Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Mark Brooks, Managing Director of Permanent Equity, shares insights on their innovative investment strategy that focuses on debt-free acquisitions. He explains the unique 30-year fund model and why it diverges from traditional private equity. The conversation discusses how they identify key business metrics and the importance of aligning incentives with cash flow rather than EBITDA. Mark also delves into managing post-sale relationships and the significance of maintaining seller engagement for long-term success. A compelling look at sustainable business growth!

In this engaging discussion, Chris Koerner, a business partner of the host, dives into innovative ideas and strategies for small businesses. They explore the concept of a transparent platform for home renovations, akin to Glassdoor for salaries, and how it could empower consumers. Chris shares his insights on leveraging virtual assistants to navigate home building and car purchases. The duo also humorously brainstorms unconventional business ideas and strategies to outsmart scammers while addressing the opportunities presented by AI in marketing.

Antonia Botero, founder of MADD Project, shares her journey from architect to developer, managing $350 million projects in commercial real estate. She discusses the intricate dynamics of development fees and their impact on project incentives. Understanding market data and financial structuring emerges as crucial for success. Antonia reflects on the transition from architecture to entrepreneurship, emphasizing resilience, transparency, and the challenges faced during COVID-19. Her insights offer a blend of professional expertise and personal anecdotes that make for an engaging discussion.

In this conversation, John Maher, founder of The Victorian Group and a former Forbes feature at just 18, shares his tumultuous journey from early success to battling alcoholism by 21. He reveals the harsh lessons learned while rebuilding his agency to $600K in revenue with impressive profit margins. Topics include grappling with marketing complexities in regulated industries, the value of mentorship during personal crises, and the resilience required to thrive despite setbacks. John's inspiring insights highlight the transformative power of perseverance.

Hunter Durham, an entrepreneur who faced a $7 million bankruptcy, shares his insightful journey through financial triumphs and trials. He discusses the dangers of over-relying on a single major client and the critical need for cash flow management. Hunter also deep dives into the emotional impacts of bankruptcy and the vital lessons learned along the way. Through his candid reflections, he emphasizes the importance of business diversification and sustainable growth strategies that every entrepreneur should consider.

Charlie Light, a master of parody and ghostwriting, launched a comedic Twitter account during the pandemic, rapidly growing it to 200,000 followers. He shares how this playful venture evolved into a $44K/month ghostwriting business. With insights on leveraging humor and the power of simplicity in communication, he discusses the challenges of monetizing parody content and engaging clients. Charlie also reveals humorous anecdotes from his newfound internet fame and the intricacies of navigating the social media landscape while maintaining individuality.

In this conversation with Kirk Newcombe, founder of TorchPX and former Search Fund Operator of a successful swimming pool business, he shares insights on the vital role of data management. Kirk discusses how he harnessed AI and automation to optimize workflows and enhance real-time KPI tracking. He highlights the unique challenges faced by 'sweaty' industries like construction and service, and explains how small business owners can implement technology to boost efficiency. His journey from a pool mogul to a tech consultant is both inspiring and informative!

Lauren Rothlisberger, a successful entrepreneur managing 350 self-storage units, shares her journey from residential to commercial real estate. She reveals how she secured seller financing for her first deal and explains the value-add strategy that boosts her operations. Lauren emphasizes the importance of focusing on local markets for a competitive edge and discusses the financial intricacies of self-storage management, including occupancy rates and customer acquisition costs. Join her as she navigates challenges while planning future expansions!

Justin Donald, bestselling author and founder of The Lifestyle Investor, discusses his remarkable journey from employee to real estate mogul. He reveals how he built a nine-figure portfolio, including mobile home parks and a stake in Orange Theory. The conversation covers his lifestyle investment philosophy and the mindset shifts required for financial freedom. Justin shares why he spends $500K annually on masterminds, emphasizing their immense value in networking and growth, and how turning frustration into motivation can drive entrepreneurial success.

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Matty McLain (https://x.com/MattyMcLain), the founder of Boost Patients. Boost Patients helps elective surgery clinics generate more leads and improve patient follow-ups, and in this episode, we talk about how Matty identified this niche and built a company that now generates $1.7 million in recurring revenue. We also discuss the key strategies Matty used to scale his business, the challenges of managing lead generation in a medical field, and the importance of building the right team to support growth. Matty shares the decision-making process behind going all-in on his side hustle and how he’s created long-term success in an industry many entrepreneurs overlook.Questions this episode answers:How did Matty McLain grow Boost Patients to $1.7 million in recurring revenue?What are the unique challenges of managing lead generation for elective surgery clinics?How do you know when it's time to fully commit to your side hustle?What strategies can help scale a business in a niche industry like healthcare?How do you build a strong team that supports long-term growth and scalability?___________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.___________________________Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________This week we covered:01:05 Introduction to Nikonomics and Today's Guest02:20 Sponsor Message: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card03:01 Deep Dive: Boost Patients' Services and Strategies10:36 The Journey of Boost Patients: From Side Hustle to Success12:52 Building a Sales Flywheel: Strategies and Challenges14:51 The Startup Phase: Curiosity and Problem-Solving20:19 Validating the Business Idea21:01 Tracking and Engagement Strategies24:28 Challenges and Milestones26:01 Transitioning from Side Hustle to Full-Time31:29 Scaling and Leadership Changes33:43 Final Thoughts and Advice39:00 Conclusion and Next Steps