21st Century Entrepreneurship

Dana Samuelson brings a wealth of knowledge from his 44 years in the gold markets, and in this episode, we discussed the dynamics influencing the price of gold and the role it plays in investment strategies. Dana delved into the primary factors driving gold's price increase, such as global debt levels, inflation, and geopolitical fears, particularly the tensions in the Middle East.According to Dana, "It's not so much that gold is gaining so much in value, it's that the purchasing power of fiat currencies...are losing purchasing power." This highlights the intrinsic value of gold in an unstable economic climate. Moreover, Dana pointed out, "Gold tends to climb a wall of worry and there's a lot to worry about in the world right now, sadly." His insights reveal how gold serves not just as a commodity but as a barometer for broader economic and geopolitical trends.We also explored the various ways to participate in the precious metals market, from investing in mining stocks to purchasing physical gold and exchange-traded funds. Dana emphasized the tangible nature of physical gold, noting that owning gold and silver is like having a savings account outside of the traditional banking system. He argues that gold is a reliable hedge against inflation, saying, "What would you rather own as a savings account? Gold, which is an inflation hedge, or a dollar, which continues to lose its purchasing power every year, especially when inflation is running at 3.5% or more."In addition to the financial aspects of gold, Dana shared his personal journey as an entrepreneur and the ethos that has guided his business practices. His commitment to fairness and transparency is evident when he said, "The thing that was the most important aspect to me was retaining my clients...you treat them fairly and you tell them the truth so they trust you."This episode underscores the enduring value of gold as a safe haven, particularly in times of economic turbulence and inflation. We explore various investment avenues, from physical gold to gold ETFs, each with unique considerations for investors. Additionally, Dana Samuelson shares his philosophy on business growth, emphasizing ethical practices and client trust. These insights not only shed light on the precious metals market but also offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to forge their own paths in any sector.

Mark McNamee is a seasoned political and economic analyst specializing in Eastern Europe, and our conversation revolved around his firsthand experiences and strategic insights amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Mark shared an impactful story from a recent meeting disrupted by an unexpected air raid in Kyiv, illustrating the daily realities of living and working in a conflict zone. He explained, "We were very surprised, because typically we would get some sort of air raid notification...But we were all surprised, and we're kind of wondering, was it actually a bomb?" This moment encapsulates the unexpected challenges faced by businesses operating in Ukraine.Our discussion extended to Mark's personal and professional journey that led him to Ukraine at this critical historical juncture. With roots tracing back to Ukrainian ancestors and a robust academic background in Russian and Eurasian studies, Mark's life has been a preparation for his current role. He detailed his path: "So I moved here October 2023...I focused on sort of central and eastern european russian empire history in university."Mark also provided deep insights into the resilience and potential of the Ukrainian economy, emphasizing the continued commitment of Western businesses despite the ongoing war. He highlighted the surprising optimism among multinational corporations: "Essentially none of them have cut off investments to Ukraine. They all plan to stay the course." This reflects a broader sentiment that despite immediate challenges, there is a strong future for Ukraine on the global economic stage.Key takeaways from our conversation include the strategic importance of understanding both macro and microeconomic elements when navigating business in volatile regions. Mark's work with the UBN Network exemplifies this, as they "connect the macro to the micro," offering tailored insights that link global events to local business impacts.Listeners will gain an appreciation for the complex interplay of politics, economy, and security in shaping business strategies in high-risk areas. Mark's account is a testament to the power of informed resilience and strategic foresight in overcoming adversity.

Luke Van Der Veer is a digital entrepreneur who transformed his career trajectory from a traditional nine-to-five to building a substantial passive income through innovative online strategies. We spoke about his journey from disillusionment in a conventional job to finding and mastering the art of website rentals, ultimately teaching others to emulate his success.Luke candidly shared his early career struggles and revelations. "Shortly after starting my first role... I learned very quickly that I'm not going to be able to do this for the next 40 or 50 years," he reflects on the dread of long-term corporate life, echoing sentiments from seasoned colleagues who regretted not spending enough time on personal ventures and family. These interactions sparked his pivot towards online entrepreneurship, exploring various models before hitting on the one that worked: "And after trying so many business models... I finally figured out how to do it."He details the process of setting up website rentals, a system where he builds a website, optimizes it for search engines, and then rents it out to local businesses for a steady monthly fee. "I took back control of my life, my time," Luke explains, highlighting the freedom and financial benefits of passive income streams. This autonomy allowed him to pursue personal interests and family commitments without the constraints of a typical job.Luke also touched on the broader implications of financial freedom and passive income, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right business models and partners. His recent ventures include acquiring and running businesses with family members, underscoring his belief in combining personal relationships with professional opportunities. "I know people say you shouldn't do business with family, but I believe that you should," he advises, sharing the successful dynamic he has with his brother in their latest business endeavor.The conversation ventured into the transformative impact of coaching and mentoring. Originally overwhelmed by one-on-one consultations, Luke transitioned to group coaching to manage his time better and amplify his impact. "It's not exactly the same as me being able to walk away from my job, but the feeling is very similar," he says about the fulfillment derived from helping others achieve similar success.Luke Van Der Veer's journey from a traditional nine-to-five to a master of passive income through website rentals offers several key insights. First, it highlights the transformative power of passive income as a tool for gaining both time and financial freedom, allowing individuals to escape the rigidity of conventional employment. His story also exemplifies resilience and the importance of adaptation in entrepreneurship, showing how persistence and flexibility in trying different business models can lead to success. Additionally, Luke's transition into coaching and mentoring underscores the value of expanding one's impact by teaching others to replicate successful strategies, thus multiplying the benefits of one's experiences. These takeaways offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to redefine their career path and achieve greater autonomy and satisfaction in their professional life.

Richard Parker is a seasoned expert in mergers and acquisitions, with nearly 35 years of experience in buying and selling businesses. We spoke about the current market dynamics, the unique opportunities available for prospective business buyers, and the strategies that can help individuals navigate this complex landscape successfully.In this episode, Richard shares his insights on why the current economic environment presents an "unbelievable opportunity" for business buyers. He explains, "The leverage has switched to the buyers," making it a prime time to negotiate favorable deals. Richard's journey from making his first acquisition at 29 to buying 13 businesses and a co-investment highlights the ups and downs of the business acquisition process.We discussed the importance of understanding one's skill set and how it aligns with the right type of business. Richard emphasizes, "What is it that you do best? What is your greatest skill set? That's expertise. That's not experience." This distinction is crucial for identifying a business that suits an individual’s strengths.Richard also talks about the common pitfalls prospective buyers face, such as over-focusing on financials or seeking the perfect business. He advises, "The perfect business doesn't exist... Every business has blemishes and warts."Some key takeaways from our conversation with Richard Parker include the current market being a prime opportunity for business buyers due to higher interest rates and cautious lending practices, making it a buyer's market; the importance of aligning your greatest skill set with the business you want to buy to ensure a good fit; understanding that no business is perfect but risks can be mitigated through thorough due diligence; and the necessity of utilizing available resources to educate yourself on the business buying process.Richard's experience and dedication to helping others are evident throughout the episode. He shares inspiring stories of individuals who successfully navigated the business acquisition process, proving that this path is accessible to anyone with the right knowledge and determination.

Scott Cohen is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the CEO of Jukebox (JKBX). We spoke about his unconventional approach to business, the intersection of music and finance, and the importance of compassion in the workplace.Scott shares his journey of founding Jukebox, the first platform allowing fans and investors to participate in the music industry's profits. He challenges traditional entrepreneurial advice, stating, "The last thing you want is a business plan and a financial model... it kind of locks you in." Instead, he emphasizes the importance of starting with passion and letting the business evolve organically.One of Scott's core beliefs is creating transformational, not disruptive, businesses. He explains, "We're not disrupting them. What we're saying is, here's a new asset class of music that people can invest in." By bridging the music and finance industries, Scott aims to add value without displacing existing players.Scott also discusses the foundational values that guide Jukebox, including servant leadership, integrity, and work-life balance. He reflects on his personal journey as a vegan and its influence on his business philosophy, advocating for compassion and respect for all living beings. "You can actually be a compassionate person and succeed at business," he asserts.The conversation extends to the future of music as an investment asset. Scott envisions a world where investing in music is as commonplace as investing in tech stocks. "Imagine music in your portfolio that's paying for your retirement," he suggests.Scott's insights offer several key takeaways. He highlights the importance of passion over rigid business plans, encouraging entrepreneurs to start with what they love and adapt as they go. He advocates for building transformational businesses that add value rather than disrupting existing industries. Scott emphasizes that success in business does not require a cutthroat attitude; compassion and respect can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career. Lastly, he introduces the innovative concept of music as an asset class, offering unique opportunities for both the music and finance industries to thrive together.Join us to learn from Scott Cohen's experiences and insights, and discover how to integrate compassion into your entrepreneurial journey while exploring new frontiers in investment.

Lyle Myers is the Chief Development Officer at iFlex Stretch Studios, and we explored the intricacies of franchising in the health and wellness sector. Central to our discussion was the unique iFlex franchise model, which emphasizes professional assistance in stretching and a robust support system for franchisees. Myers highlighted the importance of choosing a franchise that not only offers a promising business opportunity but also ensures substantial support for its franchisees. "You're in business for yourself, but not by yourself," Myers explains, illustrating the comprehensive backing provided by iFlex.Throughout the episode, Myers shared his extensive experience in developing franchise models that generate recurring revenue and foster community growth. He emphasized the role of expert stretch therapists at iFlex who help clients achieve better mobility and sports performance. "What we do is we have professional, what we call stretch therapists that basically will stretch you the way that you need to be stretched," Myers detailed, stressing the tailored approach that sets iFlex apart.Another key topic was the innovative use of technology in selecting franchise locations, utilizing AI to track potential markets. "We can actually go into that shopping center, see who the shoppers are because we can track their cell phones and we know exactly where they live, how much money they make," Myers shared, revealing the strategic precision behind iFlex's expansion.Key takeaways from the interview include the significance of a well-supported franchise model, the benefits of professional stretching services, and the advanced strategies employed by iFlex to optimize their franchising efforts. Myers also delved into the broader impacts of their services, "helping people be able to reduce their injuries" and enhancing community well-being.Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of what makes a franchise successful, both in terms of profitability and positive community impact, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship in the health and wellness industry.

Jarrod Lopiccolo is the CEO and co-founder of a digital design firm Noble Studios, and we spoke about his journey from aspiring architect to digital innovator. Through his narrative, Jarrod emphasizes the importance of daily improvement, saying, "It's an invitation to wake up the next morning and ask, how can I be better?" This philosophy not only propelled his personal growth but also became a foundational ethos for his company.Jarrod shared candidly about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including a poignant story about choosing family over work during a crucial project deadline. This moment led him to adopt a "family first" philosophy, illustrating the delicate balance between professional drive and personal life. He reflects, "I'm choosing, you know, work over, you know, my family," a realization that led to significant changes in how he manages his business and personal commitments.A significant part of our discussion revolved around the evolution of his company, particularly how they embraced the concept of digital architecture. Jarrod's initial fascination with physical spaces transitioned into crafting digital experiences, which he describes as "navigating people through the Internet." This shift not only expanded their business scope but also deepened their commitment to impactful marketing and brand experiences.We also delved into the tough decisions that define a company's moral compass. Jarrod recounted a turning point where he rejected a lucrative project from the tobacco industry due to team objections, reinforcing the company's mission to create "valuable personalized experiences." This decision underscored the importance of aligning business practices with core values, leading to more meaningful and aligned opportunities.Lastly, Jarrod shared insights into the sustainable practices in the travel and tourism sector, an area where his company has become a thought leader. By focusing on environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism, they aim to ensure that beautiful destinations remain available for future generations.From this conversation, listeners can glean that true leadership involves continuous learning, ethical decision-making, and a balanced approach to life and work. Jarrod's journey offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern business with integrity and innovation.

Jothy Rosenberg is a figure of resilience and a serial entrepreneur, and our conversation covered the profound journey from personal challenges to groundbreaking technological ventures. Jothy discussed how overcoming cancer and amputation at a young age instilled in him a unique sense of determination, stating, "So my grit started in a bad way. I was 16 and I was diagnosed with a very rare kind of bone cancer." This foundation of 'grit' not only helped him in personal conquests like skiing with one leg but also paved the way for his ventures in the high-stakes world of startups.From his first company, Mass Par, to the innovative cybersecurity measures at Dover Microsystems, Jothy shared insights on navigating the volatile terrain of tech entrepreneurship. He noted the significance of adapting to market needs, reflecting on his first major startup success: "We came up with the first, what's called load balancing... It was not a super complicated product, but it was this great example of great market, I mean, enormous market, a product that fits that market."Jothy also highlighted the critical importance of 'product market fit', a lesson learned through the trials of his ventures, especially during the pandemic. His words underline the brutal reality of entrepreneurship: "No startup has ever succeeded that didn't have product market fit."Listeners will gain from Jothy’s firsthand experiences on the resilience required to push through setbacks, the thrill of pioneering new technologies, and the harsh lessons of the startup world. His story is not just about successes but also about the inevitable challenges and failures that provide the richest learning opportunities. "It was all meant to try to keep unemployment from going through the roof," he shared, reflecting on the tough decisions to pivot during crisis periods.In addition to his corporate endeavors, Jothy's passion for helping others shines through his work with the Who Says I Can’t Foundation, focusing on empowering individuals with disabilities through sports. He emotionally noted, "Sports were really the key to rebuilding my self-esteem."This episode is packed with powerful anecdotes, invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the inspiring story of a man who refuses to say 'can't'. Join us to hear how Jothy Rosenberg turns challenges into stepping stones for success and innovation.

Jeff Tarran is the COO of Gunderson Direct, America's largest independent direct mail marketing agency, and in this episode, he shares his extensive knowledge on the efficacy and strategic use of direct mail in modern marketing. He discusses why direct mail continues to offer unparalleled return on investment, claiming, "Direct mail has the highest ROI of any marketing channel."One of the compelling points Jeff makes is the inherent trust and tactile engagement that direct mail commands: "Direct mail is physical. You have to touch it. You have to interact with it." This physicality enhances comprehension and recall, a benefit digital channels often struggle to match. He further emphasizes trust, noting, "Very few scams happen in direct mail, so it's the most trusted channel out there."Targeting is another critical topic Jeff addresses. He highlights the importance of precise audience targeting and the costs of misdirected efforts with a personal anecdote: "I have a golf club 810 miles from my house... They send me tremendous offers... I don't like golf. So the value of those mailings to me is absolutely zero." This underscores the necessity of understanding and accurately identifying the audience for direct mail campaigns.Innovation in direct mail, particularly through technology, is a key area of our conversation. Jeff describes advances such as variable data printing and AI integration, which enable highly personalized and effective campaigns. "We are all... becoming accustomed to digital communication. So designing and format trends, even in print, are becoming increasingly visually oriented."Finally, Jeff stresses the importance of testing and learning from each campaign to continually improve and adapt strategies: "One of the most important things you can do in direct mail is learn from everything that you mail."Listeners will gain deep insights into how direct mail can be strategically integrated into their marketing efforts, learn about the latest innovations enhancing its effectiveness, and understand why, despite the digital age, direct mail remains a critical tool for marketers aiming for high engagement and conversion.

Christy Pretzinger is the CEO of WG Content, and our conversation centered around her passion for creating an environment where employees thrive and feel valued. Christy shared her experiences and strategies for fostering a workplace culture that directly contributes to the bottom line by nurturing human connections and valuing kindness.Christy emphasized the importance of recognizing individual contributions, stating, "people really need to know that they matter." She detailed how her business has succeeded by focusing not just on profit, but on creating a culture where "the special magic" each person brings is acknowledged and missed when absent. This approach is encapsulated in her company’s core values: empowered, curious, kind, and fun, which are not merely posted on walls but are integrated into the company's operations and recognized in meaningful ways, such as during their monthly all hands meetings.Another key takeaway from our discussion was the concept of a "cultural balance sheet," a topic Christy explores in her upcoming book. She reflects on the evolution of her business philosophy, noting that "kindness is one of our core values that we live with, that it's a thread that runs through our organization and upon which all decisions can hang."Christy also shared actionable advice for other leaders, such as the significance of values in an organization. She suggests that if an organization hasn’t defined its values, it should "crowdsource them with your people" to ensure they truly reflect the team. This practice not only aligns team members but also embeds a deeper sense of community and purpose within the workplace.Moreover, she highlighted the importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership. Christy described her personal growth journey, which includes a daily practice of meditation and reading, contributing to her effective leadership. She shared how the Enneagram personality system is utilized within her company to foster understanding and empathy among team members.In conclusion, Christy’s narrative is a compelling reminder that the core of successful business lies in genuine relationships and a compassionate culture. She asserts, "Our values are... a thread that runs through our organization and upon which all decisions can hang," showcasing how deeply embedded these principles are in her company’s ethos. This episode offers profound insights for anyone looking to enhance their organizational culture and ensure their employees not only succeed but feel truly valued.