What do you do when life gives you a 10-year sentence? If you’re Kenny Donnell, you turn it into a masterclass in resilience, hustle, and building your own damn seat at the table. In this episode, Kenny opens up about how being denied a job post-prison led to an unexpected but powerful entry into entrepreneurship—and how his “accidental” business launch turned into a lifelong calling.

We go deep into Kenny’s remarkable story: from being rejected by fast food joints to flipping his first house for a massive profit and eventually launching companies in construction, transportation, and now coaching. But it wasn’t all smooth rides and six-figure flips. Kenny shares hilarious and humbling lessons, like how his first limo business cost more in suits than it made in sales (spoiler: Emmitt Smith was their one client—no big deal).

Now, Kenny is on a mission to help others shift from employee to boss—whether they’re launching a business or transforming their mindset within corporate. His book From Employee to Boss isn’t just for aspiring founders; it’s for anyone ready to solve problems, own their value, and bet big on themselves. If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or unsure where to begin, this episode will fire you up to take that first step—and keep walking even when the road gets rough.

• Necessity breeds entrepreneurship: Kenny’s journey started when no one would hire him post-incarceration. So he created his own opportunities—and never looked back.
• Mindset is everything: Whether you're in corporate or self-employed, thinking like a boss means solving problems and bringing solutions to the table.
• Fail fast, learn faster: From a limo biz that flopped to getting his dream truck repossessed, Kenny shares why failures can be your best business school.
• The power of one big win: His first house flip changed everything—it gave him the confidence (and cash) to go all in.
• Get operationally sound: Having a great idea isn’t enough. You need systems, financial awareness, and clarity to succeed long-term.
• Bet on yourself: You may not have all the answers now—but if you keep showing up, learning, and building, your future is limitless.
   

00:00 Kenny Donnell’s Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship

02:44 How a Random Encounter Led to His First Business

07:12 Facing Rejection and Rebuilding with Resilience

10:58 Flipping His First House and Catching the Entrepreneur Bug

13:34 The Limo Business That Taught a Priceless Lesson

17:28 Why Talent Alone Doesn’t Guarantee Success

19:40 Developing the Mindset to Lead and Solve Problems

21:36 Why He Wrote From Employee to Boss

23:22 Personal Milestones and Big Dreams Ahead

24:49 Parting Advice: Bet on Yourself and Keep Moving Forward

Ever feel like you’re working your tail off but still hitting a wall in your business? What if the missing piece wasn’t another hustle hack—but your own story?

Tyler Jorgenson welcomes storytelling maestro Kyle Gray to BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio for a powerful conversation that dives deep beneath the surface of entrepreneurship. Kyle shares how entrepreneurs often hit a glass ceiling when sheer hustle no longer fuels growth—and why the real secret weapon lies in crafting and sharing your authentic story. From jungle trails in Machu Picchu to icy roads in Salt Lake City, Kyle reveals how life’s pivotal moments shape not just business strategy, but personal identity and visionary leadership.

Listeners are treated to Kyle’s fascinating journey from overworked agency owner to a story-driven entrepreneur who helps others transform their inner chaos into clear, impactful narratives. He dishes on how entrepreneurs can stop hiding behind credentials and start weaving personal stories into powerful talks that resonate and convert. His approach doesn’t just improve public speaking; it liberates entrepreneurs from the exhausting hamster wheel of constant firefighting, reconnecting them to their creativity and bigger purpose.

Kyle also unveils how he’s innovating storytelling with AI, crafting personalized scripts that help speakers hit the stage ready to connect and inspire. With anecdotes about shifting self-limiting beliefs and a touching example of transforming a painful personal narrative into marketing rocket fuel, this episode is a masterclass in unlocking both professional success and personal freedom. And for a perfect finale, Kyle shares a bucket-list dream of returning to his musical roots, reminding us all that business should ultimately serve the life we want to live.

• Story > Hustle: The next level of entrepreneurial success comes not from grinding harder, but from sharing authentic personal stories that build deep connections and trust.
• From Chaos to Clarity: Many entrepreneurs get trapped putting out fires and lose sight of their visionary role. Crafting a signature talk helps them reclaim creative space and leadership.
• AI as a Secret Weapon: Kyle leverages AI tools to help entrepreneurs rapidly craft impactful, audience-focused stories, proving that tech and authenticity can go hand in hand.

00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business

02:41 Defining Moments in Entrepreneurship

08:08 The Connection Between Self and Creation

11:41 Shifting from Hard Work to Visionary Thinking

16:09 Embracing AI in Storytelling

21:02 Transforming Stories for Authentic Impact

28:08 Personal Aspirations and Business Growth

From humble side hustles to multimillion-dollar luxury builds in paradise—Richie Breaux’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Tyler sits down with the founder of a high-end construction business based in Hawaii to dig into the pivotal moments, faith-fueled decisions, and big risks that helped Richie transform from a tradesman with a toolbelt into a visionary entrepreneur. Get ready to hear how he went from installing gumball machines as a kid to managing eight-figure projects on the oceanfront.

Richie opens up about the not-so-glamorous side of growth: the sleepless nights, surprise tax bills, and the awkward learning curve of becoming a boss. He shares why trial and error was the best (and most expensive) business school he ever attended—and how aligning his business with purpose and faith helped him keep going even when life hit hard. Spoiler alert: this guy survived two house fires and a literal near-death experience as a kid. Talk about resilience.

Now, Richie isn’t just building homes—he’s building impact. With a podcast, a wellness coaching certification, and a brand-new book called Builder of All Things, he’s all about serving fellow entrepreneurs who feel like they’re grinding alone. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure of your next move, Richie’s story will remind you that you’re not just working on your business—you’re building your legacy.

• Hard work + hustle = opportunity. Richie’s journey proves that saying “yes” to small jobs with big integrity can lead to massive breakthroughs.
• Life will throw curveballs (and fires)—but having a mission-driven mindset and strong faith can turn tragedy into testimony.
• Business growth isn’t just about profit—Richie reminds us to prioritize mental health, family, and personal purpose along the way.
• Hire for humility and hunger over just raw talent. It’s how you build a company culture that actually thrives.
   

📖 Richie’s new book 

Builder of All Things launched June 24, and it’s not just for contractors. It’s for every entrepreneur who’s ever wondered, “Am I doing this alone?”

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

03:08 Navigating Business Ownership Challenges

06:07 Scaling Up: Lessons from Setbacks

09:01 Building a Strong Team Culture

12:05 Expanding Horizons: Podcasting and Coaching

14:58 Overcoming Personal Challenges

17:59 Finding Balance in Life and Work

20:58 The Power of Vulnerability in Business

23:48 The Builder of All Things: A New Perspective

You know you’re in for a wild ride when Tyler brings back the Trey Lewellen—e-commerce madman, viral offer wizard, and occasional chaos wrangler. In this electric follow-up to his first appearance in 2019, Trey drops back into BizNinja Radio from literal paradise (yes, St. Thomas) to catch us up on scaling flashlights to $30M in 2.5 months, surviving lawsuits, and now running a lean empire off nothing more than a smartphone and a solid Telegram group.

Trey breaks down the “market-first” method that flipped his e-comm game upside down—building audiences before building products. Forget warehouses full of dead inventory. Trey’s strategy: ask what people want, sell it to them first, then fulfill. Oh, and he’s doing it all with zero employees, freelancers who outwork traditional hires in a quarter of the time, and affiliate partners who move mountains (and a whole lot of product). The guy’s basically playing 4D chess with a Shopify store.

And if you think that's wild, just wait—Trey's now tackling TikTok Shop, WhatsApp, and Discord as the new frontier for selling. He’s ditching email and SMS (too old, too risky) and betting on micro-influencers, direct-to-niche strategies, and building real communities. Oh, and spoiler alert: He’s launching a free challenge to help you build your own $28K/month recurring revenue machine. Buckle up. This one’s a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

• Build audiences first, products second. Let your market tell you what to sell.
• Freelancers > full-time staff: scale smarter with lean teams.
• Affiliate partnerships can explode your growth—find the right players and pay them well.
• Email and SMS are dying—Discord, TikTok Live, and WhatsApp are the future.
• Always plan for scale. $30M months sound fun... until the lawsuits roll in.
• Aim for 1,000 subscribers at $28/month. That’s your escape plan.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back Trey Lewellen

01:00 From Loan Leads to E-Commerce Breakthrough

03:00 The $100K T-Shirt Hustle

04:00 Market-First Approach Explained

06:15 Scaling to $30M and the Chaos That Followed

10:00 Running a Business with No Employees

13:00 Affiliate Marketing Secrets (Uncle B & Beyond)

17:00 Finding Hidden Affiliate Powerhouses

22:00 The Rise of TikTok Shop, WhatsApp & Discord

26:30 Why Email & SMS Are Dying

28:30 Trey's Free Challenge to Build Recurring Revenue

If you think it’s too late to jump into AI, Joe Stolte is here to prove you wrong. He’s scaled multiple companies, mastered ambiguity, and is now leading the charge with Daily AI—bringing personalization and automation to businesses of every size.

In this episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, Tyler Jorgenson sits down with Joe, whose business savvy began with swapping candy for tacos in grade school and evolved into building AI-driven tools for personalized marketing at scale. From humble beginnings in a farm town with no traffic lights to co-founding a cutting-edge AI company, Joe's story is packed with hustle, grit, and next-level innovation.

Joe dives deep into his entrepreneurial mindset, how he leveraged ambiguity into opportunity, and why now is the exact moment to jump on the AI train. He shares the origin and explosive growth of Daily AI, the platform revolutionizing how businesses do email marketing. With machine learning, behavior-based delivery, and a patent-pending personalization engine, Joe’s team is sending 12 million emails a month and helping everyone from local roofers to presidential candidates own their audience.

But it’s not just business—Joe also shares a glimpse into his life, from raising three kids to planning a year-long global adventure while running two companies. This episode is equal parts motivational and tactical, offering a powerful reminder: the world doesn’t shape you—you shape the world. If you want to see how AI can start working for your business, check out Daily AI. Entrepreneurs, it’s time to stop playing small.

• Start Before You’re Ready: Joe’s entrepreneurial journey began before he even knew what the word meant—by solving problems and trading value.
• AI is Now, Not Later: The advantage AI gives today will soon be the norm. Implement now or play catch-up later.
• Personalized Marketing Wins: With Daily AI, hyper-personalized email content and delivery isn't a luxury—it’s the new standard for attention and engagement.

He’s built empires, burned out, bounced back, and now he’s building the future with AI. David Asarnow doesn’t play it safe—and in this episode, he proves exactly why that works. From hustling snow-shoveling gigs at age 7 to growing a franchise into one of the hottest in the country, David’s story is full of bold moves, brutal lessons, and unfiltered wisdom.

David shares pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial DNA, including the humbling day he borrowed his daughter’s babysitting money just to keep the lights on. From those tough lessons came powerful insights about leadership, gratitude, and staying ahead of the curve—even when the world turns upside down (hello, COVID). You'll hear how his team’s loyalty became a turning point and how being people-first, even in hard times, paid off big.

You’ll also learn about his time with legends like Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes, how he became a top closing business speaker, and why he believes the next evolution of growth lies in mastering AI. And don’t miss the personal side—David’s preparing for a 17,000-foot trek in the Himalayas with his son. Buckle up—this one’s equal parts business strategy and human story.

• Start where you are, use what you have: David began his journey with a shovel, a paper route, and sheer determination.
• Build your team like it’s family: In tough times, transparency and trust brought David’s team closer—and ultimately fueled a massive rebound.
• Master one thing, then test another: His business philosophy? Don’t chase 10,000 shiny objects—double down on the few that actually work, and always test new ones monthly.
• AI isn’t the future—it’s the now: David’s latest venture creates branded AI agents that help companies scale faster and smarter.
• Life beyond business: Success isn’t just revenue—David’s next big win? Trekking the Himalayas with his son.

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

01:55 First Ventures and Lessons Learned

05:53 Corporate America: A Stepping Stone

09:32 Overcoming Challenges in Business

13:58 The Importance of Mentorship

18:44 Adapting to Change and Innovation

22:32 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

If you think dentistry and persuasion have nothing in common, think again. This week on BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, Tyler Jorgenson sits down with the wildly insightful and endlessly entertaining Dr. Chris Phelps—a dentist who not only scaled from one to four practices but also happens to run the legendary Cialdini Institute (yes, that Cialdini!). From test-cramming in dental school to building a student note empire, Dr. Phelps reveals how his entrepreneurial mindset first kicked in—and how it’s shaped every business move since.

In this episode, Dr. Phelps unpacks the psychology of why most dentists struggle with running their practices like actual businesses. You’ll learn why intelligence and technical skill aren't enough to build a thriving practice—and how mindset, instinct, and yes, marketing, all play pivotal roles. He dives into the three root reasons dentists crash as entrepreneurs and reveals how applying Cialdini’s Seven Principles of Persuasion changed the entire trajectory of his business (and can do the same for yours).

But it’s not just theory—Dr. Phelps drops real, jaw-dropping examples: like how a small tweak to a direct mail flyer doubled his response rate after 10 years of the same campaign. Whether you’re a practice owner, marketer, or just someone who wants to ethically persuade people better (without being a sleazeball), this episode is an absolute gem. Plus—he’s still a wet-finger dentist. Street cred intact.

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• Entrepreneurial instincts can be sparked anywhere—even in dental school.
• Most dentists are trained to be solo wolves, not leaders—entrepreneurship requires a total mindset shift.
• Cialdini’s principles aren’t just theory—they’re battle-tested business tools.
• Persuasion isn’t manipulation—it’s a skill every leader should master (ethically!).
• Small tweaks (aka “small bigs”) can lead to massive ROI jumps in marketing.
  
   

What do Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, and Mandy Keene have in common? They’re all high-level thinkers—but Mandy’s the one helping the other two level up. In this enlightening episode, Tyler Jorgenson sits down with long-time friend and legendary performance coach Mandy Keene to explore the invisible roadblocks holding even the most successful entrepreneurs back. From imposter syndrome to misunderstood personality types, Mandy breaks down the truth behind what really drives high performers—and what secretly slows them down.

With over 25 years of coaching experience, Mandy shares how growing up in a “self-help household” led her to become a coach at just 21. She dives into her work with understand.me, a platform that layers multiple personality assessments to help entrepreneurs lead better, build stronger teams, and operate in full alignment with their core strengths. Tyler and Mandy swap insights, jokes, and truths about the mental games entrepreneurs play—and how knowing your strengths isn’t just self-help fluff, but an actual business advantage.

The episode also takes a heart-centered turn as Mandy opens up about her recent divorce and how she reframed it not as a failure, but a graduation. She discusses the power of support systems, why even coaches need coaching, and how vulnerability and leadership go hand-in-hand. If you’ve ever wondered why success sometimes still feels unfulfilling, or how to finally lean into your unique genius, this conversation will absolutely resonate.

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Top Takeaways

• Even high performers battle fear and shame. Imposter syndrome isn't a beginner problem—many seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs still face it daily.
• Personality isn’t the whole picture—but it’s a powerful starting point. Mandy explains how tools like DISC, Myers-Briggs, and Enneagram layered together give a holistic view of someone’s “entrepreneurial avatar.”
• Your biggest growth might be in the place you’re resisting the most. Whether it’s leadership, team building, or confronting personal setbacks, the real magic happens when you lean into the discomfort.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Performance Coaching

02:45 The Journey to Becoming a Performance Coach

04:52 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

08:37 The Importance of Personality Assessments

11:57 Leveraging Strengths for Success

20:59 Leadership Challenges for Entrepreneurs

24:14 Redefining Failure and Seeking Support

27:47 Personal Aspirations and Future Goals

James Stephenson didn’t take the traditional route to entrepreneurship—he left school early, started DJing at 16, and was throwing parties before most of us figured out what a side hustle was. That early hustle gave him the foundation to build something entirely different years later: oHHo, a plant-powered wellness brand combining CBD, creativity, and really good flavor. From the UK rave scene to the U.S. wellness space, James brings his full story and all the vibes to this episode.

Tyler and James get into the nitty-gritty of launching a business in a highly regulated and fast-evolving industry. We’re talking kitchen-table product drops, surprise pivot moments, and a husband-wife co-founder duo making it work through clear roles, good communication, and shared vision. James talks openly about challenges like supply chain chaos, growing complexity, and the decision to stay scrappy (and cash-conscious) even as they scale.

This episode isn’t just about infused beverages and cannabis topicals—it’s a blueprint for building a brand that feels like you. James’ passion for music, flavor, and intentional lifestyle design runs deep in oHHo’s DNA. If you're into startups, wellness, or just love hearing how someone turns a festival food truck into a multi-product wellness brand, hit play on this one.

• Creativity can be your business superpower. From DJ to CBD innovator, James built oHHo with soul.
• Know your lane—and your partner’s. Co-founding with a spouse takes clarity, patience, and teamwork.
• Start small, stay scrappy, scale smart. Growing slowly gave oHHo the flexibility to build sustainably.
• Flavor matters. In a crowded space, standing out starts with a product people actually want to consume again.
• Customer connection is key. Physical stores, community events, and music-driven activations create brand magic.

• Creativity can be your business superpower. From DJ to CBD innovator, James built OhHo with soul.
• Know your lane—and your partner’s. Co-founding with a spouse takes clarity, patience, and teamwork.
• Start small, stay scrappy, scale smart. Growing slowly gave OhHo the flexibility to build sustainably.
• Flavor matters. In a crowded space, standing out starts with a product people actually want to consume again.
• Customer connection is key. Physical stores, community events, and music-driven activations create brand magic.

00:00 Introduction to oHHo and James Stevenson

02:40 James's Journey from Music to Entrepreneurship

05:40 Transitioning to the Cannabis Space

07:59 Building oHHo: Early Challenges and Strategies

10:56 Customer Acquisition and Retail Strategy

12:32 Navigating Partnerships and Family Dynamics

14:19 Product Expansion and Market Differentiation

16:58 Challenges of Complexity in Business

18:41 Future Plans and Product Launches

21:15 Personal Life and Work-Life Balance

27:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

What do beach volleyball, Bermuda, and business breakthroughs have in common?

Meet Allison Lacoursiere—former national athlete turned powerhouse entrepreneur—who’s proving that mindset, not just hustle, is the real game-changer. In this episode, she shares how she built a thriving coaching business during a global shutdown, why she ditched the burnout grind, and how showing up fully as herself unlocked her biggest wins yet.

In this episode, Tyler Jorgenson sits down with the powerhouse behind Clear Coaching to unpack her journey from small-town Alberta to managing a multimillion-dollar dental office by age 24. But that was just her warm-up. Fueled by mindset mastery and a desire to create more than just systems, Allison launched her own coaching business—in the middle of a pandemic, no less—and never looked back.

They dive deep into the gritty, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship: imposter syndrome, work-life blend, and knowing when it’s time to shut down a business that doesn’t serve your soul anymore. Allison gets candid about her own burnout, her obsession with hustle culture, and how balancing masculine structure with feminine intuition completely transformed her approach to business—and life.

Whether you're a woman in business craving alignment or an entrepreneur stuck on autopilot, this conversation delivers clarity, laughter, and practical mindset shifts. Allison’s upcoming book, her journey to saying yes only to what lights her up, and her powerful insight about embodying your future self makes this a must-listen for anyone ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Takeaways

• Mindset trumps skillset: Business success starts in your head before it hits your spreadsheets.
• You’re not an imposter, you’re evolving: Growth often feels awkward because you haven’t caught up with who you’re becoming.
• Authenticity isn’t just nice—it’s necessary: Burnout often begins when we say yes to things that don't align.
• You don’t need 100% qualification to start: Action creates confidence, not the other way around.
• Business is personal: Create a life that fuels your business, not the other way around.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Personal Journey
02:51 Lessons from Sports: Mindset and Performance
05:56 Navigating Challenges in Business
08:56 Recognizing Opportunities During the Pandemic
11:54 The Importance of Alignment and Authenticity
15:02 Empowering Women in Business
17:59 Future Vision and Personal Growth
20:51 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies
24:08 Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations