Entrepreneur Intel

As an entrepreneur, are your customers buying because they believe in your product, or because they believe in you? This week’s guest explains the difference, and why it’s important for entrepreneurs to know. He’s a skilled entrepreneur, and 4x founder with 2 successful exits. Please welcome to the show, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Targatek, Bill Adams Jr!

Bill sits down with Host Wes Mathews to discuss the future of entrepreneurship. Bill shares the importance of humility, how for many entrepreneurs their most successful product is their expertise, and how AI will change business for the better. 

Takeaways:

• One of the most important skills to have as an entrepreneur is humility. While you may have a game plan, it’s important to allow yourself to adapt to roadblocks that arise to prevent disappointment. 
• In business, people are driven to success by either their ego, or their paycheck. While there is no wrong answer, it is important to know your personal motivations. For entrepreneurs, they tend to be more ego driven. 
• When it comes time to scale the business, many entrepreneurs try to “clone” themselves. If you are working off of an established framework, it is easy to hire other people with those skills. But if you are unique in your offerings, it becomes more difficult.
• One of the best ways to acquire more business is through customer referrals. If you are targeting specific industries, there is a good chance that your customers know other people in the industry who are encountering the same problem. 
• In the past 10 years AI has ushered in a level of change similar to the industrial revolution. While there are many key players, there is still a large degree of first mover advantage. 
• While tools like Chat GPT have garnered attention, they are largely aimed at the corporate workforce. In the current landscape, there is a lack of AI tools that are aimed at executive leaders. 
• For many entrepreneurs, it’s not the product they offer that customers are drawn to, but rather the skills and ability of the entrepreneur. Understanding what your true product is allows you to focus more strongly on what you offer. 

Quote of the Show:

• “My job was to take all the technology pro-head and to figure out a way not to change a company, to change an industry” - Bill Adams

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadamsjr/ 
• Website: https://targa.ai/ 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/iXs9eUz 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

This week’s featured guest is someone who has successfully launched and exited 5 tech companies. He’s a 4x New York Times Best Selling Author, and recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. Welcome to the show, Co-Founder of Muditā Venture Partners, Platypus Labs, and ImpactEleven, Josh Linkner!

Josh joins Host Wes Mathews talks about his journey of entrepreneurship and his philosophy of 'finding a way'. Josh shares his venture into venture capital, his experiences as an author, and how his jazz guitar skills made him a better entrepreneur. 

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs have the ability to make things possible despite challenges by finding a way and showcasing ingenuity and resolve. The key is to navigate obstacles with determination and agency to overcome adversities and succeed in various industries.
• In starting a new venture, consider embracing unconventional ideas and strategies that differentiate you from the competition. Identify untapped opportunities like digital promotions that others may be overlooking to stand out in the market.
• As an entrepreneur, it's important to diversify your investments and not have all your net worth tied up in a single business to reduce risk. Taking some profits off the table can provide financial security while continuing to build and grow your business
• Knowing when to transition from being innovative on the fly to organized and structured in leadership is crucial as a company grows. It's essential to recognize when your skills and approach need to adapt to the changing needs of your organization.
• Entrepreneurs should focus on solving a significant problem in a novel way rather than just falling in love with an idea. Seeking to be unique in addressing a specific problem can attract early-stage investors and set businesses apart from the competition.
• It’s important to challenge conventional approaches when facing challenges or opportunities. Embracing the idea of doing the complete opposite of what's been done before can lead to success.
• For entrepreneurs, true fulfillment comes from creating impact, solving tough problems, and fulfilling one's potential rather than just seeking leisure and relaxation. Entrepreneurs are wired to constantly innovate and contribute.

Quote of the Show:

• “Instead of being cutthroat, what if we did it and we were supportive and we prioritized generosity and kindness and compassion.” - Josh Linkner

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlinkner/ 
• Website: https://muditavp.com/ 
• Website: https://impacteleven.com/ 
• Website: https://platypuslabs.com/ 
• Website: https://joshlinkner.com/ 
• Books: https://joshlinkner.com/body-of-work/#books 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest on this week’s episode is an entrepreneur who helps nonprofit organizations be their best. Over 13 years, his organization has invested more than $51 Million into Detroit neighborhoods. Please welcome to the show, Author of “Next Level Nonprofit” and Founder and  CEO of Life Remodeled, Chris Lambert!

Chris joins Host Wes Mathews for a discussion on what nonprofits get right, and what they need to improve. Chris shares how he brings together organizations to make the most impact, the lessons nonprofits can learn from for profit businesses, and the importance of providing people with the right opportunities. 

Takeaways:

• Ensuring the right talent is well-placed becomes crucial in forming a cohesive and efficient team. Prioritize building a team that shares a unified vision and invests in their development for sustained success
• In the nonprofit world, you want to be doing things for communities, not to communities. Understanding the true needs, wants, visions, and values of a community is a crucial first step before any work can happen. 
• Solving problems in business is about finding the right who, not the right how. By having a strong understanding of your mission, you can focus on hiring people who align with that vision, rather than just strictly problem solving. 
• Making meaningful change in communities is about giving people access to the opportunities they deserve. By putting pathways in front of people, you give them agency to be involved in their own progress. 
• As a nonprofit, it can be tempting to chase grants to expand your services. While alluring, it’s important to focus on your mission, and allow yourself to prioritize the services that you excel at. 
• One of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits is their internal team structure. Leadership needs to align peoples’ positions with their passions, and provide coaching across the board. 
• While nonprofits differ from for profit organizations, they can borrow much of the same advice. By distilling and translating many of the prominent business knowledge out there, nonprofits can take a page from business books and grow sustainably. 

Quote of the Show:

• “We don't wanna do things to communities or for communities, we only wanna do the work we do with communities.” - Chris Lambert 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambertliferemodeled/c 
• Website: https://liferemodeled.org/ 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/9IgXlXi 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

This week's guest is an entrepreneur who believes in making the world a healthier place. She literally grew up in her industry, being exposed to entrepreneurship from her parent’s business. Welcome to the show, Managing Partner at Fitness Things, Kristen Tassielli!

Kristen joins Host Wes Mathews and shares her journey in the fitness industry and how she has grown her business through a dedication to excellent service, relational integrity, and wise business strategies. She also highlights the value of relationship building, and the importance of authenticity and deep connections with her employees, customers, and vendors.  

Takeaways:

• Success in business isn't measured by size but rather by profitability and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs should heed the advice that scaling wisely is often more beneficial than just scaling up.
• The essence of entrepreneurial success lies not in the size of the business but in the agility to adapt; diversification is imperative. For those carving out their niche, embracing a multifaceted approach and meeting industry standards is fundamental to growth.
• Starting a business involves overcoming significant barriers, like the need for substantial upfront inventory and the challenges of managing logistics. A smaller, well-managed venture can still thrive, dispelling the myth that bigger always equates to better.
• While collaboration with your competitors may seem counterintuitive, having good relationships can present unique opportunities. A strong relationship can lead to a business acquisition when an owner is looking to retire. 
• In business, demonstrating a proven track record and consulting to ensure success is more valuable than size—experience speaks. Fostering relationships and delivering on promises breeds credibility and leads to growth.
• In business, fostering enduring relationships hinges on the steadfast commitment to your word and transparent communication, especially when facing hurdles. Upholding integrity in managing and delivering on expectations is paramount for entrepreneurs.
• Joining an entrepreneurial community is an enriching experience, offering an energy boost, inspiration, motivation, and a wealth of ideas. More importantly, it creates a supportive space for problem-solving among peers.

Quote of the Show:

• “I can't make decisions knowing that this is gonna affect so many people, without getting in there for a minute.” - Kristen Tassielli 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-tassielli-b36b945/ 
• Website: https://fitnessthings.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Joining the show this week is a titan in the sports broadcasting industry. With nearly 50 years of broadcasting experience, serving as an announcer for both the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines, he is recognized as “the voice of Michigan football”. Welcome to the show, Jim Brandstatter!

Jim joins Host Wes Mathers and narrates his illustrious career as a football broadcaster. He shares his thoughts on his former coaches, how he got started in the industry, the evolution of college football, and his ventures into the world of writing

Takeaways:

• Embrace a philosophy of perpetual learning to surpass your accomplishments of today with those of tomorrow. For entrepreneurs, this translates into constant self-improvement and a recognition that mastery is a moving target, not a final destination.
• Achieving success in business hinges on the collective triumph of the team, not just the accomplishments of an individual. It's pivotal to embrace team-building and collaboration, as they are foundational to industry success and recognition.
• The shifting landscape of college sports creates an environment where education is being overshadowed by a semi-professional ethos and rampant transfers for financial gains. This trend raises questions about the true purpose of collegiate athletics.
• The landscape of collegiate sports is undergoing a transformation with the Name, Image, and Likeness regulations and transfer portal, leading to a predicted decline of the NCAA's influence, particularly in football and basketball.
• Leveraging his Michigan football broadcasting experience and Detroit roots, Jim secured his spot among the Detroit Lions play-by-play team despite competition, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and a personalized approach in sports broadcasting. 
• Seizing a life-changing career opportunity with both passion and apprehension emphasizes the significance of commitment to excellence and meticulous preparation in sports announcing. 

Quote of the Show:

• “If you ever think that you're the best, then you've given up a few spots.” - Jim Brandstatter

Links:

• Twitter: https://x.com/jimbrandstatter?s=20 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-brandstatter-b314282b/ 
• Website: https://www.jimbrandstatter.com/ 
• Podcast: https://the-brandy-show.simplecast.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Many entrepreneurs strive towards achieving work-life balance, when in reality they should be striving for work life harmony. Here to explain the difference is Mid life Men’s Coach and CEO of Shredded Fathers, Joseph Warren!

Joseph joins Host Wes Mathews to delve into the concept of 'Work-Life Harmony', which Joseph believes is all about prioritizing what matters most in life and focusing on personal fulfillment alongside career success. Joseph also shares the challenges of overcoming your own pride, the importance of carving out time for personal relationships, and the benefits of finding 

Takeaways:

• Adapting and embracing change is key in entrepreneurship. Letting go of the need for control and being open to new approaches can lead to greater personal fulfillment and success in business.
• Work-life balance is a misleading concept that leads to constant juggling and exhaustion. Instead, focus on achieving work-life harmony by integrating and prioritizing various aspects of your life, resulting in increased fulfillment and reduced stress.
• Prioritizing what truly matters in life, such as fulfilling relationships and personal well-being, can lead to a more rewarding and impactful professional journey. It’s important to optimize time at work to leave you with more personal time. 
• Entrepreneurs should recognize the value of seeking mentoring and coaching in both their business and personal lives. Just like elite athletes, continuous guidance can help them break through barriers and achieve higher levels of success.
• Entrepreneurs often face the challenge of balancing success in their careers with maintaining fulfilling family lives. While financial support is important, it’s crucial to also carve out time to strengthen personal relationships.
• Having a community is an effective method for personal growth. A community helps combat isolation, provides solutions to common challenges, and promotes prioritization of what truly matters in your personal and professional life.
• Entrepreneurs should prioritize their lives to avoid burnout and achieve harmony by focusing on high-value targets and making decisions aligned with their priorities. This helps maintain sustainable productivity and clarity, ensuring long-term success.

Quote of the Show:

• “For me, work life harmony, it looks like prioritizing my life.” - Joseph Warren

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephwarrenceo/ 
• Website: https://www.shreddedfathers.com/#/ 
• Website: https://www.josephwarren.net/ 
• Free Resource: https://shreddedfathers.myclickfunnels.com/free--9e34e 
• Broken Catholic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broken-catholic-challenging-dogma-with-raw-biblical-truth/id1270337955 
• Your First $100k Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-first-100k-copy-the-business-marketing-and/id1278494718 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest this week is an experienced entrepreneur who is driving the real estate industry forward. He took a company from a $25,000 investment to a $30 million company. Welcome to the show Chief Executive Officer at Great Lake Investments, Mike Kalis!

In this candid conversation, Mike and Host Wes Mathews discuss the challenges of rapid growth. Mike shares the need to balance money and growth, and emphasizes the importance of knowing your 'enough' and investing wisely in business. 

Takeaways:

• Putting yourself first as a business owner is crucial, rather than solely focusing on your cause and vision. By understanding the difference between a sustainable business and a lucrative investment, you can ensure long-term success.
• Starting a business can be as simple as taking action and making connections. By leveraging existing resources and identifying opportunities for improvement, you can not only benefit your current company but also pave the way for future success.
• While a common belief among entrepreneurs is that rapid growth will lead to investors, it isn’t always the case. Working with people in your community is a more reliable way to ensure funding. 
• Promoting and nurturing passionate individuals from within the company, who have a holistic understanding of the business, proves to be the best approach for leadership and growth. Organic training and promotion brings effective results in an organization.
• Implementing unique and creative marketing strategies, such as sending customized gift packages to potential clients, can attract attention and differentiate your company from competitors, leading to successful partnerships and substantial revenue growth.
• Building a platform without sufficient technological expertise can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Consider establishing a separate tech company to develop and license products, ensuring a more effective and profitable outcome.
• Knowing the point at which one is content and satisfied with the size and success of their business is crucial. It allows for a more focused and intentional approach, creating an opportunity to excel within a specific scope rather than constantly seeking rapid growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “We wanted to create a story worth telling, and nobody can take my story.” - Mike Kalis

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekalis/ 
• Website: https://www.greatlakeinvestments.com/ 
• Website: https://www.greatlakerealty.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest this week is a CPG innovator who disrupted an entire industry. While he may have started out small, he quickly grew, selling over 500 Million units. Joining the show this week is Founder of Hearos and Founder and CEO of D.A.P Ventures, Doug Pick!

Wes sits down with Doug to dive into his 30 plus years of entrepreneurial experience. Listen in as Wes and Doug discuss entrepreneurship, the challenges of disrupting the marketplace, and the journey of an innovative business from concept to successful exit.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs need to understand that in order to be successful, every aspect of their business must be executed with excellence. This level of commitment is crucial for driving customer satisfaction, and ensuring the overall success of the company.
• When faced with economic challenges, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to evaluate their business strategies and consider innovative approaches. This includes assessing opportunities for growth and differentiation in order to thrive in the market.
• It is important for entrepreneurs to recognize the value of adapting their business to meet customer needs. By discovering a niche market in the sleep space, Hearos found success by providing solutions for people's sleep-related issues.
• It is crucial to recognize the signs early on when someone is not the right fit for your business. Proper vetting and thorough communication with potential team members are essential to ensure success and avoid costly setbacks.
• The emergence of store brands in the retail marketplace led to a shift in profitability for brand owners, as retailers recognized the potential to control customer traffic and generate higher profits through their own affordable store-brand offerings.
• Retailers prioritize high sales and profitability by strategically selecting products that maximize revenue, such as gift cards. Entrepreneurs should aim to offer items that generate significant profits and efficiently utilize store space to ensure financial success.
• Perseverance and finding the right expertise can lead to remarkable success, even in the face of tough competition. One person's determination can result in significant business growth and opportunities.

Quote of the Show:

• “The more you learn about something, the more you scratch,  the more you find out, whoa. I'm on to something here.” - Doug Pick

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-pick-5037571/ 
• Website: https://dougpick.com/ 
• Website: https://www.hearos.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest this week is a business owner whose entrepreneurial journey started with a single piece of real estate, and has since grown into over 900 units. Please welcome to the show, Owner of Epic Property Management, Josh Sterling!

Josh joins Host Wes Mathews to explain how he transitioned from a career in aviation into real estate. Josh discusses the power of process tracking and unwavering efficiency, shares valuable insights into syndications, and explores the benefits of real estate investing. From buying small multi-unit buildings to establishing well-structured, process-oriented systems, Josh provides valuable insights and advice to every aspiring investor.

Takeaways:

• Efficiency and relentless tracking are crucial for entrepreneurial success. Following through on every task and maintaining a zero inbox can be a significant driver of achievements.
• Facing unexpected challenges in a career and personal life can lead to a realization that true control lies in pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. Owning your own business allows you to better control your daily life. 
• Micromanaging and being tied to every aspect of a business can lead to frustration and hinder growth. Trusting and empowering others to take on responsibilities can result in successful operations and personal growth.
• Running a successful property management business requires unique strategies and significant investment. Efficiency and profitability are achieved through innovative approaches and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Success in the real estate industry requires understanding the ease of management that comes with midsize multifamily properties. By focusing on properties with onsite maintenance capabilities, investors can ensure a more streamlined approach.
• Real estate investments offer multiple avenues for generating income, including potential appreciation, depreciation benefits for tax purposes, cashflow, principal pay down, and the advantage of inflation-induced debt destruction.
• Successful entrepreneurs can benefit from getting involved in real estate through syndication. Syndication allows them to invest in larger properties, share in the profits, and gain exposure to cash flow, appreciation, and other financial benefits.

Quote of the Show:

• “I've got to depend on something I can control.” - Josh Sterling

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-sterling-6196a7126/ 
• Website: https://epicpropertymanagement.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jk.sterling/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest on this episode is a successful serial entrepreneur, known for growing multiple businesses, including those with revenues exceeding $100 million. Welcome to the show, Host of the Profit Tool Belt podcast, Owner of Profit Tool Belt, Dominic Rubino!

Dominic sits down with Wes to explore his process for fast and efficient scaling. Dominic shares how he leveraged strategic business models to his advantage, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, keeping a strategy simple, and creating engaging content for business growth.

Takeaways: 

• Creating a business focused on recurring revenues and maintenance medications allowed for sustained growth and customer loyalty. By viewing prescriptions as pre-purchase orders, obtaining refills became additional revenue.
• Niching down and specializing in a specific industry can be challenging but effective for business coaches. Even in today's digital age, targeting a local market and building personal connections remains valuable.
• Balancing work and family is crucial, as missing out on important moments can have a profound impact on relationships and personal fulfillment. Prioritizing quality time when present and maintaining boundaries with work can lead to a more fulfilling family life.
• Buying a business can be challenging, but learning the systems for business reinvention are crucial for sustained success and growth. Understanding how to  repair the plane while it's flying can help simplify and optimize processes, leading to improvements.
• Simplicity in sales is crucial to effectively communicate with customers. By breaking down complex concepts into relatable terms, you can convey the key value and benefits of your product or service.
• Using social media can be a double-edged sword, as it is necessary for content creators to engage with their audience and add value, but it can also lead to unproductive time and distractions. 
• Different marketing channels, such as podcasts, YouTube, and Twitter, cater to diverse audiences. It's crucial to understand your target customers' preferences and reach them through the appropriate channel for business success.

Quote of the Show:

• “The only people that matter in my business are my perfect customers and what matters to them.” - Dominic Rubino

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicrubino/?originalSubdomain=ca 
• Website: http://www.bizstratplan.com/ 
• Website: http://www.profittoolbelt.com 
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/profit-tool-belt/id1473467565 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614