Travis Makes Money

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

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

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

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

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

Shamina Taylor is an attorney turned wealth expert, business mentor, author, and speaker who helps high-achieving women elevate their lives and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Shamina has guided hundreds of clients to build successful businesses both online and offline. Her top clients earn up to $100,000 a month and have crossed the million-dollar revenue mark. Shamina’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unlocking abundance—she built her own business to $1 million in just 10 months and now mentors Grammy-winning celebrities and industry leaders.On this episode we talk about:– Shamina’s journey from selling chips as a kid in Canada to becoming a successful attorney and, ultimately, a sought-after wealth coach– The pivotal yoga mat moment that sparked her transformation from high-performing attorney to spiritual entrepreneur– How trauma, emotional blocks, and “ice queen” tendencies can hold back high achievers—especially women—from true wealth and fulfillment– The practical steps and mindset shifts needed to transition from a stable career to entrepreneurship, even when starting from zero– Building an audience and launching her first online course, including the strategies that led to her first sales– The importance of investing in yourself and why every dollar spent on personal growth is a bet on your own success– Understanding core money wounds—unworthiness, abandonment, betrayal—and how they show up in business and income– The power of feminine energy in receiving wealth and why mindset is the key to breaking income ceilingsTop 3 Takeaways1. Mindset is Everything: Your beliefs about money, self-worth, and abundance directly impact your ability to earn and keep wealth. Shifting your mindset can unlock new levels of success.2. Invest in Yourself: Treat every investment in coaching, courses, or mentorship as tuition for your future. Even “bad” investments teach valuable lessons and build self-belief.3. Be, Then Do, Then Have: True wealth comes from embodying your highest, most authentic self first—then taking action, and finally reaping the rewards.Notable Quotes– “Money doesn’t change who you are right now. You have to be the wealthy, happiest version of yourself first.”– “If you don’t look at your bank account—even when it hurts—you’re giving money power over you. You need to have power over money.” –“Every bet that I make on myself is another belief notch in my belt to say that I’m going to figure this out—it’s just a matter of time.”Connect with Shamina Taylor:– Instagram: @shaminataylor (DM “Travis” for her free cash flow system blueprint and a 15-minute wealth specialization call)🚀 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

Tim Kennedy is a decorated Green Beret, former UFC fighter, entrepreneur, and bestselling author known for his relentless drive, outspoken authenticity, and commitment to service. From his upbringing on California’s Central Coast to his high-profile military and athletic careers, Tim has built a life defined by grit, discipline, and meaningful connections. He’s also the co-founder of Apogee Strong, an organization focused on cultivating resilience and leadership in young men. On this episode we talk about: How Tim’s family and upbringing on the Central Coast of California shaped his values and work ethic The importance of surrounding yourself with high-quality people and how to build real friendships as an adult Lessons learned from homeschooling, early independence, and being launched into life at a young age The role of grit, discipline, and consistency in both parenting and professional success Reflections on fatherhood, the emotional journey of watching your kids grow, and why Tim believes family is the ultimate source of fulfillment Why real happiness and meaning come from relationships and service, not just freedom or doing whatever you want The founding of Apogee Strong and how Tim is helping the next generation develop critical life skills Top 3 Takeaways Character Attracts Character: The best way to build a strong network is to be sincere, honest, and real—qualities that naturally attract other high-quality people. Grit and Discipline Are Foundational: Early lessons in hard work, independence, and consistency set the stage for lifelong success, both in family and business. Relationships Are Everything: True fulfillment comes from investing in family and friendships—solving for freedom alone leads to emptiness, but serving others brings lasting happiness. Notable Quotes “The characteristics of being a good human, I think, attract other good humans. If you’re a piece of crap, you’re going to be surrounded by other pieces of crap.” “Everything about you changes the moment you become a parent. I would burn an entire civilization to the ground to protect that little bag of blood right there. That’s mine.” “People started solving for the wrong problem—thinking ultimate freedom comes from doing whatever you want. But real happiness comes from the relationships we build and the people we serve.” Connect with Tim Kennedy: Instagram: @timkennedymm This is just a sneak preview of the episode! To hear the full conversation with Tim Kennedy, check out the complete episode on Travis Makes Friends. 🚀 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

Bizzie Gold is a globally recognized entrepreneur, industry disruptor, and founder of Break Method—the world’s leading system for sustainable emotional rewiring. Over the past two decades, Bizzie has built, scaled, and exited multiple companies across mental health, fitness, wellness, and consumer products, generating tens of millions in revenue. Her approach blends deep behavioral insight with practical business acumen, proving that true innovation is about more than impact—it's about building brands that thrive. On this episode we talk about: – How Bizzie made her first dollar as a “kid whisperer,” turning babysitting into a lucrative side hustle through understanding human behavior – The importance of making the most of every opportunity—even in jobs you don’t love—and how attitude can open unexpected doors – The journey from PR and celebrity product placement in LA to launching and exiting multiple companies, including a global fitness brand – Lessons learned from surviving toxic work environments and using adversity to build resilience and creativity – The story behind Break Method and the brain pattern mapping technology that predicts team dynamics and performance – Why true entrepreneurship requires deep personal investment and solving real problems—not just chasing money or copying trends – The process of bootstrapping new ventures, building teams, and regaining ownership of her companies after exit – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on finding your unique vision, embracing risk, and pushing through the toughest phases of business Top 3 Takeaways 1. Attitude Creates Opportunity: Making the most of your current situation—regardless of how “crappy” it seems—can open doors and attract new opportunities you never expected. 2. Solve Real Problems: The most resilient businesses are rooted in a personal connection to the problem you’re solving, not just a desire for money or fame. 3. Own Every Step: Do everything yourself first so you can properly delegate later; understanding every aspect of your business is key to long-term success and accountability. Notable Quotes – “Opportunities don’t just get dropped in your lap—they come to people who make the most of what they’re currently doing and figure out how to maximize that opportunity.” – “If you don’t deal with what’s happening inside your mind, you’ll just carry all those problems with you to the next thing.” – “You have to be personally invested in the idea or believe in it wholeheartedly so you can push that boulder up the mountain.” Connect with Bizzie Gold: bizziegold.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Dillard and Makena Finger Zannini are the dynamic co-founders of Brick by Brick Collective, a fast-growing business support company for real estate professionals. Jen brings over a decade of real estate experience, running a team that generates over $1 million in annual revenue and managing an investment portfolio of 700+ doors—all while being a present mom and wife. Makena, a Wharton grad, built a multi-seven figure business before turning 30 and now leads The Boutique COO and Brick by Brick Collective, employing over 120 people. Together, they combine deep industry knowledge and operational expertise to help real estate agents and teams scale, automate, and thrive in a competitive market. On this episode we talk about: – How Jen and Makena each made their first dollar—from lemonade stands and golf ball hustling to jewelry sales – The story of how they met, built trust, and formed a business partnership rooted in shared values and open communication – The challenges real estate professionals face with operations, marketing, and scaling—and how Brick by Brick Collective fills that gap – The “shovels in the gold rush” approach: why supporting an industry can be more lucrative (and less crowded) than competing in it – What it takes to run a service-based business at scale, including automation, high standards, and building a strong team culture – The realities of entrepreneurship, from tough conversations to the importance of resilience and grit – How to leverage your skill set to build a business that fits your personality and goals Top 3 Takeaways 1. Shared Values Make Partnerships Work: The foundation of a successful business partnership is mutual respect, open communication, and aligned values—not just complementary skills. 2. Support Businesses Are Gold Mines: Instead of competing with thousands of agents, Brick by Brick Collective supports them—proving that “selling shovels in a gold rush” can be the smartest play. 3. Service Businesses Teach Real Entrepreneurship: Running a service-based company forces you to master every business function, from sales and operations to HR and finance, and is a powerful way to launch your entrepreneurial journey. Notable Quotes – “Everything you want in life is on the other side of a hard conversation.” – “One size fits all fits no one—real estate professionals need support that understands their world.” – “There’s always going to be a need for real estate agents, and there’s always going to be a need for support.” Connect with Jennifer Dillard & Makena Finger Zannini: – Instagram: @jendillard and @makenafingerzannini – Business: @brickbybrickcollective – Website: brickbybrickcollective.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

Roy Redd is a powerhouse in performance coaching, business growth, and transformational speaking. A six-time #1 bestselling author and internationally acclaimed speaker, Roy has shared stages with leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’s built multiple successful businesses—including a six-figure CPR training company and a home healthcare business he acquired with no money down. Roy’s magnetic presence and actionable insights inspire audiences to take immediate steps toward making more money and unlocking their full potential. On this episode we talk about: How Roy turned a $65 CPR class into a six-figure business by leveraging speed and a unique selling proposition The story behind his first book and how it led to coaching elite athletes and NBA players on mindset and performance Lessons learned from building a coaching business, struggling with lead generation, and finding the right mentors Roy’s process for writing bestselling books and why he believes in launching at 80% and perfecting with feedback How he acquired a $2 million home healthcare business with creative financing and no money out of pocket The step-by-step process for buying businesses—including leveraging seller financing, SBA loans, and strategic partnerships Why fragmented industries like healthcare offer huge acquisition opportunities for new entrepreneurs The importance of working on your business, not in it, and building a team to scale and exit Top 3 Takeaways Action Unlocks Opportunity: Success starts with taking action—even if you don’t have all the answers. Roy’s journey began by simply saying “yes” and figuring it out as he went. Creative Acquisition: You don’t need a fortune to buy a business. With the right knowledge, you can acquire established companies using seller financing, SBA loans, and equity partnerships. Leverage Your Unique Skills: Don’t underestimate the value of what you already know—skills like digital marketing or social media can transform traditional businesses and create massive upside. Notable Quotes “You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—you just have to be the one willing to knock on the next door.” “If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Sometimes all it takes is asking the seller if you can buy the business with no money down.” “The key when you buy these businesses: you don’t want to work in them, you want to work on them.” Connect with Roy Redd: Instagram: @roy_redd 🚀 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