Travis Makes Money

Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Leap Academy—one of the fastest-growing professional education companies in America. With a track record that includes helping lead a $300 million exit, scaling a startup to $15 million in annual revenue, and raising nearly $1 million from top Silicon Valley investors, Ilana brings deep experience in both corporate and startup worlds. Her journey is defined by bold leaps, learning from failure, and empowering others to build careers with multiple streams of income and real fulfillment. On this episode we talk about: – Ilana’s first entrepreneurial hustle at age four—and her early lessons in value (and parental panic) – The story behind raising $800,000 in weeks, only to be ousted by her co-founder and left with nothing – How hitting rock bottom led to a period of personal and professional crisis—and the steps she took to rebuild her momentum – The power of action over analysis: why doing—even when you don’t know what to do—creates clarity and new opportunities – Redefining career success: the shift from a single-track “scripted” career to a dynamic, experimental “portfolio career” – How Ilana built Leap Academy from a small experiment into a multi-million dollar business and top-charting podcast – The importance of failure, resilience, and hunger in founders—and why she bets on entrepreneurs who’ve been through adversity – Frameworks for evaluating new ventures, both as a founder and investor – How Leap Academy helps mid-to-late career professionals reinvent themselves, build multiple income streams, and thrive in an ever-changing world – The future of professional education, corporate partnerships, and the rise of coaching and community-driven learning Top 3 Takeaways 1. Action Creates Clarity: When you don’t know what to do, start doing something—momentum and results follow action, not the other way around. 2. Portfolio Careers Are the Future: Building multiple streams of income and diverse professional experiences is the new path to wealth, fulfillment, and resilience. 3. Failure Fuels Growth: The best founders and leaders are those who’ve faced—and learned from—major setbacks, not just those with a string of successes. Notable Quotes – “The clarity came from the momentum, not just thinking about it or dreaming about it—the doing created the result.” – “Look at your career as a series of experiments, not a single direction for the next 20 or 30 years. That takes all the fear away.” – “The biggest cost is always the money we’re not making—the cost of inaction is higher than the cost of failure.” Connect with Ilana Golan: – Website: leapacademy.com – Portfolio Careers: portfoliocareer.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Ehrman is the founder and CEO of Halo Collar, the leading GPS dog containment system that’s revolutionizing pet safety. With a background in IoT and a history of building tech companies—including taking one public in 1999—Ken teamed up with celebrity dog behaviorist Cesar Millan to create a next-generation “invisible fence.” Since launching in 2018, Halo has quadrupled sales, surpassed $100 million in annual revenue, and sold over 200,000 collars, all while giving pet owners the freedom to create a “backyard everywhere they go.” On this episode we talk about: Ken’s entrepreneurial journey from yearbook ad sales to founding and scaling multiple tech companies The early days of IoT, RFID, and what it was like to take a company public with just $3 million in annual revenue How the idea for Halo Collar was sparked by a real family tragedy—and why the market was ready for a better solution The power of partnerships: how Ken connected with Cesar Millan to bring dog expertise and credibility to the product Why Halo’s GPS-powered, AI-enabled collar is more than a tracker—it’s a portable, wireless fence you can set up anywhere The business lessons behind Halo’s exponential growth: leveraging existing demand, innovating on proven products, and solving real pain points for pet owners Smart scaling: how Halo used a direct-to-consumer model, negative inventory, and global fulfillment to fuel rapid expansion The importance of product-market fit, recurring revenue, and building a brand that dog owners trust Ken’s framework for evaluating new business ideas and the difference between “nice-to-have” and “need-to-have” products Top 3 Takeaways Innovate Where Demand Exists: Halo succeeded by improving an existing solution (the invisible fence) in a massive, established market, rather than trying to create demand from scratch. Solve Real Problems, Not Just Sell Features: The best products address urgent needs—like keeping pets safe—rather than relying on “nice-to-have” technology. Smart Partnerships and Operations Win: Strategic alliances (like with Cesar Millan), creative fulfillment, and a focus on customer experience enabled Halo to scale quickly and efficiently. Notable Quotes “What’s the best solution that there could be? That’s always my mindset, whether I’m selling yearbook ads or building a tech company.” “People are already buying fences for their dogs. We just made it portable, smarter, and safer.” “If you can find things people are already buying, you’re not pushing a boulder uphill—you’re meeting a real need.” Connect with Ken Ehrman: Website: halocollar.com 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dean Kinzer is an ancient coin enthusiast, YouTuber, and entrepreneur on a mission to bring the magic of history—literally held in your hand—to more Americans. What started as a family hobby, inspired by his collector father, has grown into a side business and educational passion. Dean is the founder of Kinzer Coins and co-host of the Ancient Coin Hour podcast, where he helps collectors and history buffs discover the stories and value behind ancient coins. On this episode we talk about: – Dean’s journey from growing up with a collector dad (who owned 13 Yugos!) to becoming obsessed with ancient coins – The “tribute penny” of Tiberius—possibly the coin referenced by Jesus in the Bible—and how affordable ancient coins can actually be – The wild stories behind some of history’s most fascinating coins, like Brutus’s “Ides of March” gold coin and the emperor who bought his throne for 66 days – How ancient coins are more than metal—they’re pieces of art, history, and conversation starters – The surprising abundance of certain ancient coins (you can literally buy Roman bronze coins by the pound!) – Why the U.S. market for ancient coins is still wide open, and how Dean is working to popularize the hobby – The business side: consignments, inventory, and the challenge of parting with pieces that tell powerful stories – How to avoid scams, spot counterfeits, and start collecting with confidence – The magic of holding a 2,000-year-old coin and the deep connection it creates to human history – Monetizing your hobby in the digital age—YouTube, podcasts, and building a business around your passion Top 3 Takeaways 1. History in Your Hand: Ancient coins aren’t just collectibles—they’re tangible links to the past, each with a story that can spark conversation and curiosity. 2. Monetize Your Passion: You can turn even the most niche hobby into a side business or educational platform with the right approach and a willingness to share. 3. Start Smart, Avoid Pitfalls: Learn the basics, connect with reputable sellers, and use resources like Ancient Coin Hour to avoid costly mistakes and enjoy the hobby. Notable Quotes – “There’s something different about holding something that’s 2,000 years old. It’s a connection to history you can actually feel.” – “Every coin tells a story—some are worthy of a Hollywood movie.” – “The U.S. market for ancient coins is wide open. There’s opportunity for collectors, investors, and storytellers alike.” Connect with Dean Kinzer: Website: kinzercoins.com Instagram: @kinzercoins 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty Allan Jackson is an award-winning children's book author, youth motivational speaker, literacy advocate, and honorary doctorate recipient. A three-time TEDx presenter, Ty travels the US inspiring children to read and educating adults about the impacts of illiteracy. Born and raised in the Bronx, Ty's mission is deeply influenced by his personal background and the power of representation in children's literature. On this episode we talk about: Ty's journey from the Bronx to becoming an award-winning children's book author and literacy advocate The inspiration behind writing children's books focused on financial literacy and representation Challenges and successes in self-publishing and selling over 350,000 copies The importance of fostering a love of reading in children and creative parenting strategies The impact of hip-hop culture and personal background on Ty's mission and message Advice for parents on encouraging reading and education in the digital age Top 3 Takeaways Representation matters: Creating children's books with diverse, relatable protagonists fills a critical gap. Persistence pays off: Overcoming 147 rejections to self-publish and sell hundreds of thousands of books. Reading is a gateway: Encouraging children to read by making it fun and part of family culture fosters lifelong learning. Notable Quotes "The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why." "Children rarely listen to their parents but never fail to emulate them." "If you want your child to be a reader, they need to see you reading." Connect with Ty Allan Jackson: Website: tyallanjackson.com 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Mindak is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Noladex, a community-driven B2B marketing tech platform designed to turn networking and referrals into real, trackable income. With a background spanning marketing, media, and craft beer, Joe has built and sold businesses across multiple industries—and knows firsthand how relationships and word of mouth drive sustainable growth. His latest venture is all about helping people and communities get paid for the value they already create through their networks. On this episode we talk about: – Joe’s first dollar as a paperboy and how early hustles shaped his entrepreneurial mindset – The origin story of Nolodex and how Joe turned casual referrals into $85,000 in side income—then built a platform to help others do the same – How Nolodex enables networking groups, alumni associations, and communities to track, manage, and monetize B2B referrals – Why high-ticket affiliate marketing and referral deals can be a game-changer for anyone with a strong network – The importance of double opt-in introductions and the rules of effective networking – The difference between being a visionary and an operator—and why Joe always partners with strong operators to scale his ideas – Lessons from building and selling businesses in wildly different industries, from local magazines to craft beer to SaaS – Why entrepreneurship is best learned in the trenches, and the value of apprenticeships over traditional education – How to leverage existing relationships to create new income streams, especially in today’s economic climate Top 3 Takeaways 1. Monetize What You Already Do: If you’re already making introductions and referrals, you can turn that value into real income with the right system. 2. Network Smarter, Not Harder: Focus on high-value B2B referrals, track your deals, and use double opt-in intros to ensure everyone wins. 3. Bring in the Right People: You don’t need to be good at everything—partner with operators and experts so you can focus on your strengths. Notable Quotes – “I made $85,000 in referral fees in 40 hours of work—just by connecting people I already knew.” – “If you’re a good referral giver, why not get paid for the value you create?” – “Every conversation is an opportunity—someone always needs something. Just ask.” Connect with Joe Mindak: – Platform: https://www.nolodex.com/ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Sells is a retired U.S. Air Force officer turned impact investor and entrepreneur who has led the acquisition and management of over $200 million in commercial real estate assets. As co-founder of Impact Growth Capital and host of the Disruptive Capitalists podcast, Sam specializes in building wealth by solving critical housing challenges—especially in America’s most neglected communities. His approach combines military discipline, systems thinking, and a passion for making a difference at scale. On this episode we talk about: – How Sam made his first dollar as a kid selling whatever he could—and why his last name “Sells” fits his entrepreneurial journey – Lessons from a global military career, building sustainable healthcare systems, and learning to create repeatable, high-impact outcomes – The moment in Chad, Africa, that sparked his mission to pursue financial freedom and help others achieve it – Why real estate became Sam’s vehicle for impact and wealth, starting with mobile home parks and scaling to national projects – The realities of flipping homes, the misleading nature of TV real estate shows, and the importance of understanding the real numbers – How Sam used creative strategies like master lease agreements to acquire and improve properties with limited capital – The risks and pitfalls of real estate investing—over-leverage, mismanagement, and the brutal lessons of recent market cycles – Why America is the country’s largest “slumlord,” and how Sam is tackling public housing’s massive problems through public-private partnerships – How Impact Growth Capital works with HUD and local housing authorities to renovate or rebuild thousands of government-owned units, using government funding and innovative systems to guarantee returns and create real social mobility – The unique, vertically integrated model that combines real estate development, nonprofit resident support, and measurable poverty reduction – The challenges and rewards of scaling a national impact business, and why entrepreneurship—not bureaucracy—is the key to solving America’s toughest problems – How others can get involved as investors or partners in this mission Top 3 Takeaways 1. Impact and Profit Can Coexist: You can build wealth and make a real difference by solving urgent problems—like America’s public housing crisis—at scale. 2. Creative Structures Unlock Opportunity: Master leases, public-private partnerships, and government-backed funding can open doors for investors willing to learn and innovate. 3. Entrepreneurship Drives Change: Lean, mission-driven entrepreneurs are better equipped than government alone to tackle complex social issues and deliver lasting results. Notable Quotes – “No matter how hard he works, he’s never going to become free. What do I need to do to become free—and how can I help as many other people become free as possible?” – “The number one slumlord in America is America. Public housing authorities own nearly 900,000 units—seven times the size of Blackstone.” – “We can do good and do well at the same time. Our intent is to help millions get out of poverty and help our investors make a great return in the process.” Connect with Sam Sells: Email: sam@impactgrowthcap.com Website: impactgrowthcap.com Podcast: Disruptive Capitalists LinkedIn: Search “Sam Sells Impact Growth Capital” 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skye Waterson is an ADHD strategist, coach, and the founder of Unconventional Organization. Diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD, Skye developed science-based systems to help entrepreneurs and executives stay focused, follow through, and scale without burning out. Her passion is helping business owners with unconventional brains unlock their superpower of focus in a world full of distractions. On this episode we talk about: Skye’s first dollar—classic paper run entrepreneurship and her early lessons in hiring (and overpaying her sister) Her journey from academic “nerd” to entrepreneur, and how her family’s focus on education shaped her path Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and why so many high performers struggle with focus The difference between traditional solutions (like medication) and building custom systems for your brain Why focus is the ultimate entrepreneurial superpower in today’s distraction-heavy world Practical strategies for identifying what’s truly urgent versus what just feels urgent How to break through “boring,” “confusing,” or emotionally challenging tasks using neuroscience-backed techniques Managing shiny object syndrome and building routines that support working memory and productivity The importance of balancing content consumption and creation as a modern entrepreneur How to build business systems that free up your time and energy for what matters most Top 3 Takeaways Focus is a Superpower: In a world overloaded with distractions, the ability to focus on high-impact tasks is what separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest. Systems Over Willpower: Custom strategies and systems—tailored to your brain—are more effective than relying on medication or brute force alone. Urgent vs. Important: Learning to distinguish between what’s truly urgent and what just feels urgent is key to consistent revenue and long-term growth. Notable Quotes “You can get the best strategies and systems, but at the end of the day, it’s that consistent focus and time that you need.” “Some of the most successful people I know are either formally diagnosed or self-diagnosed with ADHD—it’s their superpower.” “If you can focus on something until that task is completed, that will allow you to have a leg up on all the competition around you.” Connect with Skye Waterson: Connect with Skye Waterson: Instagram: @unconventionalorganisation (DM “makes money” for her Two Minute Focus Formula) Website: http://unconventionalorganisation.com/ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacob Caris is an ex-corporate finance professional turned online entrepreneur who has generated over $7 million in sales through courses, coaching, consulting, and affiliate marketing—without relying on sales calls or big sales teams. After leaving Wall Street, Jacob built a business that prioritizes time freedom, lean operations, and high profit margins. As the founder of Caris Digital and Caris Investments, he’s become a leading voice in helping coaches, consultants, and creators build lifestyle businesses that fund true freedom. On this episode we talk about: Jacob’s journey from corporate finance and consulting to building a multi-seven-figure online business Making his first dollar online selling social signals and flipping websites before launching his personal brand The importance of proof-of-concept—how earning your first dollar online can be the catalyst for everything that follows Transitioning from affiliate marketing to launching high-ticket offers and group coaching programs The evolution from sales-driven to marketing-driven businesses, and why Jacob prefers content and trust over endless sales calls How to design a business around your ideal lifestyle and avoid the trap of chasing empty revenue milestones Jacob’s “Five Page Google Doc System” for selling high-ticket offers without sales calls or sales reps Why qualitative factors—like peace of mind and time with family—matter as much as profit in business design The importance of interrogating your “why” and building a business that supports your real goals, not just what the internet says you should want Top 3 Takeaways Proof of Concept is Everything: Making your first dollar online—no matter how small—proves what’s possible and gives you the confidence to keep building. Marketing-Driven > Sales-Driven: With the right content, audience, and offer, you can sell high-ticket products without endless sales calls or big teams—freeing up your time and boosting margins. Design Your Business for Your Life: Don’t blindly chase revenue milestones. Get clear on your ideal day, week, and lifestyle, then build a business that supports those goals. Notable Quotes “If you can solve one very clear and real pain point people are sitting with right now, and give them a sexy, slightly different approach, you only need one offer to change your life forever.” “You run a marketing-driven business or a sales-driven business. Neither is wrong, but I prefer to build a business where content and trust do the heavy lifting.” “Don’t let sunk cost fallacy keep you climbing the wrong mountain. Interrogate your ‘why’ and make sure you’re building the life and business you actually want.” Connect with Jacob Caris: Website: jacobcaris.com 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Lancry is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, thought leader, and author with profound insights into personal development and the psychology of success. An Ohio native who overcame a tough upbringing, Nathan transformed his life from humble beginnings to business leadership through deep self-work and a relentless quest for meaning. He’s the author of The Mercury Mind, a book that introduces his method of transcendental psychology to help others break free from limiting beliefs and find true purpose. On this episode we talk about: Nathan’s first dollar—picking up debris on construction sites at age nine—and his early entrepreneurial spirit How dropping out of high school shaped his unconventional path into business and sales Lessons learned from decades in the automotive industry, including the importance of patience, avoiding bias, and seeking the truth in every deal The origins of The Mercury Mind and Nathan’s approach to transcendental psychology for personal transformation Why so many people chase goals that don’t fulfill them—and how to interrogate your “why” before climbing the wrong mountain The parallels between business and gardening: planting the right seeds, nurturing growth, and finding joy in the daily process How to avoid the industrial-age mindset trap and build a life and career that aligns with your true passions Top 3 Takeaways Interrogate Your Why: Before pursuing any goal, deeply examine your motivations—climbing the wrong mountain is costly, but self-awareness brings fulfillment. Love the Process: True success comes from enjoying the daily work, not just chasing the end result. Find the “work” that feels like play to you. Learning is a Lifestyle: Lifelong learning—even outside your comfort zone—builds resilience, creativity, and a richer perspective for business and life. Notable Quotes “You will always be limited by what you believe that you can do.” “Learning is a continuum. It doesn’t ever end. It’s something we always want to do.” “If you plant an acorn, you’re going to grow an oak tree. If you want green beans, make sure you plant green beans.” Connect with Nathan Lancry: Website: nathanlancry.com 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ariel Garten is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and the visionary co-founder of Muse—the brain-sensing headband that’s helped over half a million people improve their mental health, reduce stress, and sleep better. With no prior business experience, Ariel personally raised $18 million from Silicon Valley investors, bringing cutting-edge neurotechnology to the masses. Muse is now trusted by NASA, medical professionals, and featured in over 200 studies. Ariel’s journey blends science, art, and entrepreneurship, making her a true pioneer in the world of brain-sensing tech. On this episode we talk about: Ariel’s entrepreneurial roots—from lemonade stands and fashion design to neuroscience and tech startups How her family’s real estate business and creative upbringing shaped her confidence and risk-taking The story behind Muse: transforming brain-computer interface technology into a practical meditation tool The importance of product-market fit, customer feedback, and learning from failed ventures Practical advice for inventors: why you don’t need to patent your idea first, and how to validate a physical product before manufacturing How 3D printing and modern prototyping have made it easier than ever to bring hardware ideas to life The power of resilience, optimism, and naivety in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges Muse’s impact on meditation, mental health, and the future of neurofeedback technology Top 3 Takeaways Talk Before You Build: Don’t keep your idea secret—talk to potential customers, validate demand, and get real feedback before investing in manufacturing or patents. Prototype Fast and Cheap: Use 3D printing, off-the-shelf parts, and even student designers to create quick prototypes and test your concept before scaling up. Resilience and Optimism Win: Entrepreneurship is tough, but staying optimistic, learning from setbacks, and believing in your mission are key to long-term success. Notable Quotes “Making stuff is really hard. If you’re struggling to figure out how to do it, someone you tell isn’t likely to go do it first—it’s all about execution.” “The first thing you want to do is talk to lots of people about your idea. Figure out if they want it, what they like, and what problem it really solves.” “You don’t need a patent first. Your first call should be to your market, not your lawyer.” Special Offer for Listeners: Get 15% off your Muse Headband!Go to choosemuse.com/travis and use discount code TRAVIS at checkout to save 15% on your order. 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices