Founder's Playbook

In this episode, we welcome Mr. Jeremy Haynes, founder of Megalodon Marketing and the strategist behind 42 businesses that scaled to $1M/months. Jeremy shares the three core pillars that drive million-dollar months, offer, sales & marketing, and A-player talent, and breaks down why most founders plateau due to limiting beliefs, slow problem-solving, and poor team dynamics. 

You’ll learn how to leverage long-form content to amplify conversions, why selling with trends like AI is a game-changer, and how financial clarity fuels relentless growth. Whether you're stuck at six figures or scaling past seven, this episode delivers the mindset shifts and tactical frameworks to help you move faster, hire smarter, and sell with precision.

Follow Nelson:

 https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson 

Follow us on socials: 

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

 https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Follow Jeremy Haynes:

www.youtube.com/@JeremyHaynesTraining

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jeremyhaynes.com/blog

instagram.com/jeremy

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:03 - Key Factors for Hitting Million-Dollar Months

00:03:15 - Pricing Strategies

00:05:01 - Sales and Marketing Integration

00:07:29 - Attaching to the Grand Narrative

00:09:39 - Case Study: E-Commerce to Bitcoin

00:10:03 - Case Study: Copywriting and AI

00:13:05 - Speed in Solving Problems

00:16:27 - The Plateau Effect

00:22:06 - Compound Interest and Long-Term Planning

00:31:08 - Financial Responsibilities and Unexpected Costs

00:35:00 - The Power of Money in Life Decisions

00:40:43 - Materializing Dreams and Goals

00:42:06 - The Abundance of Money in Circulation

In this episode, we welcome Jay Topp, a marketing strategist and founder of three seven-figure ventures, who shares valuable insights into scaling coaching businesses through self-liquidating funnels and book-based conversions. 🚀

He breaks down why traditional freebie funnels fall flat and how to create a book funnel that actually sells. You’ll learn the key metrics behind funnel success, how to avoid upsell mistakes, and why tracking real data beats gut feelings every time. Discover how travel fueled Jay’s focus, creativity, and business growth, and how you can replicate that clarity in your own brand.

Follow Nelson:

 https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson 

Follow us on socials: 

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

 https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Follow Jay Topp:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzevubxwGHCx7aVbKPTOxjg

https://www.instagram.com/jayt0pp/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytopp/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:00 - Meet Jay Topp: A World Traveler and Entrepreneur

00:03:00 - The Intersection of Travel and Business Success

00:06:30 - Understanding Self-Liquidating Funnels

00:08:00 - The Importance of Customer Commitment

00:10:30 - Breaking Even with Self-Liquidating Funnels

00:12:00 - The Power of Book Funnels

00:13:30 - Common Mistakes in Book Marketing

00:18:00 - The Role of Data in Business Decisions

00:20:00 - Real-Life Examples of Funnel Success

00:26:00 - The Importance of Testing and Data Analysis

00:28:00 - The Art of Asking 'Why?' in Business

00:30:00 - The Process of Writing a Book

00:32:00 - Crafting the Structure of a Book

00:34:00 - Call to Action Strategies in Books

00:36:00 - Impact of Best-Selling Author Status on Sales

00:40:00 - Finding the Right Marketing Partner

In this episode of the Founders Playbook Podcast, host Nelson welcomes back entrepreneur and podcast partner Lloyd Ross for a deep dive into the concepts of time and money in the business world. They discuss the pitfalls of an over-scheduled life and challenge the notion that "bigger is better" in entrepreneurship. Instead, they advocate for a focus on becoming "time rich" rather than merely busy, emphasizing the importance of leveraging people and systems to create freedom. The conversation touches on the limited role of money in solving all problems and explores whether money truly buys time. Tune in for valuable insights into building a business that prioritizes freedom and purposeful living.

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow Lloyd:

www.youtube.com/@lloydross

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-james-ross-87818129a/

https://www.instagram.com/lloydjamesross/

https://www.facebook.com/5stepstomillions/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:11 - Lloyd's Recent Acquisition

00:03:45 - Financial Insights on Laundromats

00:05:28 - Key Considerations for Investing

00:08:34 - Challenges with Australian Banks

00:10:08 - Long-Term Business Strategy

00:12:04 - Investment Portfolio Insights

00:23:34 - The Scale of Busyness vs. Wealth

00:27:02 - Philosophical Moments in Business

00:35:27 - The Power of Partnerships

00:36:06 - Selecting the Right Business Partners

00:40:58 - The Importance of Character Traits

In this episode of Founders Playbook, Nelson chats with agency mentor

Cormac Gray, who scaled his marketing agency to six-figure months by 23.

They discuss the importance of a strong product, credibility, and

avoiding costly team mistakes. Cormac dives into why many agencies get

stuck at six figures and how to break through to seven.

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow Cormac Gray on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/theagencymentor_/

https://www.youtube.com/@cormacgray

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro



00:01:59 - Painful Lessons in Scaling an Agency


00:07:01 - Growth vs. Recovery Mode in Business


00:09:22 - Key Measurements for Agency Success


00:10:43 - The Importance of Predictable Client Acquisition


00:11:42 - Navigating the Crazy Growth Phase


00:14:11 - Challenges Faced During Rapid Growth


00:17:01 - Market Changes and Their Impact on Agencies


00:18:38 - Overcoming Difficult Times and Client Churn


00:42:19 - Preparing Your Business for Sale


00:44:20 - Creating a Self-Sufficient Asset

In this episode of the Founders Playbook Podcast, Nelson chats with Dan

Lee, a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert, about building an

eight-figure agency. Dan shares the challenges, personal struggles, and

the importance of finding the right business partner. Tune in for

actionable advice on entrepreneurship and business growth!

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow Dan Lee on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/dan_lee_plum/

https://www.youtube.com/@danielleeplum

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:07 - Unveiling the Real Journey

00:03:03 - From Agency to Independence

00:04:07 - The Moment of Decision

00:10:50 - The Aftermath of Leaving

00:12:18 - Exploring New Opportunities

00:14:10 - The Push to Start

00:24:27 - Choosing the Right Business Partner

00:29:55 - First Year Revenue

00:32:39 - Growth and Challenges

00:38:42 - Facing Adversity

00:45:05 - Navigating Client Relationships

In this episode of Founders Playbook, host Nelson speaks with Justin

Mastores, elite business advisor and Managing Director of Rees Group.

They unpack common tax misconceptions among entrepreneurs, the dangers

of DIY tax management, and the essentials of deductions and self-managed

funds. Justin shares legal, effective strategies to reduce tax

liabilities—making this a must-listen for business owners aiming to stay

compliant and financially savvy.

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Work with Justin Mastores:

https://www.instagram.com/justinmastores/

Follow us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:27 - Common Tax Mistakes by Business Owners

00:02:19 - Importance of Professional Advice

00:03:19 - Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company

00:04:40 - The Role of Accounting Software

00:06:01 - Differences in Tax Strategies for Business Sizes

00:07:37 - Legal Ways for Business Owners to Reduce Tax

00:08:50 - Importance of Business Structure for Tax Savings

00:09:59 - Common Tax Deductions: Travel Expenses

00:10:11 - Tax Deductibility of Travel Expenses

00:34:06 - Property Investment and Tax Strategies

00:36:09 - Company Structures for Tax Minimization

00:39:07 - Trusts vs. Companies: Which to Choose?

00:41:12 - Asset Protection through Trusts

00:42:17 - Buying Assets through Company or Trust

00:44:30 - Transferring Assets Between Company and Trust

In this episode, I reveal legal and often free strategies to attract your competitors’ customers in any niche. Inspired by the host’s experience during a local cyclone, we explore how media-driven fear influences consumer behavior. While many businesses shut down due to sensationalized news, the host stayed consistent, gaining a competitive edge. Tune in to learn how to leverage market shifts and customer psychology to outmaneuver your competition.

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction


00:00:21 - Context: Cyclone Experience


00:01:15 - Coffee Shop Story: Opportunity in Adversity


00:03:02 - Lesson 1: Show Up Consistently


00:07:08 - Lesson 2: Build a Better Product


00:09:04 - Lesson 3: Make Decisions Based on Data


00:15:26 - Lesson 4: Provide a Better Experience


00:19:00 - Lesson 5: Identify and Exploit Competitors' Weaknesses

In this episode of Founders Playbook, host Nelson chats with Jeff Coombridge, a nine-figure entrepreneur and managing director of Global Foodcare Group. Jeff shares what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful business for over 15 years, focusing on dedication, overcoming early challenges, and the power of branding. They also discuss the importance of embracing digital content and the rewards and complexities of running a family business. Tune in for valuable insights from Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey!

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction 


00:02:05 - Building a Nine-Figure Business


00:03:01 - Transition from Accountant to Entrepreneur


00:05:19 - Starting a Business at 45


00:07:01 - The Entrepreneurial Mindset


00:19:54 - Managing Over 50 Employees


00:20:26 - Entering the Comfort Shoe Industry


00:22:20 - Competitive Advantage in the Market


00:23:56 - Misconceptions About Shoe Sizes


00:25:20 - Strategy of Working with Podiatrists


00:32:35 - Longevity in Business


00:35:21 - Importance of Cash Flow Management


00:36:57 - Credibility with Financial Institutions


00:37:55 - Outsourcing Tax Returns


00:46:46 - Omnipresence and Multi-Dimensional Marketing

In this episode of the Founders Playbook Podcast, Nelson chats with Chris Dufey, CEO of Rainmakers, generating $52M+ annually. They dive into scaling a business, including how Nelson hit a million-dollar run rate in 63 days without ads. Chris shares the mindset and strategies of eight-figure founders, highlighting problem-solving and leadership. Tune in for actionable insights on business growth and success!

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Work with Chris Dufey:

https://www.instagram.com/chrisdufey/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction


00:01:03 - Introduction to Chris Dufey


00:02:06 - Personal Growth and Transformation


00:15:10 - The Role of Leadership in Business Success


00:20:10 - Embracing Entrepreneurial Spirit in Team Members


00:25:07 - Can You Create A Players?


00:29:10 - The Chessboard Analogy in Business


00:32:11 - Changing Perspectives and Labels


00:34:24 - Creating an Environment for A Players


00:36:20 - The Role of a Founder and CEO


00:41:44 - The Nature of Problems in Business


00:43:07 - Weekly Routine of a CEO


00:45:51 - Maintaining Partner Confidentiality

In this episode, we welcome Adam Houlahan, a best-selling author and LinkedIn expert, who shares valuable insights into leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth🚀

He shares tips on creating a standout LinkedIn profile, building genuine relationships, and adding value—no pitching required. Learn why visibility in your niche matters more than perfection and how to position yourself as an authority. Don’t miss this game-changing advice!

Follow Nelson:

https://www.instagram.com/creatornelson

Follow us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/foundersplaybook

https://www.youtube.com/@foundersplaybookpodcast

Work with Adam:

https://www.instagram.com/adamhoulahan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoulahan/

Timestamps:

00:02:08 - LinkedIn as a business tool.

00:04:39 - LinkedIn content strategies for founders.

00:09:30 - Off-platform connections strategy.

00:12:07 - Effective LinkedIn Outreach Strategies.

00:16:40-Niche expertise over general knowledge.

00:20:43- Quality trumps quantity on LinkedIn.

00:27:10- LinkedIn content engagement strategies.

00:29:43 - Underrated LinkedIn features.

00:32:57- Profile picture authenticity matters.

00:36:58 - Referral partners and advocates.

00:43:31 -Personal brand vs. business brand.

00:45:36 - Personal branding and engagement.

00:50:18 - Premium features on LinkedIn.

00:57:03 -Growing LinkedIn connections effectively.

01:00:58 - The value of a personal brand.

01:06:02- Impact on the world.

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