The Necessary Entrepreneur

Want to turn your expertise into a business that earns while you sleep? Former ER nurse Justin Allan Montgomery left a capped-income career to build an eight-figure online education empire, and now he's helping professionals transform their knowledge into profitable continuing-education businesses. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Justin to explore how he escaped the traditional career trap, replaced his income within 12 months, and built multiple multi-million-dollar businesses from tiny market shares. Justin shares why fear stops so many smart professionals from taking action, how to identify saturated versus high-opportunity markets, and the exact steps to create scalable online education revenue. If you're a nurse, doctor, attorney, engineer, therapist, or any credentialed professional ready to stop trading time for money, this episode is your roadmap. Topics covered: • Escaping capped-income careers • Overcoming fear and analysis paralysis • Building an eight-figure online education business • Turning professional expertise into continuing-education revenue • Identifying saturated and overlooked markets • Creating passive, scalable income • The psychology of people who actually follow through • Building a business from launch → scale → exit • Why only 2% of professionals take action • Finding passion beyond financial success Perfect for listeners interested in entrepreneurship, online education, business building, productivity, and creating financial freedom. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 🚀 Learn More About ProCourseStart Turn your knowledge into a scalable online course business: https://procoursestart.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Pro-Course-Start/61574146510784/ https://www.instagram.com/procoursestart25/ https://www.tiktok.com/@procoursestart https://www.youtube.com/@ProCourseStart

What does it take to turn real-world leadership training into a scalable, high-performance system used by executives, entrepreneurs, and fast-growth companies around the world? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with performance strategist Evan Unger for a deep conversation on building leaders, eliminating operational drag, and unlocking elite execution inside any organization. Evan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from his early days learning under mentors trained in the Jack Welch GE era, to reinventing his entire business model virtually during the pandemic, to building frameworks that help leaders multiply output without burnout. He breaks down the mindset, systems, and habits that separate average operators from exceptional ones, including: The #1 leadership mistake that slows companies down How to streamline decision-making and remove structural "drag" Why most teams fail to communicate effectively, and how to fix it Evan's process for training leaders to think clearer, act faster, and execute better The shift from in-person to fully virtual consulting (and why it improved results) The real reason strategy dies inside organizations How to build a culture where people own problems instead of escalate them Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur, scaling founder, or established executive, this conversation delivers practical, usable tools for strengthening leadership muscles, simplifying complexity, and driving growth with consistency. If you want to build a high-performance organization, one that moves faster, communicates cleaner, and operates with clarity, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Evan Unger & Schwartz & Associateshttps://www.terischwartzassociates.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-unger-6553597/

From Lotteries to Luxury Experiences: How Derek Gwaltney Built Atlas Experiences into a Top-Tier Brand Experience Company 🎯 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Derek Gwaltney, founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, to explore the art of creating unforgettable brand moments that spark emotion, connection, and loyalty. Derek shares his remarkable journey from the lottery and gaming industry to leading one of the fastest-growing experiential marketing companies in America, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list (#33 overall). Today, Atlas Experiences is known for producing world-class destination events, incentive trips, and brand activations that blend entertainment with purpose. In this powerful conversation, Derek and Mark dive into: 🔥 How to design once-in-a-lifetime experiences that elevate brands 💡 Lessons from the lottery world that shaped Atlas' creative strategy 🚀 Building a resilient business through major industry disruption (COVID & beyond) 🎯 Why human emotion is the most valuable currency in marketing 💼 What it takes to scale a service-based company with authenticity and vision Derek also opens up about leadership, creative risk-taking, and what it means to "be first" in an industry that's constantly evolving. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode will challenge how you think about connection, creativity, and the power of unforgettable brand experiences. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Derek & Atlas Experiences https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekgwaltney/ https://www.atlasexperiences.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlasexperiences-llc/ https://www.youtube.com/@atlasexperiences/featured https://www.instagram.com/atlasexperiences/ https://www.facebook.com/atlasexperiences/

Feeling stressed, stuck, or burned out as a high-achieving leader or entrepreneur? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mandy Morris, LPC, co-founder of Sofree, to explore how high performers can reclaim mental clarity, confidence, and emotional balance. Mandy shares her journey from athletic trainer to licensed therapist and entrepreneur, blending psychology, neuroscience, and practical tools to make mental wellness accessible, actionable, and part of everyday life, not just something you turn to in crisis. She dives into how stress, high expectations, and subconscious patterns impact leaders and business owners, and how to regain your "internal edge." In this conversation, you'll discover: 🔥 What the "internal edge" is and why it matters for high achievers 💡 How subconscious patterns and stress affect decision-making, focus, and performance 🚀 Techniques to regulate your nervous system quickly, even under pressure 🧠 How EMDR and neuroscience-based strategies break old mental patterns ⚙️ Tools, exercises, and the Sofree app to reset, refocus, and thrive Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or high-achieving professional, Mandy's insights provide actionable strategies to manage stress, improve emotional resilience, and lead with clarity and confidence. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Mandy Morris & SoFreehttps://mandyemorris.com/ https://www.getsofree.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandymorris/ https://www.instagram.com/therapist_Mandy

What makes a successful founder dive back in after a major exit? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Jesse Lipson, founder and CEO of Levitate, a fast-growing SaaS platform helping service businesses build authentic client relationships at scale. Before Levitate, Jesse founded and sold ShareFile to Citrix, where he later served as a public-company executive before leaving to start all over again. Mark and Jesse dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship, the pressure of building a second company after a big win, and how to keep relationships real in a digital world. Jesse shares powerful lessons on: Scaling relationship-based businesses with software Finding product-market fit and applying first-principles thinking Why entrepreneurship never gets easier, no matter how many times you do it The rise of AI tools and what it means for small-business growth Building and leading teams through constant change Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur exploring your next move, this episode will inspire you to rethink creativity, risk, and leadership. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Jesse Lipson & Levitate:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-lipson-625195/ https://x.com/jesselipson https://www.levitate.ai https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-magic/

What separates great leaders from good ones? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mary Elizabeth Sadd, leadership advisor, executive search expert, and author of Living a Generous Life: Learning, Earning, and Returning. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and fast-growth organizations, Mary has spent her career helping CEOs and boards build world-class leadership teams, and uncover the human side of scaling a business. Mary shares timeless lessons on leadership, legacy, and generosity, including how the best leaders "see around corners," prepare for what's next, and stay optimistic in the face of uncertainty. She explains why mentorship alone isn't enough, how true sponsors open doors behind closed rooms, and why the most impactful executives are authentic, empathetic, and unafraid to lead with heart. Drawing from her book and her personal story, from founding her own firm to advising top leaders at Korn Ferry and Modern Executive Solutions, Mary also shares her philosophy of learning well, earning well, and returning well: using your success to create opportunity for others. 🎙️ Topics Covered: The difference between mentorship and sponsorship in leadership What makes world-class executives stand out How to manage your time and energy for maximum impact The importance of generosity in business and life Lessons from generations of leadership at the University of Georgia How great leaders see around corners and lead through uncertainty If you're interested in leadership development, executive mindset, and building a life and business with purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to lead and live more generously. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Learn More About Mary Elizabeth Sadd: www.maryelizabethsadd.com www.linkedin.com/in/maryelizabethsadd https://www.instagram.com/maryelizabethsadd/ https://www.facebook.com/MESadd/ https://www.youtube.com/@MaryElizabethSadd https://www.modernexecutivesolutions.com/ 📘 Order Living a Generous Life Here

What if capitalism could work for people instead of against them? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Morgan Styler, veteran entrepreneur and co-founder of Circular Wealth, to explore a bold new model he calls "capitalism with compassion." After decades in direct sales and network marketing, including co-founding companies with over $2 billion in revenue, Morgan became determined to build a system where everyone shares in the success they help create. Morgan explains how Circular Wealth uses regenerative economics to reward human connection over clicks, giving affiliates real ownership, profit sharing, and equity. He also reveals how his team is flipping the traditional sales pyramid on its head, creating a transparent, collaborative business model where money flows like energy through an ecosystem rather than pooling at the top. From lessons learned running billion-dollar organizations to his vision for a fairer, more sustainable economy, this conversation challenges what we think we know about wealth, equity, and entrepreneurship. 🎙️ Topics Covered: The flaws in traditional network marketing and sales models How to design capitalism with compassion Turning $5 trillion in customer acquisition costs into community wealth Why transparency, incentives, and shared equity matter Building trust and collaboration through profit sharing If you've ever wondered what a regenerative economy could look like, or how entrepreneurs can help fix what's broken in today's systems, this episode will expand your thinking. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Morgan Styler & Circular Wealth: https://circularwealth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-styler-5602095/ https://www.facebook.com/morganstyler

What does it take to build and sustain one of Ohio's most respected craft breweries? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Eric Bean, co-owner and brewmaster of Columbus Brewing Company, to explore how craftsmanship, culture, and community come together to shape a lasting brand. Eric shares how he and his wife, Beth, have helped transform Columbus Brewing Company into a cornerstone of Ohio's beer scene, staying true to their roots while pushing innovation and quality forward. From learning under a German brewmaster to growing a modern legacy brand, Eric reflects on leadership, scaling, and what it really means to build a business around passion. In this episode, you'll learn: How to balance creativity and consistency in a craft industry The lessons Eric carried from traditional brewing into modern entrepreneurship How Columbus Brewing Company has scaled without losing its soul Why community and connection matter as much as the product itself Whether you're a craft beer lover, a founder navigating growth, or someone inspired by the process of building something that lasts, this conversation offers timeless entrepreneurial takeaways. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Columbus Brewing Companyhttps://columbusbrewing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/columbusbrewingcompany/ https://www.facebook.com/columbusbrewing/

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Darrel Grumman, CEO and franchiser of Bubbles Tea & Juice Company. Since acquiring the brand in 2024, Darrel has transformed Bubbles from a small local favorite into a rapidly growing franchise with new locations, mobile units, and an updated, innovative menu. Darrel opens up about the realities of scaling a business, the grind of entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned while balancing risk, leadership, and vision. From overcoming setbacks to building culture through authenticity, this episode dives into what it takes to lead a brand from the ground up, one bubble tea at a time. Key Takeaways: What it really takes to franchise and scale a retail brand How to lead through long hours, pressure, and growth pains Lessons in brand innovation and community building The mindset behind sustainable entrepreneurship 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Darrel Grumman and Bubbles Tea Company:https://bubblesteacompany.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bubblesteacompany/ https://www.facebook.com/BubblesTeaCompany/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrel-grumman-110a832/

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we sit down with powerhouse couple Kass and Mike Lazerow, entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of "Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story." Together, they share honest insights on building businesses, navigating marriage, and leading with empathy through life's inevitable messes. From founding multiple startups to investing through Salesforce Ventures, Mike and Kass reveal how vulnerability, partnership, and resilience have shaped both their personal and professional success. They discuss the importance of mindset, communication, and staying grounded while creating meaningful impact and long-term wealth. This inspiring conversation blends humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to build, together. Key Takeaways: How to build strong partnerships in business and marriage Lessons in leadership, empathy, and emotional intelligence Turning challenges into growth and opportunity The mindset behind lasting success and fulfillment Creating balance between ambition and authenticity 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Kass and Mike:https://kassandmike.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike/ https://www.facebook.com/kassandmike https://www.tiktok.com/@kassandmikeofficial www.youtube.com/@KassandMike 📘 Order Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story Here