In this episode, I'm talking about my first major business, an iPhone parts business called LCD Cycle, that I ran for seven years. I'll discuss how it started from a small iPhone repair business and grew to a multi-million dollar e-commerce operation. I'll share some key business frameworks I learned along the way, such as the importance of location, recognizing good ideas, and the fact that it's never too late to start a business. I also talk about the importance of product market fit and that businesses don't always fail, sometimes founders just run out of energy. Finally, I discuss my decision to turn down a million dollars in investment.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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---
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:37 The Beginnings: iPhone Repair Business
04:18 Launching the iPhone Parts Business
07:28 Scaling and Success
10:21 Frameworks and Lessons Learned
15:46 Navigating Market Saturation
16:02 The Rocket Ship Growth of LCD Cycle
16:44 Innovative Business Strategies
18:38 The Power of Customer Feedback
19:10 Strategic Relocation to Dallas
20:47 Expanding Distribution Centers
21:13 Financial Challenges and Solutions
23:11 The Turning Point: Seeking Investment
24:39 The Unexpected Answer
25:54 Winding Down the Business
27:34 Reflecting on the Journey
30:22 Final Thoughts and Advice

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about our absolutely transformative 2024. It was a year of big wins and some pretty big fails, and we're breaking it all down. Is consistency overrated when it comes to content? We're debating that and more!

We discussed the world of content creation, going from cringe to building an audience of over a million people across multiple platforms. We explore how short-form video is like a lottery ticket - a small investment that can change everything. We also discuss how building an audience can create new opportunities, such as launching our vending machine business that already did over $200k in sales, as well as getting into some unsexy but profitable businesses. Of course, we're also talking about some tough lessons learned from our crypto business and other ventures that didn't work out. Plus, we're sharing our exciting plans for 2025. 

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

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
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---
00:00 Reflecting on a Chaotic Year
01:22 Quitting the Job and Embracing Entrepreneurship
02:31 The Power of Content Creation
03:59 Building an Audience and Exploring Opportunities
05:33 The Impact of Short Form Video
07:46 Turning Ideas into Reality
14:40 The Value of Consistency and Passion in Content
23:15 Exploring the Fun of Reporting
23:48 Big Wins and Validations
26:08 Building a Sales Team
28:31 Launching Repeat Leads
29:46 Investing in Communities and Businesses
36:51 Challenges and Failures
42:24 Looking Forward to 2025

In this episode, I'm giving you a peek behind the curtain with my 2024 year in review. I'm talking about all the crazy stuff that happened, from launching the tree biz bootcamp to blowing up my online content. I'm breaking down my net worth, (not exact numbers), I'm getting into percentages and where all my money is at. I'm also going to tell you what my plans are for the future, including maybe switching gears with my content and what my new health and fitness goals are. It's a raw look at my year, and I think you'll find it interesting.

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
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---
00:00 Introduction
00:27 2024 Year in Review
01:41 Launching the Podcast
02:51 Partnership with Blue Metric
04:16 Investment Strategies and Lessons
10:00 Real Estate Ventures
14:14 Reflections and Future Goals
17:17 Content Creation Insights
18:40 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

I sat down again with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to keep riffing on some great business ideas. In this second part, we cover everything from a tree-trimming service with a clever insurance-style add-on to a home concierge service for busy families, and even a placebo-based product line that plays on the power of perception.

We also talk about using AI for stuff like recipe generation, automating the boring parts of running a business, and spotting ways to cash in on trending social media content. 

Missed part one? Check out Ep. #108

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
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---
00:00 Highlights & Introduction
00:37 Innovative Ideas for Tree Trimming Business
01:32 The Power of Recurring Revenue
02:10 Quarterly Inspections and Upcharges
02:29 Home Service Maintenance Plans
04:30 The Family Concierge Concept
05:31 Middleman Business Model
11:00 Leveraging DIY Trends for Business
14:15 ChatGPT and Recipe Blogs
16:13 AI-Powered Apps and Business Ideas
19:11 Plant Identification and AI Potential
20:50 Breaking the Pattern of Selection Bias
21:51 Understanding Market Perception
22:16 Leveraging Social Media Algorithms
23:35 Creating and Selling Digital Products
28:30 Exploring the Placebo Effect
29:57 Building a Business Around Placebos
31:39 The Power of Perception and Marketing

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about starting a Christmas tree rental service with delivery and pickup, acquiring tree lots from landscaping companies, and buying into this type of seasonal business. We also discuss robot lawn mowing and cleaning services, how you can help small businesses monetize email lists, and a business owner accountability platform to help entrepreneurs stay on track.

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

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---
00:00 Highlights
00:32 TikTok Shop Concept Comes to Life
02:12 Christmas Tree Business Ideas
07:14 Exploring Landscaping and Tree Businesses
12:25 Innovative Uses for Autonomous Lawn Mowers
20:05 Exploring the Tree Farm Business
21:15 Monetizing Customer Email Lists
29:24 Business Owner Accountability Platform

I’m back with another Q&A episode! This week, I answer your questions about launching a private jet photo studio business, starting a tree trimming business while working a full-time job, and when to form an LLC for your side hustle. Plus, I share my thoughts on investing in e-commerce stores for “passive income,” how to cold email real estate agents for online personal training, expanding dog training business and creative ways to monetize inflatable walls. Finally, I leave you with some advice to help you kick off 2025 with the right mindset: Now, Not How.

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---
00:00 Welcome and Quick Overview
00:23 Private Jet Photo Studio Business Idea
03:39 Starting a Tree Trimming Business
05:48 LLCs for Business Experiments
08:08 Investing in E-commerce for Passive Income
12:57 Cold Email Follow-up Strategies
15:36 Monetizing Inflatable Walls
17:47 Expanding a Dog Training Business
21:09 Final Advice for 2025

I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to riff on business ideas. We start with the prosumer software market, breaking down why targeting creators, real estate agents, and other prosumers offers huge opportunities. Then, we get into viral referral marketing, looking at the strategies behind companies like Robinhood and Dropbox, and brainstorm how to apply these methods outside of tech. Finally, we discuss box truck businesses, breaking down how to use mobile assets for high-margin ideas like podcast studios, golf simulators, and more.

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
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---
00:00 Introduction & Highlights
01:09 Introduction to Prosumer Software
04:02 The Power of Viral Coefficient
05:02 Referral Marketing Success Stories
07:51 Creative Referral Marketing Strategies
13:19 Innovative Box Truck Business Ideas
15:37 Mobile Business Models and Flexibility
21:40 Fake Private Jet Studio
25:50 The Food Truck Parking Dilemma
27:55 Retrofitting Cars for Profit
28:30 Exploring Turo Opportunities
30:55 Camper Conversion Vans Business
32:28 AI Personal Assistants and Agents
34:23 Building and Monetizing Subreddits
41:34 Market Positioning and Pricing Strategies

HoldCo Bros are back! Nik and I talk about three big ideas this week. First, we talk about college tuition negotiation - helping families save thousands while building a lean, profitable service. Then, there’s the concierge service for college parents, offering insider knowledge and peace of mind. Finally, we talk about dead inventory and share creative ways to turn surplus stock into cash.

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

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---
00:00 Highlights
00:35 Introduction: The Untapped Potential of Negotiating College Tuition
01:33 Exploring the Concept: Why Isn't Tuition Negotiation More Popular?
03:14 The Business Opportunity: Tuition Negotiation as a Service
05:28 Strategies for Negotiating Tuition
10:38 Case Study: A Friend's Apparel Business Venture
17:11 Creative Ideas for T-Shirt Designs
18:27 The Success Story of 'God is Dope'
19:43 Marketing Strategies for T-Shirt Brands
23:25 The University Concierge Service Idea
29:46 Evaluating Business Ideas: Marry, Date, or Kill
33:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a regular on the podcast. We got into some cool ideas once again. We started with used golf sets - why they’re easy to refurbish, flip, and scale. Then, we talked about aquascapes: personalized, high-ticket, very niche and profitable. We also talk about the cruise industry and why it’s a massive, untapped market for entrepreneurs. And we also talked about pianos and how they’re a nightmare to get rid of and the surprising business opportunities that come with solving that problem.

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

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
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---
00:00 Highlights - Introduction
01:00 Exploring the Golf Club Business Idea
01:55 Facebook Marketplace Opportunities
03:21 High-Ticket Niche Markets
06:38 Travel Agents and Cruise Bookings
10:43 Shore Excursions and Travel Hacks
18:04 Aquascapes: A New Business Idea
20:30 Piano Disposal Business Model
25:16 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, I dive deep into the bounce house rental business, breaking down how you can start with a one-time investment of $1,600 and get your money back the first month. From low overhead to high margins, I discuss why this is one of the best side hustles that can grow into a 6, 7, or even 8-figure business. I recently spoke with the owner of Castles of Dallas, a successful bounce house rental business, to bring you real-world insights on finding your first customers, leveraging referral marketing, and scaling efficiently using Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local mom groups, and more.

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
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
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---
00:00 Introduction to Bounce House Rental Business
00:32 Explanation of New Format
01:37 (Episode Starts Here) Why Bounce House Business? 
04:07 Tweet about bounce house rental Business
07:06 Marketing and Scaling Strategies
09:44 Operational Insights and Challenges
15:08 Industry Insights and Opportunities
22:37 Conclusion and Next Steps