Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Tired of the soul-crushing complexity of payroll? In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo Di Stefano, a seasoned entrepreneur who turned his biggest business headache into a revolutionary tech company. After running a multi-location restaurant chain with over 200 employees, Lorenzo experienced the nightmare of manual payroll firsthand—the errors, the time-suck, and the compliance risks. He shares how he channeled that pain into creating GoPayroll AI, an automated platform that saves businesses up to 50% on fees and countless hours of work. This is a masterclass in turning a real-world problem into a scalable solution, competing against industry giants, and leveraging AI to build a smarter, more efficient business.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to identify a high-value business idea by solving your own biggest pain point.🤖 Why AI isn't just a buzzword, but a powerful tool that can help non-technical founders build a product and automate complex business operations.Goliath: Actionable strategies for competing against massive, established corporations by being nimble, agile, and customer-obsessed.✅ The critical importance of validating your product idea with real customers before you invest thousands of dollars and months of your time.💰 How to structure a business model that saves your customers money while building a sustainable, long-term company.⚖️ Why payroll accuracy is about more than just numbers—it’s about avoiding costly lawsuits and maintaining legal compliance.📝 About Lorenzo Di StefanoLorenzo Di Stefano is a true entrepreneur at heart, with a journey that started with selling snacks in school and led to owning a multi-location restaurant chain with over 200 employees. It was this firsthand experience with the immense challenges of managing payroll that inspired him to found GoPayroll AI. As a founder who has been in the trenches, Lorenzo brings a unique, empathetic perspective to building technology. He’s not just creating software; he’s solving a deep-seated problem he knows intimately, making business operations simpler, cheaper, and more accurate for fellow entrepreneurs.🎯 Lorenzo’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Listen to people. But at the end of the day, when it comes to your core, your decision making, just really follow your heart, follow your mind and commit to that.”📢 Memorable Quotes"I think it's so important that whatever you're trying to build, you really experience, or at least get into your customer shoes and experience the pain points. Why are you building this? Is someone going to use it?""There's always ways to beat a giant. You just need to find them and be agile and test and go out there and just speak and keep going.""After a year, I launched the product and no one used it. No one used it. It was so hard to sell. And that's one of the biggest lessons I learned when it comes to building something."💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Audit your current payroll process. Calculate the hours you spend and the fees you pay to see if an automated solution could deliver a significant ROI.✅ If you have a tech idea but aren't a coder, start experimenting with no-code tools or AI like ChatGPT to build a simple prototype and validate your concept.✅ When competing against bigger players, lean into your strengths: offer personalized, high-touch service that they can't scale.🔗 Links & ResourcesSpecial Offer for Listeners: Get SIX MONTHS of GoPayroll AI for FREE!Website: Visit www.gopayroll.aiHow to Redeem: Use the coupon code WANTREPRENEUR

In this episode, Brian sits down with Anthony Brown, a second-generation entrepreneur who is revolutionizing a highly technical and niche industry. Anthony shares the incredible story of growing up in his father’s lubrication systems business and how a strategic partnership led him to launch APEX Lubrication, a tech-forward company using machine learning to solve major industrial problems. This conversation is a masterclass in long-term vision, proving that the seeds you plant today can lead to industry domination years down the road. For any entrepreneur feeling impatient, this episode is a powerful reminder that building something truly great requires a strong foundation, the right relationships, and the grit to push through the walls you will inevitably hit.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to transform a traditional family business into a tech-forward industry leader.🤝 Why fostering deep relationships is the key to launching a new venture and getting your first crucial clients.🛠️ The power of creating hands-on educational programs to build authority and solve customer turnover.📈 How to balance building the business you have today with the one you want to have in five years.🗣️ Why strategic storytelling is one of the most underrated and powerful tools for sales, team motivation, and brand building.💡 How to find simple solutions in a complex world and why true simplicity is incredibly difficult to achieve.📝 About Anthony BrownAnthony Brown is Vice President of Mighty Lube and OPCO Lubrication Systems, bringing over 20 years of expertise in conveyor chain maintenance. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in International Business, he specializes in Industry 4.0 technologies and smart lubrication systems.In 2017, Anthony launched the MOCS training program, delivering hands-on education to maintenance teams across North America. Building on that momentum, he founded APEX Lubrication in 2022—a company focused on using machine learning and real-time data to enhance conveyor performance across multi-site industrial operations.Anthony is recognized for driving innovation in predictive maintenance and for equipping industrial teams with the tools and knowledge to achieve operational efficiency.🎯 Anthony’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"You're going to hit a wall. I don't care how good your idea is, how good a team you have, you're going to hit some walls. And do not take a hammer to that wall. You're going to want to take a precision tool like a scalpel to that wall and slowly pick at it."📢 Memorable Quotes“That's the world I want to be in. I love being in an area where you are creating something that has never been there before and then providing solutions to customers that they never thought could even exist.”“Your story is what makes who you are, what that product is going to be for years and years to come.”💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify the biggest "wall" in your business right now. Instead of trying to smash through it, brainstorm three small, precise "scalpel-like" actions you can take this week to start chipping away at it.✅ Practice telling the story of your business. Write it down or record yourself explaining why you started, the problem you solve, and where you're going. This story is a powerful tool for your next sales call or team meeting.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Apex Lubrication LLC’s WebsiteConnect with Anthony on LinkedInFollow Apex Lubrication LLC on LinkedIn

Feeling anxious, guilty, or just plain confused about your business finances? You're not alone. This episode tackles the money taboo head-on with fractional CFO and financial wellness consultant, Kelly Goode. Kelly breaks down why so many entrepreneurs avoid their numbers and how this avoidance is secretly sabotaging their growth. She provides a clear, shame-free path to understanding your finances, moving beyond surface-level revenue goals, and finally building a business that’s not only profitable but also sustainable and fulfilling. If you're ready to stop second-guessing and start making confident, data-driven decisions, this conversation is your first step.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business💰 Why focusing only on revenue is a recipe for burnout and disappointment.🗺️ How to reframe the dreaded "budget" into a powerful, forward-looking plan for growth.🧠 The critical mindset shift from being an employee in your business to becoming its CEO.🤔 A simple framework for deciding when to hire (hint: it’s much earlier than you think).💸 The "work backwards" method to determine how much revenue you actually need to support your desired lifestyle.📈 Why your most successful months are only valuable if you can figure out how to repeat them.📝 About Kelly GoodeKelly Goode is a fractional CFO, financial wellness consultant, and founder of The Goode Path Group. With two decades of experience in accounting and finance, she partners with business owners to bring clarity, confidence, and strategy to their financial decisions. Kelly is known for her calm, straight-talking approach and her ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. She believes financial confidence is essential to building a business that’s not only profitable but also sustainable and aligned with the owner’s goals. Whether guiding clients through forecasting, budgeting, or financial planning, Kelly empowers them to move forward with clarity—free from overwhelm and second-guessing.🎯 Kelly’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and EntrepreneursTake the first step. It doesn't have to be a giant leap; it just has to be a step forward.📢 Memorable Quotes“You can't plan to get somewhere if you don't actually have a path to get somewhere.”“If you are already considering hiring, you should have considered it two months ago, two years ago, whatever it may be, because you are obviously now at the point that you're going to think about handing things off.”💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Create a "plan," not a "budget." Ditch the restrictive mindset and write down a simple plan for your money. Start by working backward: What do you want your take-home pay to be? What expenses do you have? How much revenue does that require?✅ Schedule 15-30 minutes of "CEO Time" on your calendar each week. Use this time to look at your business from a high level, review your numbers, and think about strategy—don't do client work.✅ Identify one task you don't enjoy or aren't good at (like social media or bookkeeping) and start planning to hire it out. What would a system for that task look like?🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Goode Path Group’s WebsiteConnect with Kelly on LinkedInFollow The Goode Path Group on LinkedInFollow The Goode Path Group on InstagramFollow The Goode Path Group on Facebook

In an era where content is king, video reigns supreme. But how do you cut through the noise and create video content that actually grows your business? In this episode, Brian sits down with Bobby Holbrook, a six-time Producer of the Year and a master storyteller with over 20 years of experience. Bobby breaks down his industry-agnostic approach to creating emotionally resonant videos for brands in every sector imaginable—from construction and legal to tech and finance. This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who feels intimidated by video or believes their industry is "too boring" for the screen. You'll learn how to define your message, get comfortable on camera, and leverage video to build a brand that connects and converts.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessHow to define your core message to create compelling video content that achieves a specific business goal, whether it's generating leads, building brand awareness, or driving sales.A behind-the-scenes look at the video production pipeline and how to collaborate effectively with a creative agency to bring your vision to life.Simple, effective tricks to overcome being camera-shy and deliver your message with confidence and authenticity.A unique business model (the Video Content Partnership) that maximizes the ROI of every piece of footage and makes high-quality production accessible to businesses of all sizes.The mindset of constant evolution required to stay at the top of your industry and embrace new technologies to your advantage.📝 About Bobby HolbrookBobby Holbrook is a visionary video producer and creative director with over 20 years of expertise. Honored as one of the top 50 global creatives and a six-time American Advertising Federation Producer of the Year, Bobby grew up in his father's marketing agency, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production. His unique, industry-agnostic approach allows him to find and craft powerful stories for brands in any sector, turning complex or "boring" subjects into compelling visual narratives that drive business growth.🎯 Bobby’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Kick the noise out. Manage expectations. There's going to be ups, there's going to be downs, there's going to be lows, highs, everything in between. Understand that that's part of it... just manage your expectations and get back up and do it again and do it again and do it again. It's going to pay off because you'll never know if you give up."📢 Memorable Quotes“Video is the channel. It's the closest thing to being in person... you can show so many different time frames, so many different feelings, emotions all tied up in a minute and a half.”"It's about being invested... I really dig into each and every company that partners up with us, and I think that for me plays everything. Genuinely invested in what they're doing and what they're trying to do is a separator."“If you're not evolving, you're dying. It just is. I know you've probably heard that before, but it sticks and it sticks with me.”💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Define your #1 business goal before creating any video content. Are you trying to generate leads, build brand image, or recruit new talent? Start with the "why."✅ Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your marketing and production value. Look for ways it can speed up your workflow and elevate your final product, rather than seeing it as a replacement for human creativity.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Bobby Holbrook’s WebsiteConnect with Bobby on LinkedInFollow BobbyHolbrook.com on LinkedIn

Ever feel like you’re missing out on the financial stability of a 9-to-5? This episode tackles the often-ignored (but crucial) conversation about long-term financial planning for entrepreneurs. We're not just talking to a financial expert; we're learning from Chris Stemler, a true serial entrepreneur who has built an impressive portfolio of seven different companies, from an event venue to a 3D home printing business. Chris breaks down complex topics like ERISA and 401ks in a way that’s actually useful for small business owners. This episode is packed with value on how to secure your financial future, build powerful partnerships, and turn everyday business frustrations into your next big opportunity.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessHow to demystify complex financial topics like ERISA and use them to recruit and retain top talent.The secret to building a diverse business portfolio by leveraging strategic partnerships and solving problems you encounter.Why being a "curious problem solver" is the most underrated entrepreneurial skill for finding new revenue streams.The framework for structuring business partnerships (especially with family) to ensure clarity, prevent conflict, and drive growth.How to turn your big entrepreneurial dreams into an actionable, step-by-step plan using SMART goals.The mindset shift required to invest in expert help and why your time is more valuable than the cost of an invoice.How to build a business that not only generates revenue today but also secures your financial freedom for decades to come.📝 About Chris Stemler Christopher N. Stemler is the founder of the CRETE Group and a seasoned Senior ERISA Consultant specializing in employer-sponsored retirement plans. With over a decade of experience as a leading 401(k) wholesaler, he brings deep expertise in fiduciary risk mitigation, compliance strategy, and advisor consulting. Chris blends hands-on guidance with an extensive professional network to support plan sponsors and empower advisors to drive better outcomes. A sought-after speaker and educator, he is known for making complex ERISA regulations accessible, helping industry professionals navigate compliance with clarity and confidence.🎯 Chris’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "A dream without incremental, measurable goals is just a dream—there's nothing to it." 📢 Memorable Quotes"I can teach skill all day. I can't teach will. If somebody doesn't have the will to do it, I don't want to force them to." – Chris Stemler"We drink our own Kool-Aid. We have gone through the same growing pains. It puts us shoulder to shoulder with those end clients, and I think that's incredibly important." – Chris Stemler💡 Actionable TakeawaysReview your current business partnerships. Are roles, responsibilities, and vision clearly defined and communicated? If not, open a conversation.Take your biggest business dream and break it down into three small, measurable "SMART" goals you can start working on this month.List one area of your business where you're trying to do everything yourself (e.g., finances, legal, marketing) and find one expert you can consult with for 30 minutes.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Crete Group’s WebsiteVisit Trident Homes’ WebsiteConnect with Chris on LinkedInFollow The Crete Group on LinkedInFollow Trident Homes on LinkedIn

In this game-changing episode, Rebecca Whitney shares over 30 years of experience helping businesses scale from millions to nearly $100 million. She reveals why the key to explosive growth isn't hustling harder, but slowing down to build powerful, scalable frameworks. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed or stuck, as Rebecca breaks down how to achieve true freedom and scale by shifting your perspective.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to apply the "slow down to go fast" methodology to create error-proof systems that save you time and frustration.🧠 Why treating your business like a product company—with absolute clarity on what you sell—is more critical than your overall strategy.⚙️ The power of frameworks like an Accountability Chart to create clarity, speed, and alignment within your team.🤖 How to use AI as a strategic partner to brainstorm, solve problems, and stay curious (it's not just for copywriting).💡 How to separate your "exploration" energy from your "execution" energy to prevent chaos and build a stable, scalable business.🔗 Why your non-linear career path is actually your biggest advantage and how to connect those dots for massive success.💸 How to define what "freedom" truly means to you and architect your business to deliver it.📝 About Rebecca WhitneyRebecca brings over 30 years of experience helping business owners and leadership teams achieve meaningful results. With a background spanning marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship across diverse industries, she offers clients a sharp, practical perspective. A longtime advocate for model building and AI, she’s been hands-on since the early days—pressing plenty of buttons along the way.Rebecca has bought, sold, merged (and unmerged) businesses, from her own agency to a sports venture she runs with her daughter. A lifelong learner, she’s completed programs like V-WISE, EOS, and Business Mastery.🎯 Rebecca’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and EntrepreneursYour entrepreneurial journey can feel lonely, but you have a powerful partner at your fingertips. Lean into AI not as a tool, but as a conversational partner to work through challenges, stay curious, and keep your energy high.📢 Memorable Quotes“When we go slow to go fast, use frameworks, and give ourselves the right amount of time to see the results…it can be a really powerful mix for a business.”“We should be in the business of transportation, not building railroads. We need to be open-minded enough with what we're bringing to market, but without that clarity, everything else seems to topple.”"The more freedom we can give our people to really be exploring AI in every way... It's when in a couple of years those two things come together that the businesses that have got that right are really going to just scale and explode."💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Schedule dedicated "thinking time" this week. Step away from your to-do list and ask strategic questions about where your business is going.✅ Re-evaluate your primary offer. Can you explain what you do, who it's for, and why it's different in one clear sentence? If not, refine it.✅ Define your version of freedom. Write down what "freedom" specifically looks like for you (time, money, travel) and identify one way your business can be structured to achieve it.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Advisory 9’s WebsiteConnect with Rebecca on LinkedInFollow Advisory 9 on LinkedIn

Tired of answering the same questions over and over? Frustrated that your team's valuable knowledge gets lost in endless Slack channels? In this episode, Tomas Franc, CEO and founder of the NextKS Framework, reveals how to transform your team's scattered "tribal knowledge" into a powerful, scalable, and searchable asset. Tomas breaks down his journey from identifying a common business frustration to building an elegant, AI-powered solution that works with your team's natural workflow, not against it. This episode is a masterclass in product development, human-centric design, and leveraging AI to solve tangible business problems, providing a blueprint for how you can create more efficient, knowledgeable, and self-sufficient teams.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessWhy building technology that integrates into existing workflows (like Slack) is the key to user adoption and real-world results.The strategy for building a knowledge base on the fly, without needing perfect documentation from day one.How to build a robust AI tool by embracing its current limitations and creating a human-in-the-loop system to handle them.Why the most natural form of human communication—questions and answers—is the ultimate model for effective knowledge sharing.How to use analytics to reveal hidden risks in your business, like over-reliance on key personnel and skill gaps in your team.A founder's framework for using sensitivity analysis to identify the most critical problems to solve for your customers.📝 About Tomas Franc Tomas Franc is the CEO and Founder of the NextKS Framework, a Slack-native platform designed to help teams access and share knowledge at scale using AI-powered retrieval. With over eight years of experience in knowledge sharing and a 24-year background in localization, Tomas brings deep expertise in collaboration, automation, and process design.Before launching NextKS, he was Lead Sales Solutions Architect at Lokalise, where he guided global brands—such as Sony Ericsson and leaders in automotive and fintech—in building agile localization workflows. He is known for turning complex, fragmented systems into streamlined, scalable solutions.Tomas won the LocWorld Process Innovation Challenge in 2017 and frequently speaks at LocWorld conferences, sharing insights on scaling teams, optimizing knowledge flow, and operational efficiency.🎯 Tomas’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Believe in yourself and be persistent."📢 Memorable Quotes"AI is like a very knowledgeable child. And if we are aware of these flaws and we have built-in processes what to do in case it's not perfect, then this is a robust and usable solution.""I realized that it's not really a technology, it's the nature of human interaction. And if yes, technology can support that entire process, but it must not be for the sake of technology, it must be supportive of what is natural to people."💡 Actionable TakeawaysWhen considering new software for your business, prioritize tools that integrate with platforms your team already uses daily.Instead of waiting for perfect documentation, start building your company's knowledge base by simply capturing the questions and answers that happen organically.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit NextKS Framework’s WebsiteConnect with Tomas on LinkedInFollow NextKS Framework on LinkedIn

Financial wellness expert Peter Waitzman joins the show to completely reframe how you think about money on your entrepreneurial journey. He reveals why the generic financial advice we’ve all heard is holding founders back and what to do instead. This episode is a masterclass in building a rock-solid financial foundation that gives you the freedom to experiment, build, and scale your business responsibly. Peter shares powerful insights from his journey of building the profitable, mission-driven company, Expedition Money, and provides a practical roadmap for wantrepreneurs to achieve their goals without going broke.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 The 5-stage "CLIMB" framework to master your finances, from cash flow to financial independence.💰 How to use a side hustle as a low-risk "freedom fund" to experiment with and launch your business ideas without going into debt.📈 The responsible way to fund your startup (Hint: It’s not with a credit card and blind faith).📊 Peter's "throw it out there" content strategy: why creating massive amounts of content is the fastest way to find what resonates and grow your audience.🧠 Why mindset and motivation are useless without a practical financial plan to back them up.🏢 The brilliant business model that gets employers to pay for a service their employees actually want and use.🧘 How to build financial habits that stick by starting with small, enjoyable actions that compound over time.📝 About Peter Waitzman Peter Waitzman is a financial wellness expert and the creator of Expedition Money, an employer-sponsored program designed to help individuals achieve lasting financial well-being. He holds a degree in economics from Northwestern University and brings a diverse professional background in banking, financial planning, and investment management.Peter is also the author of several Amazon bestselling books on personal finance, financial independence, and entrepreneurship. Through his work, he empowers people to build financial confidence, pursue meaningful goals, and create long-term success.🎯 Peter’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs Create as much content as you possibly can. Stop trying to guess what will work and don't slow yourself down with excuses. The only way to find out what resonates is to throw a lot of ideas out there, watch the data, and when you see something getting traction, double down on it immediately and run with it.📢 Memorable Quotes “A lot of people think that having the business card or the website... that makes them a business. It doesn't make you a business.” – Peter Waitzman“I think almost everyone should have a side hustle... if you have a side hustle, now you have two. You've doubled the number of sources of income for yourself. It may not be equal... but what that does is that can give you some freedom money, some breathing room to experiment with businesses.” – Peter Waitzman“Throw it out there, experiment, watch the data, and then follow what's working.” – Peter Waitzman💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Stop overthinking your content. Commit to publishing content consistently for the next 30 days and analyze what gets the most engagement.✅ Gamify your savings. Pick a small, enjoyable financial habit—like putting all your spare change in a jar or selling one thing on eBay a week—to build positive momentum.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Expedition Money’s WebsiteConnect with Peter on LinkedInFollow Expedition Money on LinkedIn

In this episode, Brian sits down with Rachel Jackson, an interior designer who has carved out a powerful niche by creating wellness-centered, sensory-friendly spaces. Rachel shares her incredible journey of turning personal experience—navigating her own ADHD and her son’s sensory needs—into a thriving business that supports neurodiverse households. This conversation is a masterclass in finding your unique value proposition, serving an underserved market, and building a business fueled by a powerful mission. For any entrepreneur struggling to stand out, Rachel’s story proves that when you lean into your authentic purpose and design for a specific need, everyone wins.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessHow to turn your personal challenges and life experiences into a highly specific, profitable business niche.The power of a deep-dive client onboarding process to uncover the true needs and "end goals" of your customers.Why focusing on an underserved community isn't limiting—it's your greatest opportunity for impact and growth.The "Curb Cut Theory" for business: How creating solutions for a specific group can create benefits for everyone.How to build a brand mission that attracts your ideal clients and creates a "rising tide lifts all boats" community.Simple, powerful frameworks for recognizing patterns in customer feedback to define your core service.Strategies for balancing the competing needs of different stakeholders (in a family or a business) under one "roof."📝 About Rachel Jackson Rachel Jackson is an Austin-based interior designer specializing in wellness-focused, sensory-friendly spaces. Her work centers on neurodiverse households, crafting environments that promote emotional regulation, comfort, and everyday ease.Committed to advancing neuroinclusive design, Rachel combines hands-on client work with educational guides and training programs for designers, educators, and healthcare professionals supporting neurodivergent individuals.Her mission is rooted in accessibility and impact—bringing thoughtful, inclusive design to those who need it most. At the core of her work is a guiding belief: when we design for everyone, everyone wins.🎯 Rachel’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Find your community... It's collaboration, not competition at the end of the day."📢 Memorable Quotes"A designer can go in and make something beautiful... but if the storage isn't there, if you haven't addressed your clutter beforehand... there's so many levels to making interior design both beautiful and functional.""We are all drawn to things that make us feel good. And so what's really cool is aside from trends... when you take a look at those inspiration images... you're able to narrow down and hone in on what you're truly drawn to for your project."💡 Actionable TakeawaysAudit your client onboarding process. Are you asking questions that get to the root of their problem, or just scratching the surface? Go deeper to deliver more value.Stop putting things where they "belong" and start storing them where you use them. Apply this principle of "eliminating friction" to your own workflows and business processes to boost efficiency.Look for an underserved community within your industry. Ask yourself who is being overlooked by mainstream solutions and how you can create something that truly works for them.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Rachel Jackson Design’s WebsiteConnect with Rachel on LinkedInFollow Rachel Jackson Design on LinkedIn

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big businesses anymore—it’s something every entrepreneur, household, and solopreneur needs to think about. In this eye-opening episode, Erik Barnett, founder of HomeSirens, breaks down why we’re all vulnerable and how he created a plug-and-play cybersecurity solution that anyone can use. With a background in the U.S. Marines and deep experience in enterprise security, Erik’s entrepreneurial journey is grounded in mission, impact, and innovation. His insights are essential for anyone building a tech-driven or customer-focused business.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🔐 How to turn a technical skill into a mass-market product 💡 Why educating your customers can become a major brand differentiator 🧠 How curiosity and creativity fuel entrepreneurial innovation 🛡️ What hacking-as-a-service is—and why it’s an emerging threat to small businesses 📦 The power of simplifying complex tech into a “plug-and-play” experience 🌐 How to think like a hacker to future-proof your business ⚙️ Why AI is both a powerful tool and a cybersecurity risk📝 About the Guest Erik Barnett is the founder and inventor of HomeSirens, an AI-powered cybersecurity device designed to protect everyday people from real digital threats. With a background in military cybersecurity and enterprise consulting for Fortune 10 companies, Erik brings a unique blend of technical mastery and user empathy. He created HomeSirens to make security as simple as plugging in a device—no technical skills required. His passion for tech and people makes him a rare and compelling voice in cybersecurity.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Don’t stop. If you believe in the impact you’re creating, everything else will fall into place.” Key takeaways from Erik’s advice: ✔ Stay mission-driven—purpose will outlast challenges ✔ Focus on serving people, not chasing money ✔ Pay attention to the details; execution is everything📢 Memorable Quotes “Hackers don’t care that you’re a nobody online. If you have an identity, you’re a target.” – Erik Barnett “If I can help someone protect their home just by sending a text that updates their firewall… why wouldn’t I?” – Erik Barnett “AI doesn’t understand emotions—and that’s why it can’t always make the best decision.” – Erik Barnett💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Audit your home or business for smart devices without built-in protection ✅ Don’t rely solely on VPNs—especially for smart TVs, appliances, or security systems ✅ Educate yourself on phishing and text scams (not just email threats) ✅ Use AI in your business, but know what data you’re feeding into it—and who can access it🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit HomeSirens’ WebsiteConnect with Erik on LinkedInFollow HomeSirens, Inc. on LinkedIn