

Next Level Pros
Chris Lee
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2023 • 40min
#32: Failure to $243M a Year: My Founder Story With Dawn Dahlby
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

Sep 5, 2023 • 58min
#31: Xavier Helgesen: Founder Of Better World Books, Clean Energy Titan, Serial Entrepreneur
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

Sep 1, 2023 • 52min
#30: Ryan Gardner: The Founder Of Bucked Up, Affiliate Genius, Serial Entrepreneur
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.

Aug 27, 2023 • 51min
#29: Randy Garn, Founder Of Prosper Inc, Networking Guru, Family Man
In this episode of The Founder Podcast, host Chris Lee is joined by Mr. Randy Garn, a multi-company founder, including Prosper.
Randy is known for his expertise in consulting with founders and his wide network of relationships. The episode delves into Randy's upbringing and the profound influence his father had on him, being both a high school football coach and a rancher.
Randy discusses the values of accountability, hard work, and commitment that he learned during his formative years on the ranch. These values shaped him into a successful entrepreneur and relationship guru, guiding his interactions with others and his approach to business!
Don't miss this electric episode of The Founder Podcast!
HIGHLIGHTS
"...watching his patterns, were pretty impactful for me at a young age that I think, made me be a better leader, a very successful founder."
"For me, I think a lot of it is like what how do we get how did we grow up? And who are our early mentors, and I'm actually talking about 11 to 14, right? That's like a massive age of impact is those years."
"Yeah, there's always some I say that there's only a couple things you really got to do to be successful business. And one is just doing what you say you're gonna do."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:47: Early Mentors
05:35: Accountability
12:12: Your Journey To Entrepreneurship
21:00: Core Philosophies
23:41: Meaningful Relationships
27:28: Dealing With Negativity
34:50: Being Happy
42:54: Advice To Others
46:02: What's Next?
🚀 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

Aug 25, 2023 • 1h 5min
#28: Richie Norton,Co-Founder PROUDUCT—an INC, Top 40 Under 40, Best Selling Author
Introducing a thought-provoking episode of the Founder Podcast featuring Richie Norton, the author of "The Power of Starting Something Stupid."
In this captivating conversation with host Chris Lee, Richie shares his journey from growing up in San Diego to becoming an entrepreneur and making impactful moves across the globe.
He recounts how a seemingly "stupid" idea of selling irregular-sized watermelons led to an early entrepreneurial lesson and reflects on the subtle ways he learned not to trade time for money.
Richie's unique perspective on life and business comes from experiences like starting a cashmere business in Mongolia, a taxi company in Samoa, and a pig farm in Cambodia.
Richie explains the concept of "Gavin's Law" which urges us to live to start and start to live, embracing creativity and taking risks along the way. He emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with values, debunking the myth that we have endless time to achieve our dreams.
HIGHLIGHTS
"You're going to be working your whole life. You said your job right now. And I get that I'm super privileged in this way... I had the privilege of having, you know, mom and dad in the home that showed me that."
"I was actually taught how to be an entrepreneur. And it was subtle. And I learned how to not have to trade my time for money. And it was subtle."
"You actually can't fly without that little string... you don't, I mean, it just kind of flops around on the ground."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:43: Making Money
07:30: Business In Mongolia
10:38: The Power Of Starting Something Stupid
15:30: Live To Start, Start To Live
20:38: Continued Growth
22:41: Sacrifices
27:28: Living In The Present
33:46: Having A Working Title
35:27: Writing A Book
42:00: Book Pitch
51:17: Self Mastery Ve Self Management
57:05: Advice To Younger Self
CONNECT
Move From Distraction To Action with Richie's FREE Time Tipping Toolbox! Download now-http://richienorton.com/time
🚀 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

Aug 21, 2023 • 56min
#27: JP Newman, Founder Of Thrive, Portfolio of 3000+ Doors, 2 Billion In Transactions
JP Newman, Founder of Thrive and FP, achieved incredible success in the real estate industry with a wealth fortune of over $2 billion in transactions and an impressive portfolio of 3,000 doors. Topics covered include his journey to success, early experiences in entrepreneurship, tax strategies, and investing in green energy.

Aug 18, 2023 • 42min
#26: Grant Cardone: Founder Of Cardone Capital, The 10X Man, Author, Real Estate Legend
In this episode of The Founder Podcast, host Chris Lee sits down with the legendary entrepreneur and business mogul, Grant Cardone. Grant is known for his immense success in various industries, including real estate, sales, and personal development. In this insightful conversation, Grant opens up about his journey to success, the principles that have guided him, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Chris and Grant delve into the specifics of Grant's journey. They touch upon his rise from age 50 onwards, acknowledging the pivotal moment of the 2008 economic collapse that greatly affected his net worth and led him to rethink his approach to business and life. Grant describes his transition from a conservative mindset focused on saving money to a more ambitious and risk-taking approach.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Grant shares how he embraced the philosophy of the 10x Rule, which pushed him to expand his vision and set bigger goals. He attributes much of his success to this mindset shift and his willingness to take scalable risks in various industries.
Grant emphasizes the value of investing in oneself and the business, even if it means living with less for a period to achieve greater success in the long run.
Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into Grant Cardone's mindset, journey, and strategies for achieving success on a massive scale!
HIGHLIGHTS
“The 10x rule is basically a concept about we set goals and targets and we find places that comfort are too small."
"I was successful... from 25 till 50... I did no dumb stuff. I did everything very conservative, saved my money, paid off all debts. But I also didn't take any scalable risk."
"The first thing that changed was... I have to figure out what did I do wrong? I have to figure out what is the thing I did wrong, identified that. And what I did wrong was I went too small."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:26: Net Worth At Age 50
06:02: Writing The 10x Rule
12:02: Importance Of Rest
20:39: Cardone Foundation For Financial Literacy
24:50: Advice To A 21 Year Old
27:25: Teaching Sales & Marketing
32:12: The Money Pit Of Real Estate
35:59: Only Way To fail Is To Quit
🚀 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

Aug 14, 2023 • 14min
#25: The Secret To Creating A Perfect Organization
Welcome to another episode of The Founder Podcast with Chris Lee! In this episode, Chris shares valuable insights about building an incredible organization by embracing diverse personalities and leveraging the DISC analysis.
Drawing from personal experiences Chris highlights the importance of assembling teams that complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. He delves into the four DISC personality types - Dominance, Influence, Conscientiousness, and Steadiness - and explains how these traits can shape leadership qualities and roles within an organization.
Chris emphasizes the value of hiring based on personality traits and reveals how the DISC assessment transformed his hiring process. By understanding and working with different personality types, Chris argues that businesses can foster effective collaboration, better decision-making, and create harmonious power couples.
Tune in to gain insights into optimizing team dynamics, making informed hiring choices, and improving relationships across all aspects of life.
HIGHLIGHTS
"There's no such thing as perfect individuals, there's only perfect couples, perfect teams and perfect organizations."
"Expecting somebody to change weaknesses into strengths is contrary to even God's plan."
"Understanding how to work with weaknesses and strengths... to be a pure contributor to society
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:03: Disc Assessment
02:53: Importance Of Disc Assessment
04:26: Hiring The Right Personality
06:07: "S" Type Personality Salesperson
08:08: High Vs Low Personality
09:49: Strengths Over Weaknesses
11:40: Employee Traits
For more on the DISC personalities, download the full document HERE
🚀 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

Aug 11, 2023 • 45min
#24: Bridger Pennington: Founder of Fund Launch, Over 225 Deals Made, Family Man
In this episode of "The Founder Podcast" hosted by Chris Lee, we dive into the inspiring journey of Bridger Pennington, the mastermind behind Fund Launch. In a candid and insightful conversation, Chris sits down with Bridger to uncover his remarkable rise as a young entrepreneur in the world of fund management.
At just 28 years old, Bridger is already running a hedge fund and steering the ship at Fund Launch, an innovative platform where entrepreneurs are schooled in the art of launching funds. With an impressive track record, including overseeing multiple funds over $100 million and even a billion-dollar fund, Bridger has emerged as a leading figure in the space of fund creation.
The podcast takes listeners on a ride through Bridger's life story, beginning with his upbringing in a modest household, completely unaware of his father's successful real estate fund management endeavors. Chris and Bridger delve into the pivotal moment when Bridger discovered his father's financial legacy, which eventually led him on a quest to unlock the secrets of the ultra-wealthy.
This episode is a testament to Bridger Pennington's journey, his dedication to self-improvement, and his mission to democratize financial knowledge. Join us as we uncover the blueprint from scratch and gain insights into the mind of a young entrepreneur who is reshaping the world of fund management and education.
HIGHLIGHTS
“My dad finally grabs me though and he goes, Bridger you're kind like a chicken with your head cut off. I want you to go with my business partner. This guy can really help you out.”
“We have students all over the world, people launching crazy funds."
“The ultra wealthy families of the world, they send their children to the best universities possible. They sometimes cheat to get them in or pay to get the news, right. But they go and they want their kids to work in the fund space, private equity, hedge funds venture capital or come back home and run the family office."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:45: No One Teaches This!
04:51: Following Fathers Footsteps
08:38: Funds Masterclass
12:32: Current Funds
15:50: Wealth Of Knowledge
18:05: Parenting
22:25: Course Competition
26:07: Focus On The Clients
31:14: Family Perceptive
35:02: Would You Change Anything?
37:55: Asymmetrical Risk
41:44: Lost & Founder

Aug 7, 2023 • 54min
#23: Keaton Hoskins: Founder of Over 35 Companies, “The Muscle” From Diesel Brothers, Author
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Founder Podcast, where we dive into the captivating journey of remarkable entrepreneurs from across the world. Your host, Chris Lee, a seasoned serial entrepreneur, invites you to embark on this enlightening adventure.
In today's episode, Chris sits down with a true maverick of the business world, the renowned Keaton Hoskins. Known as "The Muscle" in his online presence, Keaton has carved an indelible path through the entrepreneurial landscape, having founded a staggering 35 companies by the age of 35. Many recognize him from his appearances on the popular "Diesel Brothers" show alongside Diesel Dave and Heavy D.
Their conversation delves into the origins of Keaton's unrelenting spirit. Starting with his experience as a young Mormon missionary, he witnessed the pitfalls of following a conventional path and saw his father's legacy unravel before his eyes. Fueled by the determination to defy norms and live life to its fullest, Keaton embarked on a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship.
The episode sheds light on the foundational principle that sets Keaton apart: the unwavering commitment to the truth. A self-proclaimed realist, he emphasizes the importance of facing one's own limitations head-on, dismantling self-deception, and embracing the potential for growth. Through his mentoring program, Limitless Society, Keaton empowers individuals to recognize their inherent capabilities and achieve unprecedented success.
This conversation provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to unleash their full potential. Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Keaton, exploring the highs, the lows, and the essential lessons that have shaped his unparalleled path to success. So get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to conquer the entrepreneurial world.
Tune in to the Founder Podcast and embark on an extraordinary expedition into the realm of entrepreneurship, where remarkable stories meet invaluable lessons. Whether you're an aspiring business mogul or simply seeking inspiration, this episode promises to fuel your passion and drive. Let's dive in and uncover the remarkable essence of entrepreneurship with Keaton Hoskins.
HIGHLIGHTS
“The greatest thing that you can do on a daily basis is to think about death. And a lot of people I think think that's kind of morbid, but it places you in the right perspective."
“I fully accepted in me that I could do anything. And because I placed myself here in a society of people that are here. If I can do it, everybody can do it."
"Every single one of us are limitless. So if you ask me what's different, it's that I have been able to have an ability to see in myself and in every single person around me, their own capabilities."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:17: What Got You Here?
05:00: Lessons Learned
08:15: Swallowing Your Pride
15:04: Being 100% Real With Yourself
21:34: Diesel Daves Giveaway Model
27:49: Overcoming Obstacles
29:58:Helicopters vs. Airplanes
34:08: Fuel Cost
44:58: Getting Off Autopilot
48:15: Becoming Your Best Version
🚀 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