In this episode, I sit down with Joe Zapiain one of the world’s most sought-after automation specialists to explore the real power of AI and automation in today’s business landscape. Joe isn’t just about zaps and bots he’s about building systems that free people from the grind and empower them to focus on what they love. From working with Shark Tank’s Daymond John to helping a cloak company explode from zero to millions overnight, Joe’s stories are as actionable as they are jaw-dropping.

We unpack the difference between flashy automations and the real pain points that quietly hold businesses back, and how solving those can lead to massive gains. Joe also gets candid about what excites him most in the AI world, what truly worries him, and the practical systems every entrepreneur should be thinking about now.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:45] - Joe’s approach to automation: focus on freedom, not just profits

[4:50] - What it’s like building systems for Daymond John’s companies

[6:20] - The subtle automations that create the biggest wins

[9:56] - How a viral TikTok cloak video led to a multimillion-dollar business

[13:00] - Scaling a three-person team to handle massive order volume

[18:00] - Automating customer support: returns, complaints, and sales follow-up

[20:30] - Why brick-and-mortar businesses might be the real winners in the AI era

[23:53] - Joe’s step-by-step client process: blueprint, implementation, ongoing evolution

[27:00] - The darker side of AI: how Joe protects his own kids and sees risk growing

[34:00] - From McLarens to Zapier: Joe’s unexpected journey into automation

[38:00] - Why Joe prefers Zapier over other tools and his blunt take on Asana

[42:00] - Real estate, email GPS, and overlooked opportunities in admin workflows

[46:00] - Top 3 automation tools Joe uses in nearly every client setup

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Automation is about quality of life – Joe’s core mission is helping business owners get their time back, not just chasing revenue.

2. The biggest wins come from the smallest pain points – Simple automations like reminders or filtering emails can radically shift a business.

3. Validation before creation – Joe shares how his client Chris Claflin validated his entire cloak business with one video before producing anything.

4. Being ‘AI fluent’ is now a job requirement – Knowing how to use tools like Zapier and ChatGPT is no longer optional in modern business.

5. Human connection is the new premium – As AI rises, genuine human interaction and in-person experiences are becoming more valuable than ever.

Links & Resources:

• Joe Zapiain: https://smartclick.systems

• ClickUp: https://clickup.com

• Zapier: https://zapier.com

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In this episode of the AI for Business Podcast, Brian and I are thrilled to welcome Dolmar and Keisha Cross, stars of A&E’s Zombie House Flipping: Tampa and our brilliant business partners. This lively happy hour conversation dives into how they’ve harnessed AI to build their social media brand, dominate the real estate market, and even land a spot on national TV. We explore how AI can humanize your content, the power of going viral on social, and how strategic relationships can open unexpected doors—like starring in a reality show. Plus, Dolmar shares his raw, inspiring journey from broke college student and balloon artist to multi-million-dollar real estate mogul, while Keisha reveals how she ghostwrites for bestselling authors and how AI is transforming her creative process.

Join us for laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips on using AI to accelerate your brand, whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or investor. And don’t miss the details about our upcoming Orlando event—it’s already almost sold out!

[0:00] - Kicking off happy hour: meet Dolmar & Keisha Cross from Zombie House Flipping.

[2:16] - Updates on our Orlando event—VIP seats sold out, pushing for more availability.

[5:44] - Brian introduces Dolmar & Keisha’s impressive backgrounds in real estate and course creation.

[9:00] - Keisha shares how she uses AI to craft authentic, human-sounding ghostwritten content.

[12:18] - Behind-the-scenes bloopers from filming the show, including Dolmar’s voiceover mishaps.

[15:00] - Francis demonstrates creating an AI clone video using 11Labs and HeyGen in five minutes.

[20:10] - Dolmar’s journey from balloon artist to a real estate entrepreneur closing over 1,000 deals.

[23:31] - How investing in mentorship turned Dolmar’s early failures into a 7-figure breakthrough.

[27:00] - Rebuilding the business after COVID by leveraging Instagram, leading to $10M in revenue in 18 months.

[31:00] - Strategies for going viral with relatable couples content, including a video with 48 million views.

[35:00] - Using AI to script creative content ideas for social media videos filmed in renovated houses.

[40:10] - Plans for creating educational videos giving behind-the-scenes flipping tips while raising private capital.

[47:13] - Keisha announces she’ll speak on stage for the first time ever at our Orlando event to teach AI-powered course creation.

[49:00] - The power of adding value in masterminds and communities, and how relationships led to landing a reality TV show.

• Dolmar & Keisha’s Instagram: @DolmarCross

• AI Tools Mentioned: 11Labs and HeyGen

1. Humanizing AI Content – AI can create content quickly, but adding emotional nuance is critical to making it connect with real people.

2. Relationships Drive Opportunities – Joining and giving value in masterminds can lead to game-changing introductions and opportunities, like starring on TV.

3. Power of Relatable Content – Short, funny videos rooted in everyday experiences can go viral and attract thousands of followers.

4. Mentorship Multiplies Success – Investing in the right mentors can transform early failures into long-term success and accelerate your path.

5. AI Can Save Time and Scale Branding – Tools like 11Labs and HeyGen make it easy to create videos, clone voices, and generate ideas faster than ever.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the AI For Business Podcast! If you enjoyed learning how Dolmar and Keisha use AI to grow their brand and business, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show. Share this episode with someone who wants to harness AI to transform their business—see you in the next one!

In this episode, we’re joined by Brad Holcman—a four-time Emmy-nominated producer known for hit shows like Duck Dynasty, Intervention, and Zombie House Flipping. Brad pulls back the curtain on the world of unscripted television, sharing his journey from A&E executive to entrepreneur and mentor, and what it really takes to create compelling content that resonates. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or just obsessed with storytelling, this conversation is packed with gold.

Brad dives deep into the essence of storytelling—why transformation is so addictive, how to craft a memorable hook, and why your unique voice is the most valuable asset you have. He opens up about redefining success, learning to pivot in his career, and the surprising power of podcasts and AI in today’s digital world.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:22] - Brad’s journey from TV executive to storytelling entrepreneur

[4:04] - Why transformation stories captivate audiences—from homes to human lives

[7:32] - What makes someone “TV ready” and how real relationships create hit shows

[10:56] - Lessons from Duck Dynasty and the power of authenticity on screen

[13:06] - The personal and professional impact of Intervention and getting Emmy-nominated

[18:52] - Balancing authenticity and entertainment in reality TV

[30:34] - What W-2 professionals need to know about owning their personal brand

[34:11] - Why everyone has a story—and how to uncover and share yours

[39:02] - The hidden power of podcasting to build trust and scale your business

[44:04] - Letting go of a dream: Brad’s pivot from running a network to empowering others

[50:24] - The future of creativity: Brad’s take on AI and what it means for content creators

Links & Resources

• Zombie House Flipping on A&E

• 60 Days In on Netflix

• Real Advisors AI & Business community

• Brad Holcman’s daily storytelling insights on YouTube

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast, share it with a friend, and follow to stay updated on future episodes. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the AI for Business podcast, I sit down with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine, bestselling author, and advisor to early-stage startups. We recorded this conversation during the AI for Business Virtual Summit, and it’s easily one of the most powerful, insightful interviews we’ve had on how to stand out in an AI-saturated world.

Jason shares how entrepreneurs can use strategic storytelling to make their message stick, build authentic connections in a noisy world, and apply AI to improve—not replace—human impact. He also introduces his frameworks like “bricks and mortar” storytelling, the “vertical mindset” of entrepreneurs, and why true success lies in helping people feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re starting your business, scaling a brand, or exploring AI’s role in your work, this conversation is full of tactical wisdom.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[3:16] Jason shares how being around entrepreneurs transformed how he thinks about his own career

[4:44] The power of vertical thinking vs. horizontal thinking in entrepreneurship

[6:21] The “first question” every audience asks—and how storytelling answers it

[9:12] Jason’s “bricks and mortar” framework for storytelling that converts

[11:34] How AI is breaking what’s already broken—and creating room for innovation

[13:06] Why lawyers fear AI (and why that’s a good thing)

[15:59] The microwave oven metaphor for using AI effectively in business

[17:13] Using AI for subject line testing and market research with CrowdWave

[22:28] The “one thing better” mindset for simplifying AI adoption

[25:38] Why starting small with AI creates momentum

[27:25] The one big focus for entrepreneurs in 2024: human connection

[30:03] How building community creates exponential value

[31:32] Jason’s advice on building trust through simple, consistent engagement

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Think vertically, not horizontally – Entrepreneurs don’t just create; they build each step as a foundation for the next.

2. Use stories to stand out – Anchor your value in memorable stories that help your audience say, “This is for me.”

3. Let AI complement, not replace – Use AI for efficiency and insight, especially where you previously had no access or time.

4. Start with one thing better – Don’t try to learn it all at once. Master one AI tool or tactic, then build from there.

5. Connection beats content – In a world of endless output, what people crave is real, human connection and community.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Jason’s newsletter – https://www.jasonfeifer.com/newsletter

CrowdWave (AI-powered market research) – https://www.crowdwave.ai

CPG FastTrack (group coaching for early-stage founders) – https://www.cpgfasttrack.com

Bookkeeping with AI: Kick – https://www.trykick.com

Contact Jason directly – Jason Feifer on LinkedIn or reply to his newsletter

Enjoyed this episode?

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In this energizing episode of the AI for Business podcast, you’ll hear my business partner Brian Hansen in a high-impact conversation with Chris Cunningham, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing at ClickUp. Chris shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how ClickUp grew into a $4 billion company by thinking differently, moving fast, and staying scrappy. Recorded live during the AI for Business Virtual Summit, this session is packed with powerful insights for entrepreneurs ready to scale with AI and unconventional marketing strategies.

Chris dives deep into the steps that took ClickUp from a tiny startup to one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies on the planet. From building their own lead-generation tools, to going viral on social media, to hiring intentionally and integrating AI across their business, he gives you a transparent look at what it really takes to grow fast without funding early on.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:30] Chris’s backstory and early lessons from a failed startup

[4:20] How scrappiness became ClickUp’s competitive edge

[6:01] Using negative competitor reviews to generate warm leads

[7:03] The strategic customer grab that supercharged their growth

[8:25] Hard lessons on hiring the wrong execs—and how to avoid it

[10:20] Why standing out with bold, human marketing works

[12:44] Social media strategy: how fun content built brand loyalty

[14:01] Humanizing the brand like The Office meets Step Brothers

[15:12] Taking small, smart marketing bets to unlock virality

[18:05] Fundraising advice: when to raise and when to wait

[19:17] How ClickUp replaces dozens of tools in one workspace

[27:32] The AI advantage: ClickUp’s smart features in action

[28:44] Why ignoring AI could put your business at risk

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Be scrappy and creative – You don’t need big budgets to win early; you need hustle and smart tools.

2. Stand out with your voice – Stop mimicking competitors. Be bold, be human, and be different.

3. Leverage AI across the board – Use AI as a team multiplier for automations, messaging, and workflows.

4. Make calculated bets – Test small, prove results, then scale what works. Don’t wait for permission.

5. Build community and consistency – Content that entertains, educates, or connects will build lasting loyalty.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

ClickUp – https://www.clickup.com

CoFounders Lab – https://www.cofounderslab.com

Contact Chris Cunningham – [email protected]

Chris Cunningham on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscunningham

Enjoyed this episode?

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In this premiere episode of the AI for Business Podcast, I sit down with the legendary entrepreneur Spencer Rascoff, the co-founder of Zillow, Hotwire, and now a driving force behind several high-growth startups. This exclusive session, originally recorded during a private client event, pulls back the curtain on Spencer’s real-world experiences building billion-dollar businesses, navigating crises, and pioneering AI in business operations.

Spencer shares unfiltered insights on startup success, building effective teams, the importance of go-to-market strategy, and why founder-market fit can make or break a company. He also breaks down the power of AI-driven productivity tools across industries, his contrarian views on crypto and real estate disruption, and the hardest part of running a multibillion-dollar company that no one talks about. Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling your tenth, this conversation is packed with golden takeaways.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Introduction

[3:11] – Why Spencer tells his Harvard students not to launch startups right away

[5:07] – The #1 reason startups fail—and how to avoid it

[6:08] – How to uncover great startup ideas using TAM, NPS, and personal insight

[10:11] – The real story behind Spencer’s startup “Q” and how it solved a personal pain

[12:34] – MVP secrets: why your first product should embarrass you

[14:19] – The delicate art of knowing when to pivot—or pull the plug

[17:12] – How surviving 14 near-death moments shaped Zillow’s culture

[20:16] – Why storytelling and charisma matter more than code

[22:05] – How Spencer reinvented his CEO role every 6-12 months

[25:01] – The hidden downside of leading a 5,000-person company

[27:02] – His servant leadership playbook (and why it works)

[30:01] – How to hire early-stage employees who shape startup DNA

[32:23] – Spencer’s top time-management hacks, including 15-minute meetings

[36:14] – What he sees ahead for real estate—and how to prepare

[40:58] – How AI assistants will transform productivity in every industry

5 Key Takeaways

1. Founder-market fit is everything. Your connection to the problem you’re solving can determine your startup’s success.

2. Great products don’t sell themselves. A strong go-to-market strategy should be built alongside your product, not after.

3. AI co-pilots will redefine productivity. From real estate to wellness to legal, vertical-specific AI tools are the next frontier.

4. Resilience is a founder’s superpower. Every great company faces multiple crises—how you navigate them defines your trajectory.

5. Your team is your startup’s trajectory. Early hires set the cultural and strategic tone, so be intentional and inclusive from day one.

Links & Resources

• Spencer Rascoff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerrascoff/

• HeyLibby (AI Assistant for Wellness): https://www.heylibby.ai

• House Whisperer AI (Real Estate CRM Assistant): Email Spencer at [email protected] for access

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