
Next Level Pros
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
#85: Faster Than Usain Bolt? From Small Town to 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist; Lashawn “The Machine” Merritt
Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast. Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Lashawn Merritt, a renowned American track star. From Portsmouth, Virginia, Merritt's journey to track and field stardom is inspiring. With numerous accolades, Merritt's performances in the 400-meter and 4x400-meter relay events have earned him Olympic gold medals and World Championships titles. Merritt's impact extends beyond athletics. He embodies resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He's also dedicated to philanthropy and motivational speaking, uplifting individuals worldwide. Merritt is a 3x Olympic Champion, 8x World Champion, 4x Diamond League Final Winner, and 3x World Championships Silver Medalist.
Join us as we dive deep into Merritt's journey, from humble beginnings to athletic greatness. Learn from his wisdom on navigating life's triumphs and transitions. Through Merritt's story, discover the power of belief and perseverance that will help you achieve your own personal greatness.
Highlights:
"Everybody has a light inside of them. I was fortunate enough to find one of my purposes early on in life."
"We just focus on the controllable. How do I control the next few steps?"
"I developed greatness through my isolation, positive affirmations within the inner voices that I had, the unconditional love for my parents, the great character, recipe for success."
Timestamps:
02:35 - Early Years in Portsmouth
05:30 - Mentorship & Discipline
07:36 - Coping with Tragedy
09:43 - Discovering Track
13:28 - Transition to Pro Athlete
25:33 - Olympic Triumphs
46:11 - Focus on the Controllable
48:00 - Achieving Olympic Gold
49:14 - Gratitude for Support
52:51 - Building Relationships and Giving Back
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

Mar 15, 2024 • 45min
#84: Bootstrapped Beginnings to 9-Figure Exit; David Hauser founder of Grasshopper
Welcome to a new episode of The Founder podcast. Come with me on this journey with David Hauser, the visionary behind Grasshopper, as he shares the intricate process of selling a business and transitioning into the realm of investing. Delve into tactical advice on navigating acquisitions, managing deal fatigue, and finding renewed purpose post-sale. Whether you're on the brink of selling your business or venturing into investment, this episode promises invaluable insights and inspiration for your entrepreneurial odyssey.
Highlights:
"II wanna get to a billion plus dollar exit, not because I care about the dollars. Like my life is not gonna change at all, but it's the scorecard that exists for the value I can deliver to this world”
"So the more buttoned-up you are during that process, the less likely it is price will go down and the more likely is price will go up."
"Having all of our families together, doing that was so meaningful and impactful.“
Timestamps
4:17 - Acquisition Offer Consideration
7:39 - Overcoming Deal Fatigue in Acquisition
10:05 - Post-Acquisition Financial Management
19:38 - Balancing Work and Family for Impact
24:43 - Selling a Business and Investing Dilemma
28:07 - Family Gatherings' Influence
28:32 - Reimagining Meaningful Experiences
29:31 - Motivation to Prove Doubters Wrong
35:53 - Opportunity Discovery Strategies
42:25 - Cultivating Intimate Connections
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

Mar 11, 2024 • 44min
#83: Going From Bankruptcy, To Changing The World: David Meltzer, the Real Life Jerry Maguire
Welcome back to The Founder Podcast! Get ready for an inspiring conversation with David Meltzer, a true example of bouncing back from setbacks to achieve greatness.
In his early twenties, David rose to success, making millions and flying around the globe for speaking gigs and business ventures, including becoming known as the “real life Jerry Maguire.” But in his thirties, despite his wealth, everything crashed, leaving him bankrupt. Determined to find his way back, David discovered the secrets to his earlier success: gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication. Armed with these principles, he not only recovered but thrived even more.
Now, he's on a mission to share his wisdom, guiding others to triumph in their own lives and businesses while having a blast along the way. Tune in as David shares his journey's ups, downs, and invaluable lessons, igniting your own resilience and empowering you to lift others up.
Highlights:
"Your good behavior has an instant result. It's called good progress. And bad behavior has an instant result, bad progress."
"Nothing is more important than our relationships. My wife saved my life."
“I hate myself. I am a liar. I am a cheater. I am an overseller, a backend seller, a manipulator. I hate myself. I need to take stock in who I am and what I want to become."
Timestamps
00:00 - Journey of resilience with David Meltzer.
02:47 - Unexpected Beginnings
04:59 - Learning from Loss
08:43 - Facing Bankruptcy
12:45 - A Wife's Ultimatum
17:43 - Embracing Change
20:25 - The Power of Faith
22:56 - The Healing Journey
26:00 - Unconditional Love
29:42 - Lessons Learned
Live Links:
Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com
Apply for our next Mastermind:https://http://www.thefoundermastermind.com
Golf with Chris https://http://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

Mar 8, 2024 • 46min
#82: Change Your Beliefs Around Money with Dr. Darnyelle
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Darnyelle as she shares her journey from bankruptcy to becoming a multimillionaire entrepreneur. Dr. Darnyelle, a faith-based coaching expert, delves into the power of shifting mindsets around money and shares valuable insights on building wealth without the need to hustle and grind. She shares her insights on scaling businesses from the ground up, embracing purposeful growth, and integrating faith into entrepreneurship. Join our conversation on purposeful action and a deeper understanding of how money can transform your financial trajectory!
Highlights:
"We have the power to rewrite our money story and create abundance."
"Money is an energy that responds to purpose. When you assign meaning to it, you take control of your financial destiny."
"It's not just about closing deals; it's about building relationships and adding value."
Timestamps:
01:09 - Dr. Darnyelle’s Passion for Empowering Entrepreneurs
02:52 - Shifting Mindsets around Money
06:22 - Understanding Money as Energy
08:41 - From Bankruptcy to Millionaire
10:12 - Lessons from Financial Literacy
13:00 - The Purpose of the Education System:
15:42 - Embracing Entrepreneurship
24:45 - Impact of Faith on Business
36:15 - Overcoming Backlash with Confidence
43:00 - Connecting with Dr. Darnyelle
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

Mar 4, 2024 • 42min
#81: How Dubai is Changing the Landscape of Business in the World
In this episode of The Founder Podcast, Daryl Kelly is back and brings fire to your Monday. We discuss insights into the demographic makeup, taxation policies, and unique business structures that contribute to Dubai's allure for entrepreneurs. From tales of citizenship to entrepreneurial vision, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the dynamics shaping Dubai's entrepreneurial spirit.
Highlights:"My drive is changing the world through entrepreneurship... We can impact millions, if not billions."
"Flying first class overseas? That's the only way to do it... You can save 50 to 60% on tickets."
"Dubai quickly became my favorite city... It's like Vegas times 10, but with a religious, God-fearing people."
Timestamps:
00:00 - Changing the World Through Entrepreneurship
02:00 - Tips for Luxury Travel Savings
13:38 - Insights on Government and Societal Progress
19:29 - Dubai's Modernity and Diversity
23:59 - Observations on Dubai's Labor Dynamics
25:17 - Citizenship Conundrum
27:09 - Taxation Tales: No Income Tax
31:27 - The Genesis of 'Next Level Home Pros
35:36 - Impactful Entrepreneurial Education
39:06 - Sales Strategies and Mindset Shifts
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

Mar 1, 2024 • 42min
#80: How To Turn AI into a Money Making Machine: Adrian Aoun, Former Google Director to Entrepreneur
Join us in this episode of The Founder Podcast as we explore the world of AI and entrepreneurship with Adrian Aoun. From his experiences at Google to pioneering ventures in healthcare, Adrian shares his insights into problem-solving, innovation, and the importance of commitments.
Highlights:
"Make sure that you're doing a hell of a lot more good than harm because the reality is when we make these inventions that are incredibly powerful, they will harm people."
"We're doing this because like, honestly, there's people who need real help. And if we can go help those people, by God, it's a life worth living."
"Choose something that is an important problem that you deeply care about. And just commit to it and just see it through until it's fucking solved."
Timestamps:
02:42 - Understanding Problems First
04:06 - AI's & Real-World Problem Solving
07:52) -Forward's Mission
08:40- Innovative Healthcare Delivery
09:24 - Aligning Healthcare Incentives with Consumer Needs
13:04 Accessibility of Forward's Care Pods
14:46 - Global Expansion Plans
16:18 - Solutions in Third-World Countries
17:57 - Questioning Conventional Wisdom
20:39 - Vision for Healthcare Innovation

Feb 27, 2024 • 46min
#79: Turning Street Smarts into Business Success; Grammy Nominated Artist Clinton Sparks
In this heartfelt episode of The Founder Podcast, we dive into the life of Clinton Sparks, a multifaceted individual who has triumphed over adversity to become a beacon of resilience and positivity.
Join us as we unravel the layers of Clinton's extraordinary life, from his humble beginnings to becoming a cultural disruptor and music industry veteran.
From childhood trauma to entrepreneurial triumphs, Clinton shares candid insights into his remarkable journey, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. Throughout the episode, Clinton shares valuable insights on overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and building a life by design.
Discover how he bridged worlds between Wall Street and the streets, MTV and BET, and leveraged his skills to navigate the complex terrain of the entertainment business. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered as you listen to the journey of Clinton Sparks.
Highlights:
"Every answer you need for everything that you question in life is being said to you every day if you just shut up and listen."
"Life is easy, people make it hard."
"The path to becoming better or healing isn't this long journey... It's merely a decision that only you can make."
Timestamps:
00:29 - Introduction: Clinton Sparks, a multifaceted individual
03:40- Reflecting on childhood trauma and resilience
06:34 - Seeking answers and moving forward in life
07:43 - The importance of listening and understanding others
09:31- Choosing resilience and personal growth
14:25 - Adopting a mindset of abundance and resilience
22:26 - Leveraging street smarts in business and sales
31:44 - Differentiating between real thought leaders and self-proclaimed gurus
32:35 - Recognizing one's unique perspective and value
43:31 - Making the decision to build a better life by design

Feb 23, 2024 • 48min
#78: How to Leverage YouTube for Entrepreneurship: Nolan Molt, YouTube Master
Discover how to leverage YouTube for entrepreneurship with practical tips on aligning with products, influencer marketing, and building a personal brand. Dive into the importance of patience, consistency, and providing value on platforms like YouTube. Explore future trends in content creation, blending entertainment with education, and the value of long-term vision for entrepreneurial success.

Feb 19, 2024 • 39min
#77: Finding Success In Business Later Into Your Career: Bruce Cardenas, former Chief Communications Officer of Quest Nutrition
In this episode of “The Founder Podcast,” we dive into the journey of Bruce Cardenas, a man whose life story takes us from the disciplined ranks of the military and the LAPD to building Quest Nutrition.
Throughout the episode, Bruce shares the unexpected twists and turns of his career, emphasizing the power of finding one's purpose, the importance of resilience, and how genuine connections can lead to unforeseen opportunities.
Join us as we explore the insights and experiences that shaped Bruce into the influential figure he is today.
Highlights:
"I hope everyone finds their 'why' in life."
"It's never too late to start something new."
"I just started bringing value and had no expectations."
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Bruce Cardenas
00:35 - Journey from Military to LAPD
02:42 - Starting a Security Business
04:12 - Chance Meeting at the Gym
06:10 - Involvement with Quest Nutrition
10:27 - Quest Bars Changing Lives
15:11 - Learning from Failure
19:05 - Daily Motivation
20:34 - Success at Any Age
25:38 - Balancing Work and Family
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

Feb 16, 2024 • 40min
#76: How To Perservere in Business: Ben Harris and Chris Cameron from ClickFunnels
In this episode of The Founder Podcast, Chris Cameron and Ben Harris share their incredible journey from overcoming adversity to achieving success in the entrepreneurial world. With candid insights, practical advice, and heartwarming stories, they explore what it takes to build a resilient mindset and a thriving business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or looking for a motivational boost, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the power of a positive culture.
Highlights:
"Transparency is the golden thread that ties our team efforts together and builds unshakable trust."
"Our overnight success was years in the making, laying down a foundation of failures and learning."
"The true value of integrity, symbolized by a cherished Michael Jordan jersey, transcends personal and professional life."
Timestamps:00:00 - The Role of Transparency in Business05:00 - Resilience in Door-to-Door Sales08:27 - Pivoting to Digital Marketing12:17 - Foundations of Success15:00 - Cultivating Positive Company Culture20:00 - Designing an Intentional Work Environment25:00 - Strategic Planning for Business Growth30:54 - The Art of Selling a Business31:12 - Finding Fulfillment Beyond Retirement38:24 - The Lifelong Value of Integrity
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
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