Big Hitters with Larry Weidel

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Building a venture during a tech hype cycle is easy; building operating companies that withstand economic shifts and return billions in value requires an entirely different level of discipline.

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Larry Weidel sits down with Dejan Nenov, CTO and CISO at Taichin AI, to discuss how he built a 30-year career co-founding and operating technology companies that have generated over $3.5 billion in return value. Dejan opens up about his formative years coming to the U.S. from Bulgaria on a high school scholarship, studying electrical engineering and computer science, and taking his first job out of college mapping mini-storage facilities with an early geographic information algorithm. That algorithm worked so well it allowed the company to list as a REIT on the New York Stock Exchange as a high-tech business in a low-tech industry.

Dejan pulls back the curtain on the core principles that have guided his success across seven different operating companies. He explains why entrepreneurs must resist the urge to invent technology first and search for a problem second, why validating go-to-market demand before building software saves millions in wasted capital, and how to maintain financial guardrails when launching new initiatives. He also shares the humbling story of the dot-com crash when an overnight market collapse canceled a major IPO and cost him his CTO role in 24 hours, a setback that shaped his philosophy on humility, staying flexible, and treating every new venture like a fresh startup.

What You'll Learn:

• The "Sell Before You Build" Principle: Why you should always validate go-to-market demand and confirm a revenue model before investing heavy capital in building a product.
• How to Avoid the Tech Hype Trap: How to evaluate modern breakthroughs like artificial intelligence based on net income generation rather than industry hype.
• Building a Geographic Algorithm That Scaled a REIT: How Dejan mapped mini-storage locations against high schools and fast-food spots in 1993 to predict rent growth and help take a company public on the NYSE.
• The 2x–3x Budget Rule: Why you should never start executing on a project until you have at least twice (or three times) your projected budget available in liquid reserves.
• Why Nobody Is Irreplaceable: What getting laid off 24 hours after a high-stakes pre-IPO kickoff meeting taught Dejan about organizational reality and resilience.
• Active Balance Over Static Perfection: Why life and business balance is an ongoing process of active recalibration, prioritization, and learning to say no.
• Micro-Wins as Adrenaline: How capturing small daily operational wins builds the momentum needed to achieve long-term enterprise breakthroughs.
  
  

About the Guest(s):


Dejan Nenov is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Taichin AI, bringing over 30 years of experience building and operating technology companies across chip design, cybersecurity, energy, and healthcare. Born in Bulgaria, Dejan came to the United States on a scholarship to the United World College before earning his degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, including 15 years in Silicon Valley, Dejan has co-founded and built operating companies alongside a tight-knit group of co-investors, returning approximately $3.5 billion in value. Early in his career, he developed a proprietary geographic information algorithm that helped take a storage real estate firm public on the New York Stock Exchange. Today, his work focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize clinical and administrative workflows across the U.S. healthcare system. 
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What separates the high performers who build lasting success from those who stay stuck? 
In this episode of Big Hitters, Larry Weidel sits down with last year's MVP, Jolene Janke, during her trans-Canada live speaking tour. Together, they explore what truly drives high achievers, the hidden costs of staying in mediocrity, and why timing is everything when identifying future leaders. Larry breaks down the importance of continuous training—even for world-class leaders—and shares why you can't want success for someone more than they want it for themselves. If you are ready to stop letting other people's lack of drive slow you down and start building long-term growth, this breakdown is a must-listen. 
Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - The Trans-Canada Tour & Finding Driven Leaders 01:55 - Spotting Hunger: Pain vs. Desire for Change 02:34 - The Teeter-Totter of Effort and Motivation 03:51 - The Price of Greatness vs. The Price of Mediocrity 05:00 - Building a Scoreboard: Tracking Locker Room Wins & Streaks 06:30 - Mindset, Discipline, and Dealing with Difficult Things 07:00 - The Secret of High Performers: Continuous Training 08:18 - Lowering the Barrier: Definite Weekly Kickoffs for Long-Term Growth 10:30 - The Real Cost of Inaction and Overcoming Overwhelm 11:55 - The Missing Piece in the World Today: Authentic Leadership 12:20 - Prospecting Mindset: You Can't Want It More Than They Do 
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Success isn't about one lucky break, it's about relentless patience, small wins compounded over decades, and the willingness to keep knocking on new doors when others slam shut.

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Larry Weidel sits down with Richard Foos, co-founder of Rhino Records and Shout Factory, to discuss how he built a music and entertainment empire from a $150-a-month record store, why patience and persistence beat overnight success, and how staying employee-focused and ethical helped him navigate the entertainment industry's chaos, including the wild ride of producing "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

What You’ll Learn:

• Why starting small and proving a concept on a tiny scale builds the foundation for massive long-term growth
• How to turn adversity into opportunity, like Richard did when a lawsuit from a corporate competitor tripled his business overnight
• The "more is more" philosophy for serving your most passionate customers instead of rationing your best content
• Why patience and persistence - sometimes over decades - are non-negotiable traits for entrepreneurs chasing unconventional ideas
• How to build a business with autonomy and trust, letting talented people run their own lanes without heavy-handed politics
• Why treating artists, partners, and employees with genuine respect and fairness creates loyalty and avoids costly legal battles
• The importance of never giving up when doors close, pivoting to alternative paths until the goal is finally achieved, even if it takes 30 years
  
  

Richard Foos is a legendary entrepreneur and music industry pioneer known for founding Rhino Records, a groundbreaking reissue label that revolutionized how music history is preserved and discovered. With a background in sociology and grassroots community organizing, Foos built Rhino from a modest used record store in Westwood into a $100+ million enterprise by identifying untapped demand for classic recordings and serving fans through innovative product iterations. His subsequent ventures, including Shout Factory and co-production of the cult classic film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," demonstrate his ability to solve complex rights clearances and creative challenges across entertainment industries. In this episode, Foos shares his philosophy on patient persistence, ethical business practices, and finding success through small wins that compound over time, offering entrepreneurs actionable wisdom on never giving up when doors close and maintaining integrity while scaling operations. His lifetime of serial wins and transition into philanthropy provides invaluable lessons for anyone building a business from scratch or navigating complex creative industries.


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What separates the $1M operator from the $10M operator?
In this episode of Big Hitters, Larry Weidel breaks down the essential two-part process—routines and surges—that separates high earners from the rest. You'll learn how to establish a personalized, daily winning routine that drives steady progress without causing operational bottlenecks. Larry also reveals how strategic surges act as game-changing disruptors to shatter plateaus and unlock massive scale. If you are ready to stop spilling capacity and start building sustainable, long-term growth, this breakdown is a must-listen. 
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro 
00:30 - The Process: $1M vs $10M Operators 
01:49 - Why Most People Fail New Year's Resolutions 
02:30 - Defining a Winning Daily Routine 
04:24 - The Myth of Rigid Schedules for Leaders 
05:32 - General Consistency and Absorbing Little-by-Little Growth 
07:42 - Building Oak Trees vs. Growing Weeds 
09:00 - Breaking Bottlenecks Before Your System Spills 
10:10 - Copying Proven Models to Tailor Your System 
13:11 - Adding Surges to Create Massive Disruption and Scale 
16:30 - Training Secrets: Using Surges to Push Past Plateaus 
20:30 - How to Measure Enough of the Right Activity 
21:26 - Scaling from $1M to $10M and Beyond
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 Why do so many entrepreneurs play small when winning is the only real reason to be in the game?

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Larry Weidel sits down with Adam Mendler, UCLA professor and interviewer of 500+ top CEOs, to explore why most bad leaders aren't bad people, they're just untrained, how you can unlock your superpower to move from mediocre to exceptional, and the key strategies to measure what actually matters in your organization. Whether you're a leader looking to transform your team or an entrepreneur seeking clarity on your path forward, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on defining success, getting started on what matters most, and the real cost of playing it safe. Tune in to discover why your first step matters more than your perfect plan.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most bad leaders aren't bad people - they're decent, well-meaning individuals who simply never learned how to lead
• How to measure real leadership success by growth and development, not just win-loss records or surface-level metrics
• The importance of defining what success actually looks like before you can expect to achieve it
• How to identify your personal "superpower" - the unique strength that lets you move from good enough to truly exceptional
• Why taking real risks (even later in your career) can teach you more in a decade than years of formal education ever could
• How genuine, non-strategic relationship-building can become one of your greatest professional assets
• Why getting started, taking one small, actionable step - matters more than waiting for a perfect formula or plan

Adam Mendler is a leadership expert and UCLA professor who has conducted in-depth interviews with over 500 top CEOs, athletes, generals, and Olympic gold medalists to understand the principles of peak performance. With a background spanning entrepreneurship, having co-founded and built three distinct companies across different industries and corporate finance, Mendler brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to his analysis of what separates exceptional leaders from average ones. In this episode, he explores the critical distinction between toxic people and toxic leaders, revealing that most bad leaders are well-meaning individuals who simply lack the skills and self-awareness necessary to lead effectively. Through candid discussion with Larry Weidel, Mendler shares actionable insights on leadership development, identifying your superpower, and the importance of continuous improvement wisdom distilled from his extensive research and personal entrepreneurial journey. His work has made him a sought-after keynote speaker and mentor, offering practical frameworks that help emerging leaders unlock their potential and drive meaningful results.


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Why do so many entrepreneurs play small when winning is the only real reason to be in the game?

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Larry Weidel sits down with Rick Jordan, founder and CEO of ReachOut Technology, CEO of Frequency Holdings, top-ranked podcaster, and former professional musician, to explore what it truly takes to operate at the top of multiple arenas. From learning why stating facts about your achievements isn't arrogance to engineering your own proximity to elite mentors, Rick breaks down the core principles of high-level momentum. Whether you're navigating cyber security vulnerabilities in your business, scaling through acquisitions, or striving to instill a winning culture in your family and organization, this conversation delivers actionable strategies for high achievers who refuse to settle. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why stating cold facts about your capabilities is self-promotion, not ego
• Why SMBs are prime targets for social engineering and why recovery speed matters more than prevention
• How asking simple questions opens doors to elite mentors like Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington
• Insights from Tim Grover and Kobe Bryant on why playing to win is non-negotiable  
• How Rick's father used reflective questioning to build self-awareness and accountability
• How to expose the next generation to high-level environments early to eliminate fear
  
  
  

Rick Jordan is the founder and CEO of ReachOut Technology, CEO of Frequency Holdings (a publicly traded micro-cap company), host of the top-100 podcast Frequency with Rick Jordan, and a serial entrepreneur. With a multi-faceted background spanning professional music, law enforcement cadet training, private investigation alongside former CIA operators, and advanced storm spotting, Jordan brings a distinct focus on protection, risk management, and performance. He built ReachOut into a premier cybersecurity and IT management firm, pioneering MSP roll-ups to protect small-to-medium businesses from catastrophic cyber threats. A frequent national media commentator and speaker, Rick is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build scalable enterprises, master proximity, and execute with an uncompromising winning mindset. 

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What separates those who dominate their industry from those who merely survive it?

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Adam Weidel sits down with Kevin Brittingham, founder of Q and architect of the 300 Blackout and 86 Blackout cartridges, to explore why relentless innovation beats market trends, how elite teams are built around one principle, eliminate stupid people, not stupid rules and the exact mindset required to scale from millions to billions without losing your edge. Whether you're transitioning your multi-million-dollar empire to the next level or orchestrating disruption in your industry, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal how authentic leadership, vertical integration, and an obsession with R&D compound into generational wealth. Tune in to discover why the greatest entrepreneurs view growth as non-negotiable and comfort as a death sentence.

What You’ll Learn:

• The "Don't Make Stupid Rules" Framework
• How to Identify Your Unfair Advantage Before Anyone Else Does
• Why Vertical Integration Is a Growth Accelerator, Not a Distraction
• The Paradox of Founder Wealth
• How to Generate Irreplaceable R&D Intelligence
• The Succession Strategy That Protects Your Legacy
  
  
  

Kevin Brittingham is Founder and Owner of Q LLC, a firearms and suppressor innovation company, and a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience disrupting the firearms industry. Starting at Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) while still in college, Brittingham built the company into an industry leader and defense contractor serving the U.S. Special Operations before eventually selling to Remington. He is the architect behind the 300 Blackout and 86 Blackout cartridges, game-changing innovations developed at the request of Naval Special Warfare that fundamentally expanded tactical and hunting capabilities. Through Q, Brittingham has introduced revolutionary products like the Honey Badger and the Fix, establishing a company culture built on uncompromising innovation, elite team building, and the principle that growth is non-negotiable. His approach to leadership, eliminating stupid rules by removing people who create them, investing profits back into R&D, and building a workplace where top talent thrives, offers high-level entrepreneurs a masterclass in scaling without sacrificing excellence. For visionary business leaders seeking to transition from multi-million-dollar operations to billion-dollar enterprises, Brittingham's insights on product innovation, team selection, vertical integration, and maintaining founder passion through explosive growth are indispensable.

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What separates the $1M operator from the $10M operator?


In this episode of Big Hitters, Larry Weidel breaks down the framework that transforms good performers into elite ones and reveals why most people sabotage themselves from the start. You'll discover why intent shapes everything, how to engineer systems for consistent wins, and the counterintuitive truth about "working harder" that keeps most entrepreneurs stuck. If you're ready to compress your timeline to the next breakthrough level, this is required listening.


What You’ll Learn:

• Why intent precedes all action
  
  
• How elite performers avoid the trap of mindless hustle
  
  
• The systems and feedback loop principle
  
  
• Why most people fail at scaling from $1M to $10M
  
  
• How to engineer consistent positive outcomes, not exceptions
  
  
• The critical difference between clearing decks and overclocking
  
  
• Why you must choose where to win, not everywhere
  
  

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What if you could unlock a billion-dollar industry that most entrepreneurs don't even know exists?

In this episode of Big Hitters with Larry Weidel, host Larry Weidel sits down with Eric Coffie, government contracting expert and founder of GovCon Giants, to explore why surrounding yourself with elite operators accelerates your trajectory, how to identify and capitalize on federal contract opportunities worth over $1 trillion annually, and the exact strategies that transformed him from moving back with his parents during the 2008 crash to scaling multiple seven-figure ventures. Whether you're looking to diversify revenue streams, build strategic partnerships with high-net-worth players, or unlock a massive untapped market, this conversation reveals the decision-making framework that separates those who almost scale from those who actually do. Tune in to discover how one conversation with the right person can open doors worth millions—and why your next billion-dollar move might be hiding in plain sight.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to survive catastrophic industry collapse by identifying $1 billion opportunity sectors others overlook
• The surround-yourself-with-titans framework that works regardless of your starting position
• Why the middleman model generates recurring government revenue without requiring you to do the work
• The Market Intelligence platform strategy: removing friction from federal contracting for small businesses
• How to identify and distance yourself from toxic co-founders before they destroy your equity and credibility
• The 20% performer mindset: why curiosity, initiative, and visibility compound exponentially faster than credentials
• How to position yourself in Washington, D.C. during pivotal political and economic moments
  
  

Eric Coffie is an entrepreneur and government contracting strategist who has scaled multiple businesses from zero to multimillion-dollar revenue through strategic partnerships and disciplined execution. With a dual engineering degree from the University of Florida and a track record of building ventures worth over $1 million during his college years, Coffie has become a leading voice in helping small businesses access the $80+ billion federal contracting marketplace. He founded GovCon Giants, a podcast and platform dedicated to demystifying government contracts, and launched Market Intelligence—a free, AI-powered tool that delivers daily federal bid alerts customized by industry and location. In this episode, Coffie shares his proven framework for surrounding yourself with top-tier operators, identifying hidden revenue streams through government contracts, and scaling from seven figures to nine figures by solving real problems for established players. His work has directly enabled entrepreneurs and small business owners to unlock six and seven-figure federal contract wins, making this conversation essential for operators ready to diversify revenue, leverage government demand, and accelerate their path to the next level.

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What separates serial winners from the truly elite?


In this episode of Big Hitters, host Larry Weidel provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming book project and the framework that underpins elite achievement. Drawing from fifty years of building winners across industries, Weidel breaks down the psychology, discipline, and systematic approach that transforms successful operators into dominant forces in their field—and reveals why most people never repeat their success, let alone build dynasties.


What You’ll Learn:

• How to collapse decades of trial-and-error learning into a replicable framework
• Why elite achievers don't see themselves as exceptional
• The difference between "sharp" and "razor sharp" execution
• How to become your own elite trainer using data and accountability systems
• Why "just doing it" disqualifies you from all-star status
• The three-book framework for scaling from success to dominance to legacy
  
  

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Big Hitters with Larry Weidel is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so