Travis Makes Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gilad Uziely is the co-founder and CEO of Sequence, the all-in-one money OS automating cash flow for small businesses and consumers. Launched in 2024, Sequence has already moved over $750 million, hit 1.5 million in ARR, grown 600% YOY, and raised $15 million from top VCs. Gilad is a serial fintech builder with deep experience in launching data-driven tech companies, and now helps thousands master their money through smart automation. Based in Tel Aviv, Gilad’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to grit, risk-taking, and building tools that truly empower others. On this episode we talk about: Gilad’s first business: the classic lemonade stand outside his childhood home in Israel The rise of Tel Aviv’s tech scene and why it’s become a global startup powerhouse Fundraising in Israel’s VC-rich environment and the challenge of selling new ideas to investors Lessons learned from earlier ventures—including raising capital for boutique hotels in Italy and navigating the risks of unconventional startups The importance of choosing the right venture partners, understanding cap tables, and protecting yourself as a founder Sequence’s core mission: Making it effortless to automate your cash flow, savings, investing, and financial goals with customizable rules and smart triggers How to build intentional financial habits, protect your downside, and use automation to free up mental energy The psychology of money: why separating funds, paying your future self first, and “working like you’re broke” are game-changing Sequence users’ creative approaches to saving—whether for starting a business, IVF, travel, or building a true safety net Advice for entrepreneurs: balancing business growth with personal finance, risk tolerance, and taking deliberate steps toward freedom Top 3 Takeaways Automate to Win: Setting up simple, intentional automation for your money removes human error, builds better habits, and gives you the peace of mind needed to take bigger risks and grow your business. Intentional Planning Beats Random Spending: Building financial “maps” (like saving automatically for trips, investments, or your next business) ensures you live life now while planning for the future. Connect, Ask, and Learn: Don’t wait for perfection—reach out to experienced founders for help with cap tables or decisions, and always dig your well before you’re thirsty (network before you need it). Notable Quotes “Automation can really change the trajectory of your life. We think of Sequence as a fitness app that goes to the gym for you.” “Be intentional. Even if your plan is simple, it’s 90% of the work—just start, automate it, and tweak as you go.” “If you don’t give your money a job, it’ll find a job somewhere else for you.” Connect with Gilad Uziely & Sequence: Website: use.getsequence.io/travischappell Discount code: TRAVIS25 Email: gilad@getsequence.io (offering free support for founders and those struggling with cap table issues) 🚀 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. Dominic Iacovone is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Relive Health—a nationwide network of health and wellness clinics started in 2017. With a passion for improving quality of life, Dominic has scaled Relive Health from a single location to over 26 open clinics (and 400 locations sold), offering services tailored to each individual’s health needs. As a husband and father, his mission is to empower people to live well, not just get by, using a comprehensive approach to health that includes bloodwork, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, IV and ozone therapy, and much more. On this episode we talk about: Dominic’s entrepreneurial story, from high school candy sales and pressure washing to building multiple 7- and 8-figure health businesses The personal loss that drew him to holistic health, and his education in molecular biology and chiropractic care Launching Relive Health before health “biohacking” was mainstream, and navigating skepticism The power of video and social media in building a local clinic into a nationally recognized brand Running lean early, but learning to delegate and invest for scale—transitioning from owner-operator to franchisor Franchise economics: location sizes, profit margins, required medical staff, and the in-depth education Relive Health provides Streamlining real estate selection using data on ideal clientele (income, lifestyle, spend) and neighborhood analysis tools Lifetime value and clinical impact: why hormone optimization is their most valuable (and life-changing) recurring service The realities and responsibilities around HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for men and women—why it’s a lifetime commitment, and the need for transparency The myth of “get healthy quick,” and why patient education and expectation-setting are crucial Relive Health’s ownership model, partnerships with leaders like Orange Theory founders, and Dominic’s refusal to sell out just for an exit Passion, purpose, and impact: finding fulfillment in business that enriches lives Top 3 Takeaways Individualization Wins: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for health or wealth—personalization and comprehensive care create long-term value. Delegate to Scale: Let go of operational roles early; invest in great people to take your business from one location to hundreds. Educate, Don’t Just Sell: Success in health, like business, relies on honesty, setting realistic expectations, and investing in customer experience. Notable Quotes “I like nice stuff. I think quality of life is very important... there has to be a reward for your effort, or you’ll hate what you do.” “If I’d tried to hold onto everything at my first location, I’d still be there—a half-million-dollar-a-month business but not the legacy I’m building now.” “Starting hormones is a lifetime commitment. If anyone tells you different, they’re lying to you. You have to know what you’re signing up for, and do it right.” Connect with Dr. Dominic Iacovone: https://www.instagram.com/iacovone/?hl=en Clinic Network: https://relivehealth.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

Enjoy a special preview of Travis Chappell's conversation with Jordan Harbinger, then catch the full episode on the Travis Makes Friends Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices