Making It with Jon Davids

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.

Discover how Ron Mittelstaedt transformed small-town trash companies into a $7.2 billion powerhouse. Explore the strategy of business roll-ups in fragmented markets and learn how standardized systems enhance efficiency. Dive into the profit potential of the garbage industry, where steady revenue and low churn rates dominate. Uncover the operational realities of the waste management business, from labor needs to the challenges of traditional models. This journey reveals the unexpected wealth behind what many overlook as mere refuse.

Discover the remarkable journey of a man who turned a dilapidated motel into a hotel empire generating $260M in annual sales. Learn how hands-on experience in daily operations enhances customer service and relationships. Explore strategic growth tactics, including seller financing and targeting Orlando's bustling tourism market. Delve into market responsiveness with lessons from Colonel Sanders, illustrating the blend of business acumen and philanthropy in creating a successful enterprise.

Get JD's new playbook Instagram Selling Machine here. Today, JD talks with Bobbi Brown. She's the founder of the billion-dollar makeup brand, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and later Jones Road Beauty. How did Bobbi go from a freelance makeup artist to a business mogul and the industry's first beauty influencer? Don't miss out on this story!Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Gregory Zamfotis, founder of Gregory's Coffee, shares his inspiring journey from law school to pioneering a coffee chain with over 50 locations. He reveals the secrets behind standing out in a market dominated by Starbucks and Dunkin'. Learn how he tackled the challenges of expansion and team trust while cultivating a unique brand culture. Gregory also discusses the impact of e-commerce and pandemic adaptations, highlighting the balance of quality and operational excellence that fueled his success.

Get JD's new playbook Website Selling Machine here. Today, Jon talks about Mike Salguero and his $600 million business ButcherBox. How did Mike navigate the chaos of 2020 and master logistics, marketing, and customer service to thrive without outside capital? Tune in and find out! Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Get JD's new playbook Website Selling Machine here. Today, Jon tells about Pantone, a company that revolutionized the colour industry with the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which became an industry standard.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Get JD's best content to your inbox — subscribe at jondavids.com.

Discover the fascinating journey of a music mogul who transformed an $1,800 investment into a billion-dollar business. Learn about the strategic decisions that fueled his success and the intricate dynamics behind acquiring Taylor Swift's music catalog. Delve into the lessons on entrepreneurship, cash management, and negotiations that shaped his path. From managing iconic artists to navigating high-profile controversies, this story is packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring business leaders.

Get JD's new playbook Website Selling Machine here. Today, Jon dives deep into the story of Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge, founders of Alo Yoga, who turned their passion for yoga and experience in apparel into a billion-dollar brand. Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Get JD's new playbook How to Build a Website Selling Machine here. Today, Jon gets into the journey of Pat Lafreida, who transformed his family's struggling butcher shop into a $270 million powerhouse. Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube