

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

May 6, 2024 • 45min
#98: T-Pain; How the King of Autotune Went from $40 Million to $0
Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by the man who made auto-tune a musical masterpiece - T-Pain! This episode pulls no punches, exploring the raw journey of a legendary artist. We'll delve into his humble beginnings, the challenges that tested his limits, and the successes that proved his status as a genre-bending icon. Prepare for unfiltered honesty as T-Pain reflects on his life, his music, and the impact he's had on the industry. Don't miss this chance to see the man behind the mask - an episode that's as real as it gets.
Highlights::
"Money won't solve your problems. It solves your financial issues but not your problems."
"You get to see where people's parameters are; you get to see if I'm down, everybody's cool... But when you get successful again, it's like, 'What makes you so good?'"
"Speak. Say the weird thing. Just do it. Just go. When you say it out loud, it creates problems in the past; when you hold it in, it creates problems in the future."
Timestamps:
00:00 - The Pitfalls of Early Fame
03:33 - Breaking Away from Religious Constraints
06:03 - Family Dynamics: Then vs. Now
10:06 - Evolving Personal Image
15:00 - Learning from Business Failures and Successes
19:30 - The Dark Side of Financial Management
26:10 - The Origin of a Signature Sound
33:04 - The Impact of Industry Critique on Career
37:25 - The Rollercoaster of Public Perception
43:11 - Reflecting on Life After the Show
Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl
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/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

7 snips
May 3, 2024 • 47min
#97: Scaling Businesses From $0 To 8-Figures; Alex Neist; The Man Behind Hostage Tape
Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast. In this episode, we explore Alex Neist's journey from the depths of personal and professional despair to the heights of entrepreneurial success with Hostage Tape. Discover how a simple change in his sleep habits led to a profound transformation in his life and sparked the creation of a brand that's much more than just a product—it's a movement. Alex shares the incredible story behind Hostage Tape, revealing how it not only improved his own life but also promises to revolutionize sleep for millions.
Highlights:
"I'm building a billion dollar brand. It is—I know it is. I can see where it's going to be. And I know what the TAM is, I know what the opportunity is."
"This isn't just tape. It's a movement."
"I need something that I'm I love doing and I love building. I love building these companies."
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Hostage Tape
02:08 - Origin Story of Hostage Tape
05:08 - Early Development of Hostage Tape
10:48 - Naming the 'Hostage' Brand
16:41 - Marketing and Brand Evolution
22:40 - Protecting Product Innovations
30:09 - Building a Brand Community
34:50 - Team Culture and Philosophy
42:17 - Future Vision and Strategy
45:15 - Influential Books and Resources
Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com Apply for our next Mastermind: https://www.thefoundermastermind.comGolf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.comWatch my latest PodcastApple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281SSpotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

May 3, 2024 • 51min
#96: Secrets to Thriving In Health And Business; Yuri Elkaim former Pro Soccer Player to Health Guru
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Yuri Elkaim, a former professional athlete turned transformative health pioneer and New York Times bestselling author. Yuri explores the power of health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Gain invaluable strategies to weave wellness seamlessly into your everyday life, grasp the important role of mindset in accomplishing your objectives and learn new methods to consistently elevate your energy for success in every aspect of your existence. Tune in to transform the way you think about health, success, and personal growth.
Highlights:
"Enjoy the walk not the destination because you'll walk further if you enjoy the process."
"You don't understand how good you can feel until you feel how good you can feel."
"It's a grind if you feel ground. When you find your life's purpose, it doesn't feel like work."
Timestamps:
00:44- Meet Yuri Elkaim, Health Expert
02:02 - The Balance Between Health and Hustle
05:29 - The Real Cost of Neglecting Health
07:24 - Yuri's Personal Health Journey
11:15 - Yuri's Perspective on Vaccines
17:18 - Positive Energy in Consuming Food
23:04 - Yuri's Daily Routine for Optimal Health
28:32 - Underrated and Overrated Workouts and Diets
34:15 - The Importance of Breathwork and Meditation
47:24 - The Biggest Challenge Entrepreneurs Face
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2v...
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Apr 30, 2024 • 1h 15min
#95: How to land Celebrity & Pro-Athlete Clients without Cutting Corners; Mark Baysinger, Celebrity & Pro-Athlete Barber
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. This episode dives into the world of barbering with celebrity barber Mark Baysinger! Join us as Mark shares his inspiring journey, from selling door-to-door to cutting hair for sports stars. He offers lessons on building a successful career and the power of mindset to turn your dreams into reality.
Highlights:
"Opportunity looks a lot like hard work."
"A championship mindset is genuinely everyday trying to show up and living your purpose.”
"People buy from who they like, and that's about building genuine relationships.”
Timestamps:
02:28 - The Sales Background
04:31 - Barbershop Talk Begins
06:10 - From Small Town to Big Time
10:28 - Becoming Team Barber
15:31 - What Sets You Apart?
19:06 - Professional Mindset
24:19 - Locker Room Culture
32:35 - Exploring New Ventures
48:03 - Championship Culture
Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Apr 29, 2024 • 46min
#94: Will This Tiny Home be the Future of Housing? Elon Musk Thinks So...
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. In this episode, we go into the innovative world of modular housing with Paolo Tiramani, CEO of Boxful. Paolo shares his journey from ideation to the current successes and challenges of creating foldable, modular homes that will surely transform the housing industry. With insights into the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Boxful and discussions on overcoming regulatory hurdles and enhancing manufacturing efficiency, this episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, design, and real estate.
Highlights:
"If you really want to be an entrepreneur, you can't give up. To a pathological degree, you can't give up. You have to get up and go every day."
"I just want to be the best. Driven to be the best doesn't mean I always succeed, but it's a core driver for me."
"Our philosophy in product development was always to say, 'What product category can we invent that doesn't exist?"
Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing Paolo Tiramani and Boxful04:20 - Early Prototype and Interaction with Elon Musk09:06 - First Public Presentation at the International Builder's Show13:49 - Paolo's Background and Entrepreneurial Drive17:58 - The Philosophy Behind Never Giving Up22:19 - Crowdfunding Success and Production Challenges27:48 - Vision for a Massive Logistics Company in Housing31:02 - Addressing Regulatory Challenges in Housing37:45 - Tour of a Modular Home Setup45:00 - Potential for Multi-story Modular Buildings
Live Links:Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind: https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Apr 26, 2024 • 48min
#93: Make 6-Figures with Just Your Car - Daeron Myers
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Daeron Myers, whose early life in Baltimore’s tough neighborhoods involved illegal activities and facing numerous life-threatening challenges, And transforming his life and creating a thriving six-figure delivery business. Join us as Daeron shares how he leveraged his past experiences to escape the rat race and inspire others to do the same. This episode is not just a story of survival but a testament to the power of change and entrepreneurship.
Highlights:
"I realized I had to apply myself to something better. You know, I gotta do something different. I'm not just living for myself anymore."
"Hard work is the only work that pays off in the end."
"What I put in is what I get out. Now I'm in control of my own destiny."
Timestamps :
00:00 - Life's Harsh Lessons: Daeron talks about his friend's death and his own near-death experiences shaping his outlook.
02:37 - How a life-threatening injury led Daeron to reconsider his path.
07:11 - Family Ties to Crime
10:24 - The moment he decided to stop selling drugs and change his life.
21:19 - Reflecting on his hospitalization
28:35 - How Daeron shifted from crime to starting a legitimate business using his car.
34:46 - Daeron talks about expanding his delivery service and employing others.
39:45 - Daeron explains how he began mentoring others to start their own courier businesses.
44:13 - Daeron introduces his program to help others replicate his success.
46:23 - Final thoughts and advice from Daeron on entrepreneurship and making a positive change.
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Apr 23, 2024 • 47min
#91: Behind the Scenes of a Vegas Restaurant Empire - w/ Elad Assayag
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Elad Assayag, the hospitality industry legend whose passion and determination are as infectious as his culinary ventures. From the bustling streets of Miami to the glittering lights of Vegas, Elad takes us on a journey through the challenges and success of building a restaurant empire. With a blend of humility, wisdom, and a dash of humor, Elad shares the secret ingredients to his success, the importance of family, and why he believes retirement is not in his recipe for life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply in search of a dose of inspiration, Elad's story serves up the perfect blend of life lessons and business savvy, all seasoned with love for what he does.
Highlights:
"The best ingredient here is love. Like if you don't love what you do, this is impossible."
"Networking for me too is, and I really enjoy knowing people, understanding them, learning now."
"I don't think you can retire from this. It's something in your blood."
Timestamps:
00:00 - Elad's Comfort Zone: The Kitchen
01:36 - The Love for Hospitality and Making People Smile
11:46 - The Challenge of Opening Restaurants in Prime Locations
13:26 - Networking: The Key to Success
22:51 - The Consultancy Beyond Restaurants
30:40 - Utilizing Unique Spaces for Maximum Impact
32:29 - Choosing Projects That Excite
36:20 - Dealing with Challenges and Growth
40:21 - The Joy of Customer Satisfaction
44:51 - Future Plans: Beyond Restaurants
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Apr 12, 2024 • 42min
#92: Side Hustles of 2024 That Will Make You Rich
Welcome back to another episode of the Founder Podcast. Today, I'm joined by Daryl Kelly and Levi Ringo to discuss side hustles and how they can make you rich in 2024. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just looking to make some extra cash, this episode is packed with creative ideas and good practical strategies to help you see the potential in your passions. From leveraging technology to tapping into local markets, learn how to make your side hustle make you rich.
Highlights:"Mindset shift number one is I do have enough time. I've got to put in the extra hustle."
"The only thing that it's costing you is time... You got to just realize that they've already told me no because I haven't offered them my product or service."
"Go identify ways that you can go and start that side hustle and most of all, realize when you find something that works and decide to dig 1000 feet deep, you will hit oil."
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Side Hustles 202401:21 - The Economic Need for Extra Income03:31 - Exploring Side Hustle Opportunities06:10 - The Real Cost of Maximizing Employee Efficiency09:25 - Utilizing Time Wisely for Economic Benefits11:43 - Simple Ideas for Quick Side Hustles16:17 - Overcoming Fear of Starting Small20:25 - Service-Based Business26:08 - Kickstarting Your Side Hustle39:26 - The Importance of Community in Entrepreneurship
Live Links:Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest PodcastApple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

12 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 44min
#90: 250,000 Businesses are using His system to Grow - Gino Wickman author of Traction
Welcome to a new episode of the Founder Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Gino Wickman, a legend in the world of entrepreneurship. Gino shares important insights from his latest book, revealing the 10 disciplines that promise to maximize your energy, impact, and inner peace. As the creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and an author whose work has reached millions, Gino's strategies have transformed businesses and lives worldwide. In this episode, we dive into why mastering these disciplines is crucial for every entrepreneur's journey toward true success and fulfillment. From embracing long-term thinking to the power of saying 'no,' Gino's advice is a must-hear for anyone looking to boost their life and business.
Highlights:
"If you can get both figured out – the drive and the inner peace – you're going to have rocket fuel."
“We tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in 10 years."
"Say no to everything that doesn't fit into the first five disciplines."
Timestamps:
00:00 - Gino Wickman and the Importance of Inner Work
05:00 - Outer Success to Inner Peace
10:00 - The Power of 10-Year Thinking and Taking Time Off
15:00 - The Key to True Success
20:00 - The Importance of Saying No... Often
25:00 - Delegate and Elevate
30:00 - Your True Self and Work Container
33:55 - Partnerships in Entrepreneurial Success
35:00 - Developing and Shining as a Founder
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

7 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 43min
#89: Why Building a Personal Brand Is Key to Building a Business; Omar Eltakrori, Personal Brand Expert
Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast. In this episode, we step into the world of content creation with Omar Eltakrori. Omar shares his journey and the role of personal branding and high-quality content in 2024. With a deep dive into the strategies behind becoming omnipresent through video, he highlights how content creation is not just about spreading your message but multiplying your impact 24/7. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to scale, Omar's insights into leveraging video for trust, reach, and ultimately, wealth will inspire you to hit the record button. Discover the transformative power of content and how it can elevate your business, expand your reach, and enrich your brand in today's digital age.
Highlights:
"The fastest path to wealth is through content creation... you become omnipresent when you create videos."
"Everybody has their own path, but the one I would encourage is to just pick a platform and then commit to it... It's for everybody. It's going to be different."
"The key ingredient to success is obsession. The people who are obsessed with the process... are the people that succeed."
Timestamps:
00:41 - The Importance of Personal Branding in 2024
01:58 - Omnipresence Through Video Content
04:35 - First Steps for Entrepreneurs in Content Creation
06:08 - Leveraging Obsession for Success
09:02 - Going Live on Instagram: A Start
11:57 - The Legacy Podcast Concept
14:57 - Discovering Your Obsession
20:11 - Expanding Beyond YouTube
23:03 - Balancing Entertainment and Education
29:51 - Omar's Vision for the Next 5-10 Years
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com
Watch my latest Podcast
Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2
YouTube - @thefounderspodcast