Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Adel Sajan, an influential figure hailing from Dubai, where his family’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to top real estate developers is nothing short of inspiring. Adel shares his unique experiences, from dramatic historical events impacting his family to his innovative approaches in business that have significantly shaped Dubai's skyline. Whether discussing the strategic shifts in his family business or exploring his personal entrepreneurial journey, Adel's insights are invaluable. Dive in as we explore the resilience and ingenuity behind his success.

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https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8

Highlights:

"You gotta set yourself up for luck."

"Resilience is key in transforming challenges into opportunities."

"Understanding the pulse of the customer is crucial."

"You can’t just work hard; you have to work smart."

Timestamps:

00:00: Adel Sajan and the start of his family's escape from Kuwait.

05:23: Adel discusses his father’s business and their move to Dubai.

10:51: Early struggles and the strategic decisions in Dubai during the 1990s.

16:00: Values Adel gained from his dad and his early business experiences.

22:23: Strategic business decisions and the creation of Danube Home.

30:00: Adel shares his aggressive growth plans and how to achieve them.

37:27: Transition into real estate and approaching to affordable housing.

42:50: Luxury amenities and revolutionizing Dubai’s real estate market.

48:20: The motivation behind continuing the business legacy.

53:04: Adel’s vision for the future and advice for young entrepreneurs.

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Tommy Mello, the mastermind behind the highly successful garage door service company join Chris Lee, a dynamic leader known for his innovative approaches in the fitness industry, and Daryl Kelly, who has made significant strides in the health and wellness sector. Together, they share invaluable experiences and lessons on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, building sustainable business models, and the importance of creating a culture of trust within their organizations. Tune in as they unfold the secrets to their success and personal growth, providing you with actionable insights to elevate your professional and personal life.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8

Highlights:

"You're only as good as the team you build around you."

"Entrepreneurship is about adjusting the sails when the wind changes direction."

"Leadership means being a visionary, not just a manager of the status quo."

"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together."

Timestamps:

0:00:00 - Introduction: Sales and Visionary Mindset

0:06:09 - Challenges and Success in Business

0:14:49 - Cultural and Personal Growth

0:24:32 - Building a Strong Business Partnership

0:32:22 - Leadership and Team Dynamics

0:41:56 - Paradigm Shifts and Business Growth

0:49:12 - Cultural and Operational Excellence

0:57:24 - Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges

1:05:05 - Building a Sustainable Business Model

1:18:43 - The Importance of Health and Self-Care

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Aytekin Tank, the mastermind behind the transformative software JotForm, which has dramatically altered the landscape of online forms. Aytekin will share his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on the pivotal role of sustained focus and compounded growth in achieving business success. He discusses the evolution of JotForm, from its inception as a simple form builder to a comprehensive suite catering to varied business needs, emphasizing automation and customer-centric development. Stay tuned as Aytekin shares the principles that kept him on track amidst the allure of new opportunities, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"We hit oil by digging one hole 1000 feet deep, not 1000 holes one foot deep."

"Giving something away for free is the biggest marketing tool you can have." 

"Automate your busy work to focus on what's truly important." 

"Persistence is key; you need to learn to pivot and persevere through challenges."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Aytekin Tank and the genesis of JotForm.

02:52 - Aytekin joins the show; background and initial motivations.

07:13 - The leap from employment to entrepreneurship.

10:34 - Learning from side projects and the transition to full-time on JotForm.

16:41 - The evolution from free to paid subscriptions and early challenges.

23:15 - Expanding JotForm's functionality beyond basic forms.

28:17 - Introduction of enterprise solutions and learning the ropes of sales.

32:20 - Growth and scaling challenges faced over 19 years.

35:16 - The critical importance of focus and saying no to distractions.

41:28 - Where to find Aytekin Tank and closing remarks.

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In today’s conversation, our guest is Will.i.am—artist, tech innovator, and futurist. Will dives into a range of topics including his journey from music to technology, the future of AI governance, and his thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI). He shares unique insights into his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and how curiosity has driven him to pioneer in the tech space. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to innovate fearlessly and the mindset needed to push boundaries in both art and technology.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation; stay curious, and you'll find the answers."

"We’re headed towards a world where companies run themselves with only a few people overseeing data." 

"You don’t need to own something to find value in it, but own your data and your identity."

"True collaboration happens when minds gel, ideate, and challenge each other without ego."

Timestamps:

00:00 – The Future of AI and Business

06:56 – Creative Thinking and Influence

14:00 – Autonomous Vehicles

20:20 – Universal Basic Income Debate

26:57 – Data Ownership and Modern Society

29:32 – Craftsmanship vs. Planned Obsolescence

33:02 – Pioneering in Tech

39:34 – Learning at Harvard

47:29 – Pitching Success Stories

50:21 – Principles for Success

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Schultz, a budding entrepreneur who's navigating the challenges of turning his marketing firm, Profit Automation, into a profitable business despite its current unprofitable state. We'll dive deep into the issues holding Andrew back, including a detailed analysis of his financials and marketing strategies, along with some personal obstacles that are impacting his professional progress.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"I mean, when you asked me what my biggest challenge was, I don't know what I'm selling."

"Your secret sauce is identifying what the problem is around their customers in their pipeline, so you can pull them into action."

"I will help increase your conversion, or I will add another 2% to your conversion, or you don't pay anything."

"I haven't done a whole lot of marketing or talked to a lot of people about it, so I find it hard to believe that you have enough data to say that this doesn't work."

Timestamps:

0:00:00 Profit Automation is not turning a profit

0:04:13 Describing the Business

0:06:03 Explaining the Lead Conversion Offering

0:08:15 Identifying the Biggest Challenge - Packaging the Offer

0:13:25 The Pipeline Crisis and how to fix it

0:19:21 Addressing the Perception of Free vs. Paid Offers

0:20:24 Exploring Performance-Based Pricing Options

0:25:47 Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset

0:27:08 Comparing Eliminating Downside vs. Eliminating Risk

0:41:00 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in the Business

0:48:30 Refocusing on Sales and Marketing as the Priority

0:55:47 Balancing Personality Types within the Team

0:57:41 Shifting Mindset from Home Runs to Consistent At-Bats

1:03:29 Overcoming the Need for Certainty

1:11:08 Adopting a Scientific Approach to Testing and Measuring

1:17:07 Final Plan and Closing Thoughts

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us as we delve into a compelling discussion with Seth Shaner, who shares his candid experiences about the financial and emotional challenges of being house poor. Discover how these challenges are impacting his business operations and family dynamics. Seth, who has a rich background in the restaurant industry, opens up about his journey through business failures, relocations, and the intricate balance of financial decisions and family life. Don't miss this deep dive into the real-world consequences of living beyond one's means.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"I always said I would never be house poor, but here I am because the house is the expensive part."

"You can't have high society desires overcome what your income is." 

"Being in proximity to people you know can be helpful too." 

"I'm not going to go in as the president of a company this big very often." 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction 

04:15 - Seth discusses his early business failures

08:54 - How past business experiences and financial choices impact Seth

13:16 - Seth’s current financial strategies and his consulting work dynamics

17:25 - Emotional and financial challenges post-divorce

20:31 - Benefits of relocating for financial and family stability

30:08 - Past financial disasters and their influence on present decisions

34:43 - Seth discusses shifting focus from consulting to what he truly enjoys

39:42 - Strategies for utilizing resources effectively in business 

50:57 - The potential impacts of moving to more affordable locations.

55:30 - The pros and cons of staying in California versus relocating.

01:05:22 - The impact of financial stress on mental and emotional health.

01:15:39 - Closing thoughts 

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us today as we dive into the electrifying world of racing with none other than Lucas Di Grassi, the godfather of Formula E. From his early days racing go-karts to his profound insights into professional struggles and personal growth, Lucas shares his journey through the high-speed turns of his career and life. We explore not just the exhilaration of the race track but also the challenges and philosophical questions that come with being at the top of one's game.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"You can never be satisfied. You can always improve."

"Being happy could be an enemy of performance." 

"Happiness is not a state. It is a moment." 

"Imposter syndrome is real. You always question how good you are." 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Lucas and the world of Formula E

01:32 - The creation of Formula E and its impact

03:07 - Lucas's lifelong racing career and personal background

05:04 - Challenges in Lucas's personal and professional life

10:40 - The intersection of happiness and performance in sports

15:18 - Lucas's battle with imposter syndrome and aging in sports

19:03 - The clash of pragmatism and religious belief

22:34 - Debating the role of science and God in the universe

27:54 - The concept of E + R = O: Event plus Response equals Outcome

31:21 - Skepticism and self-examination in personal growth

35:07 - Leadership principles and the willingness to be wrong

37:19 - Lucas's take on social media and the importance of showing humanity

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with PR expert, Ulyses Osuna. Known for his remarkable work with top industry figures, Ulyses shares a candid look into the financial hurdles and strategic pivots of scaling a business. Dive deep into the practicalities of growth, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and how Ulyses recalibrated his business model to align better with both his professional and personal life.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"You can grow, but it doesn't work like that if you don't understand the underlying metrics." 

"The right reasons to grow a business are about making it the vehicle for your life, not just your life itself." 

"Scaling isn't just about growth; it's about smart, sustainable actions that align with your long-term vision."

"When you truly understand your business numbers, you unlock the power to scale effectively." 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The pivotal decisions in business growth

05:24 - Ulyses discusses the challenges of scaling too quickly

11:00 - Breaking down the cost of goods sold and gross margins

17:00 - Importance of fixed and variable costs in scaling

23:16 - The strategic recalibration for better business health

29:45 - The psychological impact of rapid business changes

36:05 - Sales strategies and maintaining quality during growth

42:11 - Leveraging existing resources to maximize output

48:22 - Effective financial strategies for sustainable growth

50:37 - Closing thoughts

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros We’re excited to bring you this episode of what we used to call the Founder Podcast—now rebranded as Next Level Pros! Join Chris and Daryl as they dive into the essence of always striving for the next level in entrepreneurship and life. They discuss the importance of designing lives that impact the world through entrepreneurship, embracing change, and setting new directions with meaningful missions and core values.

Apply to be on the show:

https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 

Highlights:

"If you are not actively progressing and working towards the next level, you are either maintaining or dying." 

"Designing lives that impact the world starts with deliberate choice and action." 

"Culture is built by design, and we're all about designing positive changes."

"Trust is gained one drop at a time but can be lost with one swift kick."

Timestamps:

00:02 - Introduction to Rebranding

05:00 - Core Values of Next Level Pros

07:51 - Designing the Mission Statement

10:00 - The Role of Financial Success

14:08 - Realizing the Importance of the Big Picture

18:12 - Encouraging Listener Engagement

20:00 - New Format of the Show

24:45 - Defining the Core Values (NEXT)

30:00 - Defining Trust and Excellence

32:59 - Balancing Trust in Character and Ability

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠

Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

Welcome to a new episode of The Founder Podcast! Today, we're excited to have real estate investor and entrepreneur Jerome Maldonado joining us. Jerome has built an impressive $600 million real estate portfolio over the past 28 years, focusing on sustainable and workforce housing. What's fascinating about Jerome's journey is his unique perspective on working with immigrant business partners versus those from the US. He believes immigrants who aren't "jacked up" by the US education system often make better partners, as they're more eager to learn. Dive into Jerome's insights and lessons learned over his 30+ years in the industry and discover a new perspective on education.

Highlights: 

"You know, what's great about America is that I love and I tell people, this is I'll take an immigrant as a business partner over somebody from the United States nine times out of 10."

"If I would have known 10 years prior that people would have really believed in me, I would have grown exponentially."

"What I caught it big is when we're going to the 2008 recession, I bought a bunch of subway stores."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

03:42 - Scaling Through Outside Capital 

05:07 - Lessons Learned Over 28 Years in Real Estate 

11:21 - Dealing with "Bottom of the Barrel" Employees 

15:00 - Navigating Economic Challenges 

21:00 - Dealing with Investor Emotions 

24:40 - Adapting Strategies Amidst Rising Costs 

27:51 - Transitioning to a More Hands-Off Role 

37:59 - The Curious Case of American Food

50:16 - Jerome’s Tips for Better Relationships01:02:30 - Jerome’s Future Goals and Plans

01:12:50 - The Power of Enjoying the Now & Conclusion

Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. ⁠https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl⁠ 

Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com⁠  ⁠

Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://⁠www.thefoundermastermind.com⁠ ⁠ 

Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://⁠www.golfwithchris.com⁠ ⁠ 

Watch my latest Podcast

Apple- ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S⁠ ⁠

Spotify- ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2⁠ ⁠

YouTube - @thefounderspodcast