

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

Jul 24, 2023 • 12min
#19: Thriving in Adversity: How to Succeed When the Going Gets Tough
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Founder Podcast, hosted by serial entrepreneur Chris Lee. In this podcast, we delve into the journeys of some of the most successful and remarkable entrepreneurs from around the world. Chris, having founded multiple nine-figure businesses, shares his invaluable lessons on success in the world of business.
Drawing from his own experiences, Chris discusses the importance of pushing through mental barriers and not giving in to excuses. He reflects on his dark times, failures, and the doubters who have questioned his path. By reminding himself of the goal he committed to and expecting difficulty, he finds the strength to endure and succeed.
Chris encourages his audience to embrace hard work, discipline, and perseverance, just as he does in his daily workouts. He believes that pushing through physical challenges prepares us mentally for life's other demands, be it in business or personal life.
Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes the power of remembering why you started, the goals you set, and the commitment you made. By embracing difficulty and pain, he believes we can separate ourselves from the crowd and achieve greatness.
Join Chris Lee on this journey of exploration as he shares the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and introduces the founders who are shaping it today.
HIGHLIGHTS
"Life is difficult. There's so much going on, so many demands on our time. But it is extremely hard at times to put forth your best effort."
"Remember to shine a light on important causes like human trafficking. Together, we can make a difference and thrive."
"Embrace hard work, discipline, and perseverance, separate yourself from the crowd, and achieve greatness."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
02:05: Physical Manifestation
02:59: Excuses
05:49: Dark Times
07:11: Negativity
07:59: Embrace The Challenge
10:38: Do What Others Won't
🚀 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 21, 2023 • 1h 17min
#18: Dan Caldwell -Tapout Founder, Achiever Of A9-Figure Exit, Foundational Member of MMA
Welcome to The Founder Podcast, where we delve into the extraordinary journeys of some of the world's most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Chris Lee, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building and growing businesses. Over my career, I've founded multiple nine-figure ventures, and now, I'm eager to share the invaluable lessons I've learned with you. This podcast isn't just for entrepreneurs; it's for anyone seeking inspiration from the incredible stories of individuals who have triumphed over immense challenges to create something truly remarkable.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Dan Caldwell, a true rockstar entrepreneur and co-founder of Tapout. Before becoming a renowned entrepreneur, Dan's path led him to a career in law enforcement. However, his passion for entrepreneurship always lingered in the background. He and his partner stumbled upon the exciting world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and saw the potential for creating a brand that caters to the rising demand for MMA merchandise.
The journey to success was no smooth ride. Dan and his partner hustled tirelessly, maxing out credit cards, and living on the edge to keep their business afloat. They saw potential in The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show centered around UFC fighters, and took bold actions to get their brand in front of the right people. Their ingenious tactics paid off, and Tapout skyrocketed to prominence when their logo was prominently featured on the broadcast, reaching millions of viewers.
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and meet the remarkable founders who have shaped it today. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with invaluable insights from one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs of our time. Let's dive in and uncover the true essence of what it takes to build an empire from scratch.
HIGHLIGHTS
"We saw the potential in mixed martial arts. It was more than just a sport; it was a culture waiting to be embraced."
"Entrepreneurship is about taking calculated risks and being willing to bet on yourself when no one else will."
"Every obstacle we faced was an opportunity in disguise. It's about having the vision to see beyond the challenges."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
03:21: Best Friends
08:35: Failure Is Not An Option
11:35: Early Risks
15:21: The Turning Point
21:26: Sleeping On Floors
25:01: Adding Value
27:55: The Biggest Fight
35:38: Dana White’s Guidance
42:41: Howard Carter’s Story
48:49: Selling The Company
1:07:22: The Importance Of Social Media
🚀 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 17, 2023 • 1h 7min
#17: Dan Fleyshman - Record-Breaking IPO Founder, Master Networker, and Philanthropist
In this episode of the Founder Podcast, host Chris Lee interviews Dan Fleyshman, the youngest founder of a publicly traded company in history. Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early success in the apparel industry to launching an energy drink brand and later an online poker site. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way, including going public and dealing with the legalities of online gambling.
Dan emphasizes the importance of networking and building meaningful relationships. He advises entrepreneurs to go beyond superficial interactions and find common ground with people to create an emotional connection. He also stresses the need to maintain communication with contacts before making any business asks.
The conversation delves into Dan's experiences in the online poker industry, particularly during the time when the FBI shut down several major poker sites in the United States. Dan shares how he had to manually pay back thousands of players and ultimately decided to close his own site due to the uncertain legal landscape.
Despite the setbacks, Dan went on to become a consultant for Morgan Stanley and land consulting gigs with land-based casinos in Las Vegas. He shares his strategies for success, highlighting the importance of learning from others who have already achieved what you aspire to do.
HIGHLIGHTS
"I started researching everything about poker sites, like I was playing every site, asking every question, talking to executives, talking to the licensing people."
"If you notice, people always ask, Where are you from? That's to find something relatable."
"So once I had the 1500 bucks, I was like, That's it. I'm going to retire. It's over. I already know what I'm gonna do for the rest of my life."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
03:07: A Young Entrepreneurial Spirit
07:54: Going Public
10:47: Stepping Away
18:03: Partners
24:02: Payback Time
27:11: Gaming
33:25: Creating Genuine Connections
41:35: Giving Back
53:01: What Motivates You Today
🚀 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 10, 2023 • 1h 7min
#16: Alex Hormozi-Founder Of Gym Launch, Author Of "100M Offers", Data-Driven Mentor
Welcome to the Founder Podcast with your host Chris Lee! In this episode, we have a very special guest, Alex Hormozi!
Alex's journey is truly remarkable, starting as a management consultant before transitioning into the fitness industry. He successfully scaled his gym chain from 0 to 6 locations in just three years.
Alex's greatest achievement came from packaging and licensing his gym model to over 5,000 gyms worldwide. He later sold a majority stake in his company for $46.2 million and founded Acquisition.com, a private equity firm with a portfolio generating $200 million annually.
Alex is now focused on providing business education through content creation and publishing books. Alex released his book "$100M Leads" this year, which skyrocketed to the top of the charts and became a best seller.
Join us as we dive deep into the strategies he employed to build his fitness business and the ultimate triumph he achieved. This episode is a goldmine of valuable insights and motivation, perfect for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs seeking inspiration.
Don't miss out on this compelling conversation with Alex Hormozi on the Founder Podcast with Chris Lee!
HIGHLIGHTS
"Data is your best friend. It gives you insights into your customers, their behaviors, and allows you to make informed decisions to drive growth."
"The key to success is not just having a great product or service, but also understanding the psychology of your customers and effectively communicating the value you provide."
“One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is neglecting the importance of marketing. You can have the best product in the world, but if no one knows about it, it's useless."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
10:31: Listen To Your Intuition
15:59: The Hardest Decision
18:41 The Transition
22:15: What Is Your Time Worth?
26:11: Add Real Value
33:42: The Ideal Partner
40:40: Being Transparent With Yourself
48:06: Hope
53:00: Repetition Makes Perfect
Take action and help me achieve my life's goal of sharing my wealth of knowledge! If you found this episode of The Founder Podcast enjoyable, share it with others who you believe will also benefit from it, whether in their personal lives, business endeavors, or professional growth. Together, let's make a positive impact and spread the wisdom far and wide!
🚀 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 3, 2023 • 13min
#15: The Power of Decisiveness: The Key to Progress
Welcome to The Founder Podcast with Chris Lee, where we dive deep into the art of decision-making. Join us as Chris explores this captivating subject and its profound impact on entrepreneurs, individuals seeking direction, and those striving for success.
In this episode, Chris shares his favorite rule, the 10-80-10 rule, shedding light on the behavior of people when it comes to making decisions. Discover why 10% of individuals always say yes, 10% always say no, and a staggering 80% find themselves wavering in indecision. Uncover the fascinating dynamics at play and how understanding them can transform your approach to decision-making.
Learn why being an efficient decision-maker is key to progress, even if it means occasionally making the wrong choice. Chris explains why swift decisions, followed by learning and adaptation, are far more valuable than remaining paralyzed by indecisiveness. Embrace the power of decisiveness and witness its transformative impact on your life and business.
Explore the psychology behind decision-making in the context of sales. Chris illustrates how helping people make decisions, regardless of the outcome, can actually increase your success. Discover the importance of building trust, both in character and skill, as a foundation for effective decision-making.
Discover the delicate balance of providing just the right amount of information to facilitate decision-making. Too much information can overwhelm and confuse, while too little leaves individuals uncertain.
Learn to navigate this fine line and empower yourself and others to make confident choices.
Don't miss this eye-opening episode where Chris Lee shares his wisdom and insights on decision-making. Subscribe to The Founder Podcast now and embark on a journey towards becoming a decisive, influential, and successful leader.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The best value that we can bring to society as a business owner, as a salesperson is help somebody get to the decision."
"In order for somebody to make decisions, they have to have two things and two things only: trust and enough information."
"A confused buyer is not one that will make a decision because a confused buyer now has all these questions that they didn't start out with.”
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
00:29: The 10-80-10 Rule
01:50: Sitting On The Fence
05:44: Time Is The Ultimate Currency
06:27: Building Trust Of Character
07:11: Trust Of Skill
07:36: Providing “Enough” Information
08:51: Simplify & Condense
10:32: Becoming Decisive
🚀 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

Jun 30, 2023 • 52min
#14: Dan Lok - Founder Of The Dan Lok Organization, Serial Entrepreneur, Speaker.
Join Chris Lee on another engaging episode of The Founder Podcast as he sits down with the renowned entrepreneur and business influencer, Dan Lok. With over 10 million followers across various social media platforms, Dan Lok has built a national brand and is currently involved in Dragon X capital, among other ventures. In this epic conversation, Chris and Dan delve into the changes they have witnessed in their respective businesses over the years.
Reflecting on their initial meeting at Funnel Hacking Live, where both entrepreneurs were making significant strides in their businesses, Dan discusses how his motivations and goals have shifted over time. Initially driven by a desire for recognition and fame, Dan's perspective has transformed, leading him to question the significance of followers and material possessions. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery and how he realized that external achievements did not bring the fulfillment he had anticipated.
The conversation dives deeper into the realization that the pursuit of goals can often be accompanied by a sense of emptiness once they are achieved. Dan shares how he found clarity by focusing on what truly motivates him and brings him joy. Today, he is driven by his passion for business and helping others succeed, rather than using it as a means to feed his ego. With a simplified approach to life and a newfound emphasis on family, health, and personal projects, Dan finds greater fulfillment in the journey itself.
Join Chris and Dan as they explore the lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journeys and the importance of aligning personal values with business pursuits. Discover how shifting priorities and finding intrinsic motivation can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
The Founder Podcast is a must-listen for aspiring and established entrepreneurs, providing insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom from industry leaders like Dan Lok. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on building successful businesses while finding balance and personal fulfillment along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The pursuit of goals can often leave us feeling empty once they are achieved. It's important to find joy in the journey itself and align our personal values with our business pursuits."
"I've simplified my approach to life and now focus on what brings me true fulfillment – family, health, and personal projects. Business is no longer about feeding my ego, but about helping others succeed."
“Entrepreneurship is not a solitary journey. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, seek mentors, and build a supportive network. Collaboration and learning from others is crucial for growth and success."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
00:53: Dan Lok
04:12: Growth With Experience
12:43: Living & Breathing Money
19:51: Happiness & Motivation
28:26: The Up Hill Battle
33:51: Great Habits
42:36: Advice For Todays Youth
🚀 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

Jun 26, 2023 • 31min
#13: Family + Fortune: The Secrets of Growing a 9-Figure Business & A Family
Entrepreneur Chris Lee shares his secrets to balancing a 9-figure business and family life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family. He discusses unconventional parenting views on inheritance and instills discipline in his children by involving them in sales events. Chris teaches his children about finance and investing, emphasizing the value of money and customer interaction. He also highlights the significance of setting a positive example for children through actions.

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 1min
#12 Bobby Castro - Founder of Bankers HealthCare Group, Real Estate Investor & Author.
Join host Chris Lee in this captivating episode of the Founders Podcast as he delves into the remarkable journey of entrepreneur Bobby Castro, the visionary founder behind Bankers Healthcare Group (BHG).
In this inspiring interview, Castro shares his insights on entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and creating financial and personal freedom.
Castro's entrepreneurial voyage began with limited resources, but his determination and strategic mindset allowed him to transform BHG into a billion-dollar enterprise within a span of 18 years. Discover the pivotal moments and key lessons that propelled Castro's success and shaped his approach to business.
Tune in as Castro discusses his book, "Upsiders," which serves as a guide to unlocking financial freedom and understanding the intricate relationship with money. Gain valuable insights from Castro's experiences and learn about the concept of enterprise value, an essential element in creating sustainable wealth.
You'll be inspired by Castro's approach to scaling and pivoting in business, his emphasis on surrounding oneself with exceptional talent, and the power of duplicating oneself to achieve exponential growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a business enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable lessons and firsthand experiences from a true industry disruptor!
HIGHLIGHTS
"I'm not saying we didn't have obstacles and challenges. We had them every day, but what I did is I looked at them as opportunities."
"You don't have to make money to create enterprise value, but if you create enterprise value, you will make money."
"You have to be a master of your cash flow. You have to be able to understand that this dollar that comes in is an employee."
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
14:14 The Big Sell
22:36 Digging Deep
29:50 Opportunity
35:52 Positivity
41:51 What Drives You Now?
43:59 The Upsiders Book
50:03 Opening Up A Whole New Chapter
54:07 The ups & Downs Of Life
58:12 Advice & What’s Next For Bobby
🚀 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

Jun 19, 2023 • 27min
#11: The Perfect Normal Day:Achieving Success in All Areas of Life
In this episode of The Founders Podcast, host Chris Lee shares his insights on what he calls the "perfect normal day." He explains how aligning four key areas of life—association, spirituality, economics, and physique—can lead to a truly successful and fulfilling life.
Chris emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and exploring the deeper motivations behind them. By breaking down a typical day and identifying actions that contribute to achieving those goals, listeners will learn how to create their own roadmap for success in all aspects of life.
Join Chris as he dives deep into the principles and practices that can transform ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities for growth and accomplishment.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00: Introduction
01:34: The Perfect Normal Day
06:35: The Trickle Over
10:08: Make Your Goals Your Own
13:15: Pen To Paper
19:39: The Game Of Life
22:54: Pushing Through
HIGHLIGHTS
“The clearer you get with a goal, the clearer the action plan is going to be and the clearer the action, the easier it is to take.”
“I'm a firm believer that it's impossible to change your life without changing your habits”
“You have to be willing to do the things that most people are not willing to do in order to achieve the things that most people will never achieve.”
🚀 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

Jun 12, 2023 • 52min
#10: Brandon Poulin - Founder of Lady Boss, 29 years old, $203M
Brandon isn't your ordinary Founder. At the current age of 29 years old, Brandon and his wife Kaelin "Lady Boss" have built a health empire on the back of incredible marketing and sales skills. What's next for Brandon and Kaelin? Dive in to find out!