The Necessary Entrepreneur

From broke at 24 to building a multimillion-dollar flashlight empire on the shelves of Walmart and Target, Cody Grandadam's story is one of grit, mindset, and relentless drive. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down in-studio with the man known as The Flashlight Guy to uncover how a small-town hustler from Illinois created jobs for hundreds, revitalized a massive abandoned clock factory, and turned a side hustle into a national brand, all without outside investors or a roadmap. Cody opens up about what it really takes to get into big box retail, and why personal development, not capital, was the most important ingredient in his success. He shares his thoughts on working with family, building culture, what young entrepreneurs often get wrong, and how manifestation, discipline, and full ownership of your life can shape your future. If you've ever wanted to create something out of nothing or wondered how far pure belief and action can take you, this conversation is your blueprint. 📌 Find Out More About Cody Grandadam:https://www.instagram.com/codygrandadam https://www.tiktok.com/@therealflashlightguy https://www.youtube.com/@flashlightguy https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-grandadam-1992b984/ https://litezall.com/ https://www.instagram.com/litezall/ 📌 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

In this conversation, Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion and bestselling author, shares his journey from memorizing the Yellow Pages to mastering creative visualization techniques. He emphasizes that memory is a skill that can enhance decision-making and problem-solving in entrepreneurship. Tansel also discusses how music can aid memory retention and the importance of personal boundaries while helping others. Furthermore, he highlights the need for innovative approaches in education to improve memory techniques in today's distracting world.

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with email marketing powerhouse Jay Schwedelson to unpack the mindset and strategies behind today’s most effective marketing. Jay shares why your email database is your company’s most valuable asset, how to craft subject lines that demand attention, and why perfectionism kills momentum in business. He dives into the psychology driving consumer behavior and explains how authenticity and consistency build lasting relationships with your audience. From adapting to constantly changing platforms to leveraging AI in marketing, Jay offers practical, no-fluff advice for entrepreneurs and creators looking to scale their impact. Key Takeaways: ✅ Don’t wait—start sharing valuable content now. ✅ Perfection is the enemy of progress. ✅ Your subject line’s first word can make or break open rates. ✅ Marketing success comes from understanding psychology, not chasing hacks. ✅ Give value first, ask later. 📌 Find Out More About Jay Schwedelson:https://jayschwedelson.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/ https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/reels/ https://x.com/worldata https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelson 📌 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

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Jon Giganti, keynote speaker, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention, for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation on intentional living, leadership, mental health, and resilience. Jon shares his journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, emphasizing how starting your day with intention, embracing struggle, and leading with a service mindset can radically change your personal and professional outcomes. From navigating mental health challenges to cultivating high-performance cultures, Jon unpacks how adversity, vulnerability, and communication shape great leaders. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode will help you reset your mindset, strengthen your relationships, and lead with clarity and compassion. Jon Giganti is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention. With over 25 years of experience in sales leadership and personal development, Jon helps individuals and teams unlock high performance through intentional living, emotional intelligence, and resilience. He’s passionate about bridging personal growth and professional excellence, and is the host of The With Intention Podcast. 🔑 Topics Covered: Why self-intention is just as critical as serving others How struggles build resilience and sharpen performance The connection between mental health and high achievement Setting clear expectations as a leadership advantage Building relationship capital and finding strength in support Creating safe spaces and navigating vulnerability The hero’s journey as a model for growth Embracing continuous improvement in work and life 📌 Find Out More About Jon Giganti:https://www.jongiganti.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-giganti-3173172/ https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/ https://www.facebook.com/jon.giganti 📌 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

In this high-impact conversation, Scaling Up author and Entrepreneurs’ Organization founder Verne Harnish sits down with Mark Perkins to unpack the real mechanics behind scaling a business that lasts. Verne shares powerful insights on why sustainable growth requires more than just execution—it demands the right mindset, strategy, people, and purpose. From unlocking bottlenecks to leveraging advisory boards, Verne reveals the most overlooked growth levers and explains why understanding the soul of your business is just as critical as knowing your numbers. The conversation dives into the evolving role of education, the value of continuous learning, and how timing the market can shape your trajectory more than talent alone. Whether you’re leading a fast-growing startup or recalibrating a legacy company, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you scale smarter, lead better, and build with intention. Key Takeaways: Why mindset matters as much as skillset in scaling a business How to identify constraints that quietly cap your growth The power of people and culture in driving performance Why great entrepreneurs read, learn, and adapt constantly What it means to align your business with its core purpose The strategic role of advisory boards and timing in building wealth 📌 Find Out More About Verne Harnish: www.scalingup.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/verneharnish/ https://www.instagram.com/verne.harnish/ https://www.facebook.com/vharnish/ https://www.youtube.com/user/GazellesTV https://x.com/thegrowthguy/ 📌 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

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist Dr. Karim R. Ellis to unpack what true success really looks like. Together, they dive deep into the power of mentorship, the role of character development, and the value of serving others on the path to purpose. Dr. Ellis shares powerful personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about rising through adversity, mastering your message, and building influence through strategic networking. From unforgettable speeches to transformational life lessons, this conversation is filled with insights for anyone looking to lead with clarity, elevate their craft, and make meaningful impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, speaker, or purpose-driven leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep growing—with intention. Dr. Karim R. Ellis is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership trainer, and mindset expert known for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Whether he’s on stage delivering a keynote or coaching behind the scenes, Dr. Ellis brings energy, clarity, and heart to everything he does. 📌 Find Out More About Dr. Elliswww.karimellis.com www.instagram.com/karimellis2.0 www.linkedin.com/in/karimellis www.facebook.com/karimellis2.0 www.youtube.com/karimrayellis www.tiktok.com/@karimellis1 📌 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

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author Craig Johnson joins host Mark Perkins to discuss the creation and evolution of the Longmire series—one of the most iconic modern Western literary franchises. Craig shares the real-life inspiration behind Sheriff Walt Longmire, the role of Wyoming's rugged landscape in shaping his storytelling, and how life experiences continue to fuel his creativity. The conversation dives into the entrepreneurial side of being a full-time author, from navigating the publishing industry to maintaining creative control. Craig reflects on the early challenges of writing, the value of reader connection, and how perseverance and authenticity helped him build a devoted fanbase. They also explore how the Longmire series transitioned from page to screen, the cultural impact of the Longmire TV show on Netflix, and the ongoing influence of rural life, solitude, and community in Johnson’s work. This episode is a must-listen for writers, creatives, and anyone who values grit, storytelling, and the long game of building something meaningful. 📌 Find Out More About Craig Johnson:https://www.craigallenjohnson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCraigJohnson/ https://www.instagram.com/ucrosspop25/ https://x.com/ucrosspop25  📘 Get His New Book:  Return to Sender 📌 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

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Amanda Goetz joins Mark Perkins for a candid conversation about ambition, self-worth, and the evolving definition of success. Amanda unpacks the concept of "toxic grit"—the relentless pursuit of achievement without intention—and why it's time to replace blind hustle with aligned, purpose-driven action. They explore Amanda’s transition from chasing titles and ego to building meaningful, mission-led ventures. She shares lessons learned through hardship, the power of process over outcome, and the value of having “coaches and pacers” along the journey. With a strong focus on intentional hustle, real-world experience, and systems for success, Amanda encourages entrepreneurs to think critically, work smarter, and embrace the roles they play in life with clarity and grace. Whether you're scaling a startup or redefining your personal goals, this conversation offers practical tools and perspective for building a life—and business—that actually works for you. 🎯 Topics Covered: The myth of hustle culture and the rise of toxic grit Intentionality in career and personal development Building mission-driven brands The value of mentorship, coaching, and collaboration Balancing ambition with fulfillment Creating systems that support growth 📌 Find Out More About Amanda Goetz: https://www.amandagoetz.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/ https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://x.com/AmandaMGoetz https://www.youtube.com/@goetzam 📌 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

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author and mindset coach Tommy Breedlove joins Mark Perkins to explore what it truly means to live and lead with intention. Tommy unpacks the journey from pain to purpose, sharing how self-awareness, vulnerability, and clarity are the keys to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. They dive into the real cost of success, the dangers of ego, and why intentional living beats chasing wealth every time. Tommy shares hard-earned insights on overcoming failure, practicing self-care, and building a personal philosophy that sustains peace of mind, happiness, and long-term impact. You’ll learn: Why clarity and purpose drive lasting success The mindset shift from distraction to direction How to embrace failure as a launchpad for growth Why putting yourself first empowers you to lead others The importance of self-regulation, belief, and legacy How to rekindle dreams and define your own version of happiness Whether you're building a business, rebuilding your life, or redefining success, this conversation is a masterclass in self-leadership, personal transformation, and the pursuit of being legendary. 📌 Find Out More About Tommy Breedlove: https://tommybreedlove.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/legendarybook/ https://www.instagram.com/tommybreedlove/ https://www.facebook.com/tommybreedlovelegendary/ https://www.youtube.com/@tommybreedlove2692   📘 Get his book Legendary: Legendary 📌 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

In this conversation, Tim Castle shares his insights on negotiation, self-regulation, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of negotiation as a meta skill that can influence various aspects of life, including leadership and communication. Tim recounts his journey of overcoming challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his belief in the possibility of success. The discussion also touches on the role of effective communication in negotiations and the need for clarity in one's goals to navigate life's challenges successfully. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of sales, negotiation, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of securing a flagship client as the first step in building a successful business, the 'Nine Before Nine' strategy for effective prospecting, and the significance of personal branding in today's world. The dialogue also emphasizes the need for self-worth and empowerment in the younger generation, the role of adults in personal growth, and the evolving landscape of negotiation in the age of AI. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of giving value and creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms. Tim Castle is a bestselling author, performance coach, and negotiation expert dedicated to helping people unlock their full potential in business and life. With a background in high-stakes sales and a passion for mindset mastery, Tim is the author of The Art of Negotiation and Be The Lion, where he shares frameworks for confidence, influence, and fearless leadership. His mission is simple: empower people to believe that anything is possible through action, clarity, and purposeful connection. 🔥 Tim shares proven strategies from his renowned work in sales psychology, negotiation, and self-discipline—designed for entrepreneurs, creators, and closers who want to lead with purpose and achieve the impossible. Takeaways Self-regulation is crucial for effective negotiation. Believing in oneself can change the course of one's life. Negotiation is a skill that can be developed and refined. Every interaction is a negotiation, whether we realize it or not. The ability to ask the right questions can open doors. Understanding human behavior is key to influencing others. Setting clear goals is essential for success in negotiations. Communication plays a vital role in leadership and relationships. Embracing rejection can lead to personal growth and resilience. The journey of personal growth is ongoing and evolves over time. The first domino in business is securing your flagship client. Prospecting is crucial for sales success. The 'Nine Before Nine' strategy helps build momentum in sales. Personal branding is essential in today's world. Empowering the next generation is vital for societal change. Self-love and self-care are key to personal growth. Negotiation should be seen as collaboration and creativity. AI can enhance our capabilities, not replace them. Giving value to others leads to personal fulfillment. Experiences and adventures shape our growth and purpose. 💬 Whether you're negotiating funding, selling a vision, or building momentum in your business, Tim Castle breaks down timeless frameworks and real-world stories to help you shift from pressure to power. 📌Find Out More About Tim Castle:https://www.timjscastle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcastle3/ https://www.instagram.com/timjscastle https://www.facebook.com/TimJSCastle https://x.com/TimJSCastle https://www.youtube.com/@TimCastle 📚 Tim's new book, The Momentum Sales Model, is out now. 🛒 Get it here: The Momentum Sales Model 📈 Perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and high-performers. 📌 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