The Friday Habit

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Marc Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with Youngsoo, who transitioned from a successful career in cryptocurrency software engineering to founding Urban EDC, an eight-figure e-commerce business. Youngsoo shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, risk-taking, and audience engagement in entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges he faced, including job losses and the leap to Silicon Valley, and how he built his business by understanding his interests and validating his ideas through market research. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of validating ideas through market testing, building trust with customers, and the necessity of financial preparation. He discusses the power of pressure and constraints in achieving success, the significance of feedback loops for continuous improvement, and the transition from being a solopreneur to leading a team. Mark also highlights the importance of strategic hiring, sourcing talent from the community, and managing multiple businesses effectively. He reflects on the need for new challenges and the organic growth of his second venture, GrowthJet, while expressing his desire to empower other entrepreneurs through education and mentorship.TakeawaysYoungsoo felt an inner drive to start a company from a young age.He transitioned from finance to tech, seeking fulfillment beyond corporate jobs.Taking risks in youth can lead to valuable life experiences.The regret minimization framework can guide decision-making.Youngsoo moved to Silicon Valley to immerse himself in the startup culture.He launched Urban EDC by reflecting on personal spending habits.Building an audience before launching a product is crucial.Validating business ideas through market research is essential.Understanding personal interests can lead to successful business ventures.Engaging with potential customers early can shape product offerings. Validate your ideas through market testing.Building relationships is key to business success.Financial preparation is crucial before starting a venture.Pressure can unlock your full potential.Feedback loops help in continuous improvement.Transitioning from solopreneur to team leader is essential for growth.Strategic hiring is important for scaling a business.Sourcing talent from your community can yield great results.Managing multiple businesses requires effective delegation.Empowering others through education is a fulfilling next step.

In this engaging conversation, Cole Rodgers shares his journey as an entrepreneur, life coach, and speaker dedicated to helping men reach their full potential. He discusses the importance of gratitude, navigating conflict, and the challenges he faced in his early career. Cole emphasizes the role of family and personal growth in shaping identity, and he offers valuable insights on overcoming adversity and finding purpose in life. In this conversation, Cole shares his journey of transformation, highlighting the struggles with entitlement, self-worth, and the importance of personal growth. He discusses the impact of loss and the necessity of truth in relationships, emphasizing the internal battles many face. The dialogue explores the significance of building a supportive network and the mission of the School of Man to create better men. Cole provides actionable steps for personal development, encouraging listeners to focus on their future selves and take consistent action towards their goals.TakeawaysGratitude is essential for personal growth.Navigating conflict is a skill that can be developed.Masculinity is often misunderstood and needs to be redefined.Personal experiences shape our approach to life and business.Success is a journey, not a destination.Vulnerability is a key attribute for leaders.Discipline is crucial for long-term success.It's important to connect with others before correcting them.Adversity can lead to significant personal growth.Helping others is a fulfilling mission.  Entitlement can hinder personal growth and happiness.Transformational journeys often require radical changes.Loss can lead to profound realizations about what matters.Internal battles are common and must be addressed.Comparison can detract from personal joy and progress.Building a supportive network is crucial for success.Writing to your former self can clarify your journey.Action is essential for personal development.Regret often stems from inaction rather than mistakes.Living authentically is key to fulfillment.

Hugh Howey, a New York Times bestselling author known for the Wool series, shares his fascinating transition from a book-loving youth to an acclaimed novelist. He discusses the thrill and challenges of writing, the creative process behind his hit 'Wool', and the pressures of success. The conversation dives into AI's implications for storytelling and humanity's evolution alongside technology. Hugh also reflects on personal sacrifices, influences in science fiction, and recounts the journey of adapting his work into a series for Apple TV.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Marc Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with Joseph Fung, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of Yovaro. The conversation explores Joseph's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building a high-performing culture, and the strategies for defining, sharing, and scaling company values. Joseph emphasizes the need for intentionality in culture-building and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to create a thriving work environment. The discussion also touches on the challenges of scaling culture in larger organizations and the significance of recognition and storytelling in reinforcing company values.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Mark, Ben, and Adam delve into the world of entrepreneurship, exploring Adam's journey from aspiring doctor to successful entrepreneur with his company, Bottlekeeper. They discuss the influence of childhood environments, the importance of creativity in small towns, and the risks associated with starting a business. Adam shares insights on the initial skepticism he had about Bottlekeeper and the innovative ways he tested the market for his product. The conversation highlights the significance of enjoying what you do and the value of taking calculated risks in the pursuit of success. In this conversation, Adam Callinan shares his journey of launching and growing Bottle Keeper, emphasizing the importance of market validation, the impact of Shark Tank, and the challenges of running a cyclical consumer goods business. He discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, including anxiety and the need for coping strategies, ultimately leading to the decision to exit the business. In this conversation, Adam Callinan shares his journey from leading Bottlekeeper to launching Pentane, a software tool designed to help businesses understand their financial dynamics. He discusses the acquisition process, the importance of patience during transitions, and the lessons learned from consulting with struggling companies. Adam emphasizes the significance of efficiency and strategic spending in entrepreneurship, while also highlighting the impact of his work on other businesses. The discussion culminates in Adam's vision for Pentane as a tool that empowers business operators to make informed decisions and drive profitability.

In this conversation, Mark and Rebecca Leder discuss the importance of building meaningful careers through connection and leadership. Rebecca shares insights from her work with Opportunities Knock, emphasizing the need for durable skills and the challenges faced by younger generations in networking. They explore the impact of remote work on communication and the significance of the Knock Method in fostering high-quality career relationships. In this conversation, Rebecca Leder discusses the importance of building meaningful connections in professional settings. She introduces the KNOCK method, which emphasizes knowing your audience, shifting focus to others, taking ownership, and creating common ground. The discussion also covers the significance of crafting an effective elevator pitch and the need to sustain relationships over time, highlighting the value of authenticity and genuine interest in others.

In this conversation, Judah Taub discusses the concept of 'local maximums' and how individuals and businesses can identify and overcome them. He draws parallels between personal and professional challenges and the strategies used by tech giants to innovate and improve. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creative thinking, the role of AI in decision-making, and the need for a culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation. Judah shares insights from his book, 'How to Move Up When the Only Way is Down,' and offers practical advice for listeners to recognize when they are stuck and how to move forward.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Maximums and AI05:41 Identifying Local Maximums in Life and Business11:39 Learning from Tech Giants: A-B Testing vs. Innovative Thinking20:22 AI's Role in Decision Making and Problem Solving25:41 Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Risk-Taking31:04 Recognizing When to Move Up or Change Direction

In this conversation, Mark and Justin Janowski explore the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship, discussing how to align business practices with personal values. Justin shares his journey from sales to coaching, emphasizing the importance of integrity, genuine connection, and effective sales strategies. They delve into the challenges of niching down, the significance of heart posture in sales, and practical marketing strategies for coaches. The discussion also covers the importance of building a supportive team and the nuances of scaling a coaching business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Faith and Business03:08 The Balance of Hustle and Faith05:58 Justin's Journey into Coaching08:53 Narrowing Down the Niche12:01 The Leap into Entrepreneurship14:55 Sales Strategies for Coaches18:00 The Importance of Heart Posture in Sales21:00 Navigating Sales Calls23:57 Building Authentic Relationships26:51 Scaling Your Coaching Business30:01 Marketing Strategies for Coaches33:00 Sales at Live Events36:00 Outsourcing Sales and Building a Team38:59 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Friday Habit, Mark interviews Nick Courtright, founder of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher. They discuss Nick's journey from academia to entrepreneurship, his philosophy on writing and author rights, and the impact of the pandemic on the publishing industry. Nick shares insights on building a remote team, setting goals, and maintaining company culture while emphasizing the importance of transparency and author autonomy. He also offers practical advice for aspiring authors, including the use of voice notes to overcome writer's block.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley discuss the journey of balancing family life while traveling and running a business remotely. They welcome James Hylvowski, an expert in franchising, who shares his extensive experience in the industry. The conversation covers the opportunities and challenges within franchising, key elements for success, and common mistakes to avoid when building a franchise. The episode emphasizes the importance of support systems, understanding market dynamics, and the strategic decisions involved in franchising versus corporate ownership. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the essential traits of successful franchisees, the challenges they face, and the current trends in the franchising industry. He highlights the booming pet industry, the realities of car wash franchises, and shares success stories from the dog grooming sector. The discussion also touches on various food concepts, the gym franchise landscape, and lesser-known franchise giants. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding profitability and the complexities of vending and laundromat businesses, concluding with advice for aspiring franchise owners.Takeaways:Traveling with family requires flexibility and adaptability.Remote work can be challenging due to time zone differences.Franchising offers a way to impact lives positively.Food franchises often have razor-thin profit margins.Support and systems are crucial for franchise success.Franchising can be a quicker way to build a brand.It's important to vet potential franchisees carefully.Franchising allows for growth without heavy capital investment.Common mistakes include expanding too quickly and poor franchisee selection.Understanding market dynamics is key to successful franchising. If you don't like to follow systems or rules, franchising is probably not for you.Franchising allows you to build your brand quicker and at a lower cost.Find a franchise that has decent margins, great support, and great systems.The pet industry is booming with opportunities for franchisees.Dog grooming franchises are seeing significant success.Car wash franchises can be challenging due to high maintenance costs.Food concepts can be hit or miss; some trends fade quickly.The gym franchise model can benefit from a subscription approach.Many successful franchises are not well-known to the public.Vending machines require more effort than expected.Connect with Us:For more episodes and resources to help grow your business, visit thefridayhabit.com. Have questions or feedback? Email us at hello@thefridayhabit.com.