21st Century Entrepreneurship

Stefan von Imhof is the co-founder and CEO of Alts.co, a unique blend of alternative investing media, community, and a specialized investment fund. In our conversation, we explored the distinct investment philosophy that sets Alts.co apart. From purchasing rare vinyl records and barrels of tequila to acquiring under-the-radar newsletters, Stefan's approach is anything but ordinary. He shared insights into the Alts One fund, a Reg D fund for accredited investors, emphasizing its focus on eclectic and criminally undervalued assets with a long-term view. "It's eclectic, esoteric stuff that most people in funds don't think about at all," he remarks about their investment choices.The most intriguing aspect we discussed was the company's growth strategy, particularly their method of expanding their community by acquiring other newsletters. This tactic, as Stefan notes, is "definitely under discussed," and it plays a crucial role in how Alts.co strengthens its presence in the alternative investment market. With a background in deal analysis and digital asset transactions, Stefan and his team have mastered the art of identifying valuable deals and opportunities. "We know a good deal when we see one," Stefan asserts, highlighting their proficiency in navigating the world of micro acquisitions.Listeners will find valuable takeaways in understanding the power of unconventional investment strategies and the emerging trend of micro media acquisitions. Stefan's unique perspective offers a fresh look at what it means to invest and grow a business in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.If you're curious about alternative investments or looking for inspiration to think outside the mainstream, tune in to hear Stefan von Imhof's compelling insights and strategies for success in the world of alternative investing.

Ruben Dua, the inspiring mind behind Dubb.com, joins us to share his profound insights into the entrepreneurial journey, the significance of customer feedback, the challenges of leading a remote team, and the transformative power of video in business communication.In our engaging conversation, Ruben Dua highlights the common entrepreneurial pitfall of assuming that personal preferences equate to widespread market demand. His observation, "Just because a customer pays for it one time does not mean that they want your product," underlines the crucial role of repeat business in validating a product's market fit. Dua’s experiences echo a vital lesson: entrepreneurship is as much about listening to your customers as it is about innovation.Ruben’s journey with Dubb.com also sheds light on the nuanced art of managing remote teams. He passionately discusses the diversity and strength found in his team members across four continents, celebrating the unique talents brought in from regions like China, the Philippines, and India. He shares, "It's unbelievable how much talent is on this planet specific to the region," reflecting the benefits of a global perspective in business.Moreover, Ruben delves into the transformative role of video in sales and marketing, distancing it from traditional platforms like YouTube. He emphasizes personalized video messaging as a powerful tool for engagement and conversion, saying, "It’s more than just YouTube. Right now it’s about video messaging."From the nuances of validating a business idea to embracing the global talent pool, and harnessing the power of video in sales, Ruben Dua's insights offer a blend of practical wisdom and innovative strategies. If you're an entrepreneur, a leader managing remote teams, or someone intrigued by the evolving landscape of business communication, this episode with Ruben Dua is a must-listen. Join us to discover how you can navigate these complex yet rewarding aspects of the business world.Listen now and immerse yourself in the valuable lessons and experiences shared by Ruben Dua, a visionary entrepreneur and an advocate for global collaboration and innovative communication strategies.

Brent Zahradnik is the CEO and Founder of AMZ Pathfinder, a trailblazing force in Amazon advertising. In our discussion, we explored the dynamic and fast-evolving world of Amazon ads, uncovering strategies and insights essential for eCommerce success.From the outset, Brent emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions. He shared his journey, revealing how a combination of analytical skills and marketing savvy propelled his agency to new heights. With statements like "Data tells a story if you know how to read it," he highlighted the transformative power of data in creating effective advertising strategies.We also delved into the challenges and opportunities presented by Amazon's platform. Brent candidly discussed the ever-shifting landscape, noting, "Amazon advertising, every three, six months, there's like some new shift." His perspective sheds light on the agility needed to thrive in this space, likening the constant changes to "a train that's moving fast," a sentiment that underscores the relentless pace of eCommerce.Beyond strategy, Brent offered a glimpse into the ethos of AMZ Pathfinder. He shared his focus on client retention and the meticulous process of vetting potential clients, stressing that "fit is more important than revenue." This approach resonates with the ethos of building sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships.For those curious about the behind-the-scenes of running an agency, Brent’s insights on team dynamics and the decision-making process are invaluable. He emphasized the importance of team culture and maintaining a global perspective, demonstrating how diverse viewpoints can enrich business strategies.In conclusion, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the Amazon marketplace, from seasoned sellers to those just starting out. Brent’s expertise, combined with his clear passion for the industry, makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge on Amazon.Discover the secrets to Amazon advertising success and learn how to stay ahead in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape. Tune in to this enlightening episode with Brent Zahradnik, and elevate your Amazon strategies today.

Drew Lyon is a visionary entrepreneur and a fierce advocate for change through entrepreneurship. As the CEO of Focused Energy, Drew spearheads a team of fractional operators, bringing tactical, strategic guidance and driving tangible results for scaling companies across diverse industries. In our conversation, we explored the essential elements that drive businesses to success and the common pitfalls that many companies inadvertently fall into. A crucial point he emphasizes is the dangerous "lies" businesses often tell themselves, illustrated by his insightful examples, such as a business unknowingly bleeding cash due to a whopping 20% churn rate. Drew notes, "Most businesses and business leaders have a certain perception of their business…Most times they've been telling themselves great lies."With a keen eye for detail, Drew sheds light on the nuances of achieving Product Market Fit and the importance of unit economics in the path to profitability. One powerful takeaway from our chat is the significance of understanding the underlying story behind the numbers. As Drew rightfully points out, "Venture capitalists, PE firm, they're not stupid…It has to be simple. Just because it's simple doesn't mean it's easy."However, what truly sets Drew apart is his unwavering mission to aid others through entrepreneurship. His daily grind, waking up at the crack of dawn and putting in the work, stems from his profound belief in helping others. He poignantly shares, "Money always follows passion. But understand, why do you wake up in the morning? What change are you making?" A sentiment that is not only inspiring but also contagious.Join us for this insightful episode to learn more about the intricate balance of passion, understanding your business, and the art of persistence. Dive into the depths of entrepreneurship with Drew Lyon and discover the transformative power of believing in something more than money.

Lee Blakemore is CEO of Introhive, the award winning, global technology company who's Customer Intelligence Platform is the fastest growing B2B revenue acceleration solution and a market leader in Sales Intelligence and Data Quality Management. In our conversation, we delved deep into the intricacies of running a tech firm with footprints in multiple English-speaking countries, the evolution from startup to maturity, and the fascinating intersection of technology's role in times of economic prosperity and adversity. This growth journey isn't just about numbers but navigating the challenges of both translation and localization in the tech world. As Lee aptly points out, "there's translation and then there's localization. There are two different topics when it comes to technology."Lee's passion doesn't end at technology. On a personal note, he champions education equality in the US, especially focusing on bridging the academic achievement gap in inner cities. Reflecting on his work with educational organizations, Lee believes that "the effects of education or lack of education... can have a significant impact on their ability to become successful adults." His dedication to this cause is evident when he states, "if we were able to address that or move the needle just a little bit in that area, the outcomes and the impact on our society as a whole would be phenomenal."From insights on running a globally expanding tech company to the importance of equal educational opportunities, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Blesson Abraham is the driving force behind the credit-improvement application, Cambio. Together, we explored the intricate relationship between generative AI, data security, and the art of personal finance. With the meteoric rise of personal data collection, ensuring its security and privacy becomes paramount. Blesson shared, "We were very careful of not putting in any personal information in... We were guarding against providing any of the personal information." This vigilance propelled Cambio to craft its unique, proprietary model, leaning into open-source AI frameworks without compromising on user data.Yet, beyond the technology, Cambio stands tall as a beacon of hope for many, especially minorities in the US who grapple with a system that often leaves them behind. Blesson revealed a startling insight, saying "73% of our customers fit a minority class," underlining the social responsibility Cambio undertakes. The credit system, as he notes, can be a double-edged sword. "It's easy to go get credit, but nobody teaches you how to do it responsibly." Cambio emerges as that guide, that supportive hand in a journey often fraught with pitfalls.A poignant story from Blesson highlighted the transformative power of their approach. He recounted the journey of a member who, with Cambio's AI-driven insights, went from a dwindling credit score and no savings to a comfortable financial cushion and renewed self-belief. "Little wins lead to big rewards," he emphasized, drawing a parallel between individual financial growth and the entrepreneurial journey.Taking inspiration from Paul Graham of YC, Blesson champions the philosophy of compounded growth, a concept that applies as much to personal finance as to life itself. "You don't become this big, giant company by all of a sudden going from zero to 1000. It's the compounded growth that you continue to do month over month, week over week, day over day."Tune into this episode to unearth insights on leveraging AI in finance, the ethos of compounded growth, and the transformative stories Cambio has catalyzed. Let Blesson's words inspire and inform your journey, whether in finance or in life.

Patrick Grimes is a visionary in the realm of real estate investment, especially in emerging markets across the nation. Our conversation revolved around his distinctive approach to business, where he meticulously combines analytical insights with historical models to create a repeatable and successful strategy. “I have a very narrow buy box that is supported by analytics and data,” Patrick notes, emphasizing his reliance on a data-driven, rinse-and-repeat methodology. His book, "Persistence, Pivots, and Game Changers: Turning Challenges into Opportunities," resonates with the same ethos, where he shares the essence of his journey, challenges faced, and how he navigated them to success.One of the most potent takeaways from our chat is Patrick's emphasis on the importance of viewing your investment portfolio with as much dedication as one's primary profession. He poignantly remarks, “If you have a job, you're an investor,” prompting professionals to consider not just how they earn, but how wisely they invest. Patrick also highlights the distinction between single family buy and holding, and investing in multifamily properties in emerging markets, explaining how the latter can offer higher returns and lower risks.Furthermore, he shared a compelling success story, elucidating how partnering with his investment strategies enabled an investor to retire decades earlier. It's not just about making money, but also about strategically positioning it to work for you. With phrases like "tax advantaged, hard asset backed inflation hedged," Patrick offers a fresh perspective on investment that's both strategic and insightful.

Jeff Buehner is an author and life coach with a mission to introduce transformational concepts that enable individuals to tap into the profound force of their emotions. In our enlightening conversation, we discussed the pivotal role of feelings in shaping our reality and the importance of curating those feelings to architect a desired future. Jeff shed light on the potent connection between our subconscious and our emotions, emphasizing, "Feelings are self-fulfilling prophecies." He introduced the concept of the subconscious as an "all-powerful genie" that only queries, "What do you want?" and subsequently affirms, "Your wish is my command." Drawing inspiration from success stories like Michael Jordan, he underscores the importance of holding onto a vision of success regardless of external circumstances. He elucidates, "Your subconscious mind cares not whether it's real or imagined in your mind. All of your experiences are interpreted in your imagination." By the end of our chat, Jeff revealed the first three principles from his book "The Sultan's Seven Secrets," which promises to guide readers in speaking the "language of the gods." For those eager to embark on a transformative journey towards creating their desired reality, this episode is an essential listen.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Patrick Dillon, Wise Digital Marketing has evolved as a testament to perseverance, ambition, and adaptability. Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey, sprinkled with insights from nine previous ventures, laid the foundation for Wise Digital’s 10th endeavor.With its inception occurring just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, Wise Digital began with Patrick’s vision of a remote-first approach, tapping into the expertise of key individuals from his past ventures. The pandemic strengthened this strategy, showcasing the benefits of a digital-focused business model. This approach not only saved significant operational costs but also enabled the company to source the best global talent, ensuring uninterrupted business operations during turbulent times.One of Patrick’s primary goals with Wise Digital was rapid expansion, targeting a place on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. This milestone is soon to be achieved, with aspirations of maintaining this status for five consecutive years. Achieving such growth demanded the establishment of robust processes from the outset, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery to clients. Patrick acknowledges that past setbacks played a pivotal role in shaping Wise Digital’s current trajectory. His commitment to talent has allowed Wise Digital to sustain consistent growth, boasting 14.5% quarterly growth for 13 consecutive quarters since the onset of COVID.However, amidst this growth and organizational restructuring, the company’s core culture and values remained consistent. These foundational principles, symbolized by the brand elements - Owl and Wise, and characterized by transparency, honesty, and continuous learning, are integral to the company's success.In our conversation, Dillon dives deep into how the pandemic influenced internal communications and client interactions. The shift in strategy, from emails to agile communication tools like Slack, underscores Wise Digital’s adaptability. More intriguingly, the pandemic facilitated their transition to a global clientele, as traditionally tech-averse sectors began embracing digital communication.Patrick's journey with Wise Digital offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs in the dynamic business landscape. His emphasis on company culture and digital strategies provides insights into successfully navigating modern entrepreneurial challenges.Stay updated on Patrick Dillon's pioneering approach, marketing strategies, and future endeavors by signing up for their newsletter at Wisedigitalpartners.com. Join us in exploring the future of digital business with an industry innovator.

Reuben Mattinson is the driving force behind Puli Trading and RJM Tax Exemption. In our chat, we dove into the world of forex trading. He warned about the many scams out there and stressed how vital it is to check trading proofs and work with regulated brokers. With Puli Trading's focus on clear dealings and trust, Reuben shared how his e-commerce consultancy background shaped his forex trading approach. Touching on his diverse career, he highlighted the importance of character and trust in business leadership. He believes strongly that good communication starts with looking inward and being consistent. Reuben also shared how he values his clients, always showing thanks without trying to keep them with discounts. He shared a touching tale of encountering Hungary's highest-ranked junior female tennis player, who was placed 20th globally in the 18 and under category. He went on to become her sponsor and witnessed her progress and achievements, highlighting the value of extending a helping hand when it is most needed.Make sure you listen in for great advice and a touch of motivation. Don't miss out!