

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

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

Aug 3, 2023 • 55min
#22:Tim Ballard: Founder of Operation Underground Railroad, Sound Of Freedom Inspiration, Former CIA
Join me and donate to The Spear Fund, empower the global efforts led by Tim Ballard. Make a lasting impact today: https://thespearfund.org/founderpodcast.
Join Chris Lee in this gripping episode of The Founder Podcast as he sits down with the remarkable Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) and a dedicated advocate against child trafficking.
In a departure from Chris's usual entrepreneurial conversations, this episode delves deep into Tim's extraordinary journey of rescuing children from the clutches of sex trafficking and child labor worldwide.
Tim's background as a former special agent for the Department of Homeland Security, working undercover to infiltrate child trafficking networks, provides a unique perspective.
His determination to combat child exploitation led him to establish O.U.R., a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating child trafficking. Tim's incredible efforts have even been recognized by influential figures, including a personal encounter with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Discover how Tim's unshakable faith, along with his unyielding commitment to fighting this heinous crime, has driven him to rescue and rehabilitate victims globally.
Explore the intersections of faith, activism, and entrepreneurship as Chris Lee delves into Tim Ballard's awe-inspiring story of making a difference and fighting for justice on an international scale.
HIGHLIGHTS
"It's the unfortunate truth of society. Everybody draws an opinion one side or the other, of somebody that's going out and doing something."
"Nothing great has ever been accomplished without creating just a device. Right? Like, it's the unfortunate truth of society."
"The Constitution matters. It's a document that God inspired, the Founding Fathers will tell you that.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
05:26: How Did The Story Come About?
08:46: The Covenant On This Land
15:35: No Exceptions To The Constitution
18:57: Covenant On Liberty
21:33: Your Message
28:40: Government Vs. The Masses
31:54: Children Matter
35:13: Sex Addiction & Pornography
41:56: Dealing With The Dark Moment
45:06: Invoking The Covenant
47:34: Scalable Approach To Rescuing Kids
🚀 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

Jul 30, 2023 • 1h 18min
#21: Casey Baugh: Founder of 3 Companies, Recruiting Genius, Manifesting Master
Join host Chris Lee on The Founder Podcast as he explores the incredible journeys of some of the world's most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs. Chris introduces his guest, the amazing Casey Baugh!
Casey has an impressive background as a founder, having established three different companies.Currently active in his business, The Sandlot Partners, Casey and his team have invested in and raised capital for several big names. One of his co-founded companies, Greenlight Restaurants, has seen incredible growth with around 58 locations in the US and an astonishing 160 locations in Indonesia.
Despite dropping out of college to pursue door-to-door sales, Casey's determination led him to become a lifelong learner. He now shares his wealth of knowledge and experience by teaching entrepreneurship at BYU and participating in prestigious programs like Harvard Business School's OPM program.
Through captivating stories and valuable insights, The Founder Podcast with Chris Lee inspires listeners to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and create something remarkable in the world of entrepreneurship.
So buckle up and join Chris on this journey to meet the founders who are shaping the world of business today. Welcome to The Founder Podcast with special guest Casey Baugh!
HIGHLIGHTS
"The truest form of dignity you can give to another human being is to teach them to be economically self-reliant."
"Life would have been very, very different if I wouldn't have gone on the mission... you connect the dots looking backward."
"I watched a Steve Jobs commencement speech... when you look back, you connect the dots, and you just say it never could have happened any other way."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
05:50: Ambition
10:54: Redefining Education
14:42: The “Big Boy Club”
21:36: Support Systems
28:16: Investing
36:42: Doing It BIG
40:50: Leadership In Family
48:32: Money Doesn’t Solve It All
50:38: Serving Others
57:07: Abundance & Scarcity
1:03:26: Self Improvement
🚀 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

Jul 28, 2023 • 58min
#20: Weston Lunsford - Founder of Dental Intelligence, Titan Of Sales & Accounting
Welcome to "The Founder Podcast," where we delve into the captivating journeys of some of the world's most inspiring and successful entrepreneurs. Today, we have the honor of welcoming a truly remarkable guest, Mr. Weston Lunsford.
Weston is a serial entrepreneur, having founded six different businesses and successfully sold off five of them. But his story is not just about business achievements; it's a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.
Weston's keen understanding of sales and accounting became the foundation for his future ventures. Through his experience, he came to appreciate that success in any business boils down to two essential elements: effective sales and sound financial management.
In this inspiring episode, we'll explore Weston's rollercoaster ride through entrepreneurship, learning how he navigated challenges, capitalized on networking opportunities, and harnessed his passion for business growth. We'll discover how Weston's ability to see the language of business in accounting and sales allowed him to excel in various industries, including starting a trucking company.
Join us as we uncover the secrets of Weston Lunsford's entrepreneurial triumphs, gleaning valuable lessons that can inspire and empower anyone looking to overcome incredible odds and create something truly remarkable. Don't miss this captivating conversation on The Founder Podcast!
HIGHLIGHTS
I started hustling as a young entrepreneur. I believe hard work will always outperform talent."
"I didn't know anything about accounting, but people loved our proactive approach to financial consulting."
"I learned it's not what you know, it's who you know. Networking is so important in entrepreneurship."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
02:14: 24 Years Old
06:11: Opportunity
10:16: Improving The System
16:30: Education
22:47: The Shift
29:30: From Service To Software
31:40: Stepping Down & Moving Forward
37:54: Your Due Diligence
38:20: Family Balance
44:40: All In
🚀 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