Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business – Details, episodes & analysis

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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Nikolas Hulewsky

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/2d. Total Eps: 303

Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, ready to tackle the toughest roadblocks to their first million.

Nik brings firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.

Each week, he blends humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.

Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.

Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CoFoundersNik or @CoFoundersNik

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
10/05/2026
#93
🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
04/03/2026
#94
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
24/10/2025
#78
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
23/10/2025
#86
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
18/09/2025
#78
🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
01/07/2025
#100
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
11/06/2025
#90
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
08/06/2025
#97
🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
07/06/2025
#76
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
01/05/2025
#70

Spotify

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https://forms.gle/AWnfTcVGZzYxASBw7
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http://tkopod.co/p-yt
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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 78%

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75 - The Secret to Profiting from AI Automation While Saving Clients Thousands with Chris Koerner

Season 1 · Episode 75

Friday, October 25, 2024 • Duration 44:21

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and my business partner, Chris Koerner (http://tkopod.co/p-x), as we sit down to brainstorm some fun business ideas. In this episode, we explore the concept of starting an automation agency focused on Zapier vs. Make.com. We talk about the potential of AI-generated family photos as a business and we also dive into a few seasonal business ideas that could generate quick cash flows during peak periods, as well as one hilarious idea for a dating show that, frankly, somebody needs to make happen.

Whether you're looking for your next business / side hustle or just want to hear how we approach turning quirky concepts into potential business models, this episode is packed with inspiration. Enjoy!

Chris's YouTube: http://tkopod.co/p-yt

Questions this Episode Answers:

How could an automation agency focusing on Zapier vs. Make.com add value to small businesses?
What is the potential for an AI-generated family photo business, and how do you start?
How do you identify and launch seasonal businesses that can be profitable in a short timeframe?
What's the concept behind the dating show idea, and how could someone execute it?

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
__________________________

MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Introduction
01:13 Viral Tweet Sparks Discussion on Remote Jobs for Introverts
01:38 The Challenges and Opportunities of Job Boards
02:17 Innovative Job Board Ideas Based on Personality Types
02:31 Exploring Niche Job Boards and Their Potential
04:43 Technology and Implementation of Job Boards
08:14 Seasonal Business Opportunities: Halloween and Beyond
21:18 The Emotional Impact of Fame
22:02 Business Ethics and Unethical Ventures
22:36 Family Picture Day Struggles
23:30 AI in Photography: A Game Changer
25:02 The Future of AI-Generated Family Photos
30:43 Zapier vs. Make: Automation Tools Showdown
39:17 AI's Role in Blue-Collar Jobs
40:29 The Efficiency Revolution: AI in Diagnostics

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74 - From Self-Made Billionaire at 35 to Bankruptcy Just 12 Months Later with Zac Prince

Season 1 · Episode 74

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 51:29

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Zac Prince (https://x.com/CostSegZac), the founder of BlockFi, who grew the company from zero to $15 billion in client assets in just four years, made $1 billion for himself, lost $1 billion, and ultimately sold the company to Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX. In this episode, Zac shares his story of living through the crypto collapse firsthand, the hard lessons he's learned about equity, and how he deals with extreme volatility.

We also dive into Zac's decision to leave the crypto space entirely, joining Nick Huber as the CEO of RE Cost Seg, a company focused on saving real estate investors money on taxes. If you want to hear how a crypto billionaire faced both triumph and disaster, and his insights into starting over, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Questions this Episode Answers:

How did Zac Prince grow BlockFi to manage $15 billion in assets?
What were the biggest lessons Zac learned about equity during his career?
Why did Zac decide to leave the crypto space and join RE Cost Seg?
How does Zac think about volatility and handling high-risk environments?
What are Zac's frameworks for moving forward after losing billions?

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
__________________________

MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction01:26 Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit03:01 Career Beginnings and First Tech Job06:04 Lessons in Equity and Financial Growth13:57 Transition to FinTech and Discovering Crypto17:09 Founding BlockFi and Rapid Growth18:56 Challenges and Downfall of BlockFi24:04 BlockFi's Interest Account Strategy24:27 Alameda's Exceptional Performance25:11 The Rise and Fall of FTX27:52 BlockFi's Bankruptcy and Aftermath29:17 Life After BlockFi31:29 Joining RECostSEG37:24 The Value of Cost Segregation Studies41:31 Marketing and Growth Strategies45:00 Reflections and Future Plans47:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

65 - Why Everyone SHOULDN'T Buy a Business with Chelsea Wood

Season 1 · Episode 65

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 55:56

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Chelsea Wood (https://x.com/SMBChelseaWood), co-founder of Acquisition Lab, the premier business buying accelerator. Chelsea partnered with Walker Deibel, author of "Buy Then Build." Since its inception, the Acquisition Lab has guided over 800 people, with nearly 200 successfully acquiring their first business.

In this episode, we discuss why seller financing isn’t always a safe strategy, the dangers of oversimplifying business advice on social media, and why not everyone should buy a business. Chelsea also highlights the importance of due diligence and how to assess the quality of earnings.

Questions this Episode Answers:

Why isn't seller financing always a safe strategy?
What should be considered before buying a business?
What are the pitfalls of oversimplified business advice on social media?
How does due diligence play a critical role in acquisitions?
Why is a deep understanding of risk essential when buying a business?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Highlights: Should You Buy a Business?
00:15 Meet Chelsea Wood: Co-Founder of Acquisition Lab
01:23 Chelsea's Career Journey: From Consultant to M&A05:56 The Leap to Entrepreneurship: Starting Acquisition Lab06:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Ventures11:16 The Role of Spousal Support in Business Success16:57 Inside the Acquisition Lab: Structure and Services23:00 The Risks of Seller Financing in Business Acquisitions26:32 The Importance of Cash Flow Management27:07 Challenges of Doubling Revenue in Healthcare28:09 The J Curve and Cash Reserves28:44 The Reality of Buying a Business with No Money Down29:01 Understanding Working Capital and Access to Credit29:29 Personal Stories and Risks of Business Ownership34:01 Assessing Your Risk Profile40:09 Experience and Skills Needed for Business Ownership41:53 The Importance of Due Diligence53:02 Mental Health and Financial Stress in Business Ownership

64 - How Permanent Equity Built a 9 Figure, Debt-Free Portfolio with Mark Brooks

Season 1 · Episode 64

Monday, September 30, 2024 • Duration 47:44

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I talk with Mark Brooks (https://x.com/markbrooks), the Managing Director of Permanent Equity, a unique investment fund founded by Brent Beshore. With 16 businesses and 900 employees, Permanent Equity uses a 30-year fund model and focuses on debt-free acquisitions, which goes against the grain in private equity. We discuss how they identify unique metrics for each business, incentivize operators without using EBITDA, and manage post-sale relationships.

Questions this Episode Answers:

What is Permanent Equity’s unique 30-year fund model?
Why does Permanent Equity pursue debt-free acquisitions?
How do they identify key metrics for each business?
Why don’t they incentivize operators based on EBITDA?
How do they approach post-sale seller relationships?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Highlights
00:19 Welcome to Nickonomics
01:15 Interview with Mark Brooks
02:00 Understanding Traditional Private Equity
05:27 Permanent Equity's Unique Approach
07:44 Incentive Alignment and Cash Flow
08:44 Newsletter Promotion
09:14 Challenges with Incentive Alignment
11:04 Structuring Purchases and Keeping Owners Onboard14:38 Value Proposition and Legacy Considerations17:29 Operational Support and Back Office Functions23:02 Metrics and Day-to-Day Operations25:59 Understanding Leverage Points in Business26:40 Key Business Metrics Categories27:45 Dogmatic vs. Flexible Business Approaches28:24 Industry-Specific Metrics and Opinions29:42 Tracking Metrics and Reporting31:17 Managing a Portfolio of Businesses33:19 Delegation and Business Growth39:33 Characteristics of Successful Companies45:06 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Personal Reflections

63 - The Glassdoor of Home Renovations: Business Model Explained + 3 More Ideas with Chris Koerner

Season 1 · Episode 63

Friday, September 27, 2024 • Duration 48:19

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I introduce something new on Nikonomics. My best friend and business partner, Chris (http://tkopod.co/p-x), and I have a discussion every Friday called HoldCo Bros, originally released only on his podcast, we brainstorm ideas and go completely off the wall. It’s basically the same conversations we’ve been having for the last 20 years - random, sometimes inappropriate, but always packed with actionable advice.

In this episode, we talk about pricing, transparency, and lead generation. We explore the idea of a car negotiation as a service and how to leverage virtual assistants to secure the best car deals. We also discuss creating products for business owners and how to find and capitalize on distressed business opportunities. Additionally, we discuss the custom home building industry, and Chris shares his advice based on his own experience.
___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________

Chris's YouTube: http://tkopod.co/p-yt

Chris's Podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all

Questions this Episode Answers:

What strategies can help you capitalize on distressed business opportunities?
How can pricing and transparency improve your business?
What makes the custom home building industry unique?
How do you generate and sell high-ticket leads for home services?

62 - From Architect to Developer: Managing $350M Projects with Antonia Botero

Season 1 · Episode 62

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 • Duration 36:45

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Antonia Patero (https://x.com/antonia_mdprjct), founder of MADD Project, a commercial real estate development management company. Antonia shares her journey from architecture to development and explains how her firm handles everything from concept to completion for large-scale commercial projects. In this episode, we discuss how development fees can misalign incentives and why understanding market data and financial structuring is crucial before engaging a design team.

Questions this Episode Answers:

What is the transition from architecture to development like?
How do development fees work in large-scale projects?
Why can misalignment of incentives be an issue in real estate?
What role does market data play in successful development projects?
How can developers better structure projects for investors?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Highlights
00:44 Meet Antonia Botero: From Architecture to Development
01:27 Understanding Development Fees and Market Data
02:00 Comparing Commercial and Residential Projects
03:08 The Role of an Architect in Development
04:55 Market Analysis and Financial Structuring07:10 Antonia's Career Journey and Starting Mad Project10:44 Economic Incentives and Development Fees20:35 The Million Dollar Team Dilemma20:43 The Value of Project-Based Hiring20:56 Challenges of In-House Teams21:24 The Better Model for Managing Fees22:59 Starting a Company in 201725:05 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges26:58 Customer Acquisition Strategies27:45 The Importance of Word of Mouth30:25 Managing Projects Across the Country32:23 Rapid Fire Questions36:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

61 - From Forbes at 18 to Alcoholic on His Deathbed at 21 - And Back with John Maher

Monday, September 23, 2024 • Duration 36:57

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I sit down with John Maher, founder of The Victorian Group, a lead generation agency specializing in private wealth advisors and lenders. John’s story is a rollercoaster - by 18, he was featured in Forbes, and by 21, he hit rock bottom. Now, in his mid-20s, he’s rebuilt and is running a $600,000-a-year agency with 50-60% net margins.

In this episode, John opens up about the tough lessons learned along the way, the challenges of marketing in highly regulated industries, and how he navigated both personal and professional setbacks.

Questions this Episode Answers:

How did John go from being featured in Forbes to rebuilding a $600K agency?
What are the biggest challenges of marketing for private wealth advisors?
How did John achieve 50-60% margins in a highly regulated industry?
What are the key lessons in turning failure into opportunity?
How can you build a resilient business despite major setbacks?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Highlights
00:32 The Downside of the Upside
00:59 Introducing John Mayer and the Victorian Group
01:53 A Journey of Mentorship and Investment
05:00 Overcoming Personal Struggles
07:13 Rebuilding and Seeking Investment
09:53 The Pitch and Early Challenges
16:58 The Daily Grind: Overcoming Challenges
17:14 Strategizing for Success: Distribution and Resources17:37 Life Changes and Future Prospects17:56 Equity and Business Model Evolution18:12 The Reality of Entrepreneurship19:21 Understanding Ideal Client Profiles (ICP)20:28 Lead Generation Strategies23:06 Cost of Customer Acquisition24:27 Lending Side of the Business30:00 High Net Worth Financial Services34:39 Rapid Fire Questions36:27 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

60 - What I Learned From My $7M Bankruptcy with Hunter Durham

Season 1 · Episode 60

Friday, September 20, 2024 • Duration 47:52

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Hunter Durham (https://x.com/huntercdurham), an entrepreneur who went from running a successful $7 million company to filing for bankruptcy. Hunter shares the lessons learned from his company, Furniture USA Distribution, which collapsed due to customer concentration on a major client and poor cash flow management.

In this episode, we explore the dangers of scaling too fast, managing a business's financial health, and why diversifying your customer base is critical. We also dive into the emotional toll of facing bankruptcy and how to recover from it.

Hunter’s transparency about his failures and successes makes this episode a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t always a smooth road.

Questions this Episode Answers:

How did Hunter grow Furniture USA Distribution to $7 million in revenue before its collapse?
What are the dangers of relying on one major client for business revenue?
How can entrepreneurs avoid scaling too fast and protect their businesses?
What are the best ways to manage cash flow and customer risk?
How does bankruptcy affect an entrepreneur emotionally, and what are the next steps after hitting rock bottom?

59 - Meme King: How To Make $44k/Month On Social Media with Charlie Light

Season 1 · Episode 59

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 • Duration 39:56

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with the OG of parody and ghostwriting, Charlie Light (https://x.com/CharlieWRich). In 2020, Charlie launched the John W. Rich parody account during the pandemic. What started as a fun outlet turned into a thriving business, gaining 200,000 followers and generating $44,000 per month ghostwriting for other accounts by 2022.

In this episode, you’ll learn how Charlie experimented and pivoted his way to success, scaling beyond his meme account. We discuss why simplicity in communication is an entrepreneurial superpower and how Charlie navigated the challenges of monetizing parody content. Get ready for some laughs, valuable business insights, and a deep dive into the unexpected world of Twitter-based businesses.

Charlie's parody account: https://x.com/cokedupoptions

Questions this Episode Answers:

How did Charlie turn a parody Twitter account into a $44,000/month business?
What key traits helped Charlie scale his business beyond memes?
How can entrepreneurs leverage humor in serious content to engage their audience?
Why is simplicity crucial in communicating business ideas effectively?
What challenges come with monetizing a parody account, and how did Charlie overcome them?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________This week we covered:00:00 Highlights & Introduction 01:27 Guest Introduction & Background01:41 Creating the John W. Rich Parody Account03:07 Turning a Hobby into a Business05:32 Challenges and Successes in Monetization06:26 The Art of Writing and Comedy18:40 Favorite Formats and Inspirations21:37 The Fascination with Guru Accounts22:05 The Rise of Coffeezilla22:41 Monetizing Social Media Accounts23:13 Selling the John W. Rich Account23:33 Challenges of Running a Parody Account25:14 The Value of Niche Content29:18 Real-Life Interactions and Recognition33:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

58 - Bad Data Is Ruining Your Business. He Found the Fix! with Kirk Newcombe

Season 1 · Episode 58

Monday, September 16, 2024 • Duration 31:32

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Kirk Newcombe (https://x.com/KirkNewcombe), Founder of TorchPX and a former Search Fund Operator. Kirk managed and grew an 8-figure custom swimming pool business with 150 employees in the Hamptons. He shares how he developed a custom solution for managing data across five different service lines, which ultimately inspired him to launch TorchPX, a technology consulting company focused on AI-enabled workflow optimization and automation.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Kirk used AI and automation to reshape his business, handle real-time KPIs, and why these technologies are now crucial for “sweaty” businesses like construction, pool services, and more.

Questions this episode answers:

How did Kirk grow his pool business to 8 figures?
How can AI and automation help with workflow optimization?
What are the real-world applications of AI in traditional businesses?
How can business owners implement technology to manage real-time data?
What inspired Kirk to launch TorchPX and shift into consulting?

___________________________
Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.
___________________________

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT
___________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Introduction to High-End Pool Business
00:29 Welcome to Nickonomics00:36 The Most Important Metric in Business01:11 Meet Kirk Newcombe of Torch PX02:19 From Tech to Pool Business03:02 Challenges in Pool Business Operations05:57 Tech Solutions for Business Integration12:54 Custom Metrics for Business Efficiency14:49 Decision to Start a Consulting Company17:30 The Reality of AI in Technology17:49 Challenges in Building Enduring Software Products18:20 The Shift Towards Services in Business18:26 AI's Role in Business Strategy20:08 Introduction to TorchPX20:36 Client Engagements and Roles21:42 Building Custom Solutions for Clients22:36 Acquiring Customers and Search Fund Experience26:23 Reflections on Business and AI29:18 Personal Insights and Advice30:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business – Details, episodes & analysis

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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Other48

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Latest published episodes

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Apple Podcasts

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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