Million Dollar Relationships

What if the future of digital advertising wasn't just about scale and reach, but about trust, transparency, and relationships?

In this episode, Matt Wasserlauf, three-time founder, two-time successful exit entrepreneur, author, and now CEO of Blockboard, shares his remarkable journey from pioneering online video ads 25 years ago to leading the charge against $120 billion in digital ad fraud today. Known as the "first guy to put TV commercials on the web," Matt is revolutionizing ad tech by leveraging blockchain to bring accountability and transparency back to digital media.

Matt opens up about the pivotal relationships that shaped his career, from mentors who gave him his first big break to co-founders who helped him innovate at scale. He reflects on lessons learned in building companies, the value of mentorship, and how trust and collaboration fuel not just business, but entire industries.

[00:02:23] Meet Matt Wasserlauf

• Matt's background in TV and transition into digital media

• Becoming the first to put TV commercials on the web

• The vision behind Blockboard and fixing ad fraud

[00:05:42] The $120 Billion Problem

• How ad fraud became one of the world's biggest fraud rings

• Why it's largely unpoliced and misunderstood

• Pepsi's insights that validated the size of the problem

[00:07:33] How Ad Fraud Works

• The rise of bot farms in places like Iceland and Russia

• Mimicking platforms like Peacock to trick advertisers

• How Coca-Cola and other brands unknowingly waste millions

[00:11:00] Spotting the Warning Signs

• Why most agencies don't tell clients about fraud

• The importance of transparency and hard results

• How direct response marketers became Blockboard's biggest customers

[00:14:20] Relationships that Changed Everything

• How Jim DePalma gave Matt his first shot at CBS

• The mentorship that shaped his entrepreneurial path

• Meeting Tarun Yadav and 20 years of innovation together

[00:19:00] Building Measurement & Innovation

• Launching the first video measurement platform (Ndio)

• Why Procter & Gamble's first streaming ad dollars were a turning point

• Innovating from early online video to blockchain verification

[00:21:37] Blockchain and Beating the Bots

• How Ethereum smart contracts power Blockboard

• Pre-verifying ad calls in 33 milliseconds

• Delivering real ads to real humans at scale

[00:26:34] Closing Reflections

• Why it's the best time to be an entrepreneur

• The importance of building trust and networks

• Matt's invitation to fellow entrepreneurs to share notes and innovate together

Key Quotes

• "There's $120 billion in digital ad fraud, and blockchain gives us the ability to stop it " - Matt Wasserlauf

• "Don't worry about raising money. Just go sell. That advice changed my life" - Matt Wasserlauf

• "Relationships and mentorship have shaped every step of my entrepreneurial journey" - Matt Wasserlauf

Connect with Matt Wasserlauf

Facebook

LinkedIn

Blockboard

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What if the key to building one of America's fastest-growing companies wasn't just hard work, but the right relationships at the right time?

In this episode, Tyler Dunagin, founder and CEO of Turnserv, shares his extraordinary journey from flipping single-family homes to leading a platform revolutionizing the multifamily housing industry. Ranked in the top 500 on the Inc. 5,000 list, Turnserv now manages turnovers for hundreds of apartments each month and continues to scale at rapid speed.

Tyler opens up about the pivotal relationships that changed his life, the mentors who shaped his path, and the lessons he's learned navigating growth, private equity, and leadership. Beyond his ventures — which include brands like "ApartmentPainters.com , LiquidLiner.com , and ApartmentFlooring.com".

Tyler is passionate about family, classic cars, and cultivating networks that fuel growth and impact.

[00:02:20] Meet Tyler Dunagin

• Tyler's background and early career in flipping houses.

• The vision behind Turnserv and solving turnover challenges.

• Expanding into multiple service brands.

[00:05:40] Scaling at Speed

• Turning over 500+ apartments a month.

• How Turnserv partners with major property managers.

• Why speed, scale, and quality rarely exist together in property management.

[00:10:20] Relationships that Changed Everything

• How a cold email opened the door to multifamily housing.

• Mentorship from industry leaders that reshaped his career.

• The impact of support from private equity advisors.

[00:14:00] Lessons from Mentorship

• The importance of patience, persistence, and learning fast.

• Why investors who act as advisors create exponential value.

• How key conversations shifted Tyler's business trajectory.

[00:19:00] Aha Moments and Growth

• Realizing the scale of Turnserv's impact.

• Celebrating small wins and the team's contributions.

• Building systems and leadership that drive scalability.

[00:22:30] The Power of Networks

• Why relationships compound business growth.

• How proximity to leaders accelerates learning.

• The value of surrounding yourself with people who care.

[00:24:20] Closing Reflections

• People, not companies, drive success.

• Why cultivating meaningful relationships is the ultimate growth strategy.

• Tyler's personal passions: family, sports, and classic cars.

Key Quotes

• "There's a magical power in having a good network and cultivating it all the time." — Tyler Dunagin

• "When you think about everyone's contributions that led to success, you realize the magnitude of effort that compounds when you work together." — Tyler Dunagin

• "People run companies. Companies don't run themselves." — Tyler Dunagin

Connect with Tyler Dunagin

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Turnserv

• Dunagin Collective

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What if your greatest professional success wasn't just about the money raised, but about the lives changed and the relationships built along the way?

In this episode, Jeff Kruszyna — an award-winning direct response strategist, fundraiser, and copywriter, shares his journey from a New York college student inspired by 9/11 to raising over a quarter of a billion dollars for Republican campaigns, conservative advocacy organizations, veteran support groups, and Christian charities.

With more than 20 years of experience, Jeff has been recognized with industry honors including the AAPC "40 Under 40 Award," Peer Choice All Star Awards, and multiple POLLIE and MAXI Awards. He opens up about the mentors who shaped his career, the family influences that grounded his values, and the early campaign that confirmed his calling to make an impact through fundraising.

Today, as co-founder of JMK Victory, Jeff continues to serve causes he believes in while staying rooted in faith, family, and community.

[00:02:18] Meet Jeff Kruszyna

• How Jeff's last name is pronounced ("Kru-shin-a").

• The introduction through Kurt & Kristen Luidhardt that changed everything.

• Early shoutout to Liberty Spenders podcast.

[00:05:27] Jeff's Backstory

• Growing up in Southampton, New York.

• The impact of 9/11 during his first semester of college.

• Switching majors from computer science to political science.

• Discovering conservative activism and direct response fundraising.

[00:07:13] Building a Fundraising Career

• 20 years in direct response and nonprofit fundraising.

• Partnering with Joel Bogger to launch JMK Victory.

• Raising over $250 million for campaigns, causes, and Christian charities.

[00:10:07] Relationships that Changed Everything

• Honoring his grandfather, a Polish WWII veteran and immigrant.

• Lessons of hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurship.

• Passing on his grandfather's legacy to his son.

[00:13:31] Mentors in the Industry

• Learning copywriting and creative strategy from Amy Paul.

• Business-building mentorship from Jamie Hogan.

• Why staying curious and constantly learning is critical.

[00:16:32] Impactful Campaigns

• Early work supporting two imprisoned border patrol agents.

• A Father's Day appeal that made a national impact.

• Receiving a handwritten letter from one of the agents that confirmed his calling.

[00:19:12] Reflections and Purpose

• Knowing he was in the right place, with the right people, for the right reasons.

• The power of relationships in attracting the right opportunities.

[00:20:25] Connect with Jeff

• Website: jmkvictory.com

• Social media links (Facebook, LinkedIn, X).

[00:20:58] Closing Thoughts

• Gratitude for relationships built through introductions.

• Why his mission is not only raising funds but advancing God's Kingdom.

Key Quotes

• "His work ethic and blue-collar values continue to shape my life and career." — Jeff Kruszyna

• "Always be curious, always be learning. Never get stuck thinking you already know it all." — Jeff Kruszyna

• "With God by our side and organizations such as yours, we will persevere and get through this tough season." — Border Patrol Agent (inspired Jeff early in his career)

Connect with Jeff Kruszyna

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Website

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What if your life's mission wasn't just about career success, but about teaching others how to love, lead, and transform?

In this episode, Marcia Martin, one of the most prolific influencers of thought leadership in the last 40 years, shares her extraordinary journey as a pioneer of the human potential movement, Vice President of Erhard Seminars Training (est), and renowned transformational trainer and executive coach.

Recognized worldwide for her work in transformational leadership, relationship coaching, communication training, and public speaking, Marcia has trained over 300,000 people in more than 20 countries. Her clients include Capital One, Warner Bros., InterContinental Hotels, American Cancer Society, Chase Bank, Allianz, McCain Foods, Evian Water, Danone Group, and Hard Rock International.

From building est into a movement with millions of graduates to consulting for transformational leaders like Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and LifeSpring to managing the film shoot of The Secret – Law of Attraction, Marcia's story is one of influence, mentorship, and lasting impact. Knighted in 2012 by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem for her humanitarian contributions, Dame Marcia Martin continues to inspire leaders across the globe.

[00:02:25] Meet Marcia Martin

• Marcia's background in transformation and coaching.

• Her role in co-founding est and growing it from 30 people to millions worldwide.

• Becoming known as the "Godmother of Transformation."

[00:06:40] Mentors and Influences

• Learning from Werner Erhard, Buckminster Fuller, Jerry Weintraub, and others.

• How mentorship shaped her journey.

• Why she prioritizes mentoring future leaders.

[00:10:15] Relationships that Changed Everything

• The profound impact of her aunt, Werner Erhard, and Buckminster Fuller.

• Why mentorship has been the cornerstone of her life and career.

[00:14:58] Commitment and Breakthrough Goals

• Lessons from Werner on persistence and results.

• The "commitment game" — making breakthrough goals that stretch who you are.

• A powerful story of perseverance that led Marcia to sell encyclopedias even after being arrested — and still hitting her goal.

[00:22:25] Mindset and Perspective

• How perspective shapes reality.

• Why abundance and scarcity coexist like the "old woman/young woman" optical illusion.

• Learning to manage the mind instead of letting it run wild.

[00:27:40] Managing the Mind

• Why our minds are like unruly teenagers.

• Choosing empowering thoughts over self-limiting beliefs.

• Training yourself to create the results you want.

[00:29:20] Marcia's New Book

• Sex, Power, and Transformation: The Untold Story of est and the Human Potential Movement.

• How est went from a 30-person seminar to millions of graduates worldwide.

• Her memoir of resilience, transformation, and rising from adversity.

Key Quotes

"My life's work is having your life work better." — Marcia Martin

"You either have a result or you have the reason you don't have the result. What kind of person are you?" — Marcia Martin

"I don't need to be followed. I want to create people who can lead." — Marcia Martin

Connect with Marcia Martin

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Website

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What if you could build a profitable, lifestyle-driven Amazon business that could eventually sell for millions, even without prior e-commerce experience?

In this episode, Neil Twa, CEO and Co-Founder of Voltage Holdings, opens up about his 17-year journey of building, launching, and acquiring e-commerce brands. After leaving a senior role at IBM, Neil became an early pioneer on Amazon, creating multiple FBA brands, generating tens of millions in revenue, and helping more than 1,000 entrepreneurs through consulting, coaching, and mentoring.

Neil shares how Voltage has grown to 12+ in-house brands and 40+ client brands, why they recently closed a $12M acquisition, and the systems that allow him to scale businesses without traditional employees. He also explains Voltage's proprietary "green light process" for validating products and how partnerships and timing often matter more than resources.

Together with his business partner Reed Larsen, Neil co-authored the book Almost-Automated Income with FBA, a #1 new release that provides a step-by-step guide to building and exiting a profitable Amazon business. This conversation dives into resilience, priorities, and creating businesses that provide both freedom and lasting value.

[00:02:29] Catching Up with Neil

• Returning as the podcast's first-ever guest after 3 years.

• Reflections on 300+ episodes of Million Dollar Relationships.

• Why relationships multiply opportunities.

[00:05:12] What Voltage Does

• Helping entrepreneurs build 7-figure businesses with physical products.

• 12+ in-house brands and 40+ client brands.

• The thrill of building something from nothing.

[00:10:08] Scaling and Acquisitions

• Moving from launch to systemization and scale.

• Closing a $12M acquisition deal.

• Growing brands for long-term exits.

[00:11:02] From Brands to Software

• Proprietary platform for product research and brand development.

• The "green light process" for product validation.

• Scaling without employees by empowering operators.

[00:12:40] Partnerships and Timing

• Why do the right opportunities show up when you're not looking.

• Meeting collaborators at the perfect time.

• Growing through trusted relationships.

[00:16:15] Training Operators Instead of Hiring Employees

• How Neil partners with entrepreneurs as operators

• Splitting profits instead of salaries

• Building smarter teams through collaboration

[00:20:48] Launching Brands That Last

• From product validation to brand identity

• Mistakes most new sellers make

• Building businesses designed to scale and sell

[00:25:30] The Shift Toward Brand Acquisitions

• Why acquisitions accelerate growth

• How Neil evaluates acquisition opportunities

• Building value for long-term exits

[00:30:12] Almost-Automated Income with FBA

• Why Neil and Reed Larsen wrote their book

• A blueprint for lifestyle-driven e-commerce success

• Lessons for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs

[00:34:55] The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

• Guiding over 1,000 entrepreneurs

• Why mentorship accelerates growth

• Creating impact beyond revenue

[00:40:34] Evergreen Power of Physical Products

• Why physical products outlast trends.

• Building brands with longevity.

• Why resilience and due diligence matter.

[00:47:07] Final Reflections & Life Principles

• Neil on being a dad, entrepreneur, and conservative voice.

• The importance of priorities and imperfect action.

• Why resilience and perseverance are keys to success.

Key Quotes

"Your opportunity begins at the end of your excuses." — Neil Twa

"We help entrepreneurs build seven-figure businesses using physical products." — Neil Twa

"Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time." — Neil Twa

Connect with Neil Twa

• Voltage DM

• Get the Free Book — use code MAXRESPONSE

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

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What if turning a simple idea into a one-of-a-kind gift for baseball fans could spark a multimillion-dollar business?

In this episode, Kris Dehnert, founder of Dehnert Media Group and CEO of Dugout Mugs®, shares lessons from 15 years of entrepreneurship across multiple industries including real estate, apparel, affiliate marketing, and eCommerce. With more than $65 million in online sales and partnerships with some of the biggest names in baseball, Kris reveals the mindset, strategies, and resilience that fueled his journey.

From humble beginnings naming his first company after himself to scaling Dugout Mugs® into a brand officially licensed by MLB, MiLB, MLBPA, and the Hall of Fame, Kris's story is one of creativity, grit, and seizing opportunity. Today, he consults with businesses on sales, marketing, and social media while continuing to bet big on ventures and owners with vision.

[00:03:39] – $65 Million in Online Sales

• Breaking down the path to surpassing $65M.

• The marketing approaches that fueled growth.

• Balancing consulting with full-scale business building.

[00:09:31] – Finding Diamonds in the Rough

• Spotting visionary owners with scalable ideas.

• Why Kris sometimes goes "all in" as a partner.

• How he evaluates whether a business can become a unicorn.

[00:13:40] – The Dugout Mugs® Story

• The origin of the Dugout Mugs® concept.

• Turning a baseball bat into a mug.

• Early challenges and breakthroughs.

[00:19:00] – Scaling with Licensing Deals

• How Dugout Mugs® secured official MLB, MiLB, MLBPA, and Hall of Fame partnerships.

• Recognition from major baseball organizations.

• Building credibility through licensing.

[00:24:18] – Lessons in Leadership and Growth

• Simplifying operations while scaling.

• Why consistency beats complexity.

• Balancing multiple ventures as a founder.

[00:29:00] – Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs

• Learning to adapt when plans don't work.

• Keeping focus in the face of setbacks.

• The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.

[00:34:00] – Giving Back and Mentorship

• What drives Kris today beyond revenue.

• Why collaboration and mentorship matter.

• Helping the next generation of entrepreneurs.

[00:38:20] – Advice for Entrepreneurs

• How to spot the right opportunities.

• Knowing when to pivot versus when to double down.

• The role of resilience in long-term success.

Key Quotes

• "My goal is simple: help businesses do what they're doing, better than they are currently doing it." — Kris Dehnert

• "Sometimes you find a diamond in the rough, a business with potential and an owner with vision — and in those cases, I go all in." — Kris Dehnert

• "Creativity, grit, and resilience are what turn ideas into multimillion-dollar ventures." — Kris Dehnert

Connect with Kris Dehnert

🔗 Facebook 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Dugout Mugs

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What if the right strategy, powered by AI and human connection, could turn a struggling business into a multi-million-dollar success?

In this episode, David Asarnow, CEO of Sababa.global and founder of Business Nitrogen, shares insights from more than two decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and transformation. Having scaled companies to eight and nine figures, coached top entrepreneurs, and pioneered AI-driven growth strategies, David has helped countless leaders reignite their passion, build systems that scale, and create lasting impact.

From working with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes to building an eight-figure franchise in just five years, David's journey is one of resilience, vision, and service. Today, through Sababa.global and Business Nitrogen, he empowers entrepreneurs to leverage practical AI, build high-performing teams, and position themselves uniquely in the marketplace.

[00:04:28] – David's Work and Mission

• Helping entrepreneurs build, grow, and scale businesses.

• Why gratitude and transformation fuel his passion.

• Early stories of client impact and renewed excitement.

[00:07:00] – Strategy and Positioning

• Why high-ticket offers must be positioned as "new opportunities."

• Blue ocean positioning vs. improvement offers.

• Choosing the right clients to create global impact.

[00:09:20] – Career Highlights

• Growing a division from $0 to $45M in five years.

• Scaling a franchise to eight figures.

• Working with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes.

[00:10:20] – Results That Inspire

• Helping a speaker hit $1M in 90 days during COVID.

• Growing a natural health business to nine figures.

• Why excitement is contagious in business transformation.

[00:13:40] – Game-Changing Relationships

• Kevin asks the core question: who changed everything?

• David recalls Dr. Dan Pompa's influence on his health and career, leading to 15 years of collaboration.

[00:17:12] – From Patient to Partner

• How learning about autoimmune conditions changed David's life.

• His daughter's health transformation using the same principles.

• The power of a single seminar to spark lifelong impact.

[00:20:23] – Handshake Partnerships and Vision

• The origin of their collaboration.

• Growing a network of 300+ practitioners worldwide.

• The honor of leading masterminds and shaping industries.

[00:21:40] – Honoring Jim Bunch

• A 33-year friendship that led David to Tony Robbins' world.

• Overcoming fear of public speaking.

• How mentorship unlocked his path as a speaker and strategist.

[00:27:00] – Inspiration from His Grandfather

• Watching his grandfather start over at 50.

• Lessons in grit, sales, and entrepreneurship.

• Why that story fueled his own leap at 40.

[00:31:20] – The Power of Self-Talk and Relationships

• Kevin and David discuss mindset, surrounding yourself with the right people, and why stories we tell ourselves determine our future.

Key Quotes

• "You're not just an improvement offer—you must create a new opportunity." — David Asarnow

• "Gratitude can spark movements. One word can change someone's life." — David Asarnow

• "What you feed yourself and who you surround yourself with is everything." — David Asarnow

Connect with David Asarnow

📧 [email protected] 🔗 Facebook 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 businessnitrogen.com 🔗 davidasarnow.com

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What if true leadership wasn't about titles or power, but about serving others and creating lasting value?

In this episode, Mike Murphy shares lessons from over 40 years of leadership in healthcare, technology, and insurance — where he built billion-dollar companies, revitalized struggling businesses, and ultimately launched Sunstone Management Advisors. Known for his transformative leadership, Mike has orchestrated the integration of three disparate healthcare businesses, achieving 18% revenue and 40% EBITDA growth in the first year.

Through these experiences, and inspired by the mentorship of bosses and his father, Mike embraced timeless principles of leadership: always out-earn your pay, give more than you take, find a way to win, and lead by serving others. His story is one of resilience, accountability, and a commitment to ethical success and cultural alignment. From empowering teams to pull off the "Massachusetts Miracle" to helping leadership groups push beyond the status quo, Mike demonstrates the power of building high-performing teams and creating sustainable enterprise value.

[00:04:05] – Mike's Journey Into Leadership

• 40+ years in healthcare and insurance

• Building and fixing companies inside large organizations

• Leading billion-dollar growth and turnarounds

• Founding Sunstone Management Advisors to help companies "go beyond"

[00:11:20] – The Core Question: Who Changed Everything?

• Mike credits multiple people throughout his career

• His father's timeless lessons: always out-earn your pay, give 51% in partnerships, don't spend other people's money

• The difference between personal and professional relationships

[00:17:20] – A Defining Mentor

• A boss who demanded results: "There is no try—only do or do not."

• Learning empowerment: good people find a way to make things happen

• Leadership redefined: you're not the star, your people are

• Servant leadership as the true source of influence

[00:24:20] – The Massachusetts Miracle

• Taking over a struggling sales office on the verge of closure

• Inspiring 50+ team members to work beyond their roles

• "Doctor Storm": rallying everyone around one mission

• Grew market share 30% and delivered record earnings despite no extra resources

[00:27:55] – Lessons From a Lifetime of Leadership

• Diversify your career early to build range and resilience

• Relationships are built on meeting obligations, not just camaraderie

• Empowerment and service unlock hidden potential in teams

• The long-term compounding value of showing up with discipline and grit

Key Quotes

"Out-earn your pay. In an equal partnership, give 51%." — Mike Murphy

"Good people find a way to make things happen." — Mike Murphy

"You're not the star, your people are. Your job is to serve them." — Mike Murphy

Connect with Mike Murphy

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mike-murphy

Website: sunstonemanagementadvisors.com

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What if losing everything became the very thing that unlocked your biggest growth?

In this episode, Joseph shares how he grew Empire into a $42M company, navigated private equity partnerships, reinvented himself during the pandemic, and built enduring business relationships with his wife and longtime partner Moses. His story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the compounding value of meaningful relationships.

With more than 20 years of experience in facilities management and construction, Joseph Scaretta has co-founded and scaled two national facility maintenance companies — exiting both, including his tenure as co-CEO of CS Hudson. Today, he's challenging the status quo again with Mason Made, building innovative niche services and customer-focused team cultures

[00:04:40] – Setting Context: Mason Made

• Joseph introduces his current company, Mason Made.

• Focus areas: facilities management, construction, and software.

• Vision: solving gaps in data, infrastructure, and technology.

[00:07:04] – First Entrepreneurial Venture

• How Joseph met his business partner Moses.

• The leap from working at a small construction firm to starting Empire.

• Scaling Empire to $42M revenue and over 100 employees.

[00:09:44] – Growth, Sale, and Private Equity Lessons

• Selling Empire and transitioning into CS Hudson.

• Expanding into essential service industries (medical, storage, finance).

• Learning KPIs and data-driven operations from private equity.

[00:12:06] – Second Private Equity Experience

• Partnering with PE again to accelerate growth.

• Key lessons: asking better questions, knowing when visions diverge.

• Transition into Mason Made with a stronger foundation.

[00:14:05] – The Power of Relationships

• Kevin poses the core podcast question: who changed Joseph's journey?

• Joseph highlights his wife Stephanie as his greatest support.

• Her resilience, career pivot into nursing, and parallel journey with him.

[00:18:01] – Honoring His Business Partner, Moses

• How Moses taught Joseph the industry from scratch.

• Why partnerships accelerate success (when done right).

• 20+ years together, across 3 companies and multiple acquisitions.

[00:24:27] – A Defining Client Story

• Landing Sprint/Nextel as a client.

• Moses' cautious approach prevented overpromising.

• How balance in partnership protected their reputation and fueled growth.

[00:27:55] – Lessons From 20+ Years in Business

• Why humility and asking for help matter.

• Recognizing when to pivot and reinvent.

• The long-term value of nurturing both personal and professional relationships.

Key Quotes

"Relationships and referrals have gotten us to where we are today." — Joseph Scaretta

"Whatever I could dream, Moses could build." — Joseph Scaretta

"Having a partner with complementary skills accelerates everything tenfold." — Joseph Scaretta

Connect with Joseph Scaretta

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josephscaretta Website: masonmade.coEmail: [email protected]

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What if focusing on fewer services and leaning into the right relationships could transform your business and generate millions in ROI?

On this episode, our host Kevin Thompson talks with Corey Morris, CEO of Voltage and author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan. Corey has spent 20 years in the marketing industry, navigating a career that began in traditional advertising and evolved into digital marketing leadership. Through a succession plan, Corey became the sole owner of Voltage, where he reshaped the agency from a generalist "do-it-all" shop into a focused powerhouse specializing in SEO, paid search ads, and website creation.

In this conversation, Corey shares how mastermind groups and peer communities gave him tough love and clarity, pushing him to double down on what he and his agency do best. He highlights how intentional relationships shaped his path as a leader and fueled his company's growth. Corey also recounts a standout client success story—how his team helped a logistics firm turn a $77,000 investment into $1.2 million in revenue.

Listeners will gain powerful insights into niching down, building stronger networks, and the ROI of authentic, meaningful relationships in business.

02:18 – Guest Introduction: Corey Morris • Shout-out to Jessica and the Podcast Guest platform for the introduction. • Corey shares his excitement and context for the conversation. • Kevin sets the stage for Corey's story of career and relationships.

03:26 – Corey's Journey: From Project Manager to CEO • Early career pivot into digital marketing before it became mainstream. • Hands-on learning of SEO, HTML, and search strategies in the early 2000s. • Transition into agency leadership through a succession plan.

07:18 – Challenges and Strategic Decisions • The tension between being a generalist agency vs. specializing. • Tough choice to focus only on SEO, paid search, and websites. • Letting go of "good" work to focus on the "best" opportunities.

12:04 – The Importance of Relationships and Community • The role of mastermind groups and Agency Management Institute. • Peer feedback that pushed Corey to niche down and gain clarity. • Value of accountability, candid feedback, and tough love.

20:33 – Client Success Stories and ROI • Logistics firm case study: $77K investment generated $1.2M in revenue. • Importance of measurable ROI in digital marketing. • Turning lessons into the START Planning framework and his book.

23:56 – Sharing His Process and Book • Introduction to The Digital Marketing Success Plan. • Free tools and resources available at thedmsp.com. • Why Corey focuses on "helping, not selling."

29:18 – Conclusion and Final Invitation • Kevin highlights Corey's authenticity and client-first approach. • Corey's reminder: every business needs a clear digital plan. • Invitation to connect with Corey and build meaningful relationships.

Key Quotes "Sometimes tough love is exactly what we need to get clarity." — Corey Morris "We had to let go of good work to focus on the best work." — Corey Morris "Relationships aren't just connections—they're lifelines for clarity, accountability, and growth." — Corey Morris

Connect with Corey Morris Website: thedmsp.comAgency: voltage.digitalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coreymorris Email: [email protected]

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