknesses, on your strengths. Tell people how to work with your weaknesses, don't try fixing your weaknesses." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:04: Buying Back Your Time 07:29: Getting Into Sales 11:59: Save More Lives 17:08: Paid Education 23:39: Team Culture 28:06: Giving Autonomy To Your Team 33:48: Importance 🚀 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 exciting episode of The Founder Podcast as Chris Lee sits down with the one and only Xavier Helgesen, an extraordinary entrepreneur with a knack for building and transforming businesses. Xavier, the mastermind behind Enduring Ventures, takes us on a journey through his remarkable career. From humble beginnings in a small iron mining town to founding multiple successful companies, Xavier's story is nothing short of inspiring. He shares his early entrepreneurial endeavors, including running a mini golf course and a college social network. But the real game-changer came when Xavier recognized a unique opportunity in the used textbook market, leading to the birth of Better World Books. Discover how this venture became a multi-million dollar success by helping libraries and nonprofits while becoming one of the first third-party merchants on Amazon. Now, as the founder of Enduring Ventures, Xavier shares his current passion: acquiring cash-flowing businesses and nurturing their growth. Learn how he evaluates and shapes these businesses, emphasizing brand and sustainable cash flows. Tune in to gain valuable insights, entrepreneurial wisdom, and a glimpse into the mind of one of the most remarkable founders of our time. Xavier Helgesen's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of building enduring businesses. Enjoy this enlightening conversation on The Founder Podcast! HIGHLIGHTS "I remember the first day I made like 100 bucks, and like grimy dollar bills. And I was like, this is the best thing I've ever done in my life." "But then I stayed in school, which was the dumbest thing to do during the internet boom, like I should have dropped out after freshman year." "I'm much more interested in cashflow, like how much cash actually goes in the bank account after taxes after depreciation after capital expenses after all of it." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 06:44: Lessons From Parents 10:11: The Age Of The Internet 16:53: Book Drive 20:09: Leader In Book Sales 26:30: Building His Own Brand 29:05: Early Lessons 37:47: The Right Person To Take Over 43:19: Turning A Company Around 45:29: Entrepreneurship  51:41: What Gets You Excited In Life? 🚀 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

Ryan Gardner, founder of Bucked Up, talks about the rise of their supplement and energy drink brand. They discuss the growth of Bucked Up, their expansion into energy shots and protein bars, and their presence in over 25,000 retail locations. They also delve into the world's fascination with caffeine, its addictive nature, and interesting facts about its abuse. Additionally, they cover attracting a new CEO, growing traffic and leads, financial aspects, and strategies for a balanced life.