Travis Makes Money

Dave Garrison joins Travis on this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast. Dave is a renowned leadership strategist with over 25 years of experience as a CEO, strategic advisor, and independent board member for both public and private companies, including Ameritrade. He is the co-founder of Garrison Growth, a firm dedicated to helping organizations—from startups to major corporations—unlock the full potential of their teams. Dave recently authored The Buy-In Advantage, a book focused on inspiring employees to care deeply and perform at their best. His unique blend of high-level strategic insight and hands-on leadership experience makes him a compelling voice on building successful, people-driven businesses. On this episode we talk about: Dave’s first money-making experience as a newspaper delivery boy and the lessons it taught him about persistence and cash flow. The value of early, high-volume, people-facing jobs in developing communication and life skills. How parenting styles and financial education at home shape children’s future relationship with money. Dave’s unconventional career path, including his decision to take a sales job after earning an MBA from Harvard, and what he learned from both experiences. The mindset shift from “having the answers” to “asking the right questions” as a leader, and why this is crucial for organizational buy-in and growth. How generational differences (especially Gen Z) and post-pandemic shifts are changing what employees want from work—and what leaders must do to adapt. Practical frameworks from The Buy-In Advantage for drama-free problem solving and building collective genius within teams. Top 3 Takeaways The best leaders don’t just give answers—they ask better questions to develop decision-making muscles in their teams, fostering buy-in and long-term growth. True organizational success comes from aligning people’s work with a sense of purpose and shared values, not just focusing on the bottom line. Creating a culture where everyone’s input is valued leads to smarter decisions and greater results than any one leader could achieve alone. Notable Quotes “Managers tell and leaders listen. One of the myths of leadership is thinking we have the answer, when in fact our job is to prepare people for change by helping them think.” “All of us are smarter than any of us. That’s how you get the best thinking—by including everyone in the process.” “If time and money were unlimited, what would your ideal life look like? My joy—and my success—comes from helping others achieve results they didn’t think were possible.” Connect with Dave Garrison: https://garrisongrowth.com/ Book: The Buy-In Advantage (available wherever books are sold) 🚀 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

Bronson Hill is a leading expert in passive income and wealth psychology, known for his ability to break down the habits and strategies of the ultra-wealthy. As the founder and CEO of Bronson Equity and host of the Mailbox Money Show, Bronson has interviewed over 2,500 millionaires, uncovering the mindsets and investment tactics that separate everyday earners from those who achieve true financial freedom. A former medical sales professional, Bronson walked away from a high-paying career to pursue passive income, scaling his wealth 20X in just a few years. He’s a general partner in 2,500 multifamily units worth over $250M and has personally raised over $45M for real estate and private equity deals. Bronson’s unique perspective comes from both his humble beginnings and his relentless focus on mindset, making him a sought-after keynote speaker and author. On this episode we talk about: – The mindset shift that helped Bronson 20X his net worth – Lessons from interviewing over 2,500 millionaires – Why “wealth-worthiness” is the hidden key to financial success – How the ultra-wealthy invest differently (and why “alternative assets” aren’t so alternative) – Actionable strategies to build confidence and take your first steps toward passive income Top 3 Takeaways 1. Mindset is everything: The right psychology and self-talk are foundational to building wealth. Most people stay broke because they never develop a sense of “wealth-worthiness”—the belief that they deserve and are capable of financial success. 2. Surround yourself with the right people: Who you spend time with determines your financial future. Learning from mentors and modeling the habits of successful investors can accelerate your growth. 3. Take action despite fear: Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about acting in the face of fear. Start small, celebrate wins, and use setbacks as data for growth. Notable Quotes “Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Small wins, big lessons, and relentless action—love this breakdown.” “Make yourself valuable to valuable people.” “Being wealthy is not about having money or not having money. It’s the habits and the person you become.” Connect with Bronson Hill: BronsonEquity.com Instagram: @bronsondavidhill Mailbox Money Show: Available on all major podcast platforms 🚀 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

Alexander Harmsen is a serial tech entrepreneur with a passion for AI, finance, and autonomy. He is the founder of PortfolioPilot.com, an AI-powered financial adviser platform managing over $30 billion in assets. Previously, Alexander founded and sold Iris Automation, contributed to NASA’s Mars helicopter project, and completed the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator. With over $30 million raised in venture capital and a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, Alexander’s journey is a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and adapting to new opportunities. On this episode we talk about: – Alexander’s first entrepreneurial hustle as a newspaper delivery boy and the lessons learned about persistence and customer service – The journey from working at cutting-edge startups and NASA to founding Iris Automation – The regulatory and technical challenges of launching a deep-tech company in the drone industry – The importance of flexibility and pivoting in entrepreneurship, with real-world examples from Iris Automation and Portfolio Pilot – How AI is transforming personal finance and why Alexander believes everyone will soon have a network of AI “coaches” Top 3 Takeaways 1. Persistence and relentless follow-up open doors—whether it’s landing your first job or closing your first contract. 2. Success in entrepreneurship often comes from being willing to pivot, adapt, and even start from scratch when the market demands it. 3. The future of expert advice is personalized AI “coaches” that optimize every aspect of your life, from fitness to finance. Notable Quotes – "The only way to be successful is to just not die... your startup only stops once you give up on the idea." – "Sometimes the packaging is all the difference—what people really want solved might not be what you set out to solve." – "You need to be willing to pivot and react and change... that's the main key to success." Connect with Alexander Harmsen: – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen – Website: PortfolioPilot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek Hales is the founder and editor-in-chief of NapLab, a leading platform for mattress reviews and sleep product testing. With over a decade of experience and more than 410 mattresses tested, Derek has become a trusted authority in the sleep industry. What sets him apart is his commitment to objective, data-driven testing and his ability to distill complex information into accessible, actionable advice for consumers. Derek’s entrepreneurial journey began with humble odd jobs and evolved into building a thriving business that helps people make better sleep decisions. On this episode we talk about: – How Derek transitioned from digital marketing to mattress testing and reviews – The evolution of NapLab from a personal project to a leading review site – Strategies for building organic traffic and standing out in a crowded content market – The impact of AI and changing SEO trends on content businesses – Actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start review-based businesses Top 3 Takeaways 1. Hyperfocus on one niche allows small creators to compete with large publishers—become the definitive source for your chosen category. 2. High-quality, in-depth, and authentic content is essential to gain trust and organic traffic in competitive markets. 3. Monetization through referral links works best in high-ticket categories, but creators should consider multiple revenue streams based on their niche. Notable Quotes – "Be a master of one thing as opposed to jack of all trades. We want to make sure that there is no doubt that we are the definitive, singular, ultimate source for all things mattresses." – "If you are someone doing reviews, doing tests, creating this type of content on the internet, you have to keep up with that continual improvement in quality." – "Take the things that you know, package them into a format that is accessible and in-depth and authentic and understandable for your readers and viewers, and present that." Check Out Derek Hales' Work: Website: naplab.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

Marcus Musa Norman is a dynamic serial entrepreneur, podcast host, and U.S. Navy veteran who brings a unique blend of discipline, innovation, and passion to every venture he touches. Hailing from St. Croix in the Caribbean and now based in Virginia Beach, Marcus is the co-owner and operations manager of Lifeologie Counseling Hampton Roads, a rapidly growing mental health franchise. He is also the voice behind the Gentleman Style Podcast, where he interviews experts on unconventional paths to wealth and personal growth. With a background that spans real estate, cannabis dispensaries, and ATM businesses, Marcus’s journey from military service to business leadership offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs147. On this episode we talk about: – How Marcus made his first dollar as a 10-year-old grocery store bagger and his most recent dollar as a mental health franchise owner – The transition from starting businesses from scratch to buying into a franchise model – The unique challenges and opportunities in the mental health industry, including scaling a new franchise and expanding into prescription management – Marcus’s diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including real estate, ATM portfolios, and cannabis dispensaries with cutting-edge technology – The power of podcasting as a platform for learning, networking, and uncovering alternative investment strategies Top 3 Takeaways 1. Diversify your income streams: Marcus’s journey shows that building wealth often means exploring multiple business models—from real estate and cannabis to mental health franchises—rather than relying solely on traditional investments. 2. Leverage your background and network: Skills honed in the military, such as leadership and adaptability, can be powerful assets in entrepreneurship. Strategic networking—like connecting with franchise brokers—can open doors to new opportunities. 3. Education and intentionality are key: Whether investing in alternative assets or starting a business, continuous learning and a clear plan are essential. Don’t just avoid 401(k)s or traditional paths—educate yourself and act with purpose. Notable Quotes “If you help enough people, people will pay you for it.” “The money is better served in our hands as long as we educate ourselves and become more financially literate.” “Sink your teeth into something that you’re passionate about. At the end of the day, it’s still going to rise and fall based on your ability to make it rise or fall.” 🚀 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

David Schafran is a serial entrepreneur, dancer, and passionate advocate for empowering others through embodied experiences. After co-founding a global healthcare company that helped over 5 million people in 130+ countries, David burned out and radically changed his life by immersing himself in salsa dancing in Medellín, Colombia. Now, he runs Somoloco, a six-figure dance immersion company that blends experiential wellness, cultural deep dives, and dance education. David’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion, embracing vulnerability, and building community through movement. On this episode we talk about: – David’s early work experiences and entrepreneurial journey – The founding and global impact of his first healthcare tech company – Burnout, emotional health, and the decision to leave it all behind – Discovering salsa dancing and its transformative power – Building Somoloco and monetizing a passion for dance – The mental health and community benefits of embodied practices – Overcoming cultural and personal barriers to self-expression Top 3 Takeaways 1. Following your authentic passion—even if it means making a radical change—can lead to both personal fulfillment and business success. 2. Dance and other embodied practices are powerful tools for improving mental health, combating loneliness, and building community. 3. Joy and connection are intentional practices; investing in your emotional well-being is as important as financial success. Notable Quotes – “Joy is a commitment, it’s an intention—it’s something that they intentionally practice through things like salsa.” – “Dance is really like a profound experience if you are feeling distant or lonely... it’s part of being human.” – “You don’t need to be a Latino or a professional dancer—the art is the feeling of it. You can literally just go and do it.” Connect with David Schafran: Website: somoloco.com Instagram: @dancesomoloco 🚀 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

Devan Gonzalez is a mindset-driven entrepreneur, CEO of Strive 111 Fitness, host of the Mindset Cafe podcast, and best-selling author of Money Muscle Mindset: The Underground Playbook for Aspiring Gym Owners. As a leader and franchise visionary in the fitness industry, Devan has transformed Strive 111 Fitness into a thriving brand, helping aspiring gym owners turn their passion into profitable businesses. His journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of mindset, inspiring countless entrepreneurs to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. On this episode we talk about: – Devan’s entrepreneurial journey—from selling t-shirts in high school to launching a fitness franchise – The decision-making process behind scaling Strive 111 Fitness through franchising – Upsides and downsides of the fitness industry, and how to stand out in a saturated market – The financial realities and risks of gym ownership – Building a differentiated gym model and offer structure for profitability – Essential skills for moving from personal trainer to business owner – Balancing entrepreneurship with family and personal life – Actionable advice for aspiring gym owners and trainers Top 3 Takeaways – Niche Down, But Build a Baseline First: Success in the fitness industry comes from first establishing a broad client base before niching down to your ideal clientele. This approach ensures steady revenue and adaptability in a crowded market. – Differentiate Your Offer: Don’t copy big box gym models—create a unique value proposition, such as Strive 111’s no-class-time, bootcamp-style system, and personalized training modifications to stand out and command higher membership fees. – Entrepreneurship Demands Sacrifice and Adaptability: Building a business requires relentless work and the ability to adapt to challenges. True success is about managing your time, delegating, and ensuring you don’t sacrifice family for ambition. Notable Quotes – “Starting any business is difficult. Creating extraordinary income for yourself is simple, but it’s not easy. If you don’t have some sort of desire or inner purpose, the first sign of an obstacle pops up and you’re done.” – “You have to know what your gym is and what value you bring to the market. For us, it was exclusivity and a personal trainer-style workout at a group price.” – “You’re not going to have the social life you think you’re going to have becoming an entrepreneur. You’re trading a 9-to-5 for a 24/7.” Connect with Devan Gonzalez: – https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez 🚀 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

Alex Strathdee is the founder of Shelf Life, a company he started at age 22 to fix the scam-filled book marketing world. Now 28, Alex leads a team of 17 from San Diego, generating over $1 million a year and working with top authors like Dan Heath, Nir Eyal, Lewis Howes, Reid Hoffman, and Carrie Bentley. After leaving a six-figure software job, Alex built Shelf Life into a go-to resource for authors seeking real results in book marketing. His unique journey, tech-forward approach, and deep understanding of both the publishing and marketing landscapes make him a standout guest for anyone interested in turning books into a thriving business. On this episode we talk about: How Alex started Shelf Life and transitioned from a six-figure tech job to entrepreneurship The biggest challenges authors face in selling books after publishing The evolution and current state of Amazon ads for book marketing Leveraging podcasts as a powerful business development and networking tool Creative strategies for landing high-profile clients and building credibility in a crowded market Actionable book marketing tactics, including giving away free copies and building authentic relationships with readers The importance of audiobooks and trends in book consumption Why authors should focus on genuine marketing over vanity metrics like “bestseller” status Top 3 Takeaways Podcasting is a Trojan horse for business development: Hosting a podcast enabled Alex to build relationships with top authors, land major clients, and learn from industry leaders—all while growing his business organically. Give value before asking for value: Offering free copies of a book to the right audience can turn readers into fans and generate authentic reviews, which is far more effective than focusing on paid bestseller campaigns or cold outreach. Tech-forward thinking wins: Understanding technology—even at a basic level—helps entrepreneurs move faster, automate processes, and stay ahead of less agile competitors in marketing and publishing. Notable Quotes "It's way easier to get someone to come on and talk to you for 30-60 minutes during an interview than it is to be like, 'Hey, can I talk to you about marketing my books?'" "A book from a no-name author is an undifferentiated product from someone with no reputation. You're not just asking for their money, you're asking for their time." "The second you learn how to do something, you need to learn how not to do it—that's how you grow and scale." Connect with Alex Strathdee: Website: https://getshelflife.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mosheh Oinounou is an Emmy, Murrow, and Webby Award-winning executive producer with a distinguished career leading teams at Fox News, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, and CBS. In 2020, he launched Mo News, a platform dedicated to delivering verified, balanced news without the sensationalism or heavy-handed opinion that dominates much of today’s media. Mosheh’s unique approach has quickly built a highly engaged following on Instagram, a successful podcast, and a newsletter—making him a trusted source for straightforward news in an era of polarized coverage. On this episode we talk about: The origins and rapid growth of Mo News, from an Instagram account for friends and family to a leading independent news platform Why traditional media has become so sensationalized and the incentives driving negative, polarizing headlines The challenges and opportunities of building a media business focused on trust, context, and nuance rather than clickbait The impact of corporate ownership and advertising (including pharmaceutical ads) on news coverage and public trust How younger audiences are shifting away from legacy media and supporting independent, subscription-based news sources The importance of critical thinking, context, and empathy in consuming and sharing news today Top 3 Takeaways Build for Trust, Not Clicks: Success in media (and business) can come from focusing on what your audience truly wants—reliable, unbiased information—even if it means slower growth compared to sensationalized competitors. Monetization Follows Value: By solving a real problem for his audience (curating trustworthy news), Mosheh was able to organically grow Mo News and monetize through sponsorships and subscriptions, proving that quality content can be sustainable. Context Is Everything: In a world of viral clips and algorithmic echo chambers, providing context and resisting the urge to oversimplify or polarize is crucial for building credibility and helping audiences make informed decisions. Connect with Mosheh Oinounou: https://mo.news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit GoHighLevel.com/Travis to try the ultimate all-in-one CRM platform. Jason Brown is a self-made millionaire, stock market expert, and founder of a leading online education platform for traders. Growing up in Detroit in challenging circumstances, Jason’s journey from selling candy at school to making $400,000 in a single trade is a testament to his resilience and financial acumen. He’s not just a trader—he’s an educator, author of The 5-Year Millionaire, and a powerful advocate for financial empowerment, especially for those starting with little. On this episode we talk about: Jason’s first entrepreneurial hustle selling candy in school and his evolution into a top options trader Breaking down the basics: stocks, options, futures, and shorts—explained with real-life analogies How Jason turned $2,000 in graduation money into a six-figure trading account, lost it all, and made it back The mindset and tenacity needed to break generational cycles and turn disadvantages into advantages Practical advice for parents on exposing kids to financial literacy and building generational wealth Top 3 Takeaways Your disadvantage can be your advantage: Jason’s story shows that challenging circumstances can fuel ambition and creativity, leading to unique paths for success. Financial education is accessible: With the right mindset and education, anyone can learn to trade stocks and options—no finance degree required. Exposure and accountability matter: Early exposure to positive financial habits and environments, plus having someone who cares, can change the trajectory for the next generation. Connect with Jason Brown: https://thebrownreport.com/ Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridgeRobin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices