Founders Podcast

In this episode of Founders Podcast, Ash interviews Quentin, the founder of MeiliSearch, who shares his journey from childhood to entrepreneurship. Quentin discusses the inception of MeiliSearch, its purpose, and the challenges faced in the search technology market. He emphasizes the importance of customer acquisition, the open-source model, and the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey. The conversation also touches on personal influences, mistakes made, and the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people.TakeawaysQuentin emphasizes the importance of building with a purpose, not just for profit.MeiliSearch aims to improve search experiences for everyone, especially those with difficulties like dyslexia.The company started with a focus on open-source solutions to democratize access to search technology.Quentin highlights the need for a better search experience to reduce customer support tickets.He believes that finding the right people to work with is crucial for success.Quentin shares that small, agile teams can outperform larger ones in many cases.He reflects on the importance of customer acquisition and getting feedback early in the product development process.Quentin's upbringing in a small town and his family's entrepreneurial spirit shaped his journey.He acknowledges the mistakes made in his early career, particularly in choosing collaborators.Quentin enjoys extreme sports, which reflects his adventurous spirit. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Founders Podcast and Guest Background02:56 The Journey of Building MiliSearch05:41 Understanding MiliSearch's Unique Value Proposition08:42 Commercial Aspects of MiliSearch11:51 Customer Use Cases and Success Stories14:38 Quentin's Personal Journey and Influences17:39 Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made20:53 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts

SummaryIn this episode of Founders Podcast, Ash interviews Mike Milan, known as Cash Flow Mike, who shares his journey from being a state trooper to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator in cash flow management. Mike discusses the importance of understanding cash flow, the challenges he faced while building his businesses, and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the significance of patience, controlling what you can control, and the innovative solutions he has developed in the banking sector. The conversation also touches on the role of software in business and Mike's current projects aimed at helping business owners and accountants manage cash flow effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Motivation02:51 The Journey to Cash Flow Mike05:59 Understanding Cash Flow Through Experience08:53 Building a Business from the Ground Up11:51 Scaling and Diversifying Business Ventures15:02 Transitioning to Software and New Opportunities22:40 The Pain of Small Business Financing24:03 Building Credibility in the Banking Sector27:10 Transitioning to Teaching and Coaching29:23 Innovative Cash Flow Management Strategies32:21 Lessons Learned from Rapid Growth36:33 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Advice

SummaryIn this conversation, Nicky Senyard shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the founding of Fintel Connect, a company focused on digital acquisition in the financial sector. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, understanding market needs, and the role of affiliate marketing in scaling businesses. Nicky discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges faced in the fintech landscape, and the future of performance marketing, particularly in light of emerging technologies like AI. She also provides valuable insights for founders on selecting affiliates and avoiding common pitfalls in affiliate programs, while reflecting on her personal growth and lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quotes01:34 The Journey of Problem Solving03:25 Understanding Fintel Connect05:02 Nicky's Entrepreneurial Journey08:26 Market Research and Client Acquisition09:25 Fintel Connect's Unique Approach11:49 The Future of Performance Marketing in FinTech18:46 The Role of AI in Marketing20:01 Selecting the Right Affiliate Partners21:52 Building Brand Value and Halo Effect23:01 Operationalizing Ideas for Success24:31 Common Pitfalls in Affiliate Programs27:13 Lessons Learned from Experience32:21 Quickfire Questions and Insights

In this episode of Founders Podcast, Raj Singh shares his journey as a successful entrepreneur with multiple exits, including an acquisition by Mozilla. He discusses the importance of understanding the startup landscape, customer acquisition strategies, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges such as COVID-19 and market saturation. Raj emphasizes the significance of conviction, perseverance, and the need for founders to focus on their unique vision while being mindful of the financial implications of raising funds. He also provides valuable insights for new founders looking to start their own ventures.

SummaryIn this conversation, David Sauers shares his journey as the co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, a company that revolutionized the portable restroom industry. He discusses the importance of pursuing passions, building trust with customers, and the challenges of gaining initial traction. David reflects on the lessons learned over 22 years in business, including the significance of community engagement, customer feedback, and the value of franchising. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving business landscape, particularly with the advent of technology and social media.

How To Scale Your Startup to $50M

SummaryIn this conversation, Eric McHugh discusses his innovative AI-powered matchmaking service, Dating, which aims to create meaningful connections by leveraging users' digital footprints. He shares insights into the challenges of traditional dating apps, the unique features of his platform, and the importance of user experience. Eric also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of his team, and the strategies for marketing and user acquisition. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of personal growth, authenticity, and serving others in the entrepreneurial landscape.

SummaryIn this episode of Founders Podcast, Ash interviews Marnie Wills, an AI trainer and strategist who shares her journey from being a physical education teacher and personal trainer to embracing technology and AI in her businesses. Marnie discusses the importance of mental shifts for non-technical founders, strategies for acquiring customers, and the significance of targeting the right market. She emphasizes the need for authentic content in the age of AI and the growing desire for community and human connection. Marnie also shares essential AI tools for founders and her experience in building custom AI solutions for businesses, concluding with insights from a quickfire round.

He’s the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t just talk growth—he builds it, scales it, and engineers it for measurable impact. From mastering calisthenics to mastering conversions, his life is a case study in discipline, vision, and purpose.This guest isn’t just a digital marketer—he’s a strategist who’s helped brands unlock massive ROI, and he runs a performance-driven agency that blends AI with marketing science.And if you’ve ever wondered how values like freedom, health, and spirituality can fuel an entrepreneurial empire—well, you’re about to find out.Please welcome to the Founders Podcast... Samir ElKamouny.

He flipped over 100 properties, built not one, not two, but three property management companies, and scaled a real estate team to $8 million in annual sales—all before most people knew what a real estate team even was. This is not your average entrepreneur story. It’s the kind with crashes, comebacks, and candid truths no one tells you about building real wealth. From losing it all after the 2008 crash to launching an insurance agency in 2023, our guest is proof that business isn’t a straight line—it’s a rollercoaster you ride with grit. Welcome to the show, Shane Wilson.