

Travis Makes Money
Travis Chappell
You can't save your way to your dream life anymore. The truth is, you’re gonna need to learn to make more money. The Travis Makes Money Podcast is not your typical personal finance show. Rather than shaming you for buying a Starbucks coffee or pressuring you to become a billionaire, we focus on empowering you to make more money so you can enjoy life today while preparing for your future. You don’t have to cut back so much that you miss out on the present, and you don’t need to become the next Jeff Bezos either. Hosted by veteran podcaster Travis Chappell, each daily episode features interviews with regular people just like you – yes, you – who have learned how to make more money in unique and unconventional ways. From turning side hustles into an extra six figures to building massive business empires, these conversations dive into the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and simple strategies that helped these individuals succeed. With over 1,000 podcast episodes under his belt, Travis has developed a unique ability to pull out inspiring stories and practical advice you can apply to your own financial journey that you just won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for strategies on side hustles, skill building, investing, building generational wealth, or just motivation to take your next steps, this podcast is your resource. Tune in daily for insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from some of the most successful and interesting money-makers on the planet.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2025 • 30min
Make Money Through Franchise Brands | Roger Martin
Roger Martin is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and co-founder of two national franchise brands—RockBox Fitness and Beam Light Sauna. Over 30 years, he’s built a reputation as a sales and marketing leader, C-level operator, and franchise innovator. Now CEO of RockBox, Roger’s latest venture is Thrive More Autopilot, which helps brick-and-mortar businesses generate leads, nurture prospects, and convert more strangers into paying customers.
On this episode we talk about:
Roger’s early lessons from his first job at Skippers Fish & Chips and why seeing a scarcity mindset sparked his commitment to continual self-development
The evolution from a business/marketing degree to pharmaceutical sales, climbing the ranks in corporate America and eventually shifting to entrepreneurship after losing the “joy in the work”
What it’s really like to go from corporate security to launching your own business—risks, loss of perks, and why fulfillment often trumps traditional success
The founding stories behind RockBox Fitness and Beam Light Sauna: blending fitness, music, and fun to create unique community-focused experiences and franchising them nationally
How lessons from music, martial arts, and management shaped Roger’s business philosophies
What he learned through failure—why losing in business teaches you exponentially more than success, and why you have to keep swinging for the grand slam
The importance of paying experts to accelerate your learning curve (and why you should always hire people who have already achieved what you want)
The “aha” moment driving Thrive More Autopilot: most fitness/wellness businesses stumble not on lead generation, but on actually getting leads through the door, nurturing them, and converting them to customers
Strategies for effective lead gen and sales for brick-and-mortar (and why “working your local network” and in-person community trumps all for many concepts)
How Thrive More Autopilot blends AI, automation, and real human follow-up to help small/medium businesses actually monetize their pipeline, plus mindsets and methods for non-salesy sales success
Top 3 Takeaways
Find—or Build—Work That Gives You Purpose: Corporate success without fulfillment will fizzle; pursue what lights you up, even if it’s a risk.
Real Growth Means Paying (and Learning) for Speed: Hiring legitimate experts—those who have done what you want—can shortcut years of trial and error.
Persistence Outweighs Failure: You’ll still lose plenty, but business only requires one “grand slam” to change your life. Stick with it, keep learning, and never quit.
Notable Quotes
“You always assume the grass is greener… If you don’t have joy in the work, go find something else to do.”
“You only lose if you quit. If you don’t quit, you can’t lose.”
“You learn nothing by winning—every lesson comes from when you fall on your face.”
Connect with Roger Martin:
Website: thrivemore.ai
Franchise: rockboxfitness.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

Jul 26, 2025 • 28min
Make Money by Building Investor Confidence | Andrew Reichert
Andrew Reichert is the CEO and founder of Birgo Capital, a Pittsburgh-based private equity real estate firm with $330M+ in assets under management and 3,600+ multifamily units. Having raised over $125M from investors, he oversees a team of 100+, is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Andrew embodies the first-generation entrepreneur scaling from small “no money down” deals to leading nine-figure institutional real estate investments.
On this episode we talk about:
Andrew’s beginnings: working restaurant jobs in high school, reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, and buying his first duplex straight out of college—with literally no money, no experience, and no credit
Creative real estate deals before the Great Financial Crisis: stacking first and second mortgages for $20K in cash at closing, and holding through 2008 due to conservative numbers
Growing from “house hacking” to 20 units while working at PNC Bank—then going all in on real estate entrepreneurship
The start of Birgo Capital: launching the first $10M fund (ultimately oversubscribed at $17M) by innovating deal structure and aligning incentives with investors
How he raised capital early: putting his own money in every deal, personally guaranteeing debt, and refusing management fees so all profit came from performance and carried interest
Evolving capital structures as the company grew, with bigger investors seeking more traditional private equity fee models
The “alignment of incentives” philosophy: why reputation, stewardship, and risk-sharing drive trust and investor confidence
Mindset: expecting big outcomes, focusing on stewardship, and building toward $1B in assets under management
Advice for new investors—how the right deal structure, total transparency, and performance alignment become powerful capital-raising tools
Top 3 Takeaways
Alignment of Incentives Raises Capital: Early success in raising millions comes from putting your own money on the line, personally guaranteeing loans, and only getting paid after your investors get paid—a structure that’s impossible to say no to.
From Small Deals to Big Funds: Anyone can start with “no money down”—but scaling to “big money raised” requires obsession with stewardship, track record, and structuring win-win deals for both small and large investors.
Growth Is a Mindset: Expecting and planning for outsize results is key—set big goals, focus on serving your people and your capital, and build with humility and discipline.
Notable Quotes
“Our first deal? No money, no experience, no credit—but I walked away from closing with a $20,000 check.”
“We wouldn’t make a dime unless the investment performed. Investors got paid first, then we participated in the upside. It made the decision a no-brainer for backers.”
“Larger investors want the fees and structure they’re used to. But trust still comes down to alignment and stewardship.”
“I always expected this to get big—our goal is $1B by 2030. For me, it’s about serving more investors and stewarding more assets.”
Connect with Andrew Reichert:
Company: Birgo Capital (birgo.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

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
Make Money by Standing Out in Real Estate | John Joseph
John Joseph is one of Las Vegas’s top real estate sales executives and instructors, renowned for his leadership, productivity, and high standards. As a former branch manager, he led his office to the nation’s #1 spot and, as a vice president, inspired over 2,000 agents to reach their potential. Now an author, John’s new book, 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom, delivers actionable strategies for both new and seasoned agents. With decades in the field, John brings hard-won insights into sales, discipline, and professional growth.
On this episode we talk about:
John’s path from the corporate world to real estate and how a “golden parachute” pushed him into a career based on effort and results
The challenges and opportunities facing real estate agents today, including market disruptions and commission changes
How professionalism and consistent service bridge the gap between agents and consumers in a fragmented industry
What separates the top 5% of agents from the rest—and why consistency and mindset trump raw talent
The numbers game: how sales, discipline, and relentless lead generation create outsized results
The importance of coaching, systemization, and following a proven process for new agents
Overcoming distractions in the modern sales world and focusing on high-leverage activities
The story behind 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom—how John’s daily mindset messages helped take a team from 180th to #1 in the nation
Top 3 Takeaways
Discipline Drives Success: Consistent daily actions—like contacting new leads and aggressive follow-up—are far more important than luck or natural talent.
Sales is a Mindset Game: 90% of sales success comes from attitude, discipline, and the willingness to keep going, especially when it’s hard.
Professionalism Bridges the Gap: In a fragmented industry, the agents who treat their work as a business earn more trust, more clients, and ultimately more money.
Notable Quotes
“In real estate, you get paid commensurate to your effort. Consistency—showing up every day—is what makes the difference.”
“Sales is 90% mindset, 5% skills, and 5% dumb luck.”
“If you can generate just one lead a day, that’s five a week—and real financial freedom is within reach, no matter your starting point.”
Connect with John Joseph:
Website: iSuccessTraining.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

Jul 24, 2025 • 28min
Make Money by Beating the Stock Market | Sean Tepper
Sean Tepper is the founder and CEO of Tikr, a software platform empowering everyday people to confidently invest in individual stocks. Before launching Tikr,, Sean mastered a system for generating consistent 15–50% annual returns in the stock market—with some years surpassing 100%. Today, Tikr, serves over 12,000 customers in more than 50 countries, combining technology, smart design, and a value investor’s discipline to help regular investors outperform the S&P.
On this episode we talk about:
Sean’s journey from picking strawberries and playing real-time strategy games to building a career in marketing, starting an agency, and investing in stocks
The limitations of traditional education for creative and entrepreneurial thinkers—and how gaming taught Sean more about real-world strategy and multiple income streams than school ever could
How Sean transitioned from agency work to investing, then eventually built his own SaaS business without raising outside capital
The step-by-step process that took him from Excel spreadsheet to global SaaS platform, all while bootstrapping and keeping expenses lean
Why businesses (especially SaaS) are more scalable than real estate, and how stock investing in carefully chosen companies can outpace buy-and-hold real estate strategies
Sean’s approach to value investing, using Tikr, to find and monitor 10–15 high-potential stocks at a time, and switching to index funds for wealth preservation closer to retirement
The critical importance of confidence and education for first-time investors—and why most people lose money trading instead of investing
How Tikr, works (and doesn’t touch your money), using its own green–yellow–red rating system and push notifications to signal when to buy or sell
Top 3 Takeaways
Start Where You Are, Then Leverage Up: Build skills and income with what you have—then invest in scalable businesses or stocks to create real wealth.
Invest, Don’t Trade: 99% of traders lose money; all billionaire stock-market fortunes are built through long-term investing, not day trading.
Confidence Beats Complexity: Knowledge, a clear process, and the right tools (like TKR) empower anyone—even beginners—to make smart investment decisions and outperform the averages.
Notable Quotes
“Video games actually taught me more about the real world and how to win at money than school ever did.”
“Businesses—and especially the right SaaS business—will scale astronomically higher than real estate.”
“The home run is people buying their first stock confidently. That is worth its weight in gold.”
Connect with Sean Tepper:
• • Website & App: https://www.tikr.com/ (search for TKR on iOS, Android, or web)🚀 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📉 Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 2025 • 27min
Make Money with Masculine Self-Leadership | Yousef Benhamida
Yousef Benhamida is an American inventor, entrepreneur, and investor who built a multi-million dollar business, Humboldt’s Secret Supplies, from his apartment without a degree or external investors. After losing everything, Yousef rebuilt himself through a disciplined mindset and masculine self-leadership. He now dedicates himself to helping men overcome common challenges such as breakups, burnout, and self-doubt with a no-nonsense approach to growth, fitness, life, and business. His book, $1 Million Hot Girls in a Ferrari, shares raw truths about success and attraction.
On this episode we talk about:
Yousef’s first entrepreneurial activities starting in middle school, including buying and selling items on eBay from a young age
How early hustles and lessons shaped his entrepreneurial mindset despite coming from a family with limited financial means
The brutal realities of entrepreneurship: long years of struggle, dealing with difficult people, and the persistence needed to succeed
Developing resilience, pain tolerance, and a mindset that embraces risk and uncertainty as keys to long-term success
Insights from The Hard Thing About Hard Things and how sharing the entrepreneurial struggle helped Yousef keep going
The mission and evolution of Humboldt’s Secret Supplies: creating and manufacturing efficient products for the agriculture space and other industries
The value of relationships and competence over appearances in building trust with high-level business partners
Yousef’s philosophy on managing money: continuously reinvesting, staying hungry, and avoiding complacency
Practical advice for those looking to go from a stable salary to entrepreneurship, emphasizing hard work, saving, and creating scalable businesses
The importance of investing time and effort to build your own brand and business
Fun rapid-fire insights including his love of tennis, admiration for his late father, and preferred methods of consuming information
Top 3 Takeaways
Resilience is Essential: Success requires enduring setbacks, maintaining pain tolerance, and staying willing to push through uncertainty and failure.
Competence Builds Trust: Real competence and knowledge will always open doors and command respect far more than superficial status symbols.
Reinvest to Grow: Continuous reinvestment of earned income fuels growth, sustaining hunger and momentum needed to build wealth.
Notable Quotes
“Entrepreneurship starts with looking up at the ceiling late at night, trying to figure things out because you can’t sleep.”
“The struggle is guaranteed, but success is not.”
“If you’re not constantly broke, you lose a little bit of that hunger.”
“Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems if you got some money in the bank.”
Connect with Yousef Benhamida:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousefbenhamida/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-MILLION-DOLLARS-GIRLS-FERRARI/dp/B0DBFXRBT7
🚀 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

Jul 22, 2025 • 30min
Make Money to Retire Early | Walli Miller
Walli Miller is a first-generation millionaire, financial coach, and early retiree who left her 9-to-5 before age 40. After a career in public service, Walli reached financial independence and now helps high-achieving, primarily first-generation women build wealth, create financial freedom, and design a life they love. Through her private coaching business, Walli empowers others to rewrite their money stories and achieve what once felt impossible.
On this episode we talk about:
Walli’s first job in New York City through the Summer Youth Program and what it taught her about work and money
Her transition from public service to financial independence, reaching millionaire status, and retiring early—all on a government salary
The generational impact of money mindsets, and why credit, wealth, and financial habits are “hereditary”
The “aha!” moment that changed Walli’s relationship with money and launched her journey to wealth
How she used tax-advantaged accounts, intentional saving, and mindset shifts to build seven figures in her stock portfolio
The importance of automating savings, increasing investments gradually, and eliminating mindless spending
The difference between math and mindset: why 80% of financial success is mental and emotional
Her path from unpaid coaching to a thriving coaching business—helping others, especially women and people of color, break cycles and become work-optional
The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and what it looks like to be “work optional”
Top 3 Takeaways
Financial independence is possible without a massive salary—strategic saving, investing, and automation can build real wealth.
Money stories and mindsets inherited from childhood play a huge role in our financial behaviors; changing the narrative is key to breaking cycles.
Achieving “work optional” status isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality, paying your future self first, and living aligned with your values.
Notable Quotes
“I thought wealth was for somebody in a velvet robe, not for federal employees earning $100,000.”
“I realized after years of coaching that about 15% is numbers and 85% is mindset and relationships.”
“Paying your future self first—before you spend on anything else—is the most powerful habit for building freedom.”
Connect with Walli Miller:
Website: financiallythriving.com
https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/?hl=en
🚀 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

Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
Make Money by Improving the Medical Industry | Dr. Erin Nance
Dr. Erin Nance is a board-certified surgeon, multimedia powerhouse, and serial entrepreneur working at the evolving intersection of medicine, media, and technology. Running a thriving hand surgery private practice in New York City, she’s also the founder of Fuel Better Health (the first health-focused social media platform), host of The Medical Detectives podcast (top 0.5% globally), and a top 1% TikTok creator. With a six-figure book deal and television projects in development, Dr. Nance is reshaping how trusted health information is shared and accessed—while challenging the status quo for doctors, patients, and entrepreneurs alike.
On this episode we talk about:
Dr. Nance’s path from family of doctors to launching a solo hand surgery practice in New York City when her initial job offer was rescinded
The surprising decline of entrepreneurial doctors: from most physicians owning their practice to 70% now being hospital or private-equity employed
The hurdles of starting a practice as a new surgeon—upfront costs, lack of business loans, long payment cycles, and the reality of malpractice insurance
Why so few doctors choose entrepreneurship today, and the cost-prohibitive system facing new graduates with high student debt
The shift in healthcare economics—the managed care trade-off, insurance company dominance, and a 30%+ drop in physician reimbursements in 25 years
How out-of-network and direct-pay models put ownership and care control back in the hands of doctors (and patients), and what it takes to build a brand patients will come to on their own
The persistent crisis of medical access, transparency, and patient navigation in the insurance/healthcare system
Dr. Nance’s drive to create platforms (like Fuel Better Health) and high-impact media to combat health misinformation and connect patients with credible resources and each other
Her viral content journey—why millions of people seek out authentic, expert medical stories online, and the urgent threat of unvetted health advice
Top 3 Takeaways
Entrepreneurship in Medicine is Scarce—but Needed: The modern healthcare landscape makes it nearly impossible for most young doctors to start their own practice, but those who do gain freedom, direct patient impact, and unique influence.
Insurance Has Severely Undermined Physician Autonomy: Managed care and fee setting mean less pay for physicians, rushed care for patients, and increasingly complex financial/conflict barriers for all.
Credible Health Content & Communities are Critical: The future of health information is expert-driven digital platforms—empowering patients with trustworthy resources and community, not algorithmic misinformation.
Notable Quotes
“I was only one out of 750 orthopedic surgeons to start their own practice straight out of fellowship.”
“Now, 70% of all physicians are employed by either a hospital system or a private equity group.”
“For physicians over the past 25 years, reimbursement for the same procedure has decreased by 30%.”
“Medical misinformation is probably the most dangerous public health threat we’re facing as a society.”
Connect with Dr. Erin Nance:
TikTok: @littlemisdiagnosed
Practice: NanceMD.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

Jul 20, 2025 • 25min
Make Money with Strategic Planning | James Turk
James Turk is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and CEO of The Turk Group—a boutique learning and development firm with over 25 years of experience. James designs and delivers leadership, sales, change management, and strategic planning programs for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Spotify, Squarespace, Goldman Sachs, and Equinox. His approach blends a strong foundation in service, life-long learning, and real-world business experience to help leaders become the kind of people others truly want to follow.
On this episode we talk about:
How James made his first dollar (and learned his first ethical lesson!) selling his sister’s belongings—and then launched a legitimate lawn care business as a teenager
The value of learning to hustle early, earning the “extras” in life through work and responsibility
The importance of thoughtful spending—knowing when to invest and when to enjoy spending for its own sake
Why James self-published his book, The Giving Game: Becoming the Leader That Others Want to Follow, and the lessons learned creating a quality product
How being of service and adding value shaped his coaching and leadership development philosophy
The unique art-meets-business history that shaped James’ style, from running a Chicago gallery to acting and performance
His advice to parents and entrepreneurs about instilling hustle, grit, and sound financial values
Building a referral-based business with high-profile clients and why relationships and service are more powerful than marketing budgets
The power of events, comped workshops, and "connector" strategy to maintain long-term business relationships
How B2C and B2B strategies can reinforce each other, and why giving to your network always pays dividends over time
James’ book and free resources for new leaders navigating their first 45 days
Top 3 Takeaways
Service Drives Success: Approach business and leadership as a “giving game,” not just a guessing game—when you focus on adding value, relationships and opportunities follow.
Relationships > Marketing: Doing high-quality work and maintaining great relationships opens doors (and doors within doors). Consistently show up, serve, and keep your word.
Be a Connector, Build Community: Hosting events, sharing knowledge, and connecting others multiplies your value and helps you stay top of mind in your network.
Notable Quotes
“The show is about making more money, but it’s also about building real relationships and adding value—that’s the real long game.”
“Make yourself easy to work with, keep your quality high, and focus on service; good things will follow.”
“Every interaction is an opportunity to build your network and your reputation as someone who gives, not just takes.”
Connect with James Turk:
Website: theturkgroup.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

Jul 19, 2025 • 30min
Make Money by Scaling and Exiting Businesses | Stephen Scoggins
Stephen Scoggins is a serial entrepreneur, author, coach, and host of the Build podcast. Having once started his business while sleeping in his car, Stephen built his construction company from the ground up and successfully exited in late 2023, selling at just under nine figures. Now, he invests in other entrepreneurs, mentors high-performing founders, and speaks across stages nationwide, sharing practical wisdom on scaling, exits, and personal transformation.
On this episode we talk about:
How Stephen went from homelessness to building and selling a near nine-figure company
The lessons learned from exiting a business: why you should always build as if you plan to sell—even if you never do
What buyers really want: systems, predictable cash flow, culture, and efficient operations
The importance of restructuring, optimizing, and “going back through with a fine-tooth comb” before an exit
Stephen’s new focus on family office investing, real estate, equity stakes, and founder mentorship
Why a year-long entrepreneur “test period” is Stephen’s preferred way to find investible founders
The five hidden enemies of entrepreneurs—impatience, arrogance, ignorance, fear, and insecurity—and how conquering them changes the game
How to discern between arrogance and confidence, and how confidence comes from consistency, not credentials
Tips on hiring for executive roles, including how to vet candidates even if they’re smarter or more credentialed than you
The value of coaching and mentorship at every stage—even after an exit
Practical steps for employees and early-stage entrepreneurs to identify their superpowers, solve real problems, and launch a business with little capital
Top 3 Takeaways
Build to Sell, Even If You Don’t: Always design your business with predictable systems, clear financials, and a scalable team—whether or not you ever plan to exit.
Self-Awareness is the Real Secret: The most dangerous enemies in business are internal—impatience, fear, arrogance, ignorance, and insecurity. Master yourself to master your business.
Mentorship Multiplies Success and Saves Pain: Investing in coaches and mentors is the cheapest and most powerful way to accelerate growth and avoid costly mistakes.
Notable Quotes
“If you’ll focus on building as if you’re going to sell, you’ll end up with the kind of company buyers—and you—actually want.”
“Arrogance is self-seeking. Humble confidence comes from serving others and showing up with consistency.”
“Most of my painful lessons, including losing over a million dollars to embezzlement, could have been avoided by listening to my mentors sooner.”
Connect with Stephen Scoggins:
Website: stephenscoggins.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

Jul 18, 2025 • 29min
Make Money by Reclaiming Your Time | Kristen Graham
Kirsten Graham is a virtual assistant (VA) and outsourcing expert who helps business owners reclaim their time, boost productivity, and scale smart—primarily through leveraging overseas talent. With a background in real estate, mortgages, and entrepreneurship, Kirsten is passionate about teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to delegate low-value tasks, streamline their operations, and focus on high-impact activities. As co-founder of Six Figure Business Coaching, she helps her clients move from invisibility to visibility through video marketing, podcast guesting, and skilled virtual support.
On this episode we talk about:
Kirsten’s first dollar earned through babysitting and her early journey into entrepreneurship
Moving from real estate and mortgage to running a business that connects clients with remote talent worldwide
Why hiring VAs for $6–$8 an hour can transform a business’s profitability and owner’s freedom
The importance of hiring for very specific tasks rather than seeking a “unicorn” VA who does everything
How treating remote team members with respect, paid time off, and long-term opportunities leads to retention and success
The step-by-step model her company uses: interviewing, hiring, vetting, and training VAs for real estate, coaches, and service businesses
Business models in the VA/outsource space: agency-style vs. direct-hire, margin differences, scalability, and how to choose a right-fit path
The power of niching down (e.g., offering HighLevel-trained VAs or bookkeeping-specific VAs) and how to grow from a narrow offer
Integrating AI: how today’s VAs must be AI-fluent and how business owners can multiply efficiency by combining VAs and automation
Why “boring” service businesses—like bookkeeping, HVAC, plumbing—are among the most reliable, profitable, and least likely to be automated by AI
Buying, not just starting, a business: opportunities in acquiring already-running companies and upgrading them through outsourcing and systems
Top 3 Takeaways
Outsource for Freedom and Profit: Move all $6–$8/hour tasks off your plate; focus on what grows your business, not what just keeps it running.
Niche, Train, and Systematize: Specialize your offer (e.g., marketing VAs, bookkeeping VAs, software-specific VAs) and use robust SOPs and ongoing training for client satisfaction and scale.
Combine Talent, AI, and Acquisition: The biggest wins come from integrating skilled remote talent with AI-powered automations—whether you’re starting from scratch or buying a business to modernize.
Notable Quotes
“If you’re doing a $6 an hour task, you’re doing it wrong. You should have someone else doing those tasks for you.”
“It’s easier to hire someone and keep them for years than to constantly replace people. Treat your VAs well—they’re your team.”
“Boring, unsexy businesses—like HVAC, bookkeeping, auto repair—are not going to be replaced by AI anytime soon, but they’re always going to be profitable and needed.”
Connect with Kirsten Graham:
Website: sixfigurebusinesscoaching.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


