Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
Nikolas Hulewsky
Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, looking to make their first million.
I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.
Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.
Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.
Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.
I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.
Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.
Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.
Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 9, 2025 • 27min
259 - Best of 2025! No Code, No Problem: Building Apps and Websites with AI with Minh Nguyen
Minh Nguyen, a Bay Area entrepreneur and developer known for his work with AI tools and the CashOn extension, shares his insights on harnessing AI for business. He discusses various LLMs, emphasizing the untapped potential of Gemini. Minh reveals how AI can streamline web scraping and enhance data collection, showcasing the advantages over traditional methods. He also highlights the power of no-code platforms and suggests simple app ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs. Finally, he explores innovative ways to repurpose podcast content using AI.
Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
258 - 350 Deals Taught Him the 3 Deal Killers; Now He's Buying One with Kevin Henderson
Kevin Henderson, founding partner of SMB Law Group, is a seasoned M&A attorney who has closed over 350 deals worth $2 billion. In a fascinating discussion, he shares how he transitioned from corporate law to focus on Main Street M&A. Kevin reveals innovative strategies his firm employs, such as fixed fees and financing legal expenses, to make transactions more accessible. He also recounts the rapid rise of SMB Law Group, culminating in their top deal count in Texas, and shares his personal journey as he and his wife prepare to buy their first business.
9 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 42min
257 - This "Moron" Quit Tech to Grind Stumps (Makes $270k) with Tyler Mumford
Tyler Mumford, an entrepreneur who left a $180k tech sales job, shares his inspiring journey to success with his stump grinding business, generating $270k in his first year. He emphasizes the importance of total focus and risk-taking, explaining how he pivoted from a B2B model to capturing direct consumer jobs through strategic use of Google Business Profile. Tyler also created an 85-page playbook to monetize his learnings, and discusses launching a mobile candy business with his wife, showcasing how sharing his entrepreneurial journey led to exciting new opportunities.
Nov 28, 2025 • 30min
256 - AI Is Here and You Need to Prepare (Here's How) with Amanda Orson
In this engaging discussion, Amanda Orson, founder and AI advocate, explores how startups can thrive using AI to cut costs and boost efficiency. She introduces 'seed strapping' to preserve equity while rapidly reinvesting revenue. Amanda reveals that up to 60% of their code is AI-generated, leading to leaner teams. She also shares techniques for using AI models like ChatGPT and Claude, including creating specialized thought partners from historical figures and automating tasks for enhanced decision-making. Perfect for any entrepreneur eager to leverage AI!
Nov 25, 2025 • 49min
255 - How He Turned a $150K Into a Million-Dollar Wedding Venue & 5 Coffee Shops with Alex Nelson
In this engaging conversation, Alex Nelson, the entrepreneurial force behind The Midnight Gem wedding venue and several coffee shops, shares his rollercoaster journey in the hospitality world. He reveals how an unexpected construction delay nearly led to a Ponzi scheme situation while managing pre-booked weddings. Alex also dives into the financial strategies like using an SBA 7(a) loan and discusses the challenges and successes of diversifying his business into coffee shops, all while offering vital tips for aspiring venue owners.
5 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 57min
254 - 3 Paths to Quickly Replace Your W-2 with Chris Sacchinelli
Chris Sacchinelli, an experienced entrepreneur and content creator, shares his insights on building, buying, and selling businesses. He highlights the top three opportunities for first-time entrepreneurs: newsletters, low-capital home services, and AI consulting. Chris emphasizes the importance of consistency for newsletters, debunks the myth of passive income, and discusses the value of hands-on learning in early ventures. He also reflects on his family-first business criteria and the benefits of lifestyle businesses, providing a roadmap for achieving financial freedom.
8 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 41min
253 - I Asked AI to Run My Business for a Week. Here's What Happened with Andrew Pignanelli
Andrew Pignanelli, founder of the General Intelligence Company of New York and creator of CoFounder, discusses how his AI platform acts as a chief-of-staff for entrepreneurs. He reveals how CoFounder automates everyday tasks like scheduling and email management, allowing solo founders to operate like billion-dollar companies. Andrew explains the powerful use of persistent memory and natural language to create seamless automations, and shares insights on future capabilities like an army of specialized agents. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to scale efficiently!
15 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 49min
252 - $70K/Month in 5 Months: How a 54-Year-Old Biohacker Disrupted Healthcare with Kevin Dahlstrom
In this engaging conversation, Kevin Dahlstrom, a serial entrepreneur and former CMO, dives into his latest venture, Bolt Health, aimed at disrupting men's healthcare. Kevin shares his personal biohacking journey that led to the creation of a subscription service for testosterone replacement therapy. He discusses the staggering $70K monthly revenue in just five months, the importance of educating customers on low testosterone, and how microdosing improves patient experiences. Tune in to learn about innovative health solutions and the future of holistic care!
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h
251 - He Failed for 20 Years, Then Built a $1B Brand in 6 with Ryan Bartlett
Ryan Bartlett, founder and CEO of True Classic, shares his incredible journey from failed musician to running a billion-dollar apparel brand. He discusses how creativity from music and poker shaped his entrepreneurial approach. Ryan reveals the secret sauce behind True Classic's meteoric rise, including solving core issues in the t-shirt market and adopting a 'fat pitch' strategy. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging modern tools and AI for scaling creative processes, delivering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s.
9 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 30min
250 - Real Estate Investing: 3 Rules I Wish I Knew Before Starting with Robert Leonard
In this conversation with Robert Leonard, a real estate investor and seasoned podcast host, he reveals the crucial differences between real estate investing and small business acquisition. Robert explains house hacking as a low-cost entry point for beginners and discusses the risk vs. reward of owning rental properties. He shares insights on syndications and highlights recession-proof home services like plumbing and HVAC. Additionally, he talks about reallocating capital towards higher-growth ventures and underscores the importance of a proactive mindset in building wealth.
