Beyond 8 Figures

Success isn’t always what it looks like on the outside.In this episode, I talk with Justin Breen about what it really means to lead a visionary business—with clarity, intention, and zero fluff. We unpack Kolbe scores, mindset patterns, and the four traits that set true visionaries apart from the pack.🔥 Inside this episode:How to measure your life with two daily questionsWhy “more” often leads to misery—not meaningHow Justin uses pattern recognition to build rituals that scaleThe flywheel every founder needs: Mindset → Network → OpportunityWhat most founders get dead wrong about leadershipLet’s build better, not just bigger.  👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Justin Breen: LinkedIn, X, InstagramJoin BrEpic NetworkJustin’s Map of EQ and IQKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusRead Epic Life by Justin BreenGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

What if everything you know about “value-driven copy” is wrong?In this episode, I talk to Will Green, Founder of Copy Road, about what actually makes copy convert. We dive into the difference between trust and tricks, and why the best copy doesn’t need a sales funnel—it needs a promise, proof, and process.🔥 What you’ll learn:Why most copywriting fails (and what to do instead)The dead-simple rule that drives Will’s 7-figure campaignsHow his offshore team is helping founders scale video at 80% less costWhy he thinks “free value” is overrated—and what to do insteadWhat founders get wrong when hiring copywritersWant to grow with less noise and more clarity? 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Will Green: Website, LinkedIn, X

Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you communicate it. And when the message isn’t landing, it’s probably not your offer. It’s your story.In this episode, storytelling expert Karen Eber joins A.J. to explore how to build trust with storytelling—whether you're pitching, leading, or aligning your team. You’ll learn how to craft stories that connect, convert, and evolve with your business.🎧 Inside this episode:Why origin stories can actually hold you backHow to find your customer’s pain—and tell the story they needThe storytelling structure that works across leadership, sales, and cultureHow to plan a full year of strategic story contentWhy systems beat charisma every timeIf you're tired of messaging that doesn’t stick or storytelling that never quite clicks, let’s change that. 👉Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Karen Eber: Website, LinkedIn, XBook mentioned: The Perfect Story by Karen Eber

Success isn’t just about hustle—it’s about smart ownership. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kelly, an acquisition entrepreneur who’s scaled five businesses with little to no upfront cash. We talk about how you can skip the startup chaos and buy a business that’s already thriving.🔥 You’ll learn:The “aha” moment that made Ben leave JPMorganWhy you don’t need to be an expert to scale a companyHow to spot the right business to buy—and actually fund the dealWhat mindset separates great acquisition entrepreneurs from wannabesHow Ben built real wealth while staying present for his familyThis one’s for the builders who want more control, faster success, and a business that doesn’t burn them out.🔗 Connect with Ben: LinkedInXYouTubeBook a call

Growth doesn’t come from hustle. It comes from clarity.Sean Si hit the wall most founders do — trying to do everything, lead everyone, and fix all the things. Then he blew it up and started fresh.In this episode, he walks us through how he scaled SEO Hacker by simplifying, delegating, and focusing on what actually matters. ✅ What burnout taught him about leadership ✅ Why most marketing teams misfire — and how to fix it ✅ How to rebuild culture without being the bottleneckIf you’ve ever said "I don’t know what’s working anymore," this one’s for you.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Sean Si: LinkedIn, Twitter, SEO HackerBook mentioned: Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

You built the business. You cashed out. Now what?Most founders think they need to “reinvest everything” or go chase the next big thing. But in this episode of Beyond 8 Figures, I sit down with Ben Fraser of Aspen Funds to break down how to invest after selling a business — the right way.Ben’s been inside this game since the last recession. He watched his father build Aspen Funds from scratch after the 2008 crash, and he’s since helped scale it into a multi-million-dollar platform that helps entrepreneurs invest passively (and intelligently).We talk about why entrepreneurs make terrible investors, how billionaires actually diversify, and the overlooked tax strategy that could save you six figures. If you’re still betting everything on your business — or worse, sitting on cash and hoping for the best — this episode will shift your mindset.Guest Introduction:Ben Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds and co-host of the Invest Like a Billionaire podcast, where he helps high-performing entrepreneurs grow and protect their wealth through smarter, passive investments. With a background in commercial lending and institutional asset management, Ben has overseen $125M+ in real estate and business loans. Today, he specializes in guiding business owners toward alternative investment strategies that prioritize stability, cash flow, and long-term growth—without adding complexity to their lives.Key Takeaways & Timestamps:[05:37] The One-Liner That Changes Everything – “Wealth is created through concentration, but preserved through diversification.”[06:38] How Billionaires Really Diversify – Ben reveals the Tiger 21 portfolio breakdown and how to use it.[14:35] Unlocking Tax Loopholes Most Entrepreneurs Miss – What happens when your spouse qualifies as a real estate professional.[15:36] Why One Founder Quit a 6-Figure Job to Save More – Ben shares a story that’ll make you rethink W-2s.[19:47] Where the Smart Money Is Moving in 2025 – Ben’s macro-driven view of real estate (and what KKR just did).The next big move in your business might start with a conversation.If you’ve been thinking about leveling up, shifting directions, or preparing for a future exit, A.J. offers strategic support for entrepreneurs at a crossroads. No pitch—just a chance to explore what’s possible. 👉 Start hereEpisode Highlights:Don’t just reinvest everything into your business — you’re exposed.Real diversification starts when you stop chasing control.Use tax law to your advantage (especially with a strategic spouse).Billionaires don’t try to time the market — they plan across decades.Key Quotes:“Wealth is created through concentration. But it’s preserved through diversification.”“Entrepreneurs make terrible investors… because we’re wired to take risk, not preserve what we’ve built.“You don’t need to earn more. You need to invest smarter.”Resources & Links:Invest Like a Billionaire PodcastTiger21 KKR’s Multifamily Acquisition ArticleConnect with Ben Fraser:LinkedIn Aspen Funds Website 

Most founders wait too long to adapt. Ray Deck says that’s a mistake—and shows how to scale smarter using the tools you already have.What if the biggest leverage in your business isn’t new funding or a bigger team—but the knowledge and trust you’ve already built?This week, I’m joined by Ray Deck, founder of State Change, to break down how AI, no-code, and personal reputation are changing the game for founders ready to scale—without burning out.Ray’s seen it all—from the dot-com bust to the rise of SaaS—and now he’s helping entrepreneurs build smarter by tapping into tools that amplify what they already know.We get into:🔍 The power of domain expertise (and why it matters more than ever)🛠️ How to turn your ideas into real tools—without writing cod📈 Using content to build trust and drive scalable growth🧪 Why experimentation is your most valuable growth strategyIf you’re a mid-journey founder running a 7-figure business—or eyeing your next move—this episode is full of real-world tactics to help you scale with less stress and more leverage.🎧 Listen now—then go build what only you can create.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Ray Deck → LinkedIn, YouTube, State ChangeTools mentioned: ChatGPT, ZapierBooks referenced: Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker, Win Without Pitching by Blair Enns

🎙️ What if your biggest business breakthrough came from TikTok… in a language you barely spoke anymore?This week, I sat down with Kanessa Muluneh, the powerhouse behind the fashion brand MULU. She built a thriving clothing company in Africa—not through Shopify or ads—but through Telegram, WhatsApp, and a loyal audience she nurtured with blunt honesty and smart storytelling.We get into:Launching a brand in Africa (and why it’s not like the West)Using NFTs to educate and engage a new marketOwning her own factory in PakistanScaling by mentoring women in the U.S. and AfricaThis episode is raw, real, and full of insights for any founder looking to build across borders.Don’t miss it!

Hiring global talent is no longer just for massive corporations—it’s a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses, too. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Ashcroft, a veteran in outsourcing and remote work, to break down the exact strategies you can use to hire, manage, and scale a global team efficiently.💡 Learn how to avoid common outsourcing mistakes, find top-tier talent without overpaying, and build a hiring system that works. Whether you’re just starting with VAs or looking to scale an entire remote team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.🎧 Listen now and transform how you build your business! 🚀🚀 Want to scale your business smarter with the right hires? Let’s talk. 👉 Work with A.J.Get a copy of Kevin's book: Outsourcing For SuccessConnect with Kevin Ashcroft:LinkedInWebsite

Jon Matzner, an entrepreneur specializing in leveraging global talent and automation, shares his insightful strategies for scaling businesses effectively. He discusses common hiring mistakes and the transformative power of structuring teams for growth. Matzner emphasizes the untapped potential of social media and newsletters in building a broad audience. He also recounts his unique career transition and highlights the importance of cultural diversity. Listeners will discover practical tips for time efficiency and the art of genuine content creation.