Travis Makes Money

Bryan Clayton is a true innovator in the landscaping world and the founder and CEO of GreenPal, often called the “Uber for lawn care.” With a background running a $10 million landscaping business, Bryan leveraged his industry expertise to launch GreenPal, which now connects over 300,000 homeowners with local lawn care pros across the U.S. His journey from hands-on entrepreneur to tech founder is packed with lessons on focus, resilience, and helping others succeed. Bryan’s mission: make lawn care as easy as pushing a button, while empowering thousands of service providers to build real businesses. On this episode we talk about: How Bryan grew GreenPal from a startup idea to a nationwide platform in 300+ cities The difference between being self-employed and a true business owner—and why it matters for your income Real stories of GreenPal users earning $1 million a year mowing lawns The biggest challenges of moving from a traditional service business to building a tech company from scratch Why focus, customer obsession, and constant learning are keys to scaling any business The importance of living below your means as an entrepreneur, and how Bryan reinvested everything to fuel growth Lessons from mistakes: delegating too soon (and too late), hiring, and betting on the right people Top 3 Takeaways Niche Down and Master One Thing: GreenPal’s success comes from relentless focus on landscaping and lawn care—don’t get distracted by shiny objects or unrelated verticals. Empower Others to Win: The best businesses help others succeed. GreenPal is a “business in a box” for service providers, handling everything except mowing the grass so they can focus on growth. Live Lean, Reinvest, and Stay Disciplined: The less you need to live on, the greater your options. Reinvest in your business, avoid lifestyle inflation, and put your money to work for you. Notable Quotes “We have several users on the platform making over $1 million a year mowing yards. That’s why I get out of bed in the morning—to help people improve their lives, make more money, and have less headache.” “If you focus on enough other people’s success, your success will follow. That’s been our North Star.” “The least you can live on, the greater your options. Live as meager as you can, and when you start making money, don’t pretend like you’re making money—keep reinvesting and building your cushion.” Connect with Bryan Clayton: Website: YourGreenPal.com Instagram: @brianmclayton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Tison is a practicing attorney, experienced entrepreneur, and the co-founder of OZPros.com, a leading advisory firm specializing in Opportunity Zones. With a career spanning law, real estate, and business development, Ashley has built a reputation for demystifying complex tax incentives and helping investors maximize their returns. His unique background—combining big-firm legal expertise, entrepreneurial hustle, and a passion for empowering Main Street Americans—makes him a go-to expert for anyone looking to leverage Opportunity Zones for wealth creation. On this episode we talk about: – Ashley’s entrepreneurial journey, from mowing lawns at age eight to founding multiple businesses – The basics of Opportunity Zones—what they are, how they work, and why they’re a powerful tool for deferring and eliminating capital gains taxes – How Ashley built OZPros.com into a leading resource for Opportunity Zone investors and entrepreneurs – The importance of focus, living below your means, and building streams of residual income – Creative paths to residual income, including real estate, intellectual property, and even homesteading – Lessons learned from business failures, risk management, and the importance of proper deal capitalization – Building community, masterminds, and teaching others to create wealth through unique opportunities Top 3 Takeaways 1. Niche Down and Focus: Success comes from narrowing your focus and becoming an expert in a specific area—Ashley’s deep dive into Opportunity Zones is a prime example. 2. Build Residual Income: True financial freedom is achieved by creating streams of residual income and resisting the urge to increase your standard of living until your passive income grows. 3. Lifelong Learning: Continuous education—through books, audiobooks, and masterminds—is essential for staying ahead and identifying new opportunities. Notable Quotes “If you don’t have a plan for your money, the world has a plan for your money—and it’s coming for you.” “The key is: let’s get you residual income off of real estate, off of intellectual property, something that provides residual income—and don’t grow your standard of living until you increase that.” “There are so many opportunities out there—sometimes it’s just about getting out of your typical milieu and around people who have them.” Connect with Ashley Tison: Website: ozpros.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brigham Castillow is an entrepreneur and the founder of Big Pig Smart Lighting, a company bringing innovative lighting solutions to homes and businesses. With a background in sales management at Vivint and a reputation for creative hustle, Brigham has built his brand from the ground up in Mesa, Arizona. Known for his hands-on approach and authentic presence on social media, he connects with customers and followers as “@brigthepigg,” sharing both business lessons and behind-the-scenes moments from his entrepreneurial journey. On this episode we talk about: Brigham’s transition from high school athlete to business owner and what sparked his entrepreneurial drive Lessons learned from door-to-door sales and how they shaped his approach to business The story behind founding Big Pig Smart Lighting and how he identified a gap in the market Building a brand in a competitive industry and leveraging authenticity on social media Overcoming setbacks, staying motivated, and the realities of starting a business from scratch Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into sales or launch their own product Top 3 Takeaways Start Where You Are: Every entrepreneurial journey begins with taking action—Brigham’s story shows that you don’t need a perfect plan to start, just the willingness to learn and adapt. Sales Skills Are Life Skills: The lessons from door-to-door sales—resilience, communication, and reading people—translate directly into building and scaling any business. Authenticity Wins: Building a personal brand by being real and relatable on social media can set you apart and create loyal customers, even in crowded markets. 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.” “Every setback is just another lesson. If you keep showing up, you’ll eventually figure it out.” “People want to do business with someone they feel like they actually know. That’s why I put it all out there.” Connect with Brigham Castillow: Instagram: @brigthepigg Company: https://www.bigpig.site/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Yamamura is a communication and design expert with over 25 years of experience, a Fortune 15 background, and numerous industry awards. As a certified financial coach and author of Financial Epiphany, Scott leverages his creative expertise to cut through financial jargon and help everyday people gain practical control over their money. Based near Seattle, Scott is passionate about making personal finance accessible and empowering others to take charge of their financial futures. On this episode we talk about: – Scott’s journey from newspaper routes and teaching skateboard lessons to becoming a financial coach and author – Why most people find money intimidating and how Scott overcame his own financial fears – The “dartboard” approach to aligning your career with your passions – The Five C’s of Financial Debt: Card, Car, College, Condo, and Cake—and how to avoid their traps – The importance of having a plan for your money before the world makes one for you – How compounding interest works for (or against) you, and why early investing is critical – Simple, actionable rules for building wealth and achieving financial wellness Top 3 Takeaways 1. Start with Defense: If you don’t have a plan for your money, the world does—and it’s not in your favor. Avoid the common debt traps and play strong financial defense. 2. Harness Compounding Early: Investing early in your career gives you the “power of 16”—money invested at age 22 can multiply 16 times by retirement, but that power halves every decade you wait. 3. Gamify Your Finances: Treat your financial journey like a game—learn the rules, avoid the traps, and celebrate small wins to build lasting wealth and peace of mind. Notable Quotes “If you don’t have a plan for your money, the world has a plan for your money—and it’s coming for you.” “Instant gratification lasts a day, but financial wellness is gratifying every day.” “Money is overwhelming for most people, but if you just know a few simple rules, you can take confident action and watch your money grow.” Connect with Scott Yamamura: financialepiphany.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 Coleman is a nationally syndicated radio host, bestselling author, and one of the most respected interviewers in broadcasting today. As the host of "Front Row Seat" and a key voice at Ramsey Solutions, Ken has helped millions of people get clear on their careers, move up, and lead well—both personally and professionally. With decades of experience in radio, podcasting, and live events, Ken is known for his ability to ask the right questions, draw out powerful stories, and help listeners unlock their full potential. His journey from live event host and entrepreneur to building a top-rated show at Ramsey Solutions is a masterclass in adaptability and growth. On this episode we talk about: – Ken’s early days in broadcasting and how he broke into the industry – The evolution from traditional radio to podcasting and why he believes podcasting is a more accessible—but not always better—medium – The craft of interviewing and why most podcasts miss transformational moments – Lessons from working with Dave Ramsey and building a show at Ramsey Solutions – Why consistency alone isn’t enough—how to combine it with introspection and improvement to grow – Reinventing a show format to fit new platforms and audiences, and why it’s essential to adapt – The launch of Ken’s new show "Front Row Seat" and what makes it unique Top 3 Takeaways 1. Master the Craft: Great interviews don’t happen by accident—they require preparation, genuine curiosity, and the ability to listen deeply and ask follow-up questions that matter. 2. Adapt and Evolve: Consistency is just the price of entry; real growth comes from being willing to pivot, improve, and adapt your content to new formats and audiences. 3. Be Present and Intentional: Success comes from being where your feet are, following your heart, and making the most of the opportunities in front of you. Connect with Ken Coleman: kencoleman.com This is just a sneak preview of the episode! To hear the full conversation with Ken Coleman, 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

Cris Auditore Zimmermann is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business leader who has founded over 20 companies across five countries. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, with family roots in Italy and South Africa, Cris brings a global perspective to business and leadership. He is the co-founder of Medici Global Ventures and author of Get Your House in Order: Principles of Success Based on the Life of Cosimo de' Medici. Cris is known for his expertise in real estate, his passion for studying historical business dynasties like the Medici family, and his commitment to helping others build enduring legacies and impactful businesses. On this episode we talk about: – Cris’s entrepreneurial journey across multiple countries and industries – The influence of family legacy and global upbringing on his business philosophy – Real estate investing strategies and lessons from the German market – The importance of legal and structural planning for long-term business success – Key principles from the Medici family that modern entrepreneurs can apply today Top 3 Takeaways 1. Diversify and Take Calculated Risks: Cris’s career demonstrates the value of diversifying your ventures and not being afraid to take bold risks, especially early on. 2. Structure Matters: Proper legal and financial structures are crucial for protecting assets and ensuring long-term success. 3. Legacy Over Income: Building a business is not just about making money—it's about creating a legacy that positively impacts your family and community. Connect with Cris Zimmermann: crisauditore.com instagram.com/cris_auditorezimmermann linkedin.com/in/cris-auditore-zimmermann https://medicilegacy.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

Megan Lanford is a travel points coach and host of the Points to Paradise podcast, where she teaches people how to turn credit card points into dream vacations. Once only able to afford a single trip a year, Megan now takes over six trips annually, saving more than $20,000 a year on travel. She’s passionate about helping others unlock luxury travel experiences—like first-class flights and five-star resorts—without breaking the bank. Megan’s expertise lies in demystifying the world of credit card points, making it accessible for families, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to travel more for less. On this episode we talk about: – Megan’s journey from wildlife biologist to travel points expert and entrepreneur – The biggest mistakes people make with credit card points—and how to avoid them – The secret to maximizing points value by using transfer partners instead of travel portals – How to book luxury hotels and first-class flights for a fraction of the usual cost – Practical strategies for families and business owners to travel more often, for less – Building an online business as a stay-at-home parent and turning expertise into income Top 3 Takeaways 1. Transfer Points for Maximum Value: Don’t use your credit card’s default travel portal—transfer your points to airline and hotel partners to get 2-3x more value and unlock luxury experiences. 2. Plan Ahead and Be Strategic: The earlier you plan, the better your chances of scoring first-class flights and top-tier hotel upgrades with points. 3. Turn Knowledge into Income: If people are always asking you for advice, there’s a business opportunity—start by sharing your knowledge online and build products around your audience’s needs. Notable Quotes “The biggest mistake I see people make is booking through the bank’s travel portal—you lose out on so much value. Transfer your points to partners and you can 2 to 3x what they’re worth.” “Every single time I’ve emailed a hotel manager before a trip to ask for something special, we’ve gotten an upgrade—sometimes to rooms worth $1,200 a night.” “Most students in my course book their first vacation on points within three months—and then they never pay full price for travel again.” Connect with Megan Lanford: https://www.instagram.com/pointtoparadise/ DM “travel” on Instagram for a free cheat sheet of transfer partners 🚀 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

Mike McCarthy joins Travis for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, real estate, and the power of masterminds. Mike is a husband, father, and serial entrepreneur with over two decades at Keller Williams, where he has helped build the company into the world’s number one real estate brand. As the regional operating partner for Greater Pennsylvania, Mike leads over 9,000 agents across 50+ locations, closing more than $23 billion in sales in 2024. He’s also the co-founder of GoBundance, a community for high-performing entrepreneurs, and coauthor of Tribe of Millionaires and The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families. Mike is passionate about helping entrepreneurial families thrive, focusing on collaboration, shared values, and leaving a lasting legacy. On this episode we talk about: Mike’s entrepreneurial journey, from selling candy at school to leading a real estate empire The evolution and challenges of masterminds and events, including the launch and growth of GoBundance and FamBundance The current state of the real estate industry, including commission changes and agent resilience The importance of legacy, family values, and creating meaningful family culture Balancing business growth with family life and the realities of “work-life balance” Healthy masculinity, leadership, and building supportive communities for entrepreneurs Top 3 Takeaways Leverage and Leadership: Building successful businesses and communities requires leveraging the right people and empowering great leaders, which creates time freedom and scalability. Legacy Over Transactions: Focus on building a legacy through family culture, shared values, and intentional moments, rather than just chasing financial success. Community and Connection: Entrepreneurial loneliness is real, but joining or creating mastermind groups like GoBundance can provide accountability, support, and a sense of belonging among like-minded high achievers. Notable Quotes “If you’re really going to own a business, you need to understand the power of leverage.” “Don’t trade millions for moments—you have to decide how important your business is compared to being there for the moments that matter most.” “You’ve got to find the same kind of crazy. We’re like a pack of lone wolves—scrappy entrepreneurs who just kept putting one foot in front of the other.” Connect with Mike McCarthy: Website: gomikemccarthy.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

Paul Moore is the founder of Wellings Capital, a seasoned real estate investor, author, and entrepreneur. With a background that spans engineering, Fortune 500 management, and multiple successful business exits, Paul has built a reputation for turning setbacks into comebacks. He’s passionate about commercial real estate, financial education, and using wealth to make a positive impact. Paul’s journey from $2.5 million in debt to financial freedom—and his focus on “boring” but reliable investments—makes his story both inspiring and instructive. On this episode we talk about: Paul’s unconventional journey from engineer to real estate investor The difference between speculation and true investing How a mindset of generosity helped Paul escape massive debt Why boring investments like self-storage and mobile home parks can outperform flashier options Actionable steps for getting started in commercial real estate—even with little money or experience Top 3 Takeaways Real wealth is built through steady, reliable investments—not speculation or chasing trends. Giving and building relationships can open doors to opportunities that money alone can’t buy. Anyone can break into commercial real estate by finding deals and connecting with experienced operators. Notable Quotes "Investing should be boring—if it’s exciting, you’re probably speculating." "You can give your way out of debt. Generosity attracts opportunity." "Money only solves your money problems, but it makes solving other problems a lot easier." Connect with Paul Moore: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-moore-3167a33/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PaulMooreInvest Website: https://wellingscapital.com/resources 🚀 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 https://gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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