Connor Tomkies - Podcast Details

Shows

Made It with Connor TomkiesScaling Startups to Zebras, Unicorns & Decacorns with Barry Stamoshttps://www.pvig.com/madeithttps://byldd.com/We sit down with Barry Stamos, a post-exit founder and investor focused on bold, world-changing companies. Barry shares his journey from corporate consultant to tech founder, detailing his early struggles, successful exits, and how he now supports other entrepreneurs through Supernova, a collective of exited founders backing groundbreaking startups. We explore his investments in companies like Colossal Biosciences, Apollo Neuro, and Brain Ritual, discuss the role of purpose-driven businesses, and dive into the unexpected impact of Ayahuasca on his personal and professional life. Plus, a surprise moment...2025-04-2843 min

Innovator Insights18 - Bootstrapped, Scaled, Sold— Now What? Connor Tomkies on the Hidden Cost of SuccessWhat happens after you exit a company you built from the ground up? In this episode of Innovator Insights, we talk to Connor Tomkies—founder of DelegateIt, Embark Vet, and Support Ninja (an Inc. 500 company). After bootstrapping and selling Support Ninja, Connor found himself in an unexpected identity shift. Instead of slowing down, he pivoted—launching a podcast, investing through Operator Equity, and building a 300-member entrepreneurial community with one goal: helping founders navigate growth and what comes after.We explore:The reality of low-margin vs. high-margin businessesBootstrapping through typhoons, pandemics, and scale...2025-04-2429 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesHe Built 52 Hotels and Advised AirBnb with Chip Conleyhttps://www.pvig.com/madeithttps://byldd.com/In this episode Connor sits down with hospitality legend and Modern Elder Academy founder, Chip Conley. From building Joie de Vivre into one of the largest boutique hotel brands in the U.S., to mentoring the Airbnb founders through their explosive growth, Chip shares the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his career and personal transformation. He opens up about near-death experiences, midlife awakenings, and the powerful wisdom that comes from reinvention. Whether you're a post-exit founder or just contemplating your next chapter, this conversation is packed with insight...2025-04-1450 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFrom Dot-Com to Giant Exits with Author and Entrepreneur Lewis Schiffhttps://www.pvig.com/madeithttps://byldd.com/In this episode guest Lewis Schiff—a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and former dot-com founder—shares his journey from early entrepreneurial days to successful exits and strategic angel investing. Lewis dives into his experiences in the dot-com era, explains how technology is transforming traditional industries, and reveals insights on building wealth through founder-friendly capital and innovative business models. He also discusses his Birthing Giants Fellowship and highlights unique opportunities like Aegis Response, offering practical advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage.Check Out Our SponsorsP...2025-03-3138 min $Founder\'s Journal$ Founder's JournalConferences are (mostly) a wasteAlex does a SXSW 2025 recap. Here’s what to expect: Why conferences are a waste Two exceptions to the rule 7 stops & lessons —Show Notes:(0:00) A note from our sponsor(2:26) Welcome back to Founder’s Journal(3:35) When conferences aren’t a waste(5:12) SXSW recap(6:05) Founders run club(6:48) Brunch with Lauren Zima(7:38) Lunch with David Perell(9:28) Hampton Dinner (10:18) B2B Creator Panel(11:32) Run with Connor Tomkies(14:05) Chat with Bryan...2025-03-2617 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFailing Fast, Winning Big, and Giant Fire Blankets with Mike Lloydhttps://www.pvig.com/madeithttps://byldd.com/We sit down with Mike Lloyd, a seasoned entrepreneur who built and exited Corvus, a cyber insurance company, for nine figures. Mike shares his journey from Virginia Military Institute to MIT and Harvard, diving into the lessons learned from his first failed startup and how he pivoted to massive success. He also discusses his latest ventures, including a high-net-worth insurance agency and an innovative wildfire protection company. If you're interested in startups, insurance, or what it takes to scale and sell a company, this episode is packed...2025-03-1748 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFrom College Dorm to Wall Street IPO with Purpose Built's Miles Lasaterhttps://www.pvig.com/madeithttps://byldd.com/Episode Description: Connor sits down with Miles Lasater, founder of Purpose Built and co-founder of multiple successful companies, including HireOne, which went public in 2010. Miles shares insights on scaling a business from college startup to IPO, hiring a CEO as a young founder, and the challenges of breaking into difficult markets like higher education and government. He also discusses his venture studio, Purpose Built, and the innovative startups he's helping to launch.Check Out Our SponsorsPine View Insurance GroupByldd 2025-03-0331 min

Business Buying AcademyHe Sold A Business for Millions - How He Negotiated the Deal (Mini Episode with Connor Tomkies)Connor Tomkies sold his business for a mid-8 figure payout to private equity. In this conversation, he explains how he sold SupportNinja, including how he hired an investment banker/broker, how he negotiated the fee for the banker, and how he made sure to get top dollar for his company.Highlights:0:38 Introduction1:11 The process of selling the business2:57 Fees4:30 Public Comps5:15 How do you position a business to sell?6:10 Choosing a buyer 2025-02-1909 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing with Justin DonaldIn this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, Justin Donald, the "Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing," shares insights into his journey as a post-exit entrepreneur, investor, and community builder. He discusses his early business exits, the power of strategic investing, and the philosophy behind The Lifestyle Investor. Connor and Justin dive into identifying emerging trends, the importance of tax strategies, and the evolution of investment opportunities—from private credit to blockchain and AI-enabled tech. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or someone planning a business exit, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.LifestyleInvestor.com/co...2025-02-1735 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesOwning a Soccer Team, Building Community, and Mission Companies with Intello's Barak KaufmanIn this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, Connor sits down with Barak Kaufman, founder of Post Exit Founders, to discuss life after exiting a company and the next steps for founders. They explore the three types of post-exit founders, dive into Barak's investment in a soccer team rivaling Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham, and talk about the challenges and rewards of building "missionary" companies. Barak also shares insights on navigating the "idea maze" and the importance of aligning passion with business after a big exit.Join Our Community!Chapters:[00:00:00] Introduction and Barak's Background 2024-10-2138 min

The Exit - Presented By FlippaFrom Bootstrapped to 4000 Employees: Connor Tomkies' Support Ninja SagaWant a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit: Connor Tomkies shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including the successful exit of Support Ninja, a company he bootstrapped and scaled to over $50 million in revenue and 4,000 employees. Connor discusses the challenges of growing a people-focused business vs. a software-focused business. In...2024-10-1429 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesCareer Risk, Baseball, and Pooling with Pando's Charlie OlsonIn this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, we dive into a groundbreaking concept with Charlie Olson, CEO of Pando. Charlie explains how his company helps individuals in high-risk careers like professional athletes and entrepreneurs pool their incomes, creating a supportive and incentivized community that shares both successes and setbacks. Learn how Pando has transformed the landscape of career risk management and what the future holds for this innovative business model.Join Our Community!Chapter Titles:[00:00:00] Introducing Charlie Olson from Pando[00:00:45] The Origin of Pando’s Name[00:01:30] Income Pooling for Ri...2024-10-0731 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesBringing the Fun Back to Start-Ups with DesignMyNight's Nick Telson-SillettIn this episode of "Made It with Connor Tomkies," Nick Telson-Sillett shares his journey from founding "Design My Night" to exiting for over £35 million. Nick talks about the challenges of scaling a company in a competitive market, the importance of financial freedom, and how to navigate earn-outs. He also discusses his ventures in angel investing through Horseplay Ventures and his efforts to support the LGBTQ+ founder community. Tune in for insights on business growth, exit strategies, and the evolving startup landscape.Join Our CommunityChapters:[00:00:00] Introduction and Competitors Wise Up[00:00:14] Naming Companies: T...2024-09-3036 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Hidden Levers of a 9-Figure Exit with Praveen GhantaIn this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, entrepreneur Praveen Ghanta shares the unconventional story behind his bootstrapped exit, including a nine-figure success with Hidden Levers. Praveen dives into his philosophy on bootstrapping versus raising capital, the power of fractional work, and what he’s focusing on now with his new ventures. Tune in for an insightful conversation on growing a company with limited resources and timing your exit for maximum gain.Join Our Community: https://incendium.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8f30b22424ad79e1af33a9258ee335ba7af292ba-a92ebcf2-2d4e-404d...2024-09-2333 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesScaling Billion Dollar Dreams and Redefining Success with Gil EyalIn this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, Gil Eyal returns to discuss the unpredictable nature of success in the world of social media and business investment. They dive deep into the challenges of investing in consumer products, the importance of identifying businesses with billion-dollar potential, and the pitfalls of the dating app industry. With a mix of humor and insight, Gil and Connor explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurial ventures, leaving listeners with valuable lessons and plenty of inspiration.Check Out Our Sponsors:Join Our Community!https://wealthwithrush.com/2024-09-0926 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesMatchmaking for Dogs: The Story of All Paws, Snap Interactive and more with Darrell LernerJoin Connor Tomkies in this exciting episode of the Made It Podcast as he chats with Darrell Lerner, the man behind All Paws and Snap Interactive. Discover how Darrell transitioned from revolutionizing online dating to creating a successful platform connecting dogs with their forever homes. Listen as Darrell shares the unconventional journey of founding Snap Interactive, leveraging Facebook's app platform, and the unexpected challenges of taking a company public. Learn how his passion for pets led to the inception of All Paws and his unique approach to matchmaking for dogs. Darrell also delves into the thrilling rollercoaster of scaling...2024-08-2627 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesHot Takes and Padel Breaks: Benji Markoff’s ReturnJoin us for a captivating conversation with Benji Markoff, a returning guest who initially appeared in Episode 3. In this episode, Benji opens up about his latest venture, Padel United Sports Club. He discusses the intricacies of launching a high-end social wellness club focused on the fast-growing sport of Padel. Discover how Benji is building a vibrant community, the strategic decisions behind membership offerings, and his vision for combining sports with wellness modalities like cryotherapy, sauna, and more.Connor and Benji also explore the creator economy, the importance of genuine human interaction in business, and the value of...2024-08-1245 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Metrics Maestro: Alex White on Rocking the Music & Tax IndustriesIn this episode we sit down with Alexander White, the co-founder of Next Big Sound. Alexander shares his journey from launching a music data business during his senior year at Northwestern to its acquisition by Pandora for a remarkable 10x revenue multiple. Discover how Alexander's passion for data led him to his next venture, focusing on uncovering and optimizing tax incentives and credits for businesses. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, the music industry's data revolution, and the untapped potential of government incentives.Check Out Our Sponsors: https://wealthwithrush.com/Join Our Community!...2024-07-2958 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesBreaking the Rules: Vadim Rogovskiy's Global Tech Journey and Rebel Capital DreamsIn this episode of "Made It with Connor Tomkies," Connor sits down with Vadim Rogovskiy, a successful entrepreneur who sold his first company in 2014 and has since been involved in various ventures, including the innovative AR company 3DLOOK. Vadim shares his journey from early entrepreneurial efforts in Ukraine, dealing with the challenges of in-game advertising, to his pivot into augmented reality and computer vision technology. Learn about his insights into the startup ecosystem, the importance of agility and perseverance, and his vision for the future.Check Out Our Sponsors: wealthwithrush.comChapters: 00:00:00...2024-07-1539 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesMaking Unsexy... Sexy with Atlas Authority Founder Boris BerenbergBoris shares his journey from working at Atlassian to founding his own company Atlas Authority, navigating the challenges of being a solo founder, and eventually exiting the business. Dive into their discussion about unsexy business ideas, the importance of shared context in startups, and Boris's candid insights on his entrepreneurial experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and unique perspectives.Chapters[00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:30] The Unsexy Business[00:00:45] From Atlassian to Solo Founder[00:02:15] Starting the Company[00:03:28] Business Model and Services[00:04:30] Platform Risk...2024-07-0137 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesSolving for Joy, The Power of Hustle, and More with Hustle Fund's Eric BahnEric Bahn, co-founder of Hustle Fund, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and investor. He shares insights on building genuine communities, identifying true "hustlers", and redefining wealth and success. Eric opens up about his family's story, working with his wife and sister, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He also discusses Hustle Fund's unique investment approach and their flagship event Camp Hustle which aims to build meaningful connections. This candid conversation touches on finding joy after an exit, building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, and growing together in the long-term.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro01:35 - Building G...2024-06-2447 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Return of a Legend: Andrew Warner on Podcasts, Communities, and Post-ExitAndrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, returns to the pod to share his insights on the post-exit journey of entrepreneurs. The two discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose after selling a business, the value of shadowing successful entrepreneurs, and the potential of building a community for post-exit founders. With a focus on personal growth and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs after an exit, this podcast offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey. Discover the key to staying motivated, connected, and inspired in this thought-provoking conversation.Chapters:2024-06-1742 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesBouncy Balls, Building Companies, and Big Exits... Dan Reich's Entrepreneurial JourneyIn this episode, serial entrepreneur Dan Reich shares his remarkable journey of building and exiting multiple companies across various industries. From his early ventures in high school to co-founding Spinback, which was acquired by Buddy Media and later Salesforce, Dan's experiences highlight valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the importance of pursuing passion projects. He also discusses his current approach to building companies and investing through his informal venture studio, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of the entrepreneurial lifestyle.Chapters:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:10] The Spinback Story[00:04:22] Early Entrepreneurial Ventures[00:09:46] Lessons from a...2024-06-1044 min

Built to Sell RadioEp 445 How Connor Tomkies Led Support Ninja to an 8-Figure ExitThis week on Built to Sell Radio, we feature Connor Tomkies, founder of Support Ninja, who shares his story of transforming an outsourcing firm into an industry leader. Support Ninja provides outsourced customer support services, handling tasks such as customer experience, social media management, and technical support. 2024-06-0734 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFind Your Purpose, and Co-Founder Cuddling with Noah Abelson-GertlerIn this candid interview, Noah Abelson, founder of ShareRoot, shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting up in a garage to taking his company public. He discusses the challenges of pivoting, fundraising, and navigating co-founder relationships, as well as the emotional toll of life after a successful exit. Noah also shares his passion for making a positive impact and his personal mission to help others heal strained family relationships. Filled with valuable insights and lessons learned, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to find purpose and drive change in their post-startup life.00:00:00...2024-06-0338 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesMorning Brew, Creator Economy, and Plungers with Alex LiebermanAlex Lieberman, co-founder of Morning Brew and host of the Founders Journal podcast, takes us on a whirlwind journey through his post-exit adventures. From getting a full-body MRI to launching a quirky backyard game, Alex candidly shares the highs and lows of life after a successful startup. He delves into Morning Brew's evolving content strategy, the future of marketing, and the challenges of finding product-market fit with his new venture, StoryArb. Filled with relatable stories and valuable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs at any stage looking to stay innovative and adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape.2024-05-2746 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesProtect Yourself During M&A with Thunder's Jason KirbyJason Kirby shares hard-earned wisdom with Connor, from exiting his company to Walmart, after a failed acquisition by Samsung. Jason explains key lessons for founders in the acquisition process, like getting your own legal counsel and maintaining multiple options. He also details his new venture Thunder, an investment bank aiming to provide founders with the M&A and fundraising guidance he wished he had.The two discuss the rise of eSports in schools, navigating the stresses of being an acquisition target while running a company, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right advisors.2024-05-2048 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesRevamping the Health Industry, Redox's Luke BonneyIn this episode, we sit down with Luke Bonney, co-founder of Redox, a healthcare tech company that raised $95 million. Join us as Luke shares his journey from med school dropout to successful entrepreneur, discussing the challenges of building a startup, the importance of strong co-founder relationships, and the future of healthcare technology. Tune in for valuable insights and lessons learned from a founder who's been in the trenches.00:00:00 - Intro00:05:07 - The Power of a Big, Bold Purpose00:07:08 - Building a Distributed Company at Redox00:10:04 - Challenges of Handling Healthcare Data00:11:16 - Stepping...2024-05-1340 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesLil Wayne, Leo DiCaprio, and Influencer Marketing with Gil EyalFrom celebrity crashes to influencer insights, lessons from a marketing pioneer. Join Connor Tomkies as he sits down with Gil Eyal, a serial entrepreneur who's seen it all in the world of influencer marketing. Discover the ups and downs of Gil's journey, from working with A-listers like Lil Wayne and Leonardo DiCaprio to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media.Packed with valuable insights on leveraging celebrity partnerships, adapting to data restrictions, and the future of influencer marketing, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital world.[00:00:00...2024-05-0647 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFrom Nightclubs to Buying Santa Monica Pier: Shane Neman & EZ TextingEntrepreneur Shane Neman shares his incredible journey from founding Junebug, a nightclub software and events company, to building EZ Texting, a pioneering mass texting platform. Discover how Shane spotted opportunities, pivoted when necessary, and bootstrapped his way to success. He also shares insights into his current ventures, including an investment in humanoid robotics and the acquisition of the iconic Santa Monica Pier.00:00:00 - Intro00:01:00 - Junebug's Origins00:04:05 - Launching Junebug00:07:20 - Hosting Events00:10:30 - Junebug's Success00:12:51 - The Texting Opportunity00:16:07 - Transitioning to EZ Texting00:19:50 - EZ Texting's Acquisition00:23:05...2024-04-2929 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Best Businesses are *Not* Sexy with Adam Spector of LevySerial entrepreneur Adam Spector shares his journey of building and exiting multiple startups, including his current venture, Levy, which revolutionizes back-office support. In this engaging episode, Adam discusses the lessons he's learned from navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, the importance of solving real problems, and his outlook on the future of work in an era of AI and globalization. He also shares insights on running a VC-backed vs. bootstrapped company, the challenges of attribution in personalization, and the increasing accessibility of entrepreneurship. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.2024-04-2245 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesBeyond the Backpack: Classtag's Vlada Lotkina on Disrupting EdTechJoin along as I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Vlada Lotkina, the brain behind ClassTag, for a journey filled with dreams, determination, and the drive to make a difference in the world of education. From her early days in Ukraine to creating waves in the U.S. tech scene, Vlada's story isn't just about building a successful platform; it's about bridging gaps, overcoming the naysayers, and transforming challenges into triumphs. We're not just sharing her success story; we're diving into the essence of what it means to pursue your passions, stand up after setbacks, and forge your path...2024-04-1538 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesSweat Equity to Sauna Sessions: Disrupting Insurance and Beyond with Benji MarkoffWe dive into the journey of Benji Markoff, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the insurance industry with his startup, Founder Shield. Benji shares his rollercoaster experience from the early days of grueling work and personal challenges to achieving a monumental exit. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of resilience, innovation, and the unexpected paths of entrepreneurship, as well as a peek into his next venture, revolutionizing wellness and beyond.[00:00:00] Opening[00:01:01] Intro[00:06:09] Founding Founder Shield[00:13:29] The Acquisition Gauntlet[00:20:28] Keys to Startup Success[00:27:59] Life After Exit[00:33:51] Establishing a Family Office[00:40:31] Investing...2024-04-0855 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFrom Basement to Buyout: Aaron White's Remarkable Dual ExitLISTENER NOTE: My Second Million asa title was always intended as a cheeky joke around the fantastic pod "My First Million" but now on April Fools we've decided to pivot as so many founder do, to the "Made It with Connor Tomkies" podcast. We can't wait for the guests we have coming up and we're excited to share more episodes. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Made It with Connor Tomkies" Dive into an enlightening conversation with Aaron White, a tech visionary who recently sold two companies, ProfitWell and Blissfully, in a remarkable dual exit. In this e...2024-04-0140 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesFrom Swag to Riches: How Jeremy Parker Disrupted the Promo Industry and BeyondConnor dives deep with Jeremy Parker, the innovative mind behind Swag.com. They explore Jeremy's dynamic journey from aspiring filmmaker to successful entrepreneur. Jeremy shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, revealing how he navigated through failures and pivots to build and sell swag.com, transforming the promotional products industry along the way. This episode offers a unique look into the strategies, mindset, and resilience required to turn visionary ideas into profitable ventures.00:00:00 Chapter 1: The Entrepreneurial Journey00:03:18 Chapter 2: Innovating in Promotional Products00:08:23 Chapter 3: Acquisition Insights00:13:51 Chapter 4: The Birth of Swag.com00:19:53...2024-04-0142 min

Made It with Connor TomkiesThe Evolution of Influence: Mixergy's Andrew Warner on Earning His 2nd Million and Future TrendsIn this episode host Connor Tomkies sits down with the seasoned entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Mixergy, Andrew Warner, to explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship in the digital age. They delve into the critical role of becoming a micro-influencer as an entrepreneur, share personal journeys of business successes and lessons learned from failures, and discuss the strategic advantages of outsourcing and harnessing international talent. The conversation also touches on future trends, including the potential of service-based business models and the significance of content creation and influencer marketing in scaling businesses.[00:00:00] Chapter 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurial Influence[00:03:17] Chapter 2...2024-04-0133 min