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
10 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 42min
241 - The Freight Market Is Collapsing, Here's What You Should Do to Save Your Business with Craig Fuller
Craig Fuller, the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves and Sonar, shares alarming insights about the collapsing freight market and its implications for small businesses. He highlights a staggering loss of seven years of growth in the goods economy, emphasizing that critical sectors are being overlooked by Wall Street. Craig explains why freight data is a crucial leading economic indicator and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on cost control and preparing for tougher times ahead. Expect a rough holiday season as recovery remains uncertain.
Oct 6, 2025 • 32min
240 - OpenAI Just Changed Everything! Sora 2 Breakdown with Elizabeth Knopf
In this lively discussion, AI product expert Elizabeth Knopf, known as Liz, reveals the groundbreaking features of Sora 2, an AI video generator that effortlessly creates digital clones from just five seconds of video. She shares insights on the viral launch strategies employed by OpenAI and the potential of Sora 2 as a new platform for content creators. Liz also dives into updates from Claude AI, including its powerful Chrome extension for automating browser tasks and generating data seamlessly from PDFs. Tune in for a blend of humor and futuristic tech explorations!
Oct 3, 2025 • 53min
239 - How to Build Your Own Short Term Rental Empire with Taylor Jones
Taylor Jones, founder of strsearch.com, shares his journey from sales to overseeing over $120 million in short-term rental investments. He reveals the operational side of STRs, debunking the myth that they're passive income. Learn how his first cabin generated $22,000 in its first year and the surprising revenue impact of features like a pickleball court. Taylor discusses market trends, critical mistakes for new investors, and tax benefits available through STRs. His practical advice will inspire anyone looking to dive into vacation rental investments.
Oct 1, 2025 • 43min
238 - How to Easily Turn Vending Machines Into a Passive Income Empire
Mike Hoffman, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Vendingpreneurs community, shares his journey from college coaching to building a passive income empire through vending machines. He explains how he discovered lucrative vending opportunities and financed his first machine with no money down. Mike dives into the importance of choosing prime locations, leveraging new tech like AI and smart fridges, and the potential for industry consolidation. He emphasizes the real meaning of "passive" income and the role of community support in scaling vending operations.
15 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 45min
237 - What the 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Your Business
Trenton Hughes, an entrepreneur and commentator on sales and real estate, and Chris Munn, a small-business owner sharing insights on policy changes, dive into the implications of the Big Beautiful Bill for entrepreneurs. They discuss how accelerated depreciation can reduce taxable income to zero for smart investors and explore the return of in-person sales meetings as key to closing larger deals. The duo also tackles the complexities of new tax rules on tips and overtime, debating whether to abolish tipping altogether in favor of more transparent pricing strategies.
26 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 38min
236 - How to Easily Automate Your Marketing with Brad Smith
Brad Smith, co-founder of Automation Links, shares his expertise in marketing automation. He reveals how his company generates $100k a month with an impressive 80% margin. Brad discusses the importance of being omnipresent in advertising, stating customers need to see your brand 24 times on multiple channels before trusting you. He dives into the power of pixels for tracking and retargeting, explaining how they drastically reduce ad costs. Additionally, Brad offers insights on creating a content calendar and why staying small can enhance quality of life.
Sep 24, 2025 • 32min
235 - How Mattress Firms Make Money Despite Empty Stores with Nick Hancock
In this engaging discussion, Nick Hancock, the 'mattress guy' and owner of Direct Outlet Mattress, unveils the hidden complexities of the mattress industry. He shares fascinating insights on why big chains profit despite sparse sales, highlighting their high margins. Nick explains how his family-run business stands out through shared resources and innovative customer acquisition strategies like SEO and social media. He also reflects on his personal journey, from starting with $30k to successfully scaling while navigating challenges in the mattress market.
12 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 46min
234 - Make $10,000 in 30 days with Sponsorships with Justin Moore
Discover the journey of Justin Moore as he transitions from medical devices to sponsorships, revealing how to monetize content effectively. Learn his R.O.P.E. method—Relevancy, Organic, Proof, Easy—for securing brand deals. Justin provides practical tips on audience data collection and addressing urgent customer needs. Uncover common brand pitfalls and how to avoid them while ensuring your outreach converts. If you're aiming to boost your revenue through sponsorships, this discussion is a must-listen!
9 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 48min
233 - Political Pressure on Entrepreneurs: Should You Take A Stand?
Chris Munn, owner of Pavago, and Trenton Hughes, founder of Tribe, delve into the complexities entrepreneurs face in today's politically charged climate. They discuss the impact of political stands on businesses, citing notable case studies like Bud Light's backlash. The duo also explores the latest economic trends affecting small businesses, including rising SBA loan delinquencies and hiring challenges amid low unemployment. Additionally, they highlight transformative AI opportunities that can boost small business productivity, emphasizing the growing importance of AI consultants.
Sep 17, 2025 • 35min
232 - How to Make Easy Money Using Government Grants with Hector Resendez
Hector Resendez, founder of an innovative online trade school, discusses how he utilized government grants to turn a small idea into a multi-million dollar venture. He reveals how students can receive up to $10,000 in funding for fast-track courses in trades like HVAC and plumbing. Hector shares his strategies for free student recruitment, partnerships with nonprofits, and the smooth automation of his business, which allows him to work just two hours a day. Plus, he explores the significance of grants like WIOA in empowering vocational education.
