Travis Makes Money

Justin Goodbread is a multiple-time bestselling author who has sold millions of books, built and exited seven companies ranging from seven to nine figures, and helped countless business owners scale and sell their businesses. Raised by parents who made a conscious decision to change their family’s legacy, Justin learned early that entrepreneurship and responsibility go hand in hand. Today, he’s on a mission to teach others the frameworks and principles that can transform not just their income—but their entire family’s future. On this episode we talk about: – How Justin made his first dollar by mowing lawns after his dad gave him a week to find a job (with strict rules) – The radical decision his parents made to break cycles of dysfunction and raise their kids to be business owners – The power of “deciding” versus just choosing, and how that mindset shift changed the Goodbread family for generations – Lessons from homeschooling before it was mainstream, and being immersed in adult thinking, business, and personal development from a young age – The financial principles Justin’s parents taught—giving, saving, investing, and reinvesting in yourself and your business – Justin’s journey from landscaping to consulting, insurance, media, and financial advisory, and how he built and sold multiple companies – Why business frameworks work across every industry, and how Justin’s Deca Millionaire Way has helped him and others succeed in even saturated spaces – The impact of attitude, integrity, and showing up—how opportunity follows those who do the work with a smile – Where the biggest opportunities are right now (hint: AI and helping businesses adapt to new technology) – Why you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to succeed—copy, adapt, and excel in proven business models Top 3 Takeaways 1. Decide, Don’t Just Choose: True transformation comes from a decision to cut away all other options and commit fully to changing your family’s legacy. 2. Frameworks Over Fads: Business principles and frameworks work across industries—focus on mastering the basics and applying them consistently. 3. Opportunity is Everywhere: In today’s world, it’s never been easier to make money—but only if you can focus, avoid distractions, and solve real problems for others. Notable Quotes – “You can always make more money for yourself by working for yourself and taking responsibility than you can working for the man.” – “Business is business across every service, retail, and manufacturing industry. There’s a framework anyone can use to create generational wealth.” – “If a country boy born and raised on a dirt road can figure this out, anybody can.” Connect with Justin Goodbread: – Website: justingoodbread.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

Rob Finlay is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and commercial real estate investor who has built and sold four companies and started over 15 ventures. As a father of four, sought-after speaker, and mentor, Rob is known for his forward-thinking solutions, strategic insights, and dedication to education. His latest book, Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned But Didn’t, hit the WSJ bestseller list in its first week. Rob’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and building businesses that solve real problems. On this episode we talk about: – Rob’s first entrepreneurial leap—mortgaging everything at 29 to start his first company while supporting a young family – The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, from failures to the surprising challenges of a successful exit – Why “passive income” is often a myth and the real work required to build and sustain a business – The difference between true entrepreneurs and “wantrepreneurs”—and why sweat equity beats throwing money at problems – How Rob built multiple businesses by focusing on a single niche (commercial real estate) and evolving solutions for the same customer base – The power of prioritization, constraint, and solving your own problems as a founder – Trends and opportunities in commercial real estate, especially in the current high-interest rate environment – The two levers for making money in real estate: optimizing the asset and mastering the debt – Why Rob wrote Hey Dad, the lessons he wants to pass on to his kids, and the surprising overlap between business and parenting – The realities of traditional publishing, book marketing, and why writing a book is more about impact than income Top 3 Takeaways 1. Solve Real Problems in a Niche: Sustainable success comes from deeply understanding your customer and evolving your solutions as their needs change—not chasing every new trend. 2. Sweat Equity Beats Easy Money: Throwing money at problems rarely works; the real magic happens when you’re forced to get creative and build systems from the ground up. 3. Legacy is More Than Money: The lessons you pass on—about resilience, networking, and being a good human—matter as much as financial success. Notable Quotes – “Your business is what defines you. When you sell it, you have to redefine yourself—and that’s a whole new challenge.” – “Passive income is a pipe dream for most people. The real work is in building the business, not just throwing money at it.” – “If you’re not going to do a good job—if you don’t really care—find something else. Don’t just write a book to write a book.” Connect with Rob Finlay: – Website: robfinlay.com – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjfinlay/ 🚀 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. Elia Gourgouris—known as America’s Happiness Doctor—is a positive psychology expert, executive coach, and bestselling author of Seven Paths to Lasting Happiness. Through his books, keynotes, and coaching, Dr. Elia has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve happiness and success in their personal and professional lives. He’s also the founder of The Kindness Factor International, a movement and soon-to-be film inspiring global acts of kindness. On this episode we talk about: Dr. Elia’s journey from driving a taxi to pay for college to becoming a leading happiness expert The difference between being “nice” and being truly kind—and why kindness is a superpower for happiness How money relates to happiness: the threshold effect, survival mode, and why abundance is about mindset, not just bank balance Unlearning limiting beliefs about money and success, especially for those with religious or cultural programming The power of gratitude in adversity and why self-forgiveness is a cornerstone of lasting happiness Practical exercises for self-forgiveness and breaking free from the weight of past mistakes How internal self-talk shapes identity and why treating yourself with compassion changes everything The dangers of scarcity thinking—even for those who “have enough”—and how to cultivate abundance and peace Dr. Elia’s upcoming film project on kindness and his mission to inspire a global movement Top 3 Takeaways Money Buys Freedom, Not Happiness: Once your basic needs are met, more money doesn’t make you happier—happiness is an inside job, built on gratitude, kindness, and self-acceptance. Self-Forgiveness Sets You Free: Carrying guilt and self-criticism is like wearing a backpack full of rocks. Forgiveness—especially for yourself—is the key to emotional freedom and lasting happiness. Don’t Procrastinate Your Happiness: Stop waiting for the next milestone to be happy. Life is precious—choose happiness and kindness now, not “when” you achieve something. Notable Quotes “Money is not the enemy. Money equals freedom—not the love of money, but money itself is necessary in this world.” “Happiness is a choice, but it’s also a skill set.” “Forgiveness is freedom. The ultimate act of self-compassion is to forgive ourselves.” Connect with Dr. Elia Gourgouris: Website: https://www.dreliagourgouris.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

Amanda Northcutt is a six-time executive with 22 years of experience in consulting, startups, and marketing strategy. After leaving a high-paying Silicon Valley role, Amanda saw a gap: creators and subject matter experts with massive potential, but lacking the CEO-level operational expertise needed to scale. As co-founder and CEO of Level Up Creators and Level Up Creator School, Amanda now helps coaches and consultants build boutique, high-impact businesses that generate recurring revenue and generational wealth. On this episode we talk about: Amanda’s journey from Silicon Valley to creator consulting—and why she left the tech world on her own terms The mission of Level Up Creators: helping experts and executives turn decades of business experience into thriving consulting and coaching firms Why most creators and consultants struggle with operations, productization, and scaling—and how Amanda’s team bridges that gap The ideal client profile: business experts (typically 40–60 years old) seeking legacy, impact, and a business they love for the next decade How to productize services, escape the “time-for-money” trap, and build a business that fits your life goals The importance of targeting painful, pervasive, urgent, and expensive problems for a specific audience How to stand out in a saturated market by developing a proprietary methodology and building deep trust with your audience Why high-ticket, high-touch, low-volume offers are the fastest path to impact and income for most experts The power of partner marketing, niche podcast guesting, and relationship-based lead generation How to structure partnerships and collaborations for maximum leverage and mutual benefit The mindset shift required to start over in a new field and build credibility from scratch Top 3 Takeaways Productize and Specialize: Focus on solving urgent, expensive problems for a specific audience with a clear, proprietary methodology—don’t try to be everything to everyone. Go High-Ticket First: Start with high-touch, high-value offers before expanding into lower-ticket products or communities; this maximizes your impact and income with fewer clients. Leverage Partnerships and Niche Media: Build relationships with peers, pursue partner marketing, and guest on niche podcasts to reach your ideal clients—don’t chase only the biggest platforms. Notable Quotes “If you’re selling vitamins instead of Vicodin, you are not going to make sales—especially in a tough economy.” “You should be spending 80% of your time on only the highest-leverage activities in your business.” “The most successful people are willing to humble themselves and start over in a new field—they don’t care about losing status, they just want to do the work.” Connect with Amanda Northcutt: Website: welevelupcreators.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

In this Travis Makes Friends episode, host Travis Chappell sits down in NYC with rising comic Sean Millea, known for his viral Instagram sketches. They dive into how Family Guy and Louis C.K. shaped Sean’s comedy, the truth about scripted vs. off-the-cuff humor, and how going viral isn’t as glamorous as it seems. If you’re grinding in the content world or just love comedy — this one’s got raw insights, fast laughs, and uncomfortable truths. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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