The Dirt Path

Alvaro is THE example of a serial entrepreneur, but his path to get there is anything but ordinary.

At 25, Alvaro was living the "Highway" dream: CEO of a 400 employee high-growth SaaS company in Mexico. But after years of high-stress "tunnel vision" impacting his health and relationships, he walked away from it all. In this episode, we follow Alvaro’s 180-degree pivot into a budget backpacker life, working in sailboat kitchens and coffee farms, and his eventual return to entrepreneurship as a solo founder.

Alvaro Hdez is a serial entrepreneur and e-commerce expert who has started 17 different business ventures. From launching t-shirt kiosks at 17 to scaling international corporations, he now builds 100% digital brands and teaches Spanish speakers how to achieve life quality through e-commerce while nomading the world.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of a USP (unique selling proposition): How a 17-year-old differentiated a commodity t-shirt stand by partnering with the Red Cross to provide social value.

• Entrepreneur Failure: Understanding the statistical reality of failure and why you must set deadlines to "cap and let go" of failing projects.

• Solo by Design: Why Alvaro transitioned from managing hundreds to a "solo" digital model with no employees, no partners, and 100% flexibility.

Timestamps

(00:00) How Many Businesses?

(01:15) Early Spark: Growing Up in Mexico

(03:58) The 17-Year-Old CEO: T-shirts & The Red Cross

(08:05) University Startups: The "Mexican Groupon"

(13:19) Scaling to 400 Employees: The Cost of Tunnel Vision

(17:11) Cartagena Wake-Up Call: Realizing the Goal

(19:44) Odd Jobs: Sailboat Kitchens & Coffee Farms

(22:34) Designing a Nomad Life: Cross-Cultural Lessons

(28:32) German Family Business: Scaling vs. Surviving

(32:38) The Pivot to Solo E-Commerce

(34:03) Failure Mindset for entrepreneurs

(46:09) Building with Your Partner: Boundaries & COVID

(54:27) Seventeen Businesses Later: The Success Trap

(55:51) Finding Your Next Idea: Tropicalizing Success

(01:02:40) Why the Dirt Path? Making Your Own Road

Guest's links:

Website: https://www.ecommercecracks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarohdezg

Instagram: @alvarohdez

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram: @thedirtpathpodcast

- Email your questions: [email protected]

"Going into entrepreneurship feels like a trust fall with your future self." Today our host, Grayson Harris, starts his trust fall by launching his first business: Engineered Flexibility - helping engineers go nomad without sacrificing their careers.

Ready to engineer your way onto the dirt path? You want to nomad but don't want to sacrifice your career?

Apply for a free 9-5 Nomad Strategy Call here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScm0rDg_qf24ss6OOpJQxNJcZCcLmLrIuiGPKHKEflanppDEw/viewform

In our first Dirt Path Wanderers update, Paige joins Grayson to pull back the curtain on the messy, beautiful reality of life on the dirt path. Different than our typical interview format, this episode is a back-and-forth conversation like we often have at the house. We reflect recent life updates like Paige's first time in Asia, Grayson's journey from leaving his dream job to launching his business (Today on pod release day!), and Grayson leaves us with his full playbook for how to nomad with a 9-5.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Subtraction: Why true clarity and health often come from chiseling away societal expectations rather than adding more to your plate.

• The 9-5 Nomad Playbook: Grayson’s tactical framework for negotiating being able to travel abroad while working remotely, including building "A-Player" leverage and preemptively solving tax and legal worries for your employer.

• Wherever You Go, There You Are: How travel acts as a mirror that "calls you out" on the habits and excuses you can no longer blame on your hometown.

Timestamps

(00:00) New Format Kickoff: Dirt Path Wanderers Updates

(03:41) Paige's first time in Asia

(07:20) Sensory Overload & Getting Used to the "New Normal"

(09:04) Chiang Mai vs. Koh Phangan: Culture vs. Expat Bubbles

(15:11) The Year of Disconnecting

(19:20) Energy Management: Wiggle Room in a 9-5 vs. Entrepreneurship

(21:37) Building the Ultimate Koh Phangan Routine

(31:38) "Lost Soul" Energy: Transitioning with Clarity

(34:57) Wherever You Go, There You Are

(37:04) Elephants & Monks

(42:47) Launch Day Fears: Tackling the Unknown

(49:26) Engineered Flexibility: Helping Engineers Go Nomad

(55:28) The 9-5 Nomad Playbook

(01:09:11) Stop Ignoring the Voice

Related Links:

Paige's Interview Episode: 2 - The power of your personal brand on LinkedIn: Paige Goldstein

Paige's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigegoldstein/

Grayson's Story (From Engineer to Nomad): [4 - Digital nomad as an Engineer: Grayson Harris]

Grayson's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/grayson-harris-786087148/

Support the podcast:

Follow us on Instagram: @thedirtpathpodcast

Subscribe on YouTube: The Dirt Path Podcast

Email your questions ([email protected])

After years of 'sprinting' down the dirt path, a bit of introspection led Mew to realize she was in deep burnout. She forged a new path towards her healing journey and trying to help others with the same.

Mew is a 3x founder her current company, Our Space Nimman, is a wellness sanctuary in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai, Thailand. In this episode, we dive into Mew's founder story, how she realized she was burnt out, and her long journey towards coming out of it.

Key takeaways:

- Manifestation with Action: Why wanting something "so hard" is only the beginning, and the real power lies in the uncomfortable first step.

- Work-Life Integration: Moving past the myth of "balance" to find a sustainable way to merge your professional drive with personal recovery.

- Value of Introspection: It's hard to realize you are burnt out when you never stop sprinting. Learn how to take a breath to start your journey towards brilliance.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(01:13) Welcome to The Dirt Path Podcast Mew [Interview starts here]

(03:03) Manifestation Talk

(06:32) Quitting the 9–5 After One Week

(08:25) Hotel Front Desk to First Business Idea

(12:24) Burnout Hits Hard

(14:12) Pivot to Cannabis

(18:15) Business #3—Our Space Nimman

(22:05) Burnout to Purpose: Building a Wellness Space That Heals

(25:14) Thailand’s Wellness Scene: Cold Plunge Culture & Educating Locals

(30:52) Thai Hospitality & Local Attitudes Toward Tourists

(34:50) Life Abroad Lessons

(36:56) What Mom Taught Me

(39:32) Dirt Path Advice

(47:09) Social Media vs Reality

Guest's links:

- Website: https://ourspacenimman.setmore.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5vVdnHs9IXcwA1OqBKHi7E2lCWgO-Af187u78q3a6F5kkyoTxWOGtErk_OE_aem_ApttePRCRK6zsNeN_mfUsg

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourspacenimman/

- Instagram: @ourspacenimman

https://www.instagram.com/ourspacenimman/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HkvW7srVj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

- My story, becoming a digital nomad as an electrical engineer: 4 - Digital nomad as an Engineer, Crafting your own New Role, Betting on Yourself: Grayson Harris

6-figure nomad at 20 sounds like the dream, but for ex-Google specialist Daniils (Danny) Visnakovs, it was a lesson in the isolation of early success. We discuss the psychological shift from being a "newspaper kid" to a performance marketing founder.

Want to engineer your own nomad transition?

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/grayson-harris-786087148

Danny Visnakovs (founder of Clickspire) has helped clients generate over 1.9M€ in revenue through Google Ads. In this episode, we dive into the "Dirt Path" of entrepreneurship and the digital nomad life —the parts social media doesn't show: the ego trips, the loneliness, and the reality of spending it all.

Key takeaways:

- "In my own soup": Why being an outsider growing up in Germany built the resilience needed for Danny's dirt path.

- The 10k Month Ego Trip: The honest reality of hitting big goals at a young age and still feeling lost.

- The $100 Ad Test: Why you don't need a massive budget to start with Google Ads.

- Organic vs Ads: When to build slowly and when to accelerate your business funnel.

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Intro

(01:09) Cultural Identity and Upbringing

(03:57) Nomadic Lifestyle and Identity

(09:55) Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

(19:59) First Taste of Financial Success

(26:17) The Loneliness of the Nomadic Lifestyle

(31:56) The Reality of Achieving Goals

(38:49) Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster

(51:41) Mastering the Art of Advertising

(58:13) Organic growth vs Ads

(01:04:14) Embracing the Dirt Path

Guest's links:

Website: https://www.visnakovs.de/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/visnakovs/

Instagram: @dannyvisnak

https://www.instagram.com/dannyvisnak/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dannyvisnakovs

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram: @thedirtpathpodcast

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

- My story, becoming a digital nomad as an electrical engineer: 4 - Digital nomad as an Engineer, Crafting your own New Role, Betting on Yourself: Grayson Harris

How to transition from a London financial firm to a Top 50 Remote Enabler with 3 online businesses.

Want to engineer your own nomad transition?

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Chris Cerra didn't just stumble into the nomad life; he engineered his exit from the corporate highway. Since 2018, Chris has been practicing the ultimate transferable skill: Resilience. In this candid conversation, we bypass the glorified Instagram version of travel to discuss the "Hard Mode" realities of building a business while living out of a suitcase.

About today's trailblazer:

Chris Cerra is a veteran of the remote work movement, having been a full-time nomad since 2018. His impact on the industry is extensive: Top 50 Remote Enabler (2022 & 2023), Remote Influencer of the Year (2024), International Keynote Speaker, and Founder of Remote Base, Digital Nomad Trip Reports, and Mad Banana Media.

Key takeaways:

- The Proving Ground: Why startups and tech-adjacent roles are the ultimate training for future entrepreneurs

- Owning the Land: Why email is the only way to protect your business from "algorithm death" and Google tanking your traffic

- The Resilience Muscle: How navigating the daily life as a nomad builds your muscle for facing hard times

Timestamps:

(00:00) Guest Intro

(04:06) [SKIP TO INTERVIEW] – Meet "Cupid Chris"

(09:03) The Corporate Exit: Leaving the London 9-5

(14:38) The Croatia Moment: The realization that remote work was possible

(20:41) Chained to a Paycheck: Transitioning to the "5 to 9" project

(30:57) The First Dollar High: Why making money online hits different

(38:45) Building a "Media Fort": The strategy behind Remote Base

(45:50) Fighting Ephemeral Content: Creating long-lasting digital assets

(55:10) The Platform Trap: Why creators care too much about the wrong things

(01:00:00) The honest realities of combining Nomadism & Entrepreneurship

(01:04:48) Practicing Resilience: The best skill for the "Dirt Path"

(01:08:52) Why Choose the Dirt Path?

Guest's links:

Website: https://chriscerra.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscerra

Instagram: @cerra @nomadaccommodationguy

Remote Base: https://remotebase.co/subscribe

Digital Nomad Trip Reports: https://www.digitalnomadtripreports.com/subscribe

Mad Banana Media: https://madbananamedia.com/

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram: @thedirtpathpodcast

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

- My story, becoming a digital nomad as an electrical engineer: https://youtu.be/dKHHTVmWFG4?si=Fj6JBd76elZ5Pr-D

From working in London at a big 4 accounting firm, to quitting it all and building a life of freedom.

Marchela Georgieva spent 7 years at a Big 4 in London working with high-net-worth private clients with her company paying £60k for training and certificates. She left the corporate world and has now spent 5 years as a digital nomad and has built multiple businesses including her current: Wealthy Nomads where she helps location independent business owners and nomads save money on tax.

In this episode, Marchela talks about her former 'dream corporate job,' feeling unfulfilled despite professional success, and her decision to take a risk and follow her true passions. Her path after leaving the corporate world and the creation of her brand, Wealthy Nomads. Despite loving her job, she was driven by a desire for more control and the need to explore the world. She also talks about how she paid for her mom's business. Finally, we end with some misconceptions and tax advice for nomads and location independent business owners.

Key Takeaways

The episode is perfect for anyone feeling like they aren't living the dream life as they were told they would.

• Dream life: realizing your dream life vs the norm
• Imposter syndrome: knowing your worth and overcoming imposter syndrome
• Location independent tax strategy: how to save tens of thousands, or more, on taxes

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest introduction

(03:47) Life reality check

(06:36) Marchela's Career Shift

(13:00) Leaving PWC

(23:57) Starting a New Venture

(28:55) Overcoming Doubts and External Noise

(33:27) Helping Mom's Hairdressing Business

(38:25) The Birth of Wealthy Nomads

(39:33) Tax Strategies for Nomads

(46:36) Common Tax Misconceptions

(59:26) Choosing the Path Less Traveled

Guest's links:

Marchela's Instagram

Wealthy Nomads Website

Free trainings:

wealthynomad.co/countries

Wealthynomad.co/lt

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

From working on an oil rig to living around the world as a digital nomad for 17 years. Consistent adaptation and creating 4 businesses all bent on building a life of freedom.

Today's trailblazer is Nick Wharton. Nick and his partner Dariece left their unaligned jobs in Canada back in 2008 to go on a gap year. That gap year turned into a life of travel. They started Goats on the Road, which became one of the top travel blogs. Turned to helping others create blogs, and recently started helping others in leaving their unaligned 9-5 job to building a life of freedom.

In this episode Nick shares the day that changed it all for him and Dariece to leave Canada and their old lives behind to turning something they started to update friend and families on their travels into a major money-making blog. The conversation delves into the challenges they faced with Google algorithm updates, the impact of AI on blogging, and their strategy for continuous adaptation. Nick also provides insights into the importance of starting despite uncertainties and building a personal brand.

Key Takeaways

The episode is filled with practical advice for anyone looking to ditch their job and listen to the voice whispering to pursue a freedom-led business.

• The Growth Zone: how to recognize when you are in the growth zone, and to know whether you should pivot or keep going
• Reach the Oasis: persistence in how to keep going to finally reach the oasis on the other side
• Knowing your Why: how to find your why that you'll turn to when things get hard

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(04:03) Early Challenges and Breakthroughs

(06:05) The Turning Point: From Travel Blog to Business

(12:48) The Evolution of Goats on the Road

(22:22) Monetizing the Blog and Sustaining the Lifestyle

(29:31) Balancing Travel and Work as Nomads

(35:35) The Decline of Blogging and Rise of AI

(40:33) Building a Personal Brand for Success

(43:50) Client Success Stories: From 9-to-5 to Financial Freedom

(51:48) Adapting and Thriving in Business

(56:27) Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Goats on the Road Website

Goats on the Road Instagram

Goats on the Road LinkedIn

Goats on the Road Facebook

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

From not knowing what GPS is, to making it into a successful business. Quitting a promising 9-5 career to being invited to the G20 as a decorated entrepreneur.

Trailblazer Russel Gonzalez, or Mr. Merida, has made a big name for himself in the Yucatan state in Mexico as an entrepreneur. Russel is the only Yucatecan to be featured in Forbes three times, attended the G20 twice, and is constantly working to help other entrepreneurs in his home state.

We first chat through Posadas, and other unique traditions in the Yucatan. The conversation delves into Russel's journey as an entrepreneur, from his early inspirations to starting his GPS tracking company, Rastreall, and the obstacles he overcame. Russel also discusses his involvement in the G20 summits and sharing insights into the entrepreneurial landscape in Yucatan, Mexico, and how he changed the business operations to only work a few hours a day. Moreover, he talks about diversifying his ventures with e.xperiencer, a platform promoting local businesses, and his approach to mental health and balancing life.

Key Takeaways

A great episode for any new or aspiring entrepreneur.

• 2 needs for successful entrepreneurs: contacts and knowledge
• Symbolize what you're selling: when you embody what you sell, your sales will explode
• Entrepreneur energy: the determination and relentlessness of a successful entrepreneur

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(03:51) The Tradition of Posadas in Mexico

(06:46) Yucatecan Culture and Traditions

(10:26) The Journey to Entrepreneurship

(17:15) Starting a GPS Business

(21:51) Challenges and Growth

(26:12) Networking and Building Contacts

(31:04) Mindset and Emotional Resilience

(34:40) Achievements and Recognition

(36:51) Supporting Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Mexico

(38:26) G20 Summit and International Recognition

(41:36) Growth of the Entrepreneurial Scene in Yucatan

(46:08) Automating Business Operations

(53:44) Launching e.xperiencer

(01:02:24) Balancing Multiple Ventures and Personal Life

(01:09:31) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(01:15:08) Planning for the Future

Guest's links:

Russel's LinkedIn

Russel's Instagram

E.xperiencer Instagram

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions ([email protected])

Entering the dirt path for calculated risk-takers, doing it one step at a time, with intention, to achieve the life of your dreams.

In this episode, the roles are switched as your host, Grayson Harris, sits in the interviewee chair to share his story. Grayson has an incredibly unique journey in being the only person to curate their own path in becoming a digital nomad while in operations as an electrical engineer, to later developing a whole nomad program for a company so others can follow suit. Grayson's story has been featured in multiple books, podcast appearances, and articles.

Initially captivated by travel during a family trip to Europe, he pursued his dream of living and working abroad. Through intentional planning and seizing opportunities, he navigated job changes, workplace dynamics, and the uncertainties brought by a tumultuous moment. His dedication to remote work not only enabled him to work from various countries but later led him to creating a whole new position at the company centered around flexible work. When later given a big choice, he decided to leave his job to pursue a new venture, driven by the mission to inspire others to take their own dirt path.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers invaluable insights for any calculated risk-takers, and 9-5ers in chasing your dream life.

• 9-5 Freedom Unlock: 3 ways to build leverage when in a 9-5
• Nomad Sustainability: insider tips to living the nomad life without burnout
• Intentionality Wins: speaking things into existence, the power of a good plan, and how to use the engineering mindset to achieve your dreams

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and Role Reversal

(03:37) Early Influences and Love for Travel

(05:00) Career Beginnings and Aspirations

(06:30) The Digital Nomad Dream

(08:02) The Impact of COVID-19

(08:48) A Life-Changing Decision

(10:12) Pursuing Remote Work

(20:35) Starting the Nomad Journey

(24:16) Solo Travel and New Connections

(27:21) Sustainable Nomading Tips

(31:39) Struggles of Working in Asia

(32:04) Embracing Asynchronous Work

(32:43) Achieving the Nomadic Dream

(33:16) Discovering the Role of Head of Remote

(34:47) Challenges of Working in Different Time Zones

(35:41) Building Remote Work Practices

(36:37) Pitching a New Role

(38:41) Transitioning to a New Role

(47:11) Facing Job Uncertainty

(48:41) Choosing the Path Less Traveled

(52:38) Starting the Dirt Path Podcast

(57:19) Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Grayson's LinkedIn

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Email your questions ([email protected])

A behind the scenes look at what it takes to become a world class bakery and a refreshing reminder of seeing someone fueled by true passion at work.

Trailblazer Simone Laboa is an award-winning pastry chef who operates Solo Pane e Pasticceria, a world class Italian bakery in Bath, Maine. His path entails working just about every job in the kitchen in Italy, immigrating from Italy to the US to open up the bakery, and leading with his passion for pastry.

Hear Simone's background, including his father's influential career as a chef and restaurateur in Italy and the United States. We discuss the decision to move to the U.S., leading to the establishment of his own bakery, Solo Pane. Simone elaborates on his love for traditional Italian pastries, the intricacies of the baking process, and the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity. He touches on the cultural differences between Italy and the U.S., the challenges of running a bakery, and the satisfaction that comes from doing what he loves.

Key Takeaways

Simone's path is powerful for any fellow artist, chef, creative, or aspiring entrepreneur.

• Immigrating to the US: the cultural differences between Italy and the US and why one would make the change
• Chosen family: treating your team as your family and leading by example
• Doing what you love: the power from doing something you have immense passion for

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest introduction

(03:00) New Exciting Items at the Bakery

(06:21) Simone's Connection to a 'Chopped' Winner

(08:04) Simone's Father's Culinary Journey

(12:47) Growing Up with a Chef Father

(15:08) Simone's Path to Pastry

(17:01) Differences Between Cornetti and Croissants

(22:10) Simone's YouTube Channel and Early Days

(28:11) Moving to the United States

(31:19) Starting Solo Pane Bakery

(35:03) Simone talks Focaccia

(39:58) The Challenges of Being a Pastry Chef and Business Owner

(43:37) Cultural Differences Between Italy and the US

(48:28) The Realities of Running a Bakery

(57:16) The Passion Behind the Craft

(01:05:32) Advice for Aspiring Bakers and Entrepreneurs

Guest's links:

Solo Pane's Website

@solopanepasticceria

@soloitaliano.Maine

Solo Pane's Facebook

Referenced links:

Danny Bowien

Simone's first YouTube channel

Acting: A handbook of the Stanislavski Method

Support the podcast:

• Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)
• Subscribe to the YouTube
• Email your questions ([email protected])