Travis Makes Money

On this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis welcomes Ann Carden, a top business growth expert, marketing and sales strategist, and the founder and CEO of A. Carden Inc. With over 41 years of experience and a track record of building and selling seven businesses, Ann is renowned for her ability to help coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs attract high-end clients and scale their businesses. Her “Expert In You” method and reputation for delivering high-touch, customized strategies have made her a sought-after mentor for those looking to multiply their income and impact. On this episode we talk about: Ann’s journey from selling craft classes as a child to building an international craft business before the internet era The importance of merging passion with viable business opportunities How to turn your expertise into a premium coaching or consulting business Strategies for building authority, networking, and leveraging partnerships The power of innovation, bootstrapping, and selling before you build Top 3 Takeaways Merge your passion with a proven business model—success comes from doing what you love, but only if there’s real market demand. Package and sell your expertise: The fastest path to more income is often leveraging what you already know and are great at. Relationships matter—what you know gets you started, but who you know takes you to the next level. Notable Quotes “If you can merge those two worlds—your passion and a viable business—you’ve got gold.” “Have people vote with their wallets, not their words.” “Start with what you’re already great at and package, market, and sell that to get started.” Connect with Ann Carden: LinkedIn: Ann Carden’s LinkedIn Website: annlcarden.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

On this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis sits down with Alex Feinberg—a former professional athlete turned hedge fund analyst and online entrepreneur. Alex is renowned for his unconventional approach to wealth-building, blending lessons from elite sports and high-stakes finance to help others unlock their earning potential. His unique perspective on mindset has empowered countless individuals to achieve financial independence and personal growth. On this episode we talk about: How mindset shapes your financial destiny The role of discipline and delayed gratification in building wealth Overcoming limiting beliefs that hold you back from earning more Strategies for cultivating resilience in the face of setbacks Practical mental frameworks for seizing new money-making opportunities Top 3 Takeaways Your mindset is your most valuable asset—shift it, and your financial reality will follow. Resilience and discipline are non-negotiable for long-term wealth creation. Identifying and breaking through limiting beliefs can unlock new income streams. Notable Quotes “You can’t outperform your mindset. If you think small, you’ll earn small.”“Every financial leap I’ve made started with changing how I thought about what was possible.”“Discipline isn’t just about saving money—it’s about consistently taking action towards your biggest goals.” Connect with Alex Feinberg: Twitter/X: @alexfeinberg1 Instagram: @alexfeinberg1 Website: insanelyaddictive.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Igor Vainshtein is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of GolfTrak.app and Entrepreneurpoly. Born in the USSR and raised in Australia after his family immigrated with just $200, Igor’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and relentless innovation. With over 20 business ventures—most of them failures—he’s built, lost, and rebuilt his fortune, ultimately selling his golf simulator company to GOLFTEC and pioneering new ways to gamify entrepreneurship. Igor’s raw honesty about the peaks and valleys of business, combined with his passion for teaching real-world entrepreneurial skills, makes him a truly unique and inspiring guest. On this episode we talk about: The reality behind “overnight success” and why most wins are built on a mountain of failures. How Igor rebounded from 18 failed startups to build a multi-million dollar business. The myth of passive income and what really happened when he chased it. Spotting and recovering from toxic business partnerships. Why financial literacy and cash flow management are non-negotiable for entrepreneurs. How gamification and his board game Entrepreneurpoly teach the hard truths of business. The immigrant mindset, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms. Top 3 Takeaways Embrace Failure as Training, Not Defeat: Igor’s story proves that repeated failure is not the end—it’s the foundation for future success. Every setback taught him critical lessons that fueled his eventual wins. Cash Flow is King: No matter how innovative your idea, mastering cash flow and financial literacy is essential for survival and growth in business. Build Real Skills, Not Just Hype: Sales, resilience, and the ability to pivot are more valuable than chasing trends or passive income dreams. Focus on developing skills that stand the test of time. Notable Quotes “You just don’t know. There’s a phrase: ‘It’s gonna be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.’” “I wouldn’t change a thing because all those little sliding doors moments are why I’m here today.” “If you don’t have the basics—if you don’t have financial literacy—you ain’t going to be doing much willing and dealing. You’re going to be broke.” Connect with Igor Vainshtein: linkedin.com/in/igorvainshtein https://x.com/TheIgor https://www.instagram.com/theigorv/ https://igorvainshtein.com/ entrepreneuropoly.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

Cody Sperber, widely known as the "Clever Investor," joins Travis for a candid conversation about wealth, reinvention, and the real truths behind entrepreneurship. As a self-made multi-millionaire, Cody built his reputation in real estate, flipping thousands of homes and creating a massive education business. Now, he’s shaking up the “boring” world of home services with his latest venture, Floor Daddy. Cody’s journey is a masterclass in scaling businesses, building brands, and, most importantly, finding fulfillment beyond the bank account. On this episode we talk about: – Cody’s transition from real estate education to launching Floor Daddy, a disruptive flooring business – The philosophy behind stepping away from personal branding and why Cody chose a less “sexy” industry – Building and scaling teams, finding the right partners, and recruiting top talent – The importance of mentorship, investing in coaching, and collapsing time to avoid costly mistakes – Lessons learned from personal setbacks—divorce, loss, and the power of inner work to drive business success Top 3 Takeaways 1. Reinventing yourself and your business model can unlock new markets and opportunities—even in “boring” industries. 2. Investing in mentorship and assembling the right team is a shortcut to scaling and avoiding expensive mistakes. 3. True wealth and business success come from alignment—personal healing, strong relationships, and leading with authenticity. Notable Quotes – "I wanted to create a flooring business where it's like a Cybertruck had sex with Airbnb—a little bit of tech, something cool, cutting edge, and make it really loud and obnoxious. That's where Floor Daddy was born." – "Money loves speed. I want to go fast. My vision with Floor Daddy is how do I scale this thing and get a $500 million exit." – "You cannot give what you do not have. I couldn't give unconditional love to my family or my team if I didn't unconditionally love myself." Connect with Cody Sperber: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codysperber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcodysperber/?hl=en Clever Investor: cleverinvestor.com Floor Daddy: floordaddy.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

Israel Duran is a renowned authority coach and business strategist who specializes in turning entrepreneurs into industry leaders capable of commanding five-figure speaking fees. With over $2 million generated through his speaking framework in just 24 months, Israel empowers experts to amplify their message and monetize their vision on prestigious stages and high-ticket programs. His unique approach blends mindset, spiritual principles, and actionable business strategies, making him a sought-after mentor for those ready to elevate their income and impact. On this episode we talk about: – Israel’s journey from selling candy as a kid to becoming a high-ticket authority coach – The four levels of value and how they determine your earning potential – Why working harder doesn’t always mean making more money—and what to do instead – The law of acceleration and the three ways to make money – How to identify and fix the “leaks” in your business before scaling – The importance of investing in people, vision, and personal growth – Navigating the crowded coaching industry and standing out with authenticity and results – The impact of AI on the future of coaching and authority building Top 3 Takeaways 1. Understand the Four Levels of Value: Moving from implementation (physical work) to unification (management), communication (speaking, branding), and finally ideation (using your mind and money to create value) is key to breaking income ceilings and achieving financial freedom. 2. Work Smarter, Not Harder: True wealth comes from leveraging spiritual gifts, wise strategies, and investing in others—not just putting in more hours or effort. 3. Patch the Leaks Before Scaling: Before chasing more sales or new opportunities, identify and fix the “leaks” or blind spots in your business to ensure sustainable growth and retention of wealth. Notable Quotes "Money doesn’t care if you work hard. Money cares if you work wise." "Before you go for more, it is super important for you to first cover your holes and cover your leak...so you can keep more of what you make." "The best investment since day zero of this earth and until eternity is people. If I were to start all over again, I would invest in people." Connect with Israel Duran: instagram.com/israelduranassociates (DM “Travis makes money” for a free online business blueprint and assessment) 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

Cliff Nonnenmacher is a serial entrepreneur, franchise expert, and founder of Franocity. With a background as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and a track record of building and scaling multiple franchise brands, Cliff brings a unique perspective on wealth-building, business systems, and the power of mindset. He’s helped hundreds of people launch successful franchise businesses and hosts the “Pursuit of Profit” podcast. Cliff’s journey from hustling as a kid to becoming a master franchisee and business consultant is packed with actionable lessons and inspiration. On this episode we talk about: – Cliff’s unconventional path from Wall Street to entrepreneurship – How to use franchising as a shortcut to business success – The importance of mindset and taking massive action – Why trades and blue-collar businesses are making a comeback – How to evaluate franchise opportunities and avoid common pitfalls Top 3 Takeaways 1. You don’t need a college degree to build wealth—self-education and relentless action can open doors. 2. Franchising offers a proven blueprint for success, but you must be willing to follow the system and do the work. 3. Mindset is everything: what you focus on, you attract—but vision must be paired with action. Notable Quotes “What you think about, you bring about.” “Franchising is a way to collapse time—learn from someone who’s already solved the problems.” “Money only solves your money problems. But it’s a little bit easier to solve the rest of your problems with some money in the bank.” Connect with Cliff Nonnenmacher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffnonnenmacher Website: https://franocity.com/about-us/ 🚀 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

Ryann Halo is a dynamic entrepreneur, salon owner, and business consultant with nearly two decades of experience building and scaling multiple companies across industries like retail, med spas, regenerative wellness, and especially hair salons. From a challenging upbringing to founding Salon Halo—now a multi-location, multi-million dollar business recognized as a Top 200 Salon in North America—Ryann’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of adding value. Her expertise now extends into consulting and content creation, helping others replicate her success in the brick-and-mortar and online spaces. On this episode we talk about: – Ryann’s early entrepreneurial spirit and her first dollar earned selling chocolate door-to-door – Overcoming personal tragedy and adversity to find her path in the salon industry – The realities of salon ownership: profit margins, scaling challenges, and the importance of retail – Leadership lessons—transitioning from practitioner to business owner and developing high-performing teams – Diversifying income streams through consulting, partnerships, and teaching Top 3 Takeaways 1. Your income is directly tied to the value you add—whether as an employee, business owner, or consultant. 2. Leadership is the key to scaling any service-based business; investing in your team unlocks growth and profitability. 3. Clarity about your desired lifestyle and business model is essential—don’t climb the wrong mountain chasing someone else’s definition of success. Notable Quotes – "Adding value to people around me, whether it be other employees, stylists, or clients, is what turned $25 a day into $100 a day at 15 years old." – "Your income is directly proportionate to the value that you're bringing to the organization that you work at, or the marketplace that you serve." – "Don’t pick the title that sounds good. Look at how those people are spending their days before you decide what success is to you." Connect with Ryann Halo: https://www.instagram.com/ryann_halo 🚀 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

Julia Menez is a travel hacking expert, educator, and founder of GeoBreeze Travel. With a background as an actuary, Julia brings a unique analytical approach to maximizing credit card points and airline miles for luxury travel. She’s dedicated her career to teaching entrepreneurs and high-income professionals how to leverage everyday expenses for free flights, hotel stays, and elite perks. Julia’s practical, no-nonsense style and deep industry knowledge make her a standout in the world of points and miles. On this episode we talk about: Julia’s journey from actuary to full-time travel hacking entrepreneur The basics of travel hacking and who should (and shouldn’t) play the points game How to choose the right credit cards based on your spending habits and business needs The potential pitfalls and risks of chasing points, and how to avoid them Real-life examples of maximizing points for luxury travel and upgrades Top 3 Takeaways Travel hacking isn’t for everyone: If you can’t pay off your credit cards in full each month, the interest will wipe out any rewards. Discipline is key. Optimize for simplicity: For business owners with predictable expenses, focus on a simple card strategy that matches your spending profile rather than juggling dozens of cards. Leverage business expenses: If you’re an entrepreneur, running recurring or high-volume expenses through the right cards can yield significant travel rewards—without extra spending. Notable Quotes "If you have to carry a balance, any interest that you have to pay is going to negate the value that you're getting out of your points." "Real money before points money." "The internet is an illusion, and what's actually happening is most people just don't have the financial discipline to handle this." Connect with Julia Menez: LinkedIn: Julia Menez on LinkedIn Twitter/X: @geobreezetravel Instagram: @geobreezetravel Website: GeoBreeze Travel 🚀 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

Dr. Eric Cole is a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, public figure, and bestselling author who has spent over three decades shaping the cybersecurity landscape. From starting as a professional hacker for the CIA to serving as the 44th President’s Commissioner on Cybersecurity, Dr. Cole has advised top companies and government agencies on digital security. Known for his pioneering work and business acumen, he’s built and sold multiple tech companies and now leads Secure Anchor Consulting, helping organizations turn cybersecurity into a business enabler. His unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit makes him a leading voice in both cybersecurity and business innovation. On this episode we talk about: Dr. Cole’s journey from CIA hacker to cybersecurity entrepreneur The fundamentals of ethical hacking and making money ethically How to spot future tech trends and build companies for high-value exits The state of U.S. cybersecurity laws and why federal regulation is needed Using AI and data analysis to identify investment opportunities and the future of cryptocurrency Top 3 Takeaways Ethics and Execution Matter: Dr. Cole emphasizes that making money ethically is crucial, and rapid execution—making decisions quickly and learning from them—is a key driver of entrepreneurial success. Spotting Trends Early: Success in tech and business often comes from identifying where the market is heading in 2–3 years, focusing on niche opportunities, and building intellectual property that creates leverage for future exits. Simplify and Standardize Security: The U.S. lags behind in unified cybersecurity laws, and there’s a major need for simplified, standardized security practices that businesses and individuals can actually implement. Notable Quotes “Making money is ethical. Sales and ethical things. So it's how can you use cyber in a good ethical way to make money?” “Swing at every pitch. There's no striking out in life. The more I swing, the more I execute, the more I'm going to have opportunities, the more I'm going to make money.” “We need a very simplified model of cybersecurity...something that people can actually implement and we can actually check and verify.” Connect with Dr. Eric Cole: https://linktr.ee/drericcole 🚀 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

Bert terHart is a world-renowned adventurer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker best known for his record-setting solo circumnavigation of the globe using only traditional navigation methods. With a background in technology and a passion for pushing human limits, Bert brings a unique perspective on risk-taking, resilience, and the mindset required to achieve extraordinary goals. His journey is not just about sailing—it's about charting your own course in life and business. On this episode we talk about: How Bert planned and executed his solo, non-stop circumnavigation using only a sextant and paper charts The parallels between adventure sailing and entrepreneurship Overcoming fear, uncertainty, and setbacks in pursuit of big goals The importance of preparation, discipline, and adaptability Bert’s advice for anyone looking to break out of their comfort zone and make money by following their passion Top 3 Takeaways Calculated risk is essential: Success comes from embracing risk, but only after thorough preparation and understanding your environment. Mindset matters: The difference between failure and success often comes down to resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Traditional skills still have value: Sometimes, the “old ways” can offer unique advantages in a modern world—don’t overlook timeless wisdom. Notable Quotes “If you’re not willing to risk the unknown, you’ll never discover what you’re truly capable of.” “Preparation is your best friend—whether you’re crossing an ocean or starting a business.” “Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger.” Connect with Bert terHart: Website: https://bertterhart.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