The Proven Entrepreneur

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t working harder—but automating smarter?

In this high-energy and insight-packed episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, host Don Williams welcomes back visionary entrepreneur Ethan King for a conversation that bridges creativity, technology, and the future of work. Ethan, known for building successful ventures like Zeus’s Closet and Stuff for Greeks, shares how a business crisis forced him to embrace automation—and how that pivot not only saved his company but doubled its revenue with half the staff.

But this episode goes far beyond business survival. Ethan dives deep into how AI and automation are transforming everything—from marketing and operations to personal productivity and even romance. Yes, you read that right. Ethan shares how he automated monthly flower deliveries to his wife, blending tech with authenticity in a way that’s both hilarious and heartwarming.

Topics Discussed:

• The E.A.T. Framework: Eliminate, Automate, Train
• How AI is reshaping creativity, marketing, and business operations
• The future of AI-powered wearables and digital avatars
• Why most business owners misuse AI—and how to fix it
• Personal stories of automation in marriage, fitness, and daily life
• The importance of customizing AI to reflect your brand voice

Ethan also shares golden nuggets on how to simplify your life, automate your health habits, and think differently about what’s possible in the age of AI. Whether you're a startup founder, a seasoned CEO, or just AI-curious, this episode is your roadmap to working less, scaling faster, and living smarter.

Tune in now to learn how to future-proof your business and unlock exponential growth with the power of AI.

Welcome to another episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, where we dive deep into the stories behind today’s most successful business leaders. In this episode, host Don Williams sits down with John Horn, the CEO of Stub Group — a digital marketing agency that has helped over 2,000 businesses grow through smart, ROI-driven advertising.

John’s journey is anything but ordinary. From working in a warehouse at age 10 to becoming the first employee at his brother’s startup, John has played a pivotal role in scaling Stub Group into a powerhouse agency managing hundreds of millions in ad spend. His story is one of grit, strategy, and relentless focus on results.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Stub Group grew from a bootstrapped startup to a 30-person team
• The biggest mistake brands make with paid ads — and how to avoid it
• What it means to land in “Google Ad Jail” and how John’s team helps clients get out
• Why hiring the right people early is critical to long-term success
• How diversification helped Stub Group survive the COVID-19 crash
• A behind-the-scenes look at ad campaigns so effective, they were shut down by platforms

John also shares his thoughts on the future of digital marketing, the importance of tracking ROI, and why best practices from platforms like Google and Meta aren’t always in your best interest.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hard-earned wisdom.

Key Entities Mentioned in this episode:

• John Horn (Guest):  CEO of Stub Group
• Don Williams: Host
• Stub Group: Advertising Agency
• The Proven Entrepreneur Show: Podcast Channel

What does it take to go from sixth on the depth chart to leading your team to a national championship as a true freshman? In this unforgettable episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, host Don Williams sits down with 1985 NCAA National Champion quarterback Jamelle Holieway—a man whose story is as powerful off the field as it is on it.

Raised in South Central Los Angeles and thrust into the spotlight at the University of Oklahoma, Jamelle shares the moment he was unexpectedly called to replace Troy Aikman, how he handled the pressure of 80,000 roaring fans at Owen Field, and what it was like to practice against a defense stacked with legends like Tony Casillas, Brian Bosworth, and Ricky Dixon.

But this episode goes far beyond football.

Jamelle opens up about:

• His deep respect for legendary coach Barry Switzer and a handshake that changed his life
• The lessons he learned about humility, identity, and responsibility after the game
• His spiritual journey and the wisdom he wishes he could share with his 18-year-old self
• His upcoming book From South Central to the 1985 National Championship, co-created with Jeff Evans

Whether you're a sports fan, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own path to purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration, authenticity, and life-changing insight.

Tune in now to hear how Jamelle Holieway turned pressure into purpose—and why his story still echoes through the halls of Oklahoma football and beyond.

Get ready for an episode that’s as insightful as it is inspiring. In this edition of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, host Don Williams welcomes the dynamic and deeply relatable Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organization. Broadcasting from opposite ends of the world—Texas and New Zealand—Don and Skye dive into a conversation that will resonate with every entrepreneur who’s ever struggled with focus, burnout, or the pressure to “do it all.”

Skye shares her powerful journey from academia to entrepreneurship, revealing how a late ADHD diagnosis during her PhD became the catalyst for a complete life and career transformation. She opens up about the emotional and financial toll of shutting down her first business—a healthy frozen food startup—during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how that painful pivot led to the creation of a more agile, purpose-driven venture.

Key Insights:

• How ADHD shows up in entrepreneurs—and why it’s more common than you think
• The dangers of “shiny object syndrome” and how to overcome it
• Skye’s neuroscience-based “2-Minute Focus Formula” for regaining control of your day
• The importance of identifying what’s already working in your business
• Why failure isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something better

Key Entities Mentioned:

• Skye Waterson – ADHD coach and founder of Unconventional Organization
• Don Williams – Host of The Proven Entrepreneur Show
• Unconventional Organization – Coaching and community for ADHD entrepreneurs
• The ADHD Skills Lab – Skye’s podcast
• Shark Tank – Referenced in discussion on frozen food businesses
• COVID-19 Pandemic – Catalyst for Skye’s business pivot

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list, distracted by new ideas, or unsure how to turn your passion into profit—this episode is for you. Skye’s story is a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, and the power of building a business that works with your brain, not against it.

Visit our websites to learn more: https://provenentrepreneurshow.com/

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show! Today, host Don Williams sits down with Colton Pace, the visionary founder of OwnWell, a company dedicated to democratizing access to real estate expertise and helping homeowners save on property taxes, insurance, mortgages, and utilities.

In this episode, Don and Colton dive deep into the world of property tax representation, exploring how OwnWell has revolutionized the way homeowners can dispute their property tax assessments and save money. Colton shares insights into the company's marquee product, which has gained widespread adoption across the country, and explains the contingency fee model that makes it a no-brainer for customers to sign up.

Listeners will also get a glimpse into Colton's entrepreneurial journey, from his early days of ranch work and mowing lawns in Texas to his college years at the University of Washington, where he studied information systems and operations. Colton recounts his first business venture, MobileFix, and how his passion for finance led him to work for a family office managing assets for one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling OwnWell from 700 to 60,000 customers in just one year, and the importance of hiring the right people and maintaining a strong company culture.

Tune in to hear Colton's valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of taking risks and betting on yourself. Whether you're a homeowner looking to save on property taxes or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss.

Visit our websites to learn more: https://provenentrepreneurshow.com/

Welcome, listeners! We're thrilled to have you join us for another inspiring episode of the Proven Entrepreneur Show. In today's episode, host Don Williams sits down with the remarkable Ami Kassar, founder and CEO of MultiFunding. Get ready to dive into an engaging conversation that explores the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the intricacies of business funding, and the resilience required to build a billion-dollar company.

In this episode, Ami Kassar shares his incredible journey from starting MultiFunding 15 years ago to achieving the milestone of $1 billion in business funding. You'll hear about the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the strategies he used to help entrepreneurs secure loans transparently and effectively. Ami's story is not just about numbers; it's about the impact his company has had on job creation and business growth, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts.

Don and Ami also delve into the myths surrounding business lending and the importance of finding the right lender. Ami discusses how MultiFunding has debunked common misconceptions and provided responsible lending solutions to thousands of businesses. With a default rate of just 1.1%, MultiFunding's success is a testament to their commitment to ethical and effective lending practices. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to navigate the world of business funding.

Finally, Ami reflects on his personal experiences and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. From his early days in South Africa to moving to the United States and starting his own business, Ami's journey is a powerful reminder that success often comes from perseverance and adaptability.

Tune in to hear Ami Kassar's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and business funding. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips to help you succeed. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with one of the most influential figures in the world of business funding.

Welcome, listeners! Dive into the latest episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, where host Don Williams brings you an inspiring conversation with Zulfiya Forsythe, the dynamic founder and CEO of the Omadli Group. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of AI and data analytics, and discover how Zulfiya is transforming business operations to unlock unprecedented efficiency and growth.

In this episode, Don Williams sits down with Zulfiya Forsythe, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts. Zulfiya shares her remarkable journey from corporate life to founding the Omadli Group, a company dedicated to helping businesses optimize their operations using cutting-edge AI and data analytics solutions.

Zulfiya Forsythe opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, starting from her days in corporate America to the bold decision to launch her own company amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She recounts the initial hurdles she faced, including the transition from a secure corporate job to the uncertain world of freelancing. Zulfiya's story is a testament to resilience and determination, as she navigated the complexities of starting a business and eventually found success with the Omadli Group.

The conversation delves into the core mission of the Omadli Group, which is to help businesses buy back their time through innovative technology solutions. Zulfiya explains how her company leverages AI and data analytics to streamline business operations, reduce manual tasks, and provide real-time insights that are crucial for growth. She emphasizes the value of clean and unbiased data, likening it to the "new raw oil" in the age of AI. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how data can be harnessed to drive efficiency and make informed decisions.

Don and Zulfiya discuss the broader implications of AI in business, touching on the importance of building a solid data foundation before implementing AI solutions. Zulfiya shares her experiences and the lessons she learned along the way, including the significance of understanding customer needs and the power of perseverance. The episode concludes with Zulfiya offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to believe in their ideas, embrace failure as part of the success journey, and continuously strive for improvement.

Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how AI and data analytics can revolutionize your business operations. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from The Proven Entrepreneur Show!

Entities Mentioned:

Don Williams - Host

Zulfiya Forsythe - Founder & CEO of Omadli Group

Omadli Group - Business management consultant Firm

Upwork - Freelancing platform

Welcome listeners! We're thrilled to have you join us for another exciting episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show. I'm your host, Don Williams, and today we have a truly special guest, Gina Mollicone-Long. Gina is not only a dear friend but also one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs I've had the pleasure of knowing. Get ready for a conversation filled with incredible stories, valuable insights, and a whole lot of inspiration.

In this episode, Gina takes us on a journey through her fascinating life, starting with her family's immigrant roots. She shares the courageous story of her grandparents, who left everything behind in Europe to start anew in Canada. Their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for Gina's own path. From her early days studying chemical engineering to working as a welder at Chrysler, Gina's diverse experiences have shaped her unique perspective on business and life.

Gina's corporate journey at Procter & Gamble provided her with invaluable lessons, but it was her transition to entrepreneurship that truly defined her career. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including navigating the impact of 9/11 on her business and the unprecedented hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Gina's unwavering belief in perseverance and self-belief shines through, offering listeners a powerful reminder that success often comes from embracing adversity.

As Gina prepares to embark on a new adventure, pursuing a PhD in neurotheology at Oxford University, she reflects on the importance of following your bliss and never giving up. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Gina's insights will inspire and motivate you to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

Key Entities Mentioned:

Gina Mollicone-Long: Entrepreneur, author, and speaker.

Don Williams: Host of The Proven Entrepreneur Show.

Procter & Gamble: Gina's former employer.

Chrysler Corporation: Where Gina worked as a welder during her university years.

Morgan Stanley: Gina's brief encounter with the financial world.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming): A significant part of Gina's coaching and training methodology.

Oxford University: Gina's upcoming PhD journey in neurotheology.

In this inspiring episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, host Don Williams sits down with Austin Davis, the visionary founder of Clearfork Academy. Austin shares his incredible journey from a youth pastor to a leading mental health professional, dedicated to transforming the lives of teenagers struggling with mental health and substance use issues.

Join us as Austin discusses the mission of Clearfork Academy, which provides comprehensive care for adolescents through detox, residential treatment, and outpatient programs. He opens up about his entrepreneurial spirit, influenced by his father's business endeavors, and how his faith and passion for helping others led him to pivot from pastoral ministry to mental health counseling.

Austin also shares valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of scaling his business, the importance of finding the right team, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a mental health advocate, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and heartfelt stories.

Tune in to hear about:

• The mission and services of Clearfork Academy
• Austin's personal and professional journey
• The impact of mentorship and faith on his career
• Key lessons learned from scaling a business
• The importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship

Tune in The Proven Entrepreneur Show and don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

Listen now and be inspired to create your own legacy!

Key Entities:

Austin Davis: Founder of Clearfork Academy

Don Williams: Host of The Proven Entrepreneur Show

Clearfork Academy: Clearfork Academy is a teen rehab in Texas

Welcome to The Proven Entrepreneur Show, where host Don Williams brings you transformative insights from the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Don sits down with Alex Levin, co-founder of Regal.ai, a company at the forefront of AI innovation in customer engagement.

Alex Levin shares his compelling journey from a traditional business background to leading Regal.ai, a tech company revolutionizing customer interactions with advanced AI agents. Discover how Regal.ai's AI agents handle 20-40% of customer interactions for large enterprises, making voice communication not only efficient but also cost-effective. Alex delves into the evolution of AI technology, the economic benefits of voice AI, and the strategic decisions that have propelled Regal.ai's growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The role of AI agents in customer interactions
• Economic advantages of voice AI over traditional methods
• Alex Levin's entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned
• The future of AI in customer engagement
• Strategic decisions that led to Regal.ai's growth

This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for top executives, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals. Learn about the economic advantages of AI in customer service, the importance of maintaining high hiring standards, and the benefits of a usage-based pricing model. Alex Levin's insights offer actionable advice on leveraging AI to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.

In this episode provides sophisticated yet accessible insights into the world of AI and entrepreneurship. Alex Levin's story is not just about facts; it's about the transformation and discovery that unfolds as he navigates the challenges and breakthroughs in the tech industry.

Tune in The Proven Entrepreneur Show to gain valuable insights into the world of AI and entrepreneurship, and discover how Regal.ai is revolutionizing customer service. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories!

Key Entities:

Alex Levin: Co-founder of Regal.ai, a company specializing in AI agents for customer interactions.

Don Williams: Host of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, with 35 years of experience in the contact center industry.

Regal.ai: Innovator in AI technology, providing AI agents that enhance customer service and operational efficiency.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google: Leading companies in AI technology, contributing to the advancements that make Regal.ai's solutions possible.