Making It with Jon Davids

In this engaging discussion, Mike Lazerow, co-founder of Buddy Media and a savvy investor, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned from selling his company for $800M to Salesforce.com. He reflects on the challenges faced while building partnerships, especially with major players like Unilever. Mike also delves into how sudden wealth can change personal relationships and self-identity. Additionally, he discusses strategic investment approaches, contrasting high-risk ventures with stable options, emphasizing the importance of leveraging networks for success.

Get your personalized AI Growth Cheatsheet here. Today, Jon talks with Manjit Minhas, co-founder of Minhas Breweries. Hear how Manjit turned a $10,000 investment into a multi-million dollar alcohol business, and all of her helpful insights in the world of entrepreneurship.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.Follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Codie Sanchez, an investor and best-selling author known for her advocacy of 'boring businesses,' shares her journey from corporate finance to social media stardom. She discusses the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, including overcoming setbacks and the importance of aligning passion with business viability. Codie emphasizes the power of storytelling in building wealth and highlights lucrative investment opportunities in senior services and rehab. With a focus on authenticity and engagement, she challenges traditional views on business success and education.

Get your personalized AI Growth Cheatsheet here. Today, JD does some rapidfire Q&A with Brian Scudamore, Founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK. What are his sales? How did he start? What was his most expensive mistake? All that and way more in this candid conversation.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.Follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Get your personalized 1-Minute Marketing Roadmap here. Today, Jon talks with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, about how Shopify transformed from a small website builder for indie companies to one of the world's top e-commerce giants.Harley also shares timeless business lessons for every business builder today.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.Follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Discover the secrets behind Costco's staggering $254 billion success! Explore their innovative membership model and limited product selection that drive bulk purchasing. Learn impactful strategies to boost cash flow and customer loyalty, including upfront payments and pre-orders. Delve into Costco's unique warehouse-style approach and the importance of embracing individuality in business. This mix of marketing genius and unconventional retail tactics offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate their own business.

Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares his journey in building a successful chocolate brand from a humble kitchen operation to a thriving business. He discusses the power of authentic storytelling and community engagement in marketing. Jake opens up about manufacturing hurdles and the impact of rising cocoa prices, emphasizing resilience and innovation. He also touches on the importance of vulnerability in entrepreneurship and how embracing one's journey can strengthen connections. Get ready to explore the delicious world of snacking innovation!

Discover the fascinating marketing genius behind Rolex's $11 billion success. Learn how the brand creates scarcity through waiting lists, igniting consumer desire. Explore the power of social proof and its impact on buying behavior, with actionable tips for smaller businesses. Uncover the storytelling magic that transformed Rolex watches into status symbols, connecting emotionally with customers. Delve into the challenges luxury brands face in a commoditized world, as AI reshapes consumer preferences and trust becomes paramount.

Discover the incredible growth story of a meat stick company that soared from $35,000 to $490 million in sales. Learn about their innovative marketing strategies and how they redefined the snack market. Explore the concept of counter-positioning through the success of Native Deodorant, focusing on clean ingredients that resonated with consumers. Dive into the financial journey of two entrepreneurs who used minimal investments to achieve significant growth through premium pricing, strategic partnerships, and savvy reinvestment.

In this conversation, Mike Lazerow, a serial entrepreneur and bestselling author behind Buddy Media, shares insights from his $800M sale to Salesforce. He discusses how transformative life experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Mike dives into the rollercoaster of launching ventures like golf.com amid market chaos. He also reveals what it was like to be acquired by a tech giant and the power of networking in entrepreneurship. Plus, he explores how AI is changing the startup landscape, making it easier for anyone to launch a business.