Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Hector Resendez, the founder of an online trade school leveraging VR technology, discusses his innovative approach to vocational education. He reveals how his school provides immersive training in trades like HVAC and plumbing, using federal grants to finance student education. Hector shares insights on scaling his business to over $200,000 monthly with high profit margins and tackles the impact of WIOA grants on funding opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of aligning courses with job market demands to effectively address the skills gap in the trades.

Chris Koerner, Nik's business partner and a titan in business growth with over $100 million in revenue, shares invaluable insights. They delve into the intricacies of leveraging Reddit as a powerful business tool, discussing creative strategies for subreddit growth and engagement. Koerner emphasizes the use of automation tools and the 'business-in-a-box' concept for aspiring entrepreneurs to kickstart their ventures efficiently. This conversation is packed with practical advice and innovative ideas for anyone looking to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.

Jesse Tinsley, a visionary entrepreneur behind five companies like employer.com and recruiter.com, discusses the dynamics of domain value, revealing why he invested $9.2 million in a premium name. He shares his unconventional acquisition strategies, emphasizing creative financing methods that require little upfront capital. Jesse also reflects on his journey into entrepreneurship, the opportunities he sees in the HR tech landscape, and how strong domain names can shape business identity. A treasure trove of insights for aspiring business owners!

In this engaging chat, Kevin Bibelhausen, owner of a $10M textile business and former healthcare and tech entrepreneur, reveals his unconventional path to success. He discusses acquiring a business through a self-funded search and the unique challenges of the textile industry, including managing working capital and supplier relationships. Kevin also shares how his musical background propels his creative approach to entrepreneurship. Dive into his insights on navigating markets, leveraging technology, and the importance of customer engagement in this often-overlooked sector.

Chris Koerner, Nik's business partner with a track record of generating over $100 million in revenue, joins to discuss innovative strategies. They dive into the game-changing applications of GPT for Google Sheets for better data management. The duo also explores creative dating concepts to enhance online interactions. Among the unique entrepreneurial ideas, they assess the monetization of treasure hunting, revealing exciting possibilities for niche markets. Their playful 'marry, date, or kill' segment determines which business ideas have the most potential!

In this engaging conversation, Caroline Strzalka, founder of Overplay and former Sesame Street employee, shares her journey from Wharton MBA to innovating the $574B digital media industry. She discusses how her no-code platform transforms videos into interactive games, revolutionizing content repurposing. Caroline also reflects on securing an investment from Mark Cuban and offers insights into navigating startup funding, especially during the pandemic. Her story illustrates the power of creativity and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

Jessica Miller, founder of Jessica Miller Coaching and expert in growth and sales consulting for entrepreneurs, shares her transformative journey from the pharmaceutical industry to coaching. She reveals strategies to double revenue without extra effort and highlights common pitfalls in sales and marketing. Jessica emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes and eliminating inefficiencies to boost success. With actionable advice on client engagement and optimizing business models, she inspires listeners to grow smarter while pursuing their passions.

Chris Koerner, a savvy entrepreneur and Nik's business partner, shares insights from their impressive journey generating over $100 million in various ventures. They discuss clever strategies for acquiring assets from bankrupt companies and the wild success of their viral perfume vending machines. The duo reflects on the challenges of rebuilding sales teams and the realities of unexpected business failures. Don't miss their entertaining 'marry, date, or kill' segment where they evaluate intriguing entrepreneurial ideas.

Nolan Gore, owner of a booming residential lawn and landscaping business with over $7.5 million in annual revenue, shares his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the emotional highs and lows of running a business and the hard lessons he's learned along the way. Nolan highlights the importance of leadership experience and the challenges of scaling operations. He also delves into the intricacies of acquiring competitors and the crucial due diligence needed in the process. Tune in for an honest look at the realities of entrepreneurship and successful business navigation!

Chandler Reed, an educator who has guided over 200 aspiring entrepreneurs through his SMB Bootcamp, shares eye-opening insights about purchasing a first business. He discusses the challenges and lessons from his own acquisition journey, including negotiating deals and the realities of operating a small business. Chandler highlights misconceptions about entrepreneurship and explains his decision to buy a job rather than just a business. Listeners gain practical advice on minimizing risk and understanding that the post-purchase landscape can be tough.