SharkPreneur

Kurt Luidhardt is an entrepreneur, investor and business leader. Together with his wife Kristen, he's founded a dozen companies and profitably exited three of them. Kurt is currently the CEO and co-founder of The Prosper Group, a leading digital agency in Republican politics that he started with his wife in 2006. His midwestern values of hard work and service have helped him establish relationships with a diverse range of clients, including dozens of Governors and US Senators, as well as the last three Republican presidential candidates. The Prosper Group has also worked with international brands, including car manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and in professional sports.Under Kurt's leadership, The Prosper Group has earned several accolades, including being named one of Inc Magazine's 500 Fastest Growing companies in 2019. The Prosper Group has won over three dozen advertising awards from the American Association of Political Consultants and Campaigns and Elections Magazine. Over the last 5 years, his company has also worked internationally on political campaigns or in advocacy in Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, and Brussels.In addition to his work with The Prosper Group, Kurt and Kristen founded Mustard Seed Interactive, a data company supporting direct marketing campaigns in the financial services, non-profit, and consumer product sectors. They also provide venture capital to political technology firms and invest in multi-family real estate.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Kurt Luidhardt about reaching conservative consumers.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How people can leverage digital marketing to engage politically motivated donors and consumers.- Why customers want to support businesses that align with their values. - How strategic targeting to a specific audience can help boost your sales. - Why it’s important for politicians of all ages to use the internet for their campaigns. - How rigorous process optimization allows large-scale operations to act more efficiently. Connect with Kurt:Guest Contact InfoX@theprospergroupFacebookfacebook.com/ProsperGroupLinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prosper-group-corpLinks Mentioned:prospergroupcorp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Athena Severi possesses an extraordinary talent for fostering communities fueled by success, collaboration, and innovation. With over 15 years of experience, she excels in curating high-level networks of industry leaders and orchestrating transformative events worldwide. As a sought-after speaker and relationship-building expert, her work with Titan Network, China Magic, and Seller Events has earned her acclaim as an inspirational entrepreneur figure, delivering the blueprint to help others build multi-million Amazon brands. Athena's ability to nurture connections that catalyze explosive business growth sets her apart as a visionary in the field.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Athena Severi about building communities and brands on Amazon.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How networking can bring significant sellers and industry experts to events, enhancing their value. - Why people benefit from real-time advice and networking with successful Amazon sellers. - How beginner and advanced sellers have different needs. - Why new Amazon sellers must understand their customers and create products that stand out. - How it’s important for entrepreneurs to constantly reinvent themselves and continue learning regardless of a business’s current scale through masterminds and community support. Connect with Athena:Guest Contact InfoInstagram@athenaseveriFacebookfacebook.com/titannetworkofficialLinks Mentioned:titannetwork.comChinamagictrip.comAmzsellingsecrets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Caney Sr.’s documentary, "Put the Guns Down: A World Epidemic," produced by Ice-T, delves into the relationship between mental health and gun violence, bringing together insights from a broad spectrum of individuals, including celebrities, city officials, and victims of violent crimes, to spark discussions on mental health services and gun control legislation.Founder of Platinum City Golden West Entertainment, Carney has earned the prestigious award “Fathers in Hip Hop Fatherhood Acknowledgement Award” which celebrates his positive influence as a father figure within the hip-hop community, and the TAF Dignitary Award of Supreme Excellence in 2024, presented to dignitaries, educators, and support staff, highlighting significant contributions to the community.Born in Denver, Colorado, Carney's early years were riddled with challenges as his parents found strength in adversity by creating a stable home life for him and his siblings. After the family relocated to outside Oklahoma City, where survival was key, the realities of drug-related crime were ever-present. This environment, coupled with the harsh reality of two of his brothers' incarceration for murder, shaped Carney's understanding of the complexities of life on the fringes of society. By age 15, the family once again relocated, this time to Los Angeles. This was a turning point.Embracing his passion for storytelling, Carney authored his first book and his latest film project. Carney's experiences as a father and grandfather significantly shape his narrative style, reflecting themes of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit. His dedication to addressing gun violence was galvanized by the tragic loss of Nipsey Hussle, a friend and collaborator, driving Carney to advocate for change through his art.His collaboration with Cornell Ward and affiliation with the office of Karen Bass, the esteemed Mayor of Los Angeles known for her dedication to social causes, underscore his dedication to amplifying diverse voices and addressing critical issues. A film screening tour is in the works which includes venues like the White House and the United Nations to facilitate dialogue and advocate for critical social issues on a global scale. Terry Christopher Carney Sr. 's story is one of triumph over adversity, and his dedication to inspire makes him a pivotal figure in contemporary storytelling and social advocacy.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Terry Carney Sr. about making “Put the Guns Down.”Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How gun violence isn’t confined to South Central Los Angeles. - How there is a lack of mental health awareness and resources in urban communities. - Why convincing real gang leaders and members to share their stories on camera was a challenge.- How solving gun violence and mental health issues starts within in the household. - Why having an open dialogue in the community can help address gun violence and mental health issues. Connect with Terry:Guest Contact InfoInstagram@officialterryccarneyLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/terry-carney-sr-59baa42b8Links Mentioned:terryccarneysr.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jaime Hope is an Attending Physician specializing in Emergency Medicine at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, and an Assistant Professor at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Passionate about preventative medicine and healthy living, Dr. Hope authored "Habit That!", a guide to creating sustainable health habits amidst the chaos of modern life. In her book, she offers practical advice to combat the overwhelming nature of trendy health fads, supporting readers in establishing lasting habits that enhance well-being. Renowned for transforming her own lifestyle and teaching others to do the same, Dr. Hope speaks nationally on topics such as resilience, healthy habits, and overcoming imposter syndrome, inspiring audiences across all stages of life to cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Dr. Jaime Hope about empowering family caregivers.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How it’s important to leave behind your bad habits and create healthy habits to achieve long-term health goals.- Why many caregivers often face unexpected financial burdens and how to prevent financial strain during caregiving.- How caregiving courses should aim to educate caregivers on leveraging insurance, grants, and local resources to ease financial strain.- Why drawing from your personal experiences can be really helpful to guide you in your work. - How it’s important to empower caregivers with knowledge and community so they can support and enhance their loved ones’ care. Connect with Jaime:Guest Contact InfoX@DrHopeHealthInstagram@surviver_docFacebookfacebook.com/jaime.mckennonLinkedInLinkedin.com/in/jaime-hope-md-a1190163Links Mentioned:FamilyCaregiverHope.comDrHopeHealth.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haafiz Dossa loves playing at the intersection of technology, marketing, and business. As a self-taught developer and systems architect, he has led the innovation of technology at all the mar-tech startups he’s founded, and has designed high-performance systems that have processed billions of transactions per day.Collectively, the businesses he has founded have contributed to generating nearly a billion dollars in digital commerce.His journey started at the age of 13 when he embraced the ‘dot com boom,’ assisting small businesses in their digital transitions. Since then, his decades of experience in the digital and technology industries spans from being a publisher, building an ad network, generating millions of daily SEO traffic, to running a marketing agency that grows to 7 to 9-figure businesses.With his latest company, Inflektion, he’s now focused on leveraging AI personalization marketing funnels in real-time, and boost conversion rates for the affiliate and influencer channels.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Haafiz Dossa about revolutionizing marketing with Inflektion AI.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How traditional affiliate marketing needed improvement because of the shift in focus from scaling at all costs to driving efficient and measurable bottom-line impact.- Why the shift from cheap money and scaling to driving bottom-line impact has necessitated smarter marketing strategies. - How Inflektion differentiates itself from other platforms by offering full-blown personalization, not just co-branded pages. - Why full personalization of landing pages, including headlines and content, is crucial for aligning with the affiliate’s audience. - How Inflektion’s AI technology is platform agnostic, working seamlessly across various eCommerce stacks like Shopify and ClickFunnels.Connect with Haafiz:Guest Contact InfoLinkedInlinkedin.com/company/inflektionLinks Mentioned:Inflection.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fernan Chacon was born in Venezuela during one of the country's worst financial crises. At the age of 15, his father, who was the sole financial provider for the family, abandoned them, cutting off almost all financial support. This challenging situation pushed Fernan to take matters into his own hands. Without his mother's knowledge, he sold the only valuable item he owned, a gold necklace, and used the proceeds to buy a computer and start an online business. Remarkably, this venture generated over $100,000 in profit within its first year.At 16, with the help of his stepfather, a U.S. citizen, Fernan moved his family, including his mother and younger brother, to the United States. Shortly after, he purchased a Tesla Model 3 but was scammed out of $15,000 by an older man. Determined to rectify the situation, Fernan took the man to court, representing himself despite having no legal experience, and successfully recovered both his money and the car.Fernan enrolled in high school in the U.S., where he quickly made friends and launched another business in the logistics industry. This venture also achieved significant success, generating around $100,000 in its first year. However, his high school experience took a turn when he was arrested over a misunderstanding related to a kid's game. This incident led to rumors and the alienation of some of his friends, with even his best friend turning against him. The experience prompted Fernan to drop out of high school during his junior year, just after spending a night in jail, allowing him to focus entirely on his business.In the year following his decision to leave school, Fernan's business flourished, earning $700,000, driven in part by his determination to prove his doubters wrong. His company continued to grow, and just last year, it surpassed $10 million in revenue, with a 409A audited valuation of $17.6 million by Carta.Listen to this illuminating Sharkpreneur episode with Fernan Chacon about becoming a successful entrepreneur as a teenager. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How having a tumultuous background doesn’t prevent people from starting successful businesses. - How companies need help managing the complex process of moving goods globally.- Why using an app to manage shipments provides visibility and optimization. - How it’s important to leverage data to optimize supply chains because it ensures timely delivery and reliable service. - How Kevin Harrington and Fernan wrote a book together which is coming out on September 17th!Connect with Fernon:Guest Contact InfoLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/fernan-chacon-37879520b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relational leadership and management authority Cheryl L. Mason, J.D. is a TEDx speaker, author and CEO and Chief Catalyst of Catalyst Leadership Management—a firm helping CEOs, senior leaders, companies, and teams develop the skills and tools to lead with authenticity and empathy while leveraging strategy, analytics, vision, and change management to improve morale and trust to realize record-breaking results. As the fourth Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed—and first woman and military spouse—to serve as the CEO/Chairman of the VA Board of Veterans' Appeals, The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason has a proven track record of leading with an impactful morale-boosting, people-centric approach. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Cheryl Mason about her book, Dare to Relate. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How people can use life’s challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.- Why leaders need to adapt to post-pandemic changes and different generational expectations.- How engaging with and listening to your employees can strengthen your business. - Why it’s important for business owners to make their employees valued. - How walking around and interacting with your employees can lead to significant organizational improvements. Connect with Cheryl:Guest Contact InfoFacebookfacebook.com/catalystleadershipmgmtLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/cheri-cheryl-mason-b231838Links Mentioned:catalystleadershipmgmt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert L. Day is the passion behind weAudit.com. He firmly believes that saving companies is saving jobs and ultimately saving families. As Managing Partner of weAudit.com, Robert is highly focused on driving all aspects of the firm’s growth and strategic vision. Since its inception in 2009, under Robert’s leadership, weAudit.com has evolved from a modest start-up to America’s #1 Credit Card Processing Auditing Firm. Published in 2023, Robert's newest book, The Great American Heist - How Credit Card Processors Steal Businesses' Profits (foreword written by Kevin Harrington from the hit TV show Shark Tank), gives a behind-the-scenes look into the world of deceptive overbilling showing just how it’s done, further cementing his authority in the field of credit card processing. (Available at major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets.) Listen to this illuminating Sharkpreneur episode with Robert Day about uncovering hidden credit card fees. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How WeAudit.com was born out a desire to help businesses avoid unnecessary fees and reclaim lost profits. - How WeAudit.com focuses on saving companies’ money by identifying and eliminating hidden fees in credit card processing. - How saving companies in turn saves jobs and supports families.- How credit card processing lacks sufficient oversight, allowing processors to add unauthorized fees. - How it’s important for successful businesses to focus on customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Connect with Robert:Guest Contact InfoTwitter@Robert_L_DayFacebookfacebook.com/weauditLinkedInlinkedin.com/company/weauditcomLinks Mentioned:WeAudit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John and Mark X. Cronin are the father-son team that created John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. They bootstrapped their business into the world’s largest sock store. John is not only a business owner, but he has Down syndrome. Every day, John and Mark show what people with differing abilities can do – more than half their colleagues have a differing ability. And they show their gratitude through their Giving Back program that has raised nearly $700,000 for their charity partners. Most of all, they are spreading happiness one pair of socks at a time. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with John and Mark Cronin about creating a crazy successful sock company.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How directly engaging with your clients turns them into repeat customers who promote their product by word-of-mouth.- Why it’s important to create opportunities for people with different abilities. - How John’s Crazy Socks blends a social mission with commercial goals, while focusing on creating opportunities with different abilities. - Why it’s important to create a positive customer experience for clients and a great work environment for employees. - How integrating social goals with business objectives and promoting inclusivity and community engagement has led to the success of John’s Crazy Socks. Connect with John and Mark:Guest Contact InfoX@JohnsCrazySocksInstagram@johnscrazysocksFacebookfacebook.com/johnscrazysocksLinkedInlinkedin.com/company-john-s-crazy-socksLinks Mentioned:johnscrazysocks.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob King is an author, closing coach, filmmaker, and sales superstar. He consults with sales teams and sales professionals of all types—from retail to in-home sales to business-to-business—bringing One-Call Magic to pitches, curing slumps, boosting team performance, and turning total strangers into happy customers, often at the very first meeting.His directorial debut, Psycho Beach Party, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was still on the staff favorites shelf when the last video rental store was shut down.Bob has won numerous awards from various employers, including “Sales Star of the Year” many years running at his current job.Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Bob King about his book, The Joy of Closing.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:- How The Joy of Closing aims to redefine closing by demonstrating its positive aspects and utility in business and personal growth. - Why trust and service create happy customers ensuring sustained business success. - How trust is crucial when it comes to securing and retaining customers. - Why having a cohesive and effective pitch is essential for a successful closing. - How maintaining contact with your customers post-sale is vital to secure referrals and repeat business. Connect with Bob:Guest Contact InfoInstagram@bobking3400LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/bob-king-7a37951Links Mentioned:joyofclosing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices