On this weeks enlightening episode of The Founder Podcast, I join the ConsistencyWins Podcast. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of diminishing consumerism in business. I share invaluable insights, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a business that not only thrives sustainably but remains consistently productive. A must-listen for those aspiring to build a resilient business model immune to the shifts of consumer trends. The conversation delves into the genesis of Solgen, my revolutionary vertically integrated solar company. We discuss the challenges we  encountered in navigating the heavily regulated solar sector, underscoring the pivotal roles of a robust team and effective standard operating procedures in overcoming hurdles. This episode transcends a mere interview; it serves as a masterclass in business and sustainability. Don't miss the opportunity to glean wisdom from my time on the ConsistencyWins Podcast. Highlights: “I utilize the law of management, which says no one person can manage more than five to eight people.” “Once it becomes impossible to grow, then now it's time to hire and time to delegate.” “So important in running a business that you have to own the truth and be willing to work with what is true.” Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction on ConsistencyWins Podcast    02:58: Overcoming Limited Beliefs  08:57: Importance Of Culture  14:45: Risk Taking  17:09: Entrepreneurship 28:08: Prioritizing Focus  35:47: DISC Assessment  40:41: 5-Year Growth Chart  50:59: Business Growth    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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Founder podcast, featuring Casey Adams, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who started his podcasting journey at the age of 17. Casey's story is a true testament to the power of ambition and hard work. In our conversation, Casey explores his entrepreneurial endeavors, offering precious insights and advice for those dreaming of a similar path. He emphasizes the importance of effective listening, asking meaningful questions, and the invaluable impact of mentors in navigating the business world. Get an inside look into Casey's latest project, Listener FM, a groundbreaking platform designed to transform the podcasting landscape, making it more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Discover how Casey's forward-thinking and innovative approach is shaping the future of digital media. Beyond business, Casey shares his personal experiences, revealing the challenges of balancing a professional career with personal life and how he maintains motivation in the face of adversity. His passion and determination are palpable throughout our discussion, offering a dose of inspiration for every listener. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an avid business enthusiast, Casey's insights and experiences are sure to ignite your passion and broaden your perspective. Tune in and be inspired! Highlights:  "I've never learned anything while I was talking."  "The thing that we could all do, is just bring on interesting people and ask unique questions coming from different walks of life, having different perspectives." "The biggest thing that I've learned is that you have to be willing to take the first step."  Timestamps:  00:29 - Casey's podcasting start and audience growth. 06:00 - Startup challenges and staying driven. 09:00 - Listener FM's inspiration and goals. 15:00 - Maintaining podcast consistency and guest relations. 22:54 - Casey's approach to new projects. 24:00 - Importance of market and content strategies 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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Welcome to another episode of the Founder Podcast! Today, Chris Lee, explores the topic of finances. Operating a business often starts with a cash-based approach, especially during the early stages. Chris reflects on his experience running Founder Acceleration, a group of 50 entrepreneurs, and emphasizes the critical role of understanding the basic financials for scaling your business. As Chris shares insights gained from scaling a business from zero to $233 million annually, he highlights the importance of CEOs and founders having a solid grasp of financial principles. While hiring professionals like controllers, CFOs, or accountants is valuable, Chris asserts that CEOs must possess fundamental financial knowledge to guide decision-making and drive profitability. If you're looking to enhance your understanding of financial aspects crucial for business growth, this episode provides valuable insights. Tune in and take the first step toward becoming a more informed and strategic founder! Don't forget to check out Founder Acceleration, where entrepreneurs gather weekly to discuss and learn from each other's experiences. Visit founderacceleration.com to apply and join this dynamic community of business leaders. Highlights: "Understanding the basic financials of your business is absolutely imperative to really be able to go and scale." "You can hire a controller, you can hire a CFO, you can have a great accountant. But as the CEO, as the founder of your organization, it's imperative that you have a grasp on the basic knowledge." "Your gross profit margin percentage should not vary tremendously, it should be within one to two points if you have a really tight dialed-in direct labor cost of goods sold, managing your inventory and those types of things." Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction 02:21: Product Cost & Profitability 03:59: Revenue & Gross Profit 06:34: Acquisition Cost 08:19: Cost Management 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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

Welcome to another episode of the Founder Podcast with host Chris Lee. In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Pilar Deza, a trailblazing serial entrepreneur from Peru. Pilar's journey is nothing short of extraordinary as she defied societal norms and government restrictions to pursue her passion for education. The episode starts with Pilar recounting the challenges she faced when the government forbade teaching English in Peru. She shares her powerful mantra of not obeying the rules and how she navigated through obstacles. Pilar reflects on growing up in Peru and her decision to start a preschool, defying societal expectations. She shares the challenges and triumphs of building a foundation that would eventually impact thousands of lives. Listeners gain insights into Pilar's commitment to social leadership and education. As the president of the Harvard Club of Peru, she discusses her experiences at Harvard's OPM program and her dedication to giving back to her community. Tune in to this captivating episode of the Founder Podcast to witness the incredible journey of Pilar Deza and discover the transformative power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Highlights:  "I love problems. I love problems. And that is one of the things that we let the kids learn here. No, because you know, the problems are full of opportunities, to better strategies to be a problem solver." "I believe that God loves me. And that it is very, very important that you feel sure yourself. And then you are all the time in a learning you are a continuous learner, continuous learner." "If you don't engage, if you're not passionate, you have to be passionate and enthusiastic and to vibrate for what you do." Timestamps: 00:00: Entrepreneurship 04:39: Social Leadership 11:19: Perseverance 17:24: Education 23:07: Daily Routines 29:43: Resilience  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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

In this episode of The Founder Podcast, I join host Nikhil Sai on The Nikhil Sai Show. Join us as we explore my journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a millionaire and launching various businesses. Discover how I navigated failures, bankruptcy, and ultimately built Solgen into one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn the secrets behind leadership, team building, and an innovative approach to digital door knocking. I share insights on culture, operations, and the mindset that fueled Solgen's success, attracting top talent and achieving a multi-million-dollar exit. Don't miss this inspiring conversation all about turning challenges into opportunities! Highlights:  "I was always looking for ways to change the world. Initially, I thought it was by being a doctor. And so I went and set up my roadmap in order to become a doctor." "Work is something that I've never been afraid of. And I've always enjoyed doing." "I saw an advertisement that said, 'Get paid a minimum of $13 an hour,' and I was like, minimum, what does that mean?" Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction 02:24: Work Ethic 06:12: Business Failures 13:02: Scaling Solar Company  15:22: Long-Term Cash Flow 18:00: Leadership  25:36: Hiring  29:19: Retaining High Level Talent 36:21: Culture 39:48: Scaling Growth 43:19: Selling 48:57: Acquisition 52:16: SOP's  58:30: Financial Planning   1:01:36: Priorities  1:12:41: Personal Growth  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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

What happens when your sense of identity is intertwined with your company to the point where stepping down feels like losing a part of yourself? That's the journey I embarked on after my nine-figure exit. This week, I sat down with Sean Kelly on "Digital Social Hour" to share the personal struggles I faced in the aftermath of stepping down. I had to rediscover my purpose and learn to appreciate the beauty and balance in life. Understanding the significance of masterminds, mentors, and the right circle of influence can be a game-changer. I give a peek behind the scenes of my journey, from attending masterminds that altered my life to building a team and facing the challenges of relinquishing power. Through a personal, life-threatening incident, I want to remind you of the power of appreciating the simple moments in life and the significance of cultivating gratitude. Join us on this enlightening journey that challenges us to reevaluate our definitions of success. Highlights: “And I think that's what people really want. They want authenticity, they want somebody that's done it.” "I think the biggest thing that I've learned is that you have to be willing to take risks.” "Nothing bugs me more than some self-help guru that is like 22 years old and never done it. Timestamps: (0:00:00) - Founder's Journey (0:01:47) - Transition From CEO to Chairman (0:07:50) - Harvard's Elite Owner-President Management Program (0:13:23) - Masterminds and Building a Team  (0:22:57) - The Power of Resilience and Gratitude (0:27:24) - Overcoming Comparison on Social Media  (0:31:45) - Gratefulness and Reflection on Life's Challenges 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/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast

This episode of The Founder Podcast offers an exclusive peek into what we've been building since my transition from CEO to Chairman and the launch of this podcast. Discover how my team and I are embarking on challenges that push us out of our comfort zones and how we're using these experiences to fuel our productivity. Listen in as I share my journey through a 130-day challenge of no sugar, no white flour, and no fried foods, and learn how accountability has played a key role in keeping me committed. I am excited to introduce you to our Founder Acceleration community, a vibrant group of like-minded entrepreneurs meeting thrice a month to analyze businesses, participate in Q&A sessions, and support each other. We also dive into the Founder Project, where we're partnering with businesses, investing in real estate, and making strategic moves to secure our futures. Find out how you can be a part of this thriving community and gain access to our wealth of knowledge and experience. Plus, get a heads up on my upcoming book, The Founders Core. So, tune in, follow, and share with your friends and family. This is not just a business structure we're building; it's a lifestyle! HIGHLIGHTS "Fear of loss is much greater than motivation to gain." "Life isn't just about the money; doing awesome things with awesome people is what truly matters." "I think that the world lacks incredible entrepreneurs... I want to make business education accessible to everybody." TIMESTAMPS 00:03 - Building a Nine Figure Business 01:05 - Challenge Accountability and Motivation 06:06 - Passionate About Educating and Sharing Knowledge 08:03 - The Founder Project and Community 🚀 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

Welcome to the special Halloween episode of the founder Podcast! Today, we have a unique guest on our show, Mr. Jay Wasley, a driving force behind the hit show, Ghost Adventures. This episode takes a different turn as we delve into the world of the paranormal.  Ghost Adventures, a reality TV show where the paranormal comes to life. Jay has been part of this show for over a decade, visiting haunted locations across the globe, including Dracula's castle, the catacombs of Paris, and much more.  With over 300 episodes and multiple spin-off series, Ghost Adventures continues to captivate audiences, offering a unique perspective on the afterlife. Jay shares his wildest experiences, including getting dragged by an unseen force in an old saloon basement, and witnessing objects moving on their own. What makes these encounters even more captivating is Jay’s belief that these occurrences are manifestations of energy left behind, often triggered by human emotions and actions.  Could there be a connection between the energy we put out and the spirits we encounter? We explore the intriguing link between energy, spirits, and our own success in life. Join us in this hair-raising and thought-provoking episode as we venture into the world of Ghost Adventures and uncover the mysteries that surround us. You won't want to miss this spine tingling episode!  HIGHLIGHTS “My personal theory is that we're all made up of energy, right. And suppose the energy doesn't go away. So like, imagine you walk up and down the same hallway every day of your life, and then your body dies, it makes sense that a little bit of your energy might still linger and just kind of linger and move up and down that hallway.” "I think there's something that like watches out for us, there is something that like, kind of keeps things together in a way."  "It's a fascinating perspective that can extend beyond the realm of the supernatural and into our personal and professional lives." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 02:19: Illegally entering the Paris catacombs 05:53: Energy & Spirits  12:57: Paranormal Experiences 17:11: Demonic Possession 20:23: Spiritual Energy 27:09: Exorcisms  30:54: Personal Experiences 38:06: Beliefs  41:37: Ouija Boards 47:45: Investigations 🚀 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

Get ready for a mind-expanding conversation with self-made billionaire and tech empire builder, Naveen Jain. This episode is a goldmine of ideas! Learn all about the power of asking the right questions, and the potential of new technologies to improve human health. We pull back the curtain on Mr. Jain's company, Viome, revealing its mission to understand and tackle the onset of chronic diseases. You'll get a front-row seat as we explore how asking "Why this? Why now? Why me?" before launching any venture can lead to success and profits. We'll also talk about Naveen's unique perspective on work-life balance, and the importance of integrating the two, rather than trying to balance them.Mr. Jain concludes the episode with a few gems on self-love, finding purpose, and the power of cross-subject learning.  Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs of our time. So, tune in for this episode brimming with valuable insights and lessons that are bound to inspire and propel your journey ahead. HIGHLIGHTS "Making money is a byproduct of doing things that improve people's lives." "Every culture has these stories around this that things that look bad turn out to be really, really good." "So it's for every day when you wake up, ask yourself what can I do today that will improve other people's lives? And if you keep doing it, one day you will find you created a massive empire." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction08:36: The Power of Asking Why14:16: Exponential Technology and the Microbiome25:39: Personalized Supplements for Improved Health29:42: Lessons and Perspectives as a Founder35:32: Embracing Self-Love and Finding Purpose40:56: Finding Balance Between Work and Life55:15: The Power of Cross-Subject Learning 🚀 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

Ever wonder what it takes to build a successful business from scratch, manage a large family, and still find time to pursue big dreams? Join us on a massive episode, with the founder of LightSpeed VT, Mr. Brad Lea! He opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from selling candy bars as a child to creating a thriving training platform. Hear how he leveraged the 'Rule of Seven' along with influencer marketing to expand his business empire. But that's not all, we delve into his near-death experience, and how it shifted his perspectives on gratitude and motivation. In our candid conversation, Brad isn't shy to discuss his family life, juggling a brood of seven children, and his learning curve as a family man. It's a genuine exploration of work-life integration rather than balance.  As we venture further, he offers insights into his biggest regrets, the importance of being present in family life, and the life-altering books he reads to fuel his ambition. From starting his own training company to now aspiring to become a billionaire, he shares his relentless journey and the power of thinking big. Listen in as he recounts experiences where he embraced risks and how it contributed to his success. Throughout this enlightening episode, Brad’s authenticity, resilience, and unwavering determination offer invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. It's a compelling episode that'll provoke thought, inspire action, and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit! Highlights "What turned me into an entrepreneur was I helped somebody make some money and change their life. I watched a family go from minimum wage, broke, struggling, no confidence, to making money and confident." "I think everybody makes [the mistake of not thinking big enough] at a level. There’s always bigger, there's levels." "If you can sell, that’s great, but in reality, it's marketing that's more important. If you take an average salesperson and give them more opportunities through marketing, they will outperform a top-notch salesperson with fewer opportunities." Timestamps: (0:00:00) - Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, and Motivation (0:11:29) - Starting a Business With the Rule of Seven (0:19:58) - Successful Training Platform With Collaboration (0:24:20) - Journey of Fitness, Family, and Business (0:28:21) - Regrets and Thinking Big (0:33:58) - Thinking Big, Marketing Power (0:45:24) - Overcoming Fear of Failure and Opinions 🚀 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