HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, we feature Tyler, a listener who acted on our B2B stump grinding idea after hearing it on a previous episode, which led him to quit his 9-to-5 job. Tyler shares how he followed our advice word-for-word, testing the concept in Boise before launching in Provo. By implementing our strategies, he achieved impressive results, with $23,000 in September alone. He provides key insights into building relationships with tree trimming companies, his pricing strategy, and cold outreach techniques and more.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Highlights
00:37 Tyler's Journey: From B2B Sales to Stump Grinding
01:13 The Initial Spark: Discovering Stump Grinding
01:41 Building the Business: Early Challenges and Successes
02:27 The B2B Sales Connection
04:41 Testing the Market: Boise vs. Provo
06:03 First Jobs and Early Experiences
12:05 Overcoming Hurdles: Mistakes and Lessons Learned
15:11 Revenue Growth and Scaling the Business
17:45 Financing the Stump Grinder
18:40 Monthly Earnings Breakdown
20:05 Building Business Relationships
21:46 Pricing and Payment Structure
23:22 Marketing Strategies
29:03 Future Business Prospects
32:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I sat down with Marc Gaskins (https://x.com/OvenPusher) of Event Kitchens to discuss his $337k/year event rental business in Charleston, South Carolina. Marc noticed caterers needed quality equipment and turned that opportunity into a thriving business. We explored how a bar fire led to community support, becoming a turning point. We also discussed the value of patient growth versus rapid scaling. Marc explained the unit economics of renting convection ovens, the benefits of a niche focus on caterers, and his warehouse hacking real estate strategy. He also shared why he's relied on organic growth and his future interests. This episode offers actionable insights for starting an event rental business.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Highlights 
00:34 The Beginning of Squeeze Bar
01:18 First Equipment Purchases
02:18 The Bar Burns Down
02:42 Community Support and Business Growth
04:44 Competitor Exits the Market
06:17 Slow and Steady Growth
08:38 Unit Economics of Rental Items
17:31 Equipment Insights and Investment Strategies
18:21 Expanding Beyond Charleston
19:22 Organic Marketing and Customer Relationships
20:47 Catering to Caterers: Business Operations
22:03 Scaling and Maintenance Opportunities
24:11 Exploring New Business Ideas
25:58 Starting Fresh in a New Market
29:05 Challenges and Rewards of the Business
30:45 Team and Facilities Overview
34:24 Financials and Final Thoughts

Here's part 2 of my latest conversation with Connor. If you haven't already, go listen to part 1 (Ep. #135) now! 

I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), and we discussed whether it's too late to get into e-commerce, launching apps, or YouTube. We talked about AI agents and their potential, like reverse engineering successful YouTube channels or Shopify stores. Connor shared his e-commerce insights for 2025. We debated the future of content creation and the human element, because although AI can create faceless YouTube channels, there's something to be said for being real. 

Check out Connor’s free newsletter! https://www.bizbrainstorms.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 The E-commerce Gold Rush
02:53 The App Store Evolution
05:51 Emerging Trends in E-commerce
08:46 The Future of AI Agents
12:09 Innovative Business Ideas
15:02 The Role of Content in Distribution
17:53 The Human Element in Business
20:48 Social Impact and Entrepreneurship

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about GPT Operator, Nik shares his insights on preparing for AI agents with standard operating procedures, treating them like new employees. I recount building a tool with Replit for a friend, potentially adding seven figures in value. I also share insights from spending seven hours with a West Texas oil billionaire, emphasizing long-term thinking and valuing the thought process over correct answers. 

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Links and Resources:

• https://replit.com 
• https://www.cursor.com 

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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00:00 Introduction to Operator Usage
01:27 Experimenting with Multiple AI Tools
04:44 Preparing for AI Agents
08:04 Building a High-Value AI Tool
13:56 Insights from a Billionaire
17:18 The Shared Office Dynamic
17:59 Overqualified Team Members
18:38 Engaging and Direct Leadership
19:50 First Impressions and Office Culture
22:12 Action-Oriented Decision Making
23:36 Open Communication and Transparency
27:34 Long-Term Vision and Thinking
29:07 Validating Through Thought Processes
32:35 Encouraging Action and Sharing
33:37 Different Paths to Success

I sat down with Kevin Throop, founder of Toasted Tours, and talked about creating his unconventional tour business. Kevin, formerly at Tesla, wanted to control his destiny, starting with $65,000 and a $3,000 school bus. He renovated the bus for wine tours in Temecula, using a "lipstick on a pig" strategy to make it appealing despite limited funds.

Kevin launched with a basic Instagram account, focusing on appealing visuals and honest storytelling. He emphasized customer experience, including wine and food. The move to a semi-truck trailer bus was driven by a desire for expansion and a unique platform. This required ensuring it was legal and insurable, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol. Kevin drew inspiration from Tesla and Apple, aiming for visually appealing products that sell themselves. His vision includes franchising to promote safety and best practices.

https://www.instagram.com/toastedtours

https://www.toastedtours.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction to a Viral Phenomenon
00:38 Meet Kevin Throop: The Man Behind Toasted Tours
00:51 From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
01:00 Building the First Tour Bus
01:36 Launching Toasted Tours
01:58 The Early Challenges and Successes
09:39 Marketing and Social Media Strategy
17:16 Operational Insights and Business Growth
22:37 Insurance and Financials
26:58 Expanding the Fleet: From Bus to Semi
27:29 Choosing a New Challenge
28:21 Mitigating Risks and Exploring New Ideas
28:57 The Unique Concept of Trailer Buses
31:47 Overcoming Safety Concerns
33:10 Navigating Legal and Insurance Hurdles
35:05 Building and Launching the Trailer Bus
45:43 Marketing and Public Reception
51:20 Future Plans and Opportunities

I sat down with podcast regular Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), and we talked about practical applications of AI in business. Connor shared the story of an AI program boosting sales by instantly claiming leads in a Slack channel. We considered how executive assistants could dramatically increase their earning potential. I shared my experience running multiple ChatGPT operators, including one finding arbitrage opportunities in used cars. Connor recounted his dad's experience using Claude and ChatGPT to quickly summarize a 125-page insurance document. We also touched on AI tools like Limitless AI and Lindy.

This is part 1 of a two-part conversation with Connor. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2.

Check out Connor’s free newsletter! https://www.bizbrainstorms.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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---

00:00 Highlights
00:31 Experimenting with Chat GPT Operators
01:11 Leveraging AI for Various Tasks
03:23 Future of AI in the Workplace
06:40 AI Tools and Their Applications
12:09 Maximizing Efficiency with AI
17:57 The Evolution and Impact of AI
23:10 The Future of Work and AI
28:07 Normalizing AI in Daily Life

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I kick things off with a funny story about going to Raisin Canes while wearing a "Think You Should Leave" t-shirt. Then we talk about the booming Med Spa market, which is really driven by millennials who are both vain and obsessed with their health. Nik and I then discuss how there's potential in integrating Med Spas with golf courses and other membership-based businesses. I share my idea of starting a sauna/cold plunge business inside a gym or country club. Then we shift gears to AI agents, and discuss how to leverage them for market research and identifying new opportunities, and also how to extract insights from interviews. We wrap things up by talking about OpenAI's new tools, which are GPT Operator and Deep Research, weighing both the pros and the cons for different business applications.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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---

00:00 Highlights
00:33 Family Outing at Raisin Cane's
01:07 The Iconic '55 Burgers' Shirt
03:11 Med Spas and Their Growing Popularity
04:50 Med Spas in Golf Courses: A New Trend?
06:25 Revenue Models and Business Strategies
10:24 Cold Plunge and Sauna Business Ideas
16:17 Leveraging AI for Business Success
23:40 Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
26:54 Unveiling Deep Research Capabilities
28:16 Exploring Chris Crone's Profile with Deep Research
29:26 Deep Research: Asking the Right Questions
30:46 Maximizing Deep Research on a Budget
31:58 Introducing GPT Operator and Deep Research
33:36 Impact on Industry Reports and Market Analysis
36:07 Challenges and Limitations of GPT Operator
39:20 The Future of AI and Self-Driving Technology
43:57 Deep Research: Pros and Cons
47:17 Practical Applications and Early Adoption

Sign up at HeyRosie.com and use code TKO50 for 50% off your first month

I sat down with Jordan Gal (https://x.com/JordanGal) about how he built Hey Rosie, an AI voice answering service for small businesses, leveraging AI to provide a better alternative to traditional answering services. Jordan shared how his GPT wrapper addresses the challenges small business owners face with handling phone calls and converting leads, emphasizing focusing on solving customer problems rather than getting caught up in the tech. Hey Rosie is experiencing impressive growth, doubling every month, with a low churn rate. We also touched on the various business categories that Hey Rosie serves. And very importantly, Jordan offered advice on building AI wrappers.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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---

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:53 Introducing Rosie: The AI Answering Service
01:36 Challenges with Traditional Answering Services
02:24 AI's Potential in Business Communication
04:39 Real-World Use Cases for Rosie
07:09 Customer Interaction and AI Transparency
10:55 The Journey to Building Rosie
17:38 Pricing and Positioning Strategies
20:54 Unexpected Business Applications
21:28 Understanding the Role of Phone Calls in Business
21:45 Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Small Businesses
22:10 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
23:51 The Broad Approach to AI in Business
25:06 Opportunities in AI Sales Coaching
27:34 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
30:27 Customer Acquisition and Market Demand
32:50 Live Demo: Setting Up a Rosie Agent
37:07 Customizing Your AI Agent
39:05 Conclusion and Special Offer

Get a free 30 day trial of HL with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner

I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again, and we talked about AI wrappers and a tweet from Greg Isenberg about DeepSeek and ChatGPT wrappers. We discussed interface loyalty and why user interface is more important than the AI model. Sam shared experiences with Creative OS and integrating into Facebook ad management. We also brainstormed actionable ideas like building a simplified version of ChatGPT for older adults and automating cold emailing with a specialized AI wrapper service. We also talked about using AI and the Facebook Ad Library to find add creatives and more.

This is part 2 of our conversation about AI. Be sure to tune in to the previous week for part 1 to find out more about the basics.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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00:00 Highlights & Introduction
00:38 Greg Eisenberg's Tweet
01:05 The Value of GPT Wrappers
02:00 Interface Loyalty and Market Strategy
02:48 Real-World Applications and Examples
07:38 Entrepreneurship and AI-Powered Apps
12:53 Cold Outreach and Niche Markets
20:15 Retail Arbitrage with AI
22:14 Exploring AI for Catering Quotes
22:32 Real-Time AI Task Demonstration
23:51 AI in Real Estate and E-commerce
25:02 AI as a Travel Agent
27:33 Automation and AI in Business
31:00 Advanced AI Use Cases and Future Potential
37:17 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I discuss the world of controversial self-help gurus, specifically focusing on Dan Pena. We dissect Pena's background, from his early days in Florida to his claims of a massive oil empire and his now infamous $30,000 mastermind seminars. We analyze his aggressive persona and tactics, while trying to understand what makes him successful. We question the real value of his teachings, including his QLA principles, and if his advice is actually useful or just pure motivational hype. We also discuss the difference between gurus that just motivate you versus the ones that have a concrete business plan. Finally, we explore how AI is changing things and whether businesses can be created to protect consumers from all the spam that is going to come with the new technology.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
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00:00 Introduction to Controversial Gurus
00:58 Meet Dan Pena: The Trillion Dollar Man
02:09 Dan Pena's Predictions and Background
03:59 Dan Pena's Business Ventures
08:32 The QLA Principles Unveiled
12:55 A Personal Encounter with Dan Pena's Team
17:32 Unshakable Belief in Entrepreneurship
18:18 The Fyre Fest and WeWork Examples
19:33 Alex Hormozi's Tactical Approach
20:14 Sales Gurus and Their Strategies
21:38 Dan Pena's Podcast Invitation
24:36 AI and the Future of Outbound Marketing
26:53 AI Tools and Consumer Defense
35:15 PhD-Level Autonomous Agents
36:45 Productizing AI Prompts
39:20 Exploring Custom GPTs
40:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts