Explore every episode of the podcast The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner
Dive into the complete episode list for The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
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How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199
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I sat down with Shannon Jean and we talked about how to spot overlooked opportunities and turn them into real money. We got into strategies for flipping items with zero upfront cost, how to use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, GovDeals, and B-Stock to find profitable products, and how to build repeatable systems around local reselling. Shannon shared how to create a network of local buyers, how to wholesale to discount stores, and how your personal story can actually help you close more sales. If you want to start something scrappy and profitable, this one’s packed with ideas.
00:00 Unlocking Reselling Opportunities 02:47 The Power of Liquidation Deals 06:00 Finding Hidden Gems in Unsexy Markets 08:49 Building Relationships for Reselling Success 12:08 Leveraging Local Markets for Profit 14:55 Understanding Product Demand and Pricing 17:47 Avoiding Common Reselling Pitfalls 21:10 Crafting Your Reselling Narrative 24:00 The Future of Reselling: Trends and Insig
6 Ways to Make Money With the New GPT Agent (It Blew My Mind) ⏐ Ep. #198
I just tested the new ChatGPT agent from OpenAI and this thing blew my mind. For $20/month I had six agents running at once, doing cold outreach, writing pitch decks, researching competitors, even prepping my meetings by digging through private info on my calendar. I tested it on everything from finding local SEO leads to building a launch plan for a mobile car wash business. It cross-referenced Google Trends, scraped Reddit and Amazon reviews, and even redesigned a pitch deck using the legendary Airbnb format. If you're into automation, business building, or just want to know how to actually make money with ChatGPT, this one's for you.
Today I talk about the most controversial question in entrepreneurship: should you quit your job to start a business? It’s something I’ve wrestled with for years, and in this episode I share the frameworks, personal stories, and mindset shifts that have helped me figure out when to go all in and when to hold back. Then I bring on my friend Steven Hale, who actually did it. He walked away from a high-paying job at a publicly traded company and launched Oak Bridge, which went from zero to 25 employees and nearly $6 million in revenue in just one year. We talk about the fear, the clarity, the hard choices, and why sometimes you need your options taken away in order to move forward. If you’re stuck at the edge of the leap, this one’s for you. You can reach out to Steven on LinkedIn or by email at steven@oakbridgeas.com
00:00 The Great Boat Burning Debate 02:46 Understanding the Risks of Entrepreneurship 06:00 Personal Stories of Burning the Boats 08:52 Strategic Planning for Business Success 12:08 The Journey of Stephen Hale 13:20 Navigating Career Transitions 14:47 The Journey to Ownership and Entrepreneurship 16:40 Navigating the Early Days of a Startup 19:16 Balancing Confidence and Insecurity 20:08 The Joy of Building and Creating 24:09 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks 26:44 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Deep Dive: This Dude Quit His Job to Make $18K/Month With This… Ep. #99
02 Dec 2024
00:49:14
In this episode, I sat down with Cinco Winston, the founder of True Line Striping TX (https://truelinestripingtx.com). Cinco shares his journey of leaving his W-2 job to starting a successful pavement marking business in Waco, Texas.
We discuss his approach to finding clients, managing cash flow, and offering early discounts to build credibility. Cinco shares his strategies for pricing jobs effectively, the challenges of door-knocking for new customers, and the lessons learned from navigating the early months of running a business.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 06:07 Understanding the Business Model: Costs and Profits 11:53 Navigating the First Jobs: Building a Customer Base 18:15 Job Types and Revenue: Small, Medium, and Large Projects 24:49 Building a Customer Base Through Networking 30:52 Sales Strategies and Customer Acquisition 36:13 The Challenges and Rewards of Business Ownership 41:55 Scaling the Business and Future Plans
How to Monetize Facebook Groups Without Owning One. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #98
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I are talking about three fun business ideas today, but this is just Part 1 - stay tuned for Part 2 next week. First up, we talk about custom concerts: turning live music venues into unique experiences by letting fans bid on song requests, almost like a live auction. Then we talk about AI-powered local newsletter idea = using AI to create super-targeted newsletters that help generate local leads. Finally, we get into Facebook groups as a way to get leads.
Deep Dive: Making $80k in One Day with a Fireworks Stand. Ep. #97
27 Nov 2024
00:49:07
I sat down with Daniel Astleford, a CPA and the owner of a unique fireworks business. In this episode, Daniel shares how he manages both a remote CPA firm and a fireworks stand business in Texas. We discuss the unexpected opportunities and the hurdles that come with acquiring and scaling seasonal businesses, the challenges of working with silent partners, and the ins and outs of running a fireworks business legally.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights_Introduction to the Fireworks Business Journey 02:49 Building a Remote CPA Firm and Fireworks Side Hustle 06:09 The Decision to Buy a Fireworks Company 09:05 Understanding the Financials and Revenue Potential 11:50 Navigating the Challenges of Location and Zoning Laws 15:11 The Impact of Seasonal Sales and Location Changes 18:05 Lessons Learned from the First Year of Operations 24:46 Scaling the Fireworks Business 30:08 Navigating Competition and Location Challenges 36:55 Operational Success and Future Goals 40:45 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement
Is Sleep Consulting the Best Work-From-Home Side Hustle? Ep. #96
I sat down with Jayne Havens, the founder of The Snoozefest.com. In this episode, Jayne shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a certified sleep consultant, running a highly successful business that helps parents get their children to sleep better. We talk about how she turned her skills into a successful business. She also shares the details of her sleep consulting services and how she is training others to follow in her footsteps.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights-From Event Planning to Sleep Consulting 02:56 The Importance of Certification in Sleep Consulting 05:49 Understanding Client Relationships and Boundaries 08:48 Service Structure and Pricing Models 12:12 Success Rates and Client Commitment 15:07 Key Strategies for Helping Children Sleep 17:56 The Role of Emotional Support in Sleep Consulting 20:46 Identifying Underlying Issues in Sleep Problems 24:01 Building a Referral-Based Business 26:55 The Future of Sleep Consulting as a Franchise 30:03 Final Thoughts and Resources
How to Build & Sell $2K/Month Software with No Coding Experience. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #95
22 Nov 2024
00:23:11
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I sit down to continue our discussion from last week (check out Part 1 - Episode #92 if you missed it!). In this episode, we continue brainstorming cool business ideas, like how to capitalize on website change monitoring for arbitrage and creating a tax Sherpa concept for entrepreneurs. We also do our "marry, date, or kill" segment to assess which of these ideas are worth pursuing, testing, or dropping.
Deep Dive: 40% Margins and Insane Demand in the Wedding Venue Business. Ep. #94
20 Nov 2024
00:43:30
I sat down with Alex Nelson (https://x.com/weddingvenueguy), the owner of The Midnight Gem, a successful wedding venue in Swisher, Iowa. In this episode, we talk about how he went from concept to pre-booking $300,000 in weddings before construction was even completed. We also discuss how he achieved his $800,000+ annual revenue, how he differentiated his venue from the typical Iowa barns, and his approach to scaling profits with events beyond weddings.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights - The Birth of a Wedding Venue Dream 02:58 Navigating the Wedding Venue Landscape 06:11 Funding the Vision: From Idea to Reality 09:03 Marketing Strategies for Success 11:52 Understanding Demand and Market Fit 15:10 Building a Unique Venue in a Saturated Market 17:58 Financial Performance and Future Outlook 21:24 Exploring Wedding Venue Opportunities 23:21 Innovative Rental Services in the Wedding Industry 25:12 Understanding Supply and Demand in Wedding Services 27:32 Diversifying Event Offerings Beyond Weddings 30:20 The Importance of Alcohol Sales in Venue Revenue 32:42 Lessons Learned from Operating a Wedding Venue 35:02 Trends in the Wedding Industry 38:26 Maximizing Venue Potential with On-Site Accommodations 40:19 Advice for Aspiring Wedding Venue Owners
How to Monetize Any Game of Skill ft. Connor Ep. #93
18 Nov 2024
00:31:14
I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), for Part 2 of our discussion on creative business ideas. If you haven't listened to Part 1 (Episode #90), go check it out to get the full context!
In this episode, we talk about a "hole in one" challenge business in New Zealand that makes use of a lakeside setup to bring in around $650,000 in annual revenue. We also talk about how games of skill can be turned into sustainable business models, including franchise opportunities. Lastly, we came up with an idea for a build-your-own record player kit for kids, something that could be the next big thing, like an Easy-Bake Oven for vinyl lovers.
Check out Connor’s free newsletter! https://www.bizbrainstorms.com
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Innovative Business Ideas in Skill Games 02:47 The Viability of Skill-Based Gambling 06:09 Franchising Opportunities in Skill Games 08:58 The Nostalgia of Record Players 11:51 Creating Engaging Experiences for Kids 14:45 The Future of Physical Products in a Digital Age
How to Create and Growth Hack Your Own Subreddit. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #92
15 Nov 2024
00:33:26
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I discuss four exciting ideas, but in this first part, we talk about two main ideas: growing a subreddit as a powerful business tool and a creative business-in-a-box solution for wantrepreneurs. We talk about how to effectively use Reddit as a growth hack, including automation tools like Zapier and AI, and also brainstorm a comprehensive package for those starting side hustles, but this is only Part 1 - stay tuned for the Part 2 next week!
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Navigating Reddit for Growth 06:09 Leveraging AI and Automation 09:06 Practical Applications for Entrepreneurs 12:01 Creative Marketing Strategies 14:48 Innovative Business Ideas 18:10 Exploring New Monetization Opportunities 20:38 Business in a box idea
Deep Dive into the Gas Delivery Business. Ep. #91
13 Nov 2024
00:27:39
I sat down with Korey McDavid, founder of Juiced Fuel (https://juicedfuel.com/), to discuss the ins and outs of the mobile fuel delivery business. Korey shares how he came up with the idea, how he launched with under $100,000, and what it takes to manage a business that's breaking new ground in personal and marine fuel delivery. We also talk about the challenges of building a custom app, securing the first customers, and scaling.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction to Juice Fuel and Its Origins 04:46 The Development of the Mobile Fuel Delivery App 10:00 Customer Acquisition and Initial Challenges 15:13 Pricing Strategy and Revenue Model 20:04 Future Expansion Plans and Market Positioning 25:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Riffing on Ideas with Connor: Candles and Apps. Ep. #90
11 Nov 2024
00:32:57
I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a familiar face on the podcast, to dive into some exciting new ideas and business strategies. We talked about productivity and how to truly gauge an employee's work speed, the challenges of the candle industry (since Connor’s dad owns a big candle business in New Jersey), and some innovative concepts for tackling these markets. This conversation was so packed with insights that we had to split it into two episodes! Make sure to tune in next week for Part 2, which, trust me, is even better.
Check out Connor’s free newsletter! https://www.bizbrainstorms.com
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:57 Employee Productivity and Remote Work Challenges 02:48 Upwork and Multi-Job Dilemma 05:13 Management Solutions and Business Ideas 08:24 Speed and Efficiency in the Workplace 15:04 Candle Business and Unique Branding Ideas 17:06 Unusual Preferences and Niche Markets 17:19 Innovative Packaging Ideas 18:07 Candle Industry Insights 18:47 Marketing Strategies and Unique Selling Points 19:58 Exploring New Candle Concepts 20:23 The Liquid Death Approach 22:21 Refillable Candles and Home Decor 27:53 Scratch and Sniff Marketing 28:25 Collaborations and Personalization 31:33 Pet-Themed Candles and Programmatic SEO
You Don’t Need to Invent New AI Tool. Just Package One Use Case ⏐ Ep. #188
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about a bunch of AI wrapper ideas you could build today without needing to invent anything new. We talk about using ChatGPT to create personalized trivia games for parents and kids, then turn that into a full-blown business idea, just package it as a niche mobile app. We also brainstorm an AI handyman mentor, where ChatGPT walks you through fixing stuff around the house via voice and video. Later, we go deep on how image generation tools can power things like AI-powered postcards that show homeowners what their house would look like with new paint, windows, or landscaping. All real tools. All working today. You just need to package the use case.
00:00 - Highlights 01:00 - Trivia Game Idea with ChatGPT 05:34 - Build a Family Trivia App 07:45 - AI Captures Family Stories 12:27 - HandymanMentors.com Idea 19:37 - DIY Kits for Learning Home Repairs 23:56 - ChatGPT as a Virtual Handyman 28:46 - Free Gifts Hack: Mailing Wedding Invites 31:07 - Personalized Postcards with AI 33:31 - Live Remodel Previews Using AI
Google Sheets + AI = $$$. HoldCo Bros discuss! Ep. #89
08 Nov 2024
00:32:47
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three ideas in this episode, following up from Episode #86. We cover GPT for Google Sheets, a creative dating idea, and Water Finds. Plus, we play our 'marry, date, or kill' game to decide which idea we’d pursue, test, or drop. It's a fun, insightful episode, so be sure to share, like, and subscribe!
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Monetizing Unique Ideas 01:07 Leveraging AI in Google Sheets 06:58 Data Cleaning and Integrity 11:28 Innovative Dating Solutions 19:10 Social Proof in Dating 24:22 Treasure Hunting and Content Creation 29:42 Business Ideas Recap
Oops! I Started 15 More Businesses. Episode 4/4 of "Every Business I've Every Started" Ep. #88
06 Nov 2024
00:27:40
This is part four - THE FINAL PART of 'Every Business I've Ever Started'
If you want even more business ideas, check out the previous episodes to hear about every business in episode #14, 21 and 79.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction to Business Ventures 00:48 The Co-Founders Model 02:20 Copy Paste Site: A Unique Web Design Idea 03:55 Fulfillment Score: E-commerce Shipping Solutions 05:58 Scams and Lessons Learned 09:29 Innovative Products: Nomo Snore and Off Marketers 12:01 AI Guy: A Successful Newsletter 14:08 Startup Gems: AI Voice Cloning Experiment 16:55 The No BS Crypto Podcast 17:51 Twice Used: A Recycling Venture 20:40 Lawyers in China: A Lead Generation Service 23:13 My Modern Self: Delivering Ikea Furniture 25:12 Animal Aftercare: Programmatic SEO Business
The Most Profitable Industry You've Never Looked at Twice... Ep. #87
04 Nov 2024
00:49:31
I sat down with Shannon Houchin, the founder of Roadside Republic. In this episode, we discuss the incredible business model of roadside produce stands, which Shannon scaled to over 100 locations in her first summer, generating impressive revenue with minimal overhead.
We highlight why this business works so well, including its low startup costs (around $200), high margins (up to 70%), and lack of lease requirements or heavy regulation. Shannon shares the tactics she used, from finding the perfect locations to negotiating with wholesalers over the phone, making this a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to enter this profitable venture.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 The Roadside Stand Revolution 02:52 From Reporter to Peach Entrepreneur 05:47 Scaling the Peach Business 09:09 The Art of Location and Visibility 12:05 Understanding Peach Quality and Sourcing 14:59 Transitioning to Online Sales and Delivery 17:46 Consumer Behavior and Pricing Strategies 24:58 Transforming Pricing Models in Produce Sales 29:12 Innovative Locations for Roadside Stands 32:32 Expanding Business Segments and Mobile Markets 34:59 Profitability and Sales Strategies for Roadside Stands 39:12 The Power of Storytelling in Sales 46:47 Comparing Business Models: Roadside Republic vs. Peach Truck
How to Cash in from Other Companies’ Email Lists (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #86
01 Nov 2024
00:27:27
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three topics today. First, an update on our perfume vending machine business, now called Side Vending, as we expand to new vending machine concepts. It’s been a wild journey, and we’ve got some crazy stories to share.
Then, we break down the recent shutdown of a company called The Pro’s Closet and discuss how you can monetize other companies’ email lists - 300,000 email addresses that are going to waste! Finally, we talk about Negotiations as a Service, or as I like to put it, “Only eat when you eat.”
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we’ll talk about GPT for Google Sheet and all the many ways you can use AI inside Excel or Google Sheets, a creative dating idea, and a business called Water Finds that we think you’ll find interesting. Be sure to share, like, and subscribe!
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda 00:34 Perfume Vending Machine Business Update 04:08 The Pro's Closet Shutdown 09:38 Opportunities in Email Monetization 12:25 Buying a Business Out of Bankruptcy 13:00 Owning Commercial Real Estate and Restaurants 14:12 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Managers 14:53 Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs 18:35 Business Opportunity in Pharmacy Negotiations 22:24 How to Get Your First Customer 25:03 Marry, Date, or Kill: Evaluating Business Ideas 27:06 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion
70% Margins in the Mobile Roller Skating Business. Ep. #85
30 Oct 2024
01:03:10
I sat down with Henry O'Brien, founder of SUSO Skate Co., who launched a mobile roller skating business during the COVID pandemic and saw it explode in popularity. In his first three months, Henry made $120k at 30-40% margins, which eventually grew to 70% net margins. Henry sets up mobile roller rinks in malls, parking lots, or any available space, making roller skating accessible to communities everywhere.
We talked about his launch strategy, the numbers, user-generated content, PR and marketing tactics, and how he managed to sell into malls. If you're curious about starting a unique business model or achieving high-profit margins, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Henry's business here: https://www.susoskateco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/susoskateco/ https://www.tiktok.com/@susoskateco
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: http://tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 The Birth of Suso Skate Co. 03:05 Navigating the Pandemic and Finding Opportunity 05:49 Marketing Strategies and Media Engagement 09:08 The Unique Venue: Bentway 11:57 Understanding Product-Market Fit 14:50 Financial Insights and Unit Economics 18:06 User-Generated Content and Social Media Impact 20:55 Operational Challenges and Growth Plans 24:12 Quality Control and Insurance Considerations 32:05 Navigating Insurance and Liability in Recreational Business 35:26 The Evolution of Roller Skating: Fad or Trend? 38:22 Staffing Strategies for Busy Days 39:45 Expanding into Malls: A Strategic Move 44:55 Understanding Mall Dynamics and Revenue Models 48:45 Challenges of Outdoor Locations and Weather Impact 50:40 The Transition to Indoor Locations 54:27 Mobile Roller Skating: A New Business Model 01:00:04 Future Plans: Licensing vs. Franchising
Three Business Deep Dives: Fencing, Stock Tank Pools, Saunas & Cold Plunges. Ep. #84
28 Oct 2024
00:52:21
I sat down with Sam Unkart, an entrepreneur who’s done it all. From building fences to installing stock tank pools and even launching a sauna and cold plunge facility. In this episode we do three deep dives into each of Sam’s business ventures and learn how he’s tackled different markets and industries.
We talked about the fencing and pergola business Sam launched after quitting his corporate job, the booming industry of stock tank pools perfect for millennial backyard parties, and his unique concept of setting up a sauna and cold plunge inside of someone else's gym in Cleburne, Texas, that's grossing over 10k/month.
Learn more about Sam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelunkart/ Sam's Sauna Business: https://www.dripsauna.co/
How to Launch a Seasonal Business and Get Piggyback Clients Instantly. (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #83
25 Oct 2024
00:43:05
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I sat down to share some fun and actionable business ideas. We talk about job board ideas, one funny business idea, AI-generated family photos, and launching an automation agency using Zapier vs Make.com. We also discuss how we’d approach launching a seasonal home service business.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights 00:47 Viral Tweet Sparks Discussion on Remote Jobs for Introverts 01:12 The Challenges and Opportunities of Job Boards 01:51 Innovative Job Board Ideas Based on Personality Types 02:05 Exploring Niche Job Boards and Their Potential 04:17 Technology and Implementation of Job Boards 07:48 Seasonal Business Opportunities: Halloween and Beyond 20:18 The Emotional Impact of Fame 21:02 Business Ethics and Unethical Ventures 21:36 Family Picture Day Struggles 22:30 AI in Photography: A Game Changer 24:02 The Future of AI-Generated Family Photos 29:43 Zapier vs. Make: Automation Tools Showdown 38:16 AI's Role in Blue-Collar Jobs 39:29 The Efficiency Revolution: AI in Diagnostics
How to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business from Scratch. Ep. #82
23 Oct 2024
00:46:28
I sat down with Jason Feller, who went from managing private clubs for 20 years to running his own trash bin cleaning business. Tired of missing his kids' activities, Jason decided to make a change. He invested $48,000 into a trash bin cleaning trailer and now serves 300 recurring customers. We talked about customer acquisition tactics, from leveraging Facebook groups to direct marketing, and the challenges Jason faced transitioning from a career in club management to running his own business.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights 00:27 Welcome to the Kerner Office 00:45 Jason Feller's Career Journey 00:54 Transition to Trash Bin Cleaning Business 03:25 Challenges and Realizations 04:26 Starting the Business 05:14 The Dumpster Theory 08:28 Business Model and Growth 15:35 Marketing Strategies 23:37 Seasonal Challenges and Customer Acquisition 24:12 Running a One-Person Business 24:53 Route Planning and Neighborhood Targeting 26:32 Understanding Customer Demographics 28:15 Marketing Strategies and Conversion Rates 29:12 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Life 35:21 Competitors and Market Dynamics 40:52 Reflections on Entrepreneurship 42:28 Exploring New Business Ideas 45:18 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
A Secret Growth Hack to Steal Free Customers From MeetUp. Ep. #81
21 Oct 2024
00:46:10
I sat down with Edward Sturm, a viral growth marketing expert who's known for his Fake Celebrity prank in New York City that went viral with hundreds of millions of views. In this episode, Edward shares a brilliant idea to take over abandoned meetup groups for just $50-$100, giving you access to thousands of free leads and potential customers. We also discuss curious learner bias, unbundling large SaaS tools using AI, and creative ways to grow your business.
Learn more about Edward here: https://www.instagram.com/edward.builds https://www.youtube.com/@buildinpublic
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction to Edward Sturm and Viral Marketing 14:33 Innovative Business Ideas: Taking Over Meetup Groups 24:12 Networking and Meetups for Growth 26:36 The Curious Learner Bias 30:54 Content Creation and Engagement Strategies 34:39 Leveraging AI Tools for Development 39:26 Unbundling Features for Market Success 42:45 Bottom of Funnel SEO Strategies 45:07 YouTube Shorts and User-Generated Content
4 Business Ideas You Can Start for $0 in 2024. (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #80
18 Oct 2024
00:33:16
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I are talking about business ideas and what's happening in our companies. In this episode, we discuss the business potential of Instagram's Close Friends feature, how influencers can use it to boost engagement, and how you could help.
We also cover the concept of Negative COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) - acquiring products for free or how you can get paid to acquire products and then sell them- with examples like EcoScraps. We talk about a lake weed removal business started by two college students, and how they scaled up with smart social media marketing. Finally, we share ideas for home service businesses that could benefit from time-lapse video marketing to go viral.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Close Friends Feature on Instagram 02:07 Leveraging Close Friends for Increased Engagement 03:23 Monetizing the Close Friends Feature 06:34 Scraping Instagram Followers for Business Opportunities 11:10 Exploring Negative COGS Business Ideas 15:15 The Lake Weed Removal Business 17:14 Chemical-Free Pond and Lake Cleaning 17:37 Going Viral on Social Media 18:23 A Generous Offer 18:38 Business Boom and Social Media Success 20:00 Franchising and Licensing Opportunities 20:21 Top 10 Media-Accelerated Home Services Businesses 21:28 Pressure Washing and Pool Cleaning 23:11 Home Cleaning and Tree Trimming 25:24 Painting and Landscaping 28:46 Window Washing and Gutter Cleaning 29:10 Carpet Cleaning and Business Strategy 29:49 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth 31:56 Partnering with Nationwide Franchisors
You’re Doing Everything Except the One Thing That Works w/ Sam ⏐ Ep. #187
I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about how starting a business really isn't that complicated. We broke down why perfect logos, pricing models, or websites don’t matter early on, and how getting on sales calls with nothing to sell is often the best place to begin. We shared an example of a guy who launched a Google Maps optimization service from scratch (no prior experience) and closed clients in under 30 days. We also talked about pricing strategies, paid ads, building confidence through customer conversations, and even how AI tools like Replit and ChatGPT can be packaged into customizable templates and sold as one-time products. If you’ve been thinking about launching something simple but powerful, this idea might be exactly what you need.
00:00 Impatience with Action, Patience with Results 03:02 The Power of First Party Customer Research 06:00 Adapting to Customer Needs 08:55 Understanding Willingness to Pay 11:47 The Importance of Action Over Research 15:05 Pricing Strategies for Success 17:59 Creating Value for Customers 19:58 Navigating Idea Hopping 23:44 Innovative Product Ideas and Market Fit 30:45 Replit Wrapper Idea
I Started These 14 Businesses. Here’s How You Can Copy Them. Ep. #79
16 Oct 2024
00:37:26
This is part three of 'Every Business I've Ever Started'
Today, I’m doing something a little different. In this episode, I'm taking each business I've ever started and giving you actionable ideas on how you could start a similar business today. I believe that almost any business idea can be executed at any time, with a bias for action being key. Some ideas work in certain contexts, sure, but most of them are timeless if you put your spin on it. If you want even more business ideas, check out the previous episodes 14 and 21.
Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Series Overview 01:19 Tree Biz Bootcamp: Launching and Lessons 04:20 Fast Tree Care: The Journey Begins 05:09 Binary Outcome Framework in Home Services 06:59 Blue Metric: RV Parks and Campgrounds 08:31 Busy: Aggregating Businesses for Sale 12:18 No Greasy: High-Quality Restaurant Degreaser 15:26 Lead Texters: Generating Leads via SMS 17:50 Easy MLS: Flat Fee Listing Service 18:54 Leveraging AI to Reduce Business Friction 19:37 Exploring Business Ideas on BizBuySell 24:22 Monetizing Content: Podcast and Newsletter 26:47 Consulting and Advising Business Owners 27:46 Speed to Ship: Innovative Shipping Software 29:43 Mexican Baseball Merchandise Opportunity 31:08 Better Parks: RV Park Investment 32:35 Busy Juice: Creating a Unique Beverage 34:16 Sunbeam ABA and Sunbeam Paws Ventures 37:11 Conclusion and Next Steps
How to Make Money by Cloning Others Using AI. Ep. #78
14 Oct 2024
00:42:07
I sat down with my good friend Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) and in this episode we talk about using AI to clone yourself, clone others, and make money by offering access to those clones. We also cover some cool new digital product opportunities and new tech business ideas. Sam lives in the digital startup world, and he's the perfect balance to our usual guests who focus on physical products or service businesses.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction 00:28 Diving into Digital Cloning and AI 01:08 Exploring Digital Product Opportunities 01:32 Challenges and Strategies in Digital Entrepreneurship 03:42 Monetizing Digital Products at Scale 13:45 The Potential of AI in Content Creation 21:29 Building an SMS-Based Cohort System 21:48 Challenges and Solutions in Retention 23:02 Pricing Strategies for Subscription Services 24:19 Importance of Activation in Consumer Products 25:44 Leveraging Data for Business Growth 33:01 Exploring Niche Data Products 33:24 Unbundling Craigslist: New Business Opportunities 38:30 Cyber Leads for Home Service Businesses 42:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Viral Treasure Hunts, E-Recycling and 2 More Business ideas! Ep. #77
11 Oct 2024
00:40:18
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about electronics recycling and how it's possible to enjoy 100% gross margins in this industry. We also break down the fascinating treasure hunt business, featuring Project Skydrop - a real-world treasure hunt with $27,000 in gold at stake. Plus, we discuss some hacky, kitschy ideas involving guerrilla marketing and Chrome extensions-type ideas that anyone can try.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 01:10 Introducing Project SkyDrop 01:18 How Project SkyDrop Works 02:02 Discussion on Entry Fees and Rules 04:33 Comparing Similar Treasure Hunts 06:08 Business Ideas and Fundraising 16:32 Perfumatic Update 20:36 Hacky Ideas: Let's Grade Them! 21:38 Amazon Late Deliveries: A Hidden Opportunity 23:35 Automating Consumer Advocacy 30:03 Commercial Real Estate: A Deep Dive 31:10 Pros and Cons of Self Storage Investments 35:30 Sourcing Off-Market Deals 39:25 Getting Started in Real Estate
4 Ways to Make Money by Spying on People. Ep #076
09 Oct 2024
00:43:09
I sat down with my good friend and office mate, Stephen Olmon (https://x.com/stephenolmon). Stephen owns a holding company (https://www.severalventures.com) and, like me, is addicted to startups. We talked through a bunch of business ideas, but kept circling back to one in particular: a meeting listening software that detects inappropriate behavior. Imagine a note-taking tool, but one that also identifies issues in real time - turning them into profit opportunities. We also discussed ideas like white-labeling software or plugins that are affordable to outsource, using call tracking software to help home service businesses, and even how reporting tax fraud could lead to a 30% payout from the government.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights 00:13 Welcome to the Corner Office 00:58 Meet Steven Olmon: Entrepreneur and Mentor 01:41 Career Journey: From Consulting to Startups 05:51 The Birth of Quicker Marketing Agency 11:32 Business Ideas and Innovations 20:58 The Power of Quick Email Responses 22:48 Exploring Agency Ideas and Opportunities 23:12 The Tattletale Industry and New Regulations 26:18 Tax Fraud Whistleblowing: A Lucrative Opportunity 30:33 Call Listening for Customer Service Improvement 37:01 Niche Mentor Networks: A New Marketplace 42:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
I Found an Untapped Home Service Business with 75% Net Profit Margins. Ep #075
07 Oct 2024
00:51:49
I sat down to discuss an incredible niche business, J&D Lake Services - a pond cleaning company started by college students Declan & Joe. They literally went to Home Depot, bought a garden rake, and began scraping the bottoms of ponds for wealthy homeowners, "raking" in an incredible 75% net margin. Before their entry, pond cleaning companies relied on dumping chemicals, which would harm fish and plants. J&D Lake Services took a different approach: manually removing weeds. It’s hard, sweaty work, but they’ve found a space with no competitors and made it a cash cow.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Meet the Founders: Joe and Declan 01:39 The Origin Story: From Dock Installation to Pond Cleaning 03:58 First Big Break: The Seaweed Removal Request 05:45 Pricing Strategies and Business Growth 12:00 Expanding Services: From Lakes to Ponds 18:01 Challenges and Customer Insights 28:25 Understanding Client Needs 28:48 Pricing Strategies and Challenges 29:52 High Close Rates and Competitor Insights 32:14 Revenue and Profit Margins 33:24 Unexpected Job Opportunities 38:18 Social Media Success 43:36 The WeDo Boat Story 50:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Two Overlooked Industries No One Is Thinking of Disrupting. Ep #074
04 Oct 2024
00:44:07
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I break down why print shops, despite being capex heavy and often ignored, are actually goldmines. We also talk about starting a GPO (Group Purchasing Organization) for niche industries and how to make money selling pricey widgets to airline manufacturers because you have to be FAA registered.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights 01:02 Introduction to the Boomer Businessman 01:42 Challenges of Running a Print Shop 02:11 Innovating the Print Shop Business 03:06 The Interactive Website Solution 04:47 Exploring New Business Ideas 09:24 Lead Generation and Ethical Bait Switching 15:22 Validating Business Demand 22:22 Recap of Business Ideas 23:08 Challenges in Healthcare Negotiations 27:27 Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) 34:04 Innovative Product in the RV Industry 35:46 Framework for Idea Validation and Distribution 39:15 Leveraging Insider Knowledge for Business Ideas 43:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Porch Pumpkin Profits: Behind the Scenes with the Industry’s Founder. Ep #073
02 Oct 2024
00:46:56
I sat down with Heather Torres, the founder of Porch Pumpkins, who has literally invented an industry. In this episode, we talk about how she turned decorating porches with pumpkins into a thriving business. We cover everything from her profit margins and gross revenue to her customer base and logistics strategy. Heather shares how she finds customers, what an average customer looks like, and how she would navigate if a recession came.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights_Introduction to Porch Pumpkins 00:36 Meeting Heather Torres 02:03 The Birth of Porch Pumpkins 03:31 From Instagram to Business 07:34 Scaling the Business 13:26 The Power of Moms in Business 15:26 Challenges and Growth 18:16 The Future of Porch Pumpkins 24:19 Target Market and Customer Segments 25:14 Popular Packages and Profitability 26:57 Business Margins and Efficiency 31:54 Handling Growth and Economic Concerns 38:56 Dealing with Imitation and Intellectual Property 42:24 Future Plans and Seasonal Operations 46:16 Conclusion and Contact Information
How to Make $864K/Year Profit with ATMs. ATM Biz Deep Dive. Ep #072
30 Sep 2024
00:47:24
I sat down with Mitchell Sorkin, the ATM guy from Twitter. He owns 900 ATMs across Los Angeles, bringing in $864,000 a year in net profit. We talk about how he bought these locations rather than using cold calling to get them, and why this is an approachable business for anyone. The multiples are much lower than you'd think, making it a great opportunity in a well-established industry.
At the end, we talk about few different business ideas beyond the ATM industry, including a unique AI business idea that you probably haven’t heard of.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights 00:14 Introduction to Business Ideas and ATMs 01:12 Meet Mitchell: The ATM Guy 01:48 Starting Small: The First ATM Deal 02:35 Scaling Up: From 3 to 900 ATMs 04:45 Challenges and Strategies in the ATM Business 06:18 The Importance of Location and Contracts 16:25 Revenue and Margins in the ATM Industry 17:44 Acquisition Strategies and Market Insights 20:12 The Best ATM Locations: A Case Study 24:09 Managing High-Volume ATMs 25:06 Cash Loading Strategies 26:40 Surprising ATM Locations 28:19 Dealing with Theft and Insurance 29:25 Challenges in the ATM Business 31:00 Advice for Aspiring ATM Owners 32:51 Future Plans and Market Insights 36:22 Exploring New Business Ideas 38:54 Diving into Comfy UI 44:14 Resources and Tools for Comfy UI 46:57 Conclusion and Contact Information
How to Sell Car Negotiation as a Service + 3 More Ideas. Ep #071
27 Sep 2024
00:47:35
HoldCo Bros are back! This week, Nik and I continue our conversation from last Friday's episode, where we talked about Skool communities, lead generation ideas, and transparency in home building. If you missed it, make sure to check out episode #068!
In this episode, we discuss creating products for business owners and explore how to find and capitalize on distressed business opportunities. We also talk about car negotiation as a service and the custom home building industry. I share some insights, drawing from my own experience with a startup in that space.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:26 The Cost Transparency Idea 03:32 Implementing the Idea with VAs 05:31 Expanding the Concept to Other Industries 08:13 The Car Buying Experience 14:03 Scamming the Scammers 14:53 AI in Business 26:04 The Art of Prompt Engineering 27:04 Prompt Hacks and Real-Life Examples 28:04 Contextualizing AI Prompts 29:10 Funny Anecdotes and AI Evolution 30:31 Silicon Valley Business Ideas 33:58 E-commerce Success Story 35:44 Buying Distressed Businesses 40:46 Creative Marketing Strategies 46:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
A Secret Hack to Finding and Selling Home Service Leads + 2 More Ideas. Ep #070
25 Sep 2024
00:36:21
I sat down with Connor, an entrepreneur based in New York who owns self-storage, recruiting, and e-commerce businesses. In this second part of our conversation, we talk about creating a health product for athletes with only two ingredients and how to make it scalable. We also discuss how to convert cheap construction permit data into high-ticket lead sales, as well as a unique concept for a gym for personal trainers, giving them more autonomy over their clients.
We also talk about the importance of packaging and framing ideas to increase their value, and how to create and sell market research reports for businesses.
This is part two of a two-part episode. The first part went live last week in episode #067.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 00:56 Introduction to Million-Dollar Business Ideas 01:10 The Workout Honey Concept 02:31 Market Potential and Challenges 03:19 Packaging and Branding Strategies 05:47 Exploring Additional Product Ideas 08:53 Construction Journal: A Hidden Gem 13:40 Leveraging Data for Business Growth 18:32 Product Market Validation and Research 19:40 Exploring New Product Ideas 19:54 Identifying Potential Customers 20:56 Insights from Xavier Helgeson 22:05 The Value of Market Research 23:12 E-commerce Idea Validation 25:00 Personal Training Gym Concept 32:33 Ranking Business Ideas 34:38 Planning for Recession-Resistant Businesses 35:55 Conclusion and Next Steps
A Business Anyone Can Start Today With Just $100 ⏐ Ep. #186
I sat down to break down one of the most overlooked service business ideas out there: mailbox installation and repair. This is the kind of high-margin local business that’s hiding in plain sight, with real entrepreneurs pulling in over $9K a week just by fixing what’s already broken. We talked about how to start with almost no money, how to land HOA contracts, and why this is a goldmine for offline lead generation and local SEO. I also got into ways to turn this into a real ecommerce play using custom products, AI-driven mockups, and smart Facebook ad targeting. If you’ve been looking for a simple scalable service business that can actually make money, this one’s for you.
00:00 Unlocking Hidden Business Opportunities 03:04 The Mailbox Repair Market: An Untapped Goldmine 05:49 Diverse Business Approaches: From Handyman to Custom Designs 08:42 Marketing Strategies for Success 12:01 Scaling Your Mailbox Business 15:09 The Path to Starting Your Business 18:04 Understanding Your Market Potential 20:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
How to Make Millions with a Home Cleaning Business. Ep #069
23 Sep 2024
00:38:55
I sat down with Johnny Robinson, who built a successful window washing business in Orange County that's still ranked #1 in the map pack. Now, Johnny helps others start home cleaning businesses with little to no upfront investment. In this episode, he gets into the tough realities of the industry, like vetting cleaners, but also explains why it’s a solid business to be in. We also talked about other opportunities, like the growing epoxy flooring industry, for those looking at tangential markets.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:22 Meet Johnny Robinson 01:55 Johnny's Journey in Window Cleaning 02:15 Transition to Home Cleaning Business 09:38 Challenges in the Cleaning Business 11:15 The Importance of Hiring and Screening 19:41 Client Perks and Test Cleans 20:15 Nightmare Stories in the Cleaning Business 21:51 Effective Job Acquisition Strategies 24:23 Scaling Your Business with Multiple Channels 27:20 The Importance of Customer Service 29:29 Innovative Business Ideas and Tools 31:04 High-Ticket Programs and Backend Strategies 36:08 Opportunities in Home Services 38:17 Conclusion and Where to Find More
I Scraped the Top 1,000 Skool Groups. Here’s What I Learned. Ep #068
20 Sep 2024
00:35:58
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I discuss Skool, the platform created by Alex Hormozi for building paid communities. I scraped every group on Skool and found out which types of communities are making the most money. (Subscribe to my newsletter to get the scrape for free - link below.)
We also talk about lead generation business ideas, both with and without programmatic SEO, and creative ways to use lead magnets. Then, we discuss how to bring transparency to home building and renovation costs, and how you can build a Glassdoor-like platform for different niches.
This is a two-part episode, with part two coming next Friday!
00:00 Highlights & Welcome to the Kerner Office 00:18 Introducing Alex Hormozy's School 00:32 Scraping School Groups for Insights 02:20 Analyzing the Most Profitable Groups 05:08 Surprising Success Stories 12:02 Lead Magnets and Business Ideas 16:55 Leveraging Lead Magnets for Business Growth 17:13 Optimizing Lead Conversion Rates 18:26 Niche Marketing Strategies 23:55 The Power of Programmatic SEO 28:09 Building and Selling Programmatic Websites 31:37 Maximizing Value with Local Search 35:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Insights
How to Start a 6-7 Figure Grill Cleaning Business. Ep #067
18 Sep 2024
00:36:43
I sat down with Connor, an entrepreneur based in New York who owns self-storage, recruiting, and e-commerce businesses. In this two-part episode, we talked about a grill cleaning business, discussing how to make it higher margin and more scalable. We also talked about creating a podcasting A/B test agency that charges $1-5K per month to help podcasters and YouTubers find viral content. And we briefly touch on a few more ideas.
Next week, in part two, we’ll cover topics like a health product for athletes, a construction permit database, and a unique gym concept for personal trainers.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format 01:08 Guest Introduction: Connor's Diverse Ventures 01:24 Exploring Business Ideas: Grill Cleaning Service 02:02 Revenue Categories and Scaling Strategies 04:17 Innovative Upsell Strategies for Grill Cleaning 06:39 Visual Marketing and Efficiency Hacks 10:34 Expanding Services and Product Ideas 16:13 New Business Idea: Podcasting AB Test Agency 18:12 Automating Social Media Clips 18:46 AB Testing for Podcast Clips 19:07 Building a Podcast Agency 19:53 Outsourcing and Editing Strategies 20:22 Testing Video Ads and Hooks 21:34 Monetizing Podcast Clips 21:56 The Value of Podcast Advertising 22:56 Fake Podcasts and Ethical Concerns 26:37 Podcast Growth and Challenges 29:47 Fraud in Podcast Metrics 35:44 Concluding Thoughts and Future Ideas
Idea Improv: Turning Biz Ideas from Bad to Good in Real Time! Ep #066
16 Sep 2024
00:46:10
I’m back with Sam Thompson for part two, where we get deeper into some really cool business ideas you could actually copy and make your own. In this episode, we talk about a niche content site called "View From Your Seat," where people take pictures of their stadium seats, a simple but highly profitable business. We also talk about the surprisingly lucrative world of custom signatures and why people are willing to pay for them, and more.
00:00 Opening Highlights 00:11 Niche Content Site and Custom Signature Business 00:42 Paddle Boarding Business Idea 02:26 Cycling and Squirrel Suit Concept 06:22 What's a Good Score? Website Idea 10:20 Where Do I Stand? Concept 14:01 Affiliate Marketing and Tech Stack Optimization 21:54 Exploring Niche Content Sites 22:18 The Success of 'A View From My Seat' 24:09 Monetization Strategies for Niche Sites 28:47 Signature Templates: A Unique Product Category 31:10 Business Models and Marketing Strategies 42:28 Creative Ideas and Future Plans 45:08 Conclusion and Contact Information
How to Start the Brookstone of This Generation. HoldCo Bros Are Back! Ep #065
13 Sep 2024
00:40:36
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about more creative and unconventional business ideas. We talk about a funky trampoline business idea, a viral mattress business, and how to build the Brookstone of the 21st century, focusing on unique impulse-buy products. We also discuss how to leverage creators to grow your business in ways that we haven’t talked about before.
00:00 Opening Highlights 00:41 The Trampoline Dilemma 03:19 Trampoline Safety Kit Idea 04:52 App-Based Safety Solution 07:14 Expanding the Safety Concept 15:11 Viral Trends and Business Ideas 21:06 Finding the Hook: Niche and Trending Topics 21:24 AI and Social Sentiment Analysis 21:58 The Power of Social Media Metrics 22:59 Building a Social Credit System 24:11 Viral Products and the New Brookstone 27:14 Pop-Up Shops: A Modern Retail Strategy 32:44 Instagram Influencers and Business Models
Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064
11 Sep 2024
00:28:46
Shannon is back for part two! A week ago today in Episode 61, we talked about some specific business ideas, but today, we discuss the general principles of entrepreneurship. In this episode, we cover how to make your first dollar, build an audience, and find your niche.
We discuss how to have resilience as an entrepreneur and offer practical advice for people just getting started in making money outside of the 9-to-5 world. We also get into topics like Facebook groups, compounding strategies, and how to leverage opportunities on platforms like Etsy and Airbnb.
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 00:41 Entrepreneurship and Making Your First Dollar 03:00 The Value of an Audience and Content Creation 07:09 Building Confidence Through Small Wins 10:41 Starting a Business with Limited Resources 13:54 The Importance of Research and Persistence 20:01 Exploring New Business Ideas 21:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Cleaning Services
AI Travel Assistant vs Business Idea Conference: Which Idea Wins? Ep #063
09 Sep 2024
00:31:14
In this episode I sat down with Sam Thompson, one of my favorite guests who’s always full of ideas. In this episode, we talk about two main concepts: a conference just for business ideas, and an AI-powered travel assistant using ChatGPT for endless SEO content loops.
This is a double episode, and next Monday is part 2, where we discuss three more great business ideas.
00:00 Opening Highlights 01:18 Introduction to Conference Ideas 01:35 Concept of a One-Day Idea Conference 01:55 Structure and Pricing of the Event 02:50 Hackathon Inspiration and Execution 05:24 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities 06:14 Logistics and Event Planning 07:17 Incentives and Prize Distribution 13:01 AI and Micro SaaS Applications 13:50 AI-Powered Travel Planning 18:02 Affiliate Marketing Strategy 18:24 Personalizing Content with AI 18:56 Expanding Distribution Channels 19:24 Leveraging Influencer Content 21:34 AI Travel Guides Business Model 22:31 Exploring New AI Applications 26:31 The Power of Cross-Posting on Facebook 29:47 Maximizing Facebook's Potential
3 Innovative Ways to Monetize the Used Car Business. HoldCo Bros Are Back! Ep #062
06 Sep 2024
00:35:51
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I are here with some exciting updates about our perfume vending machine business, which did great in August. We talk about the challenges we faced as we explore how to scale this unique business. We also talk about a creative car fair idea, where you can rent parking lots to connect buyers and sellers, making it a win-win without owning a single car. Finally, we get into growth hacks for social media apps, including viral strategies and how AI can be used to create products for students.
00:00 Opening Highlights 01:05 Introduction to Perfume Vending Machine Business 01:22 Initial Sales and Gross Margins 01:53 Pricing and Currency Challenges 03:15 Sales Team Expansion and System Setup 03:49 Lead Tracking and Optimization 04:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Selling Machines 05:52 New Business Idea: Auto Fair Concept 06:31 Implementing the Auto Fair Business Model 10:46 Marketing and Logistics for Auto Fair 15:49 Monetizing the Auto Fair with Sponsorships 17:38 Innovative Electronics Fair Ideas 18:21 Community Engagement and Sponsorship 19:02 Maximizing Event Success 19:46 Leveraging Local Businesses 21:10 Exploring Mobile Services 21:34 Creative Land Use for Car Sales 24:51 Scaling Novelty Products 24:59 Nikita Bier's Viral Success 31:03 Monetizing Instagram for College Students 34:56 Opportunities in High School and College Markets
How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061
04 Sep 2024
00:30:08
I sat down with Shannon, who’s back by popular demand after his killer episodes on July 12th and 19th. Shannon's a lot like me. He has started countless businesses and is a master at flipping high-ticket items, everything from luxury handbags and watches to cars and iPhones. In this episode, we talk about some exciting business ideas, including digital detox centers for both kids and adults, a concept that’s kind of like a ghost kitchen, but not quite. We also discuss how to integrate AI into Boomer-owned businesses for a premium.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 03:22 Parental Strategies for Digital Detox 07:33 Ghost Kitchen Business Model 14:14 Leveraging AI for Small Businesses 14:58 Integrating AI into Local Businesses 15:30 Using AI for Customer Profiling 16:41 Leveraging AI for Business Improvement 19:07 Pricing Strategies for AI Services 19:52 Building Credibility with Free Services 20:30 Business in a Box Concept 26:06 Innovative Business Ideas and Marketplaces 29:36 Conclusion and Contact Information
How to Land Your First $1,000/Month Agency Client. Ep #060
02 Sep 2024
00:51:53
I sat down with my friend Brandon Doyle, a true expert in all things agency. Brandon has been running successful agencies since 2008, covering everything from email marketing, SEO, Facebook ads to TikTok and Snapchat ads. But this episode isn't just about his success, most importantly, it's about how you can start your own agency and leverage AI to land your first clients, paying you $1,000, $3,000, or even $5,000 a month.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
--- Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os --- 01:58 Brandon's Journey: From SEO to Full-Service Agency 03:40 Early SEO Tactics and Their Evolution 07:48 Success Stories and Growth Hacks 12:41 Challenges and Lessons in Scaling Agencies 14:31 The Rise and Fall of DTC Brands 19:34 Focusing on Social Ads for E-commerce 26:49 Balancing Revenue Streams 27:09 Incentivizing Leadership 28:12 Favorite Revenue Lines 29:16 Client Acquisition Strategies 30:33 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 32:10 Temptation to Copy Clients 34:00 Failed Ventures and Lessons Learned 35:58 Starting Over with a Clean Slate 36:22 B2B E-commerce Opportunities 38:55 Charging for Email Marketing 42:31 Starting an AI-Powered Agency 48:15 Importance of Communication 51:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Starting a Business Has Never Been Easier. Here’s How to Capitalize⏐ Ep. #185
HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about why starting a business has never been easier—and how to actually take advantage of that. We go deep on AI-powered outreach and automation, including a guy closing $7K/month deals with in-person pitches and guarantees, and a 24-year-old automating CPA services with 140 clients at $50/month. We also got into selling custom GPTs, why friction kills momentum, and the idea of a local handyman “fantasy camp” for guys like us who never learned how to fix a sprinkler. Finally, we brainstormed more B2B piggyback businesses like pool digging and fence post augering—ideas you can copy and launch fast.
00:00 Highlights 00:45 Intro for New Listeners 02:48 Start of The Episode 06:02 Cold Outreach and Sales Strategies 08:55 Piggybacking on Existing Businesses 11:59 Emerging Opportunities in Home Services 17:43 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 23:56 The Importance of Reducing Friction in Entrepreneurship 29:46 Hands-On Learning and DIY Business Ideas
Creative Ways to Sell More Stuff + More Biz Ideas. HoldCo Bros Are Back! Ep #059
30 Aug 2024
00:46:26
HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I discuss at least four different business ideas today. We talk about how to turn rideshare drivers and gig workers into a global sales team, helping them make more money doing what they're already doing while making you more money as well. We discuss different ways to stand out in the wedding industry and how to compete with big players like The Knot. We break down the steps to launching a wholesale flooring business by partnering with local influencers. We also touch on AI automation agencies and why staying ahead of tech trends can set you up for future success.
How to Start a Laundromat with 40% Net Profit Margins. Ep #058
28 Aug 2024
00:52:36
I sat down with Tyler Purcell, known as the "Laundry Guy" on Twitter. Tyler owns four laundromats in Ohio, pulling in a remarkable 40% profit margin. We discuss how he manages to balance running a wealth management firm and operating these highly profitable laundromats. Tyler also talks about the strategies he uses to outperform competitors and explains why laundromats are such a lucrative business.
05:50 Challenges and Strategies in the Laundromat Business
16:44 Grand Opening Strategies and Community Impact
26:00 Challenges in Tracking Customer Data
26:40 Payment Preferences and Cash Handling
27:18 Security Measures and Crime Prevention
29:25 Marketing Campaigns and Customer Acquisition
30:31 Customer Spending and Visit Frequency
32:09 Weekend Capacity and Discount Strategies
36:38 Expansion Plans and Location Selection
40:48 Commercial vs. Residential Laundry Services
42:02 Challenges in Residential Pickup and Delivery
49:22 Innovations and Future Opportunities
51:40 Conclusion and Contact Information
How to Start a $90K/Month Cold Email Agency. Ep #057
26 Aug 2024
00:42:56
I sat down with Sam Thompson, a true growth hacker at his core. We talked about how to start a cold emailing agency. We also talked about a dozen different tools and using cold email to grow your own business in unique ways, like sending targeted campaigns from 100 to 10 million emails using AI tools. Sam shares strategies on leveraging influencers to sell high-ticket products with no upfront costs, ensuring demand before you invest a dollar.