Shows
The Necessary Entrepreneur#175 - Why Hard-Working Entrepreneurs Still Struggle to Scale: Michael WalshWhat if the business you worked so hard to build is the very thing stealing your time, energy, and joy? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Michael Walsh, President of the Walsh Business Growth Institute and author of the 2025 book Freedom By Design: The Established Business Owner's Guide to Grow, Make an Impact, and Find Joy Again. Michael has spent decades helping established entrepreneurs break free from chaos, overwork, and stagnation by installing the leadership, systems, and accountability required for real growth. In this conversation, he explains why...
2026-02-1241 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#174 - Why We Wait Too Long to Say What Matters Most | Walter GreenIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Walter Green, founder of the Say It Now Movement and author of the new book The Gratitude Express, for a deep and reflective conversation on human connection, leadership, and the power of asking better questions. Rather than focusing on tactics or traditional business frameworks, this episode explores what actually shapes meaningful lives and organizations. Walter shares why questions, not answers, are often the most powerful contribution we can make, and how unspoken gratitude quietly erodes relationships, culture, and leadership over time. The...
2026-02-0950 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#173 - Why Becoming More Human Matters in an Age of AI: Dinakara NagallaDinakara Nagalla, technologist, Human-Centered AI Architect, and author of Becoming Human: Embracing Imperfection and Finding Purpose, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a thoughtful conversation about technology, humanity, and what gets lost when progress moves faster than understanding. Dinakara breaks down what human-centered AI really means, and why intelligence without context, empathy, and responsibility often creates more problems than it solves. Drawing on ideas from Becoming Human, he and Mark explore how modern systems push people toward optimization and perfection, while ignoring imperfection as a source of meaning, growth, and purpose. The conversation...
2026-02-0537 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#172 - Why Pain Changes Us and Why Vision Changes Us More | Udo ErasmusUdo Erasmus, founder of Udo's Choice and a longtime thinker on health and human nature, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a reflective conversation about pain, purpose, and understanding how we're wired as human beings. Udo explains why pain often forces change, but why pursuing a clear vision is far more powerful and sustainable. Drawing from decades of observation and experience, he outlines his framework for understanding the six parts of human nature and why most people struggle without a clear understanding of their internal makeup. Throughout the conversation, Udo emphasizes self-discovery over...
2026-02-021h 22
The Necessary Entrepreneur#171 - How Synchrony Is Redefining Social Connection for Neurodivergent Adults: Rebecca MatchettRebecca Matchett, co-founder of the Synchrony App, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a real-world conversation about building a startup before you fully know what you're getting into, and why that can actually work in your favor. Rebecca shares what she learned launching her first company, the mistakes founders only recognize in hindsight, and the hard-earned lessons that now shape how she builds. They dig into early product decisions, marketing and branding at the startup stage, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a functioning, growing app. This episode cuts...
2026-01-2941 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#170 - Mike & Kass Lazerow Return — "Shoveling Sh*t" and the Truth About Building Companies Together*Quick Note: Audio quality varies in parts of this episode. We chose to share it anyway because the conversation was too valuable to hold back. Thanks for listening. Mike and Kass Lazerow return to The Necessary Entrepreneur for their second appearance with host Mark Perkins, delivering another candid, no-BS conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and long-term success. As serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Buddy Media, acquired by Salesforce, Mike and Kass bring hard-earned perspective from decades of building, scaling, and enduring inside high-stakes businesses. In this episode, they expand on the themes from their...
2026-01-261h 18
The Necessary Entrepreneur#169 - How Entrepreneurs Should Actually Think About Money | Patrick Rogers (Elkridge Advisors)In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Patrick Rogers, Partner at Elkridge Advisors, for an in-depth conversation on wealth management for entrepreneurs, financial decision-making, and building long-term financial clarity as a business owner. Patrick advises founders, executives, and high-earning entrepreneurs on financial planning, investing, and capital strategy, especially during periods of growth, liquidity events, and business transitions. In this episode, he breaks down the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, why complexity often creates more risk than value, and how incentives quietly shape long-term outcomes. Mark and Patrick explore what...
2026-01-2248 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#168 - Why Execution Beats Hype in Business — Tyler Dunagin on Scaling TurnservWhat does it really take to build a scalable company in an unglamorous, operationally intense industry? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Tyler Dunagin, Founder and CEO of Turnserv, to unpack what it actually looks like to build a high-growth business in the vacation rental and hospitality space, where execution, reliability, and trust matter more than hype. Tyler shares the real story behind founding Turnserv, a platform built to solve one of the biggest pain points in short-term rentals: coordinating cleanings, inspections, and turnovers at scale. The conversation...
2026-01-1940 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#167 - Why Most Businesses Collapse Under Their Own Systems with Val Coin (VIA Technology)What does it really take to bring order to chaos inside a growing business? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Val Coin, Founder and CEO of VIA Technology, to unpack how systems, process, and operational clarity become the hidden advantage for scaling companies, especially in manufacturing and complex organizations. Born in Italy and now based in Australia, Val shares his unconventional entrepreneurial journey, from early exposure to disciplined European manufacturing to building a global ERP and technology consultancy that helps companies regain control of their operations. This is...
2026-01-1535 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#166 - William Spengler on Building a Scalable Recruiting Firm, Incentives, and Leading with AccountabilityHow do you build a people-first business that actually scales, without bloated bureaucracy, misaligned incentives, or empty culture talk? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with William Spengler, founder and principal of Frederick Fox, a high-growth, equity-driven recruiting firm redefining how staffing agencies operate. William shares the real-world lessons he's learned scaling Frederick Fox to nearly $10 million in revenue, growing a national team of recruiters, and building a model centered on ownership, accountability, and operational discipline. William explains why small companies win by having a clear and confident vision...
2026-01-1252 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#165 - Thais Saenz on Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performing Teams as You ScaleWhy do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams while others struggle despite strong strategy and experience? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Thais Saenz, founder and CEO of Saenz Global, a leadership and organizational development firm that helps companies scale through stronger culture, clarity, and execution. Thais brings a global perspective on leadership, performance, and human behavior, drawing from years of experience working with executives, founders, and teams navigating growth, change, and complexity. She explains why leadership problems are rarely about skill alone, and why mindset, communication, and...
2026-01-0545 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#164 - John Mitchell Reveals the Hidden Pattern Holding Entrepreneurs BackWhy do smart, capable people still feel stuck, despite working hard and doing "all the right things"? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with John Mitchell, founder of TheMissingSecret.org, to explore the unseen forces that shape success, fulfillment, and decision-making for entrepreneurs and business leaders. John challenges the idea that success is simply about effort, strategy, or motivation. Instead, he introduces the concept of the "missing secret", the internal patterns, beliefs, and mental frameworks that quietly determine how people show up in business and life. Through practical examples...
2025-12-291h 16
The Necessary Entrepreneur#163 - Ben Lytle on Leadership, AI, and Thriving Through Rapid ChangeIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Ben Lytle, serial entrepreneur, futurist, former CEO of Anthem, and author of The Potentialist, to explore how business leaders can thrive in the fastest period of change in human history. Ben explains why fear-based leadership leads to bad decisions, why resilience alone is no longer enough, and why the future belongs to those who focus on preparedness, constant learning, and wisdom. Drawing from decades of experience building companies and studying human potential, Ben shares how AI and intelligent automation will reshape work, and why...
2025-12-2257 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#162 - James Orsini on Leadership, Innovation, VaynerX, vYve & the Future of EntrepreneurshipOn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with James Orsini, President of Startup Operations at VaynerX, longtime partner to Gary Vaynerchuk, former public company CEO, and one of the most respected operators in modern marketing, leadership, and business growth. With over 40 years in corporate America and more than a decade inside the high-speed entrepreneurial engine of Vayner, James shares hard-earned insights most founders never hear. From helping scale VaynerX from 400 to 2,000+ employees to launching vYve, a transformational program for Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs, James breaks down what it truly takes to build...
2025-12-1546 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#161 -Amy Gregory Weber: Building High-Performing Sales Teams & Scaling Revenue Through People Alignment*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:fcb1ce90-a7b1-4fa3-9b32-e53c36eec703-8" data-testid= "conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> What separates companies that plateau from those that scale with clarity and momentum? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Amy Gregory Weber, founder of VETTA Sales Consulting, former sales leader at Microsoft, Twilio, and Cisco, and a seasoned advisor who helps entrepreneurs create high-performing, people-aligned sales organizations. After three decades leading global sales teams, Amy discovered a...
2025-12-0843 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#160 - Natalia Zacharin: Master Your Numbers, Fix Your Books & Build a Profitable, Scalable BusinessUnlocking Financial Clarity: How Natalia Zacharin Built a Multimillion-Dollar Firm by Mastering Numbers, Strategy & Courage In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Natalia Zacharin, CEO of Zacharin Consulting and one of the most respected financial strategists advising today's business owners. Despite beginning with zero accounting experience, Natalia transformed a small side gig into a multimillion-dollar firm, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000, by helping entrepreneurs turn confusing financial data into confident, strategic decision-making. Natalia opens up about hitting rock bottom in her late 40s as a struggling...
2025-12-0140 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#159 - Effortless Style Meets AI: Taelor's Founder Anya Cheng on Men's Fashion, Tech, and EntrepreneurshipWhat if getting dressed could be effortless, stylish, and sustainable? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor, a Silicon Valley startup transforming men's fashion through AI-powered styling, subscription rentals, and expert human guidance. Anya shares her journey from leading product and marketing teams at Meta, eBay, and Target to founding Taelor, a company designed to help busy men look their best without the hassle of shopping, laundry, or outfit planning. Learn how she combines technology, machine learning, and human styling insights to create personalized...
2025-11-2449 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#158 – How to Turn Your Expertise into an Eight-Figure Online Business w/ Justin Allan MontgomeryWant to turn your expertise into a business that earns while you sleep? Former ER nurse Justin Allan Montgomery left a capped-income career to build an eight-figure online education empire, and now he's helping professionals transform their knowledge into profitable continuing-education businesses. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Justin to explore how he escaped the traditional career trap, replaced his income within 12 months, and built multiple multi-million-dollar businesses from tiny market shares. Justin shares why fear stops so many smart professionals from taking action, how to identify saturated versus high-opportunity...
2025-11-2038 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#157 – Evan Unger: Scaling Elite Leadership, Virtual Training Systems & Building High-Output TeamsWhat does it take to turn real-world leadership training into a scalable, high-performance system used by executives, entrepreneurs, and fast-growth companies around the world? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with performance strategist Evan Unger for a deep conversation on building leaders, eliminating operational drag, and unlocking elite execution inside any organization. Evan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from his early days learning under mentors trained in the Jack Welch GE era, to reinventing his entire business model virtually during the pandemic, to building frameworks that help leaders...
2025-11-1750 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#156: Derek Gwaltney — From Lottery Marketing to Luxury Brand Experiences | Building Atlas Experiences & the Power of Emotional BrandingFrom Lotteries to Luxury Experiences: How Derek Gwaltney Built Atlas Experiences into a Top-Tier Brand Experience Company 🎯 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Derek Gwaltney, founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, to explore the art of creating unforgettable brand moments that spark emotion, connection, and loyalty. Derek shares his remarkable journey from the lottery and gaming industry to leading one of the fastest-growing experiential marketing companies in America, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list (#33 overall). Today, Atlas Experiences is known for producing world-class destination events, incentive trips, and...
2025-11-1337 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#155 - Finding Your Internal Edge: Mandy Morris on Mental Wellness, Stress, and Leadership 💡Feeling stressed, stuck, or burned out as a high-achieving leader or entrepreneur? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mandy Morris, LPC, co-founder of Sofree, to explore how high performers can reclaim mental clarity, confidence, and emotional balance. Mandy shares her journey from athletic trainer to licensed therapist and entrepreneur, blending psychology, neuroscience, and practical tools to make mental wellness accessible, actionable, and part of everyday life, not just something you turn to in crisis. She dives into how stress, high expectations, and subconscious patterns impact leaders and business owners, and how...
2025-11-1023 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#154 - Building Twice: Jesse Lipson on Scaling ShareFile, Selling for $93M, and Starting LevitateWhat makes a successful founder dive back in after a major exit? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Jesse Lipson, founder and CEO of Levitate, a fast-growing SaaS platform helping service businesses build authentic client relationships at scale. Before Levitate, Jesse founded and sold ShareFile to Citrix, where he later served as a public-company executive before leaving to start all over again. Mark and Jesse dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship, the pressure of building a second company after a big win, and how to keep relationships rea...
2025-11-0644 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#153 - Mary Elizabeth Sadd | How Great Leaders See Around Corners and Live a Generous LifeWhat separates great leaders from good ones? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mary Elizabeth Sadd, leadership advisor, executive search expert, and author of Living a Generous Life: Learning, Earning, and Returning. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and fast-growth organizations, Mary has spent her career helping CEOs and boards build world-class leadership teams, and uncover the human side of scaling a business. Mary shares timeless lessons on leadership, legacy, and generosity, including how the best leaders "see around corners," prepare for wha...
2025-11-0336 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#152 - Morgan Styler | Rethinking Capitalism with Circular WealthWhat if capitalism could work for people instead of against them? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Morgan Styler, veteran entrepreneur and co-founder of Circular Wealth, to explore a bold new model he calls "capitalism with compassion." After decades in direct sales and network marketing, including co-founding companies with over $2 billion in revenue, Morgan became determined to build a system where everyone shares in the success they help create. Morgan explains how Circular Wealth uses regenerative economics to reward human connection over clicks, giving affiliates real own...
2025-10-3034 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#151 - Thriving on Chaos: How Columbus Brewing Co. Built a Lasting Craft Beer Brand | Eric BeanWhat does it take to build and sustain one of Ohio's most respected craft breweries? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Eric Bean, co-owner and brewmaster of Columbus Brewing Company, to explore how craftsmanship, culture, and community come together to shape a lasting brand. Eric shares how he and his wife, Beth, have helped transform Columbus Brewing Company into a cornerstone of Ohio's beer scene, staying true to their roots while pushing innovation and quality forward. From learning under a German brewmaster to growing a modern legacy brand...
2025-10-2749 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#150 - Brewing Grit & Growth: Darrel Grumman, CEO of Bubbles Tea Company | Mark Perkins, The Necessary EntrepreneurIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Darrel Grumman, CEO and franchiser of Bubbles Tea & Juice Company. Since acquiring the brand in 2024, Darrel has transformed Bubbles from a small local favorite into a rapidly growing franchise with new locations, mobile units, and an updated, innovative menu. Darrel opens up about the realities of scaling a business, the grind of entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned while balancing risk, leadership, and vision. From overcoming setbacks to building culture through authenticity, this episode dives into what it takes to lead a brand from the...
2025-10-202h 08
The Necessary Entrepreneur#149 - Building Together: Kass & Mike Lazerow on Love, Leadership & "Shoveling $h!t" | The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark PerkinsIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we sit down with powerhouse couple Kass and Mike Lazerow, entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of "Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story." Together, they share honest insights on building businesses, navigating marriage, and leading with empathy through life's inevitable messes. From founding multiple startups to investing through Salesforce Ventures, Mike and Kass reveal how vulnerability, partnership, and resilience have shaped both their personal and professional success. They discuss the importance of mindset, communication, and staying grounded while creating meaningful impact and long-term wealth. This inspiring conversation...
2025-10-1358 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#148 - Building Wealth, Legacy & Creativity: Denzel Whitaker, Maestro Harrell, Jesse Janari, Jack Cook & DJ Smooth on The Necessary EntrepreneurOn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we welcome a dynamic group of creatives and entrepreneurs: actor and filmmaker Denzel Whitaker, musician and actor Maestro Harrell, and writer Jesse Janari discussing their new feature film Brand New; Jack Cook, founder of Illusion Islands Studio; and Jacob Gibbs (DJ Smooth), Cincinnati realtor and on-air personality for WIZF The WIZ, the city's #1 Hip Hop and R&B station. Together, they dive into entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, and the path to building wealth and legacy. From filmmaking and music to real estate and broadcasting, this inspiring conversation...
2025-10-062h 10
The Necessary Entrepreneur#147 - Geoffrey A. Moore | Crossing the Chasm & Scaling BusinessesIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Geoffrey A. Moore, renowned author of Crossing the Chasm and a leading authority on technology adoption and market innovation. Geoffrey shares his insights on how entrepreneurs can identify the right problems to solve, scale disruptive innovations, and strategically navigate the "chasm" between early adopters and mainstream customers. Throughout the conversation, Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of problem-focused entrepreneurship, understanding customer needs, and leveraging talent to create real impact. He also discusses the role of innovation in addressing the world's most pressing challenges and shares actionable...
2025-09-2957 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#146 - Tony Saldanha: Why 70% of Digital Transformations Fail (and How to Succeed)What does it take to lead digital transformation at a billion-dollar scale, and how can entrepreneurs apply those same principles to grow their own businesses? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Tony Saldanha, former VP of IT and Global Business Services at Procter & Gamble, co-founder of Transformant, and bestselling author of Why Digital Transformations Fail and Revolutionizing Business Operations. Recognized as one of the world's top digital transformation leaders, Tony shares hard-earned lessons from leading massive global change initiatives and helping Fortune 500 companies thrive in the age of disruption.
2025-09-221h 30
The Necessary Entrepreneur#145 - Power of Gratitude in Business & Life | David Meltzer on The Necessary EntrepreneurWhat does it take to rebuild your life and business after losing everything? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with David Meltzer, renowned motivational speaker, bestselling author, business coach, entrepreneur, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment. David shares his journey of resilience, the lessons he learned from his late mother, and how gratitude became the foundation of his life. He also talks about his mission to empower over a billion people to make money, help others, and have fun, and offers insights from his upcoming book Don't Do Business...
2025-09-1521 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#144 - Pat Flynn: From Smart Passive Income to Lean Learning and Deep Pocket MonsterPat Flynn is one of the most recognized voices in online business, podcasting, and community building. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with host Mark Perkins, Pat shares his journey from architect turned entrepreneur to becoming the founder of Smart Passive Income (SPI), a platform that has inspired millions to build businesses that serve others. Pat also dives into his brand-new book, Lean Learning, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to escape "just-in-case learning" and instead focus on the powerful practice of "just-in-time learning." This conversation explores how that framework can save business owners from overwhelm, boost...
2025-09-081h 08
The Necessary Entrepreneur#143 - Leading Dewey's Pizza w/ Chuck Lipp | Scaling Culture, People-First Leadership & Building a Beloved BrandIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Chuck Lipp, President of Dewey's Pizza, to talk about leadership, scaling culture, and building a beloved restaurant brand across the Midwest. Chuck shares the inside story of how Dewey's grew from one location into a 27-store, 1,400-employee company, all while maintaining its famous scratch-made pizzas, open kitchens, and people-first culture. From team hospitality systems that ensure every guest feels cared for, to the leadership lessons of balancing accountability with kindness, Chuck reveals how focusing on people drives sustainable business growth. Listeners will...
2025-09-022h 19
The Necessary Entrepreneur#142 - Mario Baddour on Balancing AI, Empathy, and Global Growth at InteLogixIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mario Baddour, CEO and President of Intelogix (formerly GC Services), one of North America's largest privately held BPO and customer experience providers. Mario shares how he rebranded and transformed Intelogix into a global leader at the intersection of technology, human connection, and customer experience. From embracing AI, digital twins, and automation to embedding ESG practices into everyday business, Mario proves that growth and responsibility can go hand in hand. He also opens up about the moments where technology falls short, especially when h...
2025-08-251h 11
The Necessary Entrepreneur#141 - Jeb Blount on Fanatical Prospecting, Emotional Discipline & Selling in the Age of AIWhat's the #1 reason salespeople fail? Jeb Blount, legendary sales strategist and author of Fanatical Prospecting and The AI Edge, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur to deliver an unfiltered masterclass on what it takes to thrive in today's hyper-competitive sales landscape. Jeb unpacks how emotional intelligence, consistency, and human connection remain your greatest assets, even in a world being reshaped by AI. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, sales leader, or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights on prospecting, sales frameworks, field cold calling, and how to become an apex performer in 2025...
2025-08-111h 18
The Necessary Entrepreneur#140 - Cody Grandadam - The Flashlight Guy Who Lit Up Big Box RetailFrom broke at 24 to building a multimillion-dollar flashlight empire on the shelves of Walmart and Target, Cody Grandadam's story is one of grit, mindset, and relentless drive. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down in-studio with the man known as The Flashlight Guy to uncover how a small-town hustler from Illinois created jobs for hundreds, revitalized a massive abandoned clock factory, and turned a side hustle into a national brand, all without outside investors or a roadmap. Cody opens up about what it really takes to get into big box retail, and why...
2025-07-281h 36
The Necessary Entrepreneur#139 - Unlocking the Power of Memory with Tansel AliHow do you memorize an entire phone book or learn a completely new skill in 48 hours? In this episode, Mark sits down with Tansel Ali, four-time Australian Memory Champion and bestselling author of "The Yellow Elephant: Improve Your Memory and Learn More, Faster, Better" and "How to Learn Almost Anything in 48 Hours". Tansel shares how he began to master the art of memory and teaching high performers around the world to sharpen their focus, retain critical knowledge, and unlock their creative potential. This conversation goes beyond party tricks and into the mindset of a true mental athlete...
2025-07-211h 27
The Necessary Entrepreneur#138 - The Psychology of Marketing and Why Your Email List Is Gold with Jay SchwedelsonIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with email marketing powerhouse Jay Schwedelson to unpack the mindset and strategies behind today's most effective marketing. Jay shares why your email database is your company's most valuable asset, how to craft subject lines that demand attention, and why perfectionism kills momentum in business. He dives into the psychology driving consumer behavior and explains how authenticity and consistency build lasting relationships with your audience. From adapting to constantly changing platforms to leveraging AI in marketing, Jay offers practical, no-fluff advice for entrepreneurs and creators...
2025-07-0738 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#137 - The Hero's Journey: Living With Intention featuring Jon GigantiIn this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Jon Giganti, keynote speaker, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention, for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation on intentional living, leadership, mental health, and resilience. Jon shares his journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, emphasizing how starting your day with intention, embracing struggle, and leading with a service mindset can radically change your personal and professional outcomes. From navigating mental health challenges to cultivating high-performance cultures, Jon unpacks how adversity, vulnerability, and communication shape great leaders. ...
2025-06-302h 02
The Necessary Entrepreneur#136 - The Soul of Business: Finding Your Ethos w/ Verne HarnishIn this high-impact conversation, Scaling Up author and Entrepreneurs' Organization founder Verne Harnish sits down with Mark Perkins to unpack the real mechanics behind scaling a business that lasts. Verne shares powerful insights on why sustainable growth requires more than just execution—it demands the right mindset, strategy, people, and purpose. From unlocking bottlenecks to leveraging advisory boards, Verne reveals the most overlooked growth levers and explains why understanding the soul of your business is just as critical as knowing your numbers. The conversation dives into the evolving role of education, the value of continuous learning, and ho...
2025-06-231h 16
The Necessary Entrepreneur#135 - Dr. Karim R. Ellis - How to Lead, Speak, and Succeed with PurposeIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist Dr. Karim R. Ellis to unpack what true success really looks like. Together, they dive deep into the power of mentorship, the role of character development, and the value of serving others on the path to purpose. Dr. Ellis shares powerful personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about rising through adversity, mastering your message, and building influence through strategic networking. From unforgettable speeches to transformational life lessons, this conversation is filled with insights for anyone looking to lead with...
2025-06-162h 10
The Necessary Entrepreneur#134 - The Longmire Legacy: Evolution of a Series w/ Craig JohnsonIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author Craig Johnson joins host Mark Perkins to discuss the creation and evolution of the Longmire series—one of the most iconic modern Western literary franchises. Craig shares the real-life inspiration behind Sheriff Walt Longmire, the role of Wyoming's rugged landscape in shaping his storytelling, and how life experiences continue to fuel his creativity. The conversation dives into the entrepreneurial side of being a full-time author, from navigating the publishing industry to maintaining creative control. Craig reflects on the early challenges of writing, the value of reader connection, and ho...
2025-06-091h 03
The Necessary Entrepreneur#133 - Amanda Goetz on Redefining Success: Intentional Hustle vs. Toxic GritIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Amanda Goetz joins Mark Perkins for a candid conversation about ambition, self-worth, and the evolving definition of success. Amanda unpacks the concept of "toxic grit"—the relentless pursuit of achievement without intention—and why it's time to replace blind hustle with aligned, purpose-driven action. They explore Amanda's transition from chasing titles and ego to building meaningful, mission-led ventures. She shares lessons learned through hardship, the power of process over outcome, and the value of having "coaches and pacers" along the journey. With a strong focus on intentional hustle, real-world experience, and...
2025-06-0255 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#132 - Self-Leadership, Clarity, and Becoming Legendary w/ Tommy BreedloveIn this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author and mindset coach Tommy Breedlove joins Mark Perkins to explore what it truly means to live and lead with intention. Tommy unpacks the journey from pain to purpose, sharing how self-awareness, vulnerability, and clarity are the keys to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. They dive into the real cost of success, the dangers of ego, and why intentional living beats chasing wealth every time. Tommy shares hard-earned insights on overcoming failure, practicing self-care, and building a personal philosophy that sustains peace of mind...
2025-05-291h 17
The Necessary Entrepreneur#130 - Win Your Next Hour with Danny LehrIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins welcomes Danny Lehr — co-founder of Caffeine & Kilos, gym owner, and now author of the powerful new book, Win the Next Hour. Danny shares real-world insights on what it takes to do the hard things, make meaningful progress, and build momentum through consistent, mindful execution. Drawing from years of entrepreneurial experience, he breaks down the exact mental frameworks that have helped him grow multiple businesses, balance priorities, and enjoy the process — without burning out. 🧠 Topics Covered: 80% proficiency with 2 year commitment The secret to prioritizing by importa...
2025-05-191h 25
The Necessary Entrepreneur#129 - Rich Diviney — Masters of Uncertainty & The Irony of LeadershipIn this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, former Navy SEAL Commander and best-selling author Rich Diviney joins host Mark Perkins to talk about the mental edge required to lead, perform, and thrive when the stakes are high and the path isn't clear. Drawing from his new book, Masters of Uncertainty, Rich explores what it takes to stay calm, adaptable, and effective when everything around you is unpredictable. He breaks down the irony of leadership, the difference between finding talent vs developing talent, and how to recognize when you're simply burning through dopamine without creating anything meaningful.
2025-05-051h 16
The Necessary Entrepreneur#128 - Unlocking Peak Performance with Todd HermanIn this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark sits down with world-renowned performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman—the mind behind The 90 Day Year and The Alter Ego Effect. Todd has helped Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and elite entrepreneurs achieve peak performance, and today he shares his wisdom with our audience of driven creators and leaders. We dive deep into game-changing strategies around: ✅ How to seek out the best mentors and know who to listen to ✅ Discovering the greatest leverage points in business and life ✅ Unlocking creativity and becoming a world-class problem...
2025-04-071h 01
The Necessary Entrepreneur#104 - Liz Toombs, C.I.D. - CEO, PDR InteriorsThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Certified Interior Designer and founder of PDR Interiors, Liz Toombs. Liz isn't just your average decorator—she's the sorority house whisperer! With her PDR Interiors team, Liz has transformed over 100 college campuses across 25 states into stunning spaces that sisters proudly call home. A seasoned leader in the decorating world for the past 15 years, Liz's journey began at the University of Kentucky, where she's an alumna of Alpha Gamma Delta. Her passion for mentoring women stems from her own Greek life experiences, driving her dedication to enhancing sorority housing projects and preserving the cherished si...
2024-09-091h 13
The Necessary Entrepreneur#103 - Jason Staats - CEO, SUN Behavioral HealthWelcome back to the Necessary Entrepreneur Podcast, where we explore the insights and experiences of trailblazers in the business world. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a remarkable leader whose impact on mental health care is both profound and transformative. Joining us is Jason Staats, the CEO of SUN Behavioral Health- a psychiatric hospital providing mental health and substance use recovery services in Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, & Delaware. In his CEO role with SUN Kentucky, Jason leads a team of over 300 in the Erlanger & Lexington markets in Kentucky placing an emphasis on patient-centered practices leading his teams toward s...
2024-09-031h 36
The Necessary Entrepreneur#99 - Frank Kabatas - Owner, East Village PizzaWelcome to another exciting episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring stories and insights of those who dare to dream big and take bold steps in the world of business. Today, we have a very special guest with us—a true culinary artist and a dedicated entrepreneur who has made a significant mark in the heart of New York City. Joining us is Frank Kabatas, the visionary owner of East Village Pizza. Located in the vibrant East Village, Frank's pizzeria has become a beloved staple for both locals and visitors alike. His jo...
2024-08-0551 min
Shoutout15- Slutty Campfire PodSend us a textThe boys did their first ever live podcast. After the Campfire Comedy Show we did a outdoor pod to over 200 people and mosquitos. Special guest comedians Luke Capasso and Jeff Allen joined the pod. GSST was disgusting per usual, Jeff thew up. Hope you enjoy!Follow us on IG--- @ShoutoutpodLuke Capasso-- @LukecapassoJeff Allen-- @GemcityjefeKyle Kemper-- @Kemper_kyleMark Perkins-- @MarkperkinscomedyNick Taylor-- @Nicktaylorcomedy
2024-06-0144 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#90 - Jean-Francois Flechet - Founder, Taste of BelgiumWelcome back to another exciting episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur where we dive deep into the stories and strategies of visionary entrepreneurs who are making a mark in their industries. Our guest today is Jean-François Fletchet, the brilliant founder of Taste of Belgium. Known for bringing the rich flavors and authentic culinary traditions of Belgium to the United States, Jean-François has built an impressive culinary empire that celebrates Belgian gastronomy. He holds a Masters of Science from the largest univeristy in Belgium, and a Masters of Economics from Penn. His entrepreneurial journey is a fascinating blend of pa...
2024-05-201h 26Shoutout14- Joe Robinette & Smirnoff IceSend us a textHilarious comedian Joe Robinette joins the boys. Talkin carnival food, Skyline Chili, McDonalds. GaStationSnackTime. Joe had fun stories. Mark got Iced 3x. We reached out to Smirnoff. Enjoy the episode!
2024-05-1757 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#86 - Les Fultz - Founder, Valere StudiosThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Les Fultz. Les is the visionary founder of Valere Event and Video Productions, a dynamic company at the forefront of event planning and multimedia production located right here in Cincinnati. Valere Event and Video Productions stands out for its commitment to excellence and innovation. Les and his team specialize in curating immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression, blending cutting-edge technology with impeccable design to bring clients' visions to life. Through Valere, Les has cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in the competitive world of event management and video production.
2024-04-221h 50
The Necessary Entrepreneur#85 - Markus Kaulius - Play A Bigger GameThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Markus Kaulius. Markus is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of multiple 8 and 9 figure businesses. Over his 25-plus year career, he grew his supplement company from startup to $170 Million and helped clients worldwide lose over 3 million pounds. He has impacted the lives of over 10 million people. As a thought leader in the industry, he advises multiple 8 & 9-figure companies on growth strategy and has been featured in major media such as PBS, Fox News, Apple TV and CNN. Markus's name is now in the Guinness Record Book as he recently spoke at a conference on financial...
2024-04-151h 09
The Necessary Entrepreneur#84 - Keith O'Brien - Author, "Charlie Hustle"This week on The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Keith O'Brien. Keith is the New York Times bestselling author of Paradise Falls, Fly Girls, and Outside Shot, a finalist for the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sportswriting, and an award-winning journalist. O'Brien has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico, and his stories have also appeared on National Public Radio and This American Life. Keith is currently on tour with his new book "Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball". This is no ordinary sport biography, but...
2024-04-081h 00
The Necessary Entrepreneur#83 - Nick Papas - CEO, Papas CandiesThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Nick Papas. Nick is 4th generation CEO of Papas Candies right here in Covington, KY. Papas Candies started with humble beginnings; one man with a dream. Papas Candies has been a family owned and operated business for over six decades through four generations. Nick started working as an employee, after college, cooking candy and was always eager to learn how things worked. In 2018, Nick was able to buy the family business. Now, Nick and his cousins are tasked with the daily operations of running a small business and making candy with the same recipes in...
2024-03-251h 31
The Necessary Entrepreneur#82 - David Gaz - Founder, The Bureau of Small ProjectsThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes David Gaz. David is the founder & creative director of The Bureau of Small Projects. With over 20 years of experience marketing fortune 500 companies and major brands, the team at The Bureau of Small Projects leverages their expertise and relationships to build quality websites, mobile apps and print collateral for non-profits to increase donations and to help small businesses who are making a difference convert visitors into customers. David Gaz also directed the critically acclaimed documentary, Kindness Is Contagious, a film all about being nice and the benefits of it. During the conversation, Mark & David...
2024-03-181h 42Shoutout8- Food OlympicsSend us a textThe boys are back, we are excited for the Olympics. Food eating contest are gross. Mark brought the GSST. Enjoy!
2024-03-1554 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#81 - Radha Agrawal - CEO, DaybreakerThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Radha Agrawal. She is a social entrepreneur, community architect, public speaker, & author. She is the CEO & co-founder of Daybreaker, an early morning dance movement in 26 cities around the world with over 500,000 multigenerational community members. Daybreaker's goal is to reinvent the morning while designing and defining a new culture that's 5am-9am instead of 9am-5pm. Daybreaker celebrated it's 10th anniversary last year and is currently on its Peace Tour using the power of dance & joy to unite communities and the upcoming Purple Tour which will bring people of all political persuasions together as the election...
2024-03-1149 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#80 - Don Oeters - President, EnterTRAINment JunctionThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Don Oeters, former owner of Watsons in Cincinnati, OH. Currently, Don is the president at EnterTRAINment Junction- "Voted Ohio's Best Family Entertainment Center". EnterTRAINment Junction is similar to an indoor theme park featuring the largest indoor train display in the United States, a railroading museum, and play center for kids that draws over 125,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and dozens of countries around the world. In this episode Mark & Don discuss growing up without money, growth opportunities, finding better ways of doing things, continuing to learn, and dealing with issues head-on. Don also t...
2024-03-041h 24Shoutout7- Canadian SuicideSend us a textKyle, Mark and Nick are back eating gummy hotdogs, that WERE NOT BAD. Also interested in Canada's assisted suicide program.Enjoy sluts.
2024-03-0234 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#79 - Clay Busch - Founder, SiX18 MediaThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Clay Busch, founder of SiX 18 Media. This new agency empowers artists, athletes, influencers, and other brands to explore & create ancillary monetization models, leveraging their intellectual property, name, image, and audience to create new multi-vertical brands. Clay's vast experience, including pivotal roles in elevating independent live events and developing global stars at Interscope / Geffen / A&M Records, makes him a noteworthy figure in the industry. His innovative approach to artist development, marketing, and brand partnerships has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional entertainment business models. In this episode Mark & Clay talk about brand collaborations...
2024-02-261h 09
The Necessary Entrepreneur#78 - Brian Ambs - Content CreatorThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Brian Ambs. Brian is a photographer by trade but also a content creator focusing on spicy foods, sour foods, cooking, & skateboarding. He is an avid marathon runner too, but his main passion lies in promoting the hot sauce industry. Check out Brian on YouTube where he eats and reviews spicy foods including a variety of peppers and hot sauces. In this episode Mark & Brian discuss the growing hot sauce community, cross breeding peppers, the endorphin rush and physical pain associated with consuming spicy foods. Brian talks about his favorite hot sauce ingredients as well as...
2024-02-191h 33Shoutout4- Shoutout to Mark PerkinsSend us a textMark Perkins joins the squad. We talk about pedal wagons/ Disney Land/ More Gas Station Snack Time. Enjoy ya little sluts!
2024-02-091h 00
The Necessary Entrepreneur#77 - Phil Treadwell - Founder, M1 AcademyThe Necessary Entrepreneur we welcomes Phil Treadwell, Founder & Mindset Coach at M1 Academy, as well as a national speaker and podcaster with nearly 20-years experience as a top-producing mortgage professional. Phil collaborates with industry thought leaders and has built teams in markets nationwide. He has been named one of the Top 10 Founders You Should Follow in 2024 by USA TODAY. He's also the host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast where he interviews mortgage & real estate industry's elite performers as they share firsthand tips and advice on how to build a more productive and profitable business. You can find out...
2024-02-051h 20
The Necessary Entrepreneur#76 - Micah Carroll - CEO, The Rookwood Pottery CompanyThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Micah Carroll, President & CEO of The Rookwood Pottery Company located in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood right here in Cincinnati. The company was first founded in 1880 by pioneering artist Maria Longworth-Nichols. She built the company into a world-renowned ceramics studio, attracting the attention of famed artists and ceramicists all over the world. Today, Rookwood continues to build upon its rich heritage and creates the highest quality Art Pottery and Architectural Tile in the United States. During the conversation, Mark & Micah talk about being present, investing in people, & taking ownership in every task. They also talk...
2024-01-221h 46
The Necessary Entrepreneur#75 - Rick Bell - Co-Founder & Designer, Cincinnati Watch CompanyThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Rick Bell, co-founder & designer at Cincinnati Watch Company. Rick is an avid watch collector. His hobby led him to taking apart watches and then rebuilding them in his basement. In 2016, Rick Bell & Mark Stegman created Build Your Own Watch, providing watch fans the ability to assemble and case their own watches. Rick's video instruction is still available on YouTube. In 2018 Build Your Own Watch evolved into Cincinnati Watch Company with the Union Terminal Watch and P-40M Pilot watch bringing watchmaking back to Cincinnati, creating jobs locally for American watchmakers. By 2020, they added Jordan Ficklin...
2024-01-081h 54
The Necessary Entrepreneur#74 - Tim McDaniel - Freelance Film Production Professional - HBOThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Tim McDaniel, the Kentuckian who moved west to chase dreams. Tim is a freelance film production professional currently working in LA for HBO. He has a background in movies, tv shows, commercials, and corporate video. He is experienced as a line producer, production manager, production coordinator, and assistant accountant. During the conversation, Mark & Tim discuss the entertainment industry, news media, comparison syndrome, being resilient, and the pros and cons of a college education. They also talk about happiness vs joy, the drive to prove people wrong, creating a safe space to believe in...
2024-01-012h 09
The Necessary Entrepreneur#73 - Kassandra & Courtney Pike - Fliptable PlusThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Kassandra & Courtney Pike, Co-Founders of Fliptable Plus. Fliptable Plus is a transformative mobile app, enhancing the hiring experience for both employers and job seekers in the restaurant & hospitality industry. Fliptable allows businesses to take control with easy-to-use hiring, POS, and payment software. In this episode, Mark, Kassandra, and Courtney discuss problem-solving pain points in the restaurant industry, why they chose the tech route vs opening restaurant better than the competition, and pioneering in a small town. They also talk about identifying purpose, putting yourself in situations you aren't ready for, not having a...
2023-12-251h 35
The Necessary Entrepreneur#72 - Josh Quinn - Co-Founder, Boone County Distilling CompanyThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Josh Quinn, Co-Founder of Boone County Distilling Company. Josh has a background in law enforcement and was an investigator for the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. Josh and his best friend and business partner, Jack Wells, founded Boone County Distilling Company in 2012 which is located approximately 15 miles south of Cincinnati, OH and is a member of the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail. During the conversation, Mark & Josh talk about the origins of the company, building trust over time, human connectivity, cultivating relationships, being underrated, and that past performance is the best indicator of the f...
2023-12-182h 00
The Necessary Entrepreneur#71 - Chase Crawford - Four by Three ProductionsThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Chase Crawford, founder of Four by Three Productions. Chase launched his career by creating viral fake Taco Bell commercials in his hometown. He rose to prominence writing and directing commercials for the real Taco Bell while still in high school. After high school, he began producing feature films under the Four by Three moniker, working with stars such as Adam Conover, Joe Chrest and Cody Kearsley, to bring nearly 20 independent films to life between 2017-2020. In response to the pandemic, he expanded Four by Three beyond production and into distribution, securing deals with Tubi, AppleTV...
2023-12-112h 09
The Necessary Entrepreneur#70 - Imteaz Ahamed - Performance Marketing Director - ReckittThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Imteaz Ahamed. He is the head of performance marketing for the infant nutrition business unit at Reckitt. He's a data-driven leader known for delivering scalable solutions, seizing high-growth opportunities, and leading multidisciplinary teams globally. His expertise lies in developing industry-leading practices, managing end-to-end content, social and commerce experiences for the omnichannel shopper, and driving business performance through digital strategies. He also mentors early-stage startups & entrepreneurs from all over the world and is an avid fan of hackathons. His career has spanned across Sydney, London, Amsterdam, and the United States. Be sure to check out his...
2023-12-042h 38
The Necessary Entrepreneur#69 - Nick Hutchison - Founder, BookThinkersThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Nick Hutchison, founder of Book Thinkers, a growing 7-figure digital marketing agency that serves mission-driven authors. His podcast, Book Thinkers: Life-Changing Books, features captivating interviews with world-class authors such as Grant Cardone, Lewis Howes, and Alex Hormozi. During these discussions, Nick delves into the pages of their books, uncovering practical and transformative takeaways for his motivated audience. Nick is also the author of Rise of the Reader: Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learned. Click the link to order a copy. During the conversation, Mark & Nick talked about physical...
2023-11-271h 25
The Necessary Entrepreneur#68 - Harvey Lewis - Ultra RunnerThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Ultra Runner and 2023's World Champion of Big's Backyard Ultra, Harvey Lewis. Big's Backyard is the original backyard ultra, invented by Lazarus Lake. For those of you who are unfamiliar it's a last man standing event. This year Harvey broke the world record at 108 straight hours covering 450 miles. We helped Harvey put together a fundraiser with a goal of reaching $100,000 for the Brighton Center right here in Northern Kentucky. The Brighton Center's mission is to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through support systems with some examples including down-payment assistance on home...
2023-11-201h 36
The Necessary Entrepreneur#67 - Dre Baldwin - CEO, Work on Your Game IncThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Dre Baldwin, CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. He has given 4 TEDxTalks and has authored 33 books. Dre's content has been viewed over 100 million times. His daily Work On Your Game Podcast has over 2,600 episodes and over 7 million listeners. Dre had a 9-year professional basketball career, playing in 8 countries. Dre's framework is the "roadmap in reverse" for professional mindset, strategy, systems and execution. During the conversation, Mark & Dre discuss the importance of asking the right questions, that everybody needs a coach, sometimes small talk leads to big talk, and knowing how...
2023-11-131h 03
The Necessary Entrepreneur#66 - Jack Cook (Movie Director) & Elliot Hebeler (Actor) - Illusion Islands Entertainment StudioThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Jack Cook & Elliot Hebeler, founding members of Illusion Islands Entertainment Studio who just opened their Midwest Headquarters right here in Cincinnati Ohio. Jack & Elliot met in LA and realized they both grew up in the greater Cincinnati Area. Jack is a movie director, and Elliot is an actor with a background in production. They just finished up production for the upcoming movie "The Private Eye" starring Matt Rife due out in February 2024. Mark talks to Jack & Elliot about why they chose a headquarters in Cincinnati, what the Cincinnati work ethic looks l...
2023-11-062h 51
The Necessary Entrepreneur#65 - Neal Hoffman - Mensch on a Bench & FanRoll DiceThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Neal Hoffman, a Shark Tanker, CEO of FanRoll by Metallic Dice Games, and Creator of Mensch on a Bench, the most publicized brand to ever come out of Shark Tank. Mensch on a Bench started as a way to bring more Funukkah to Hanukkah. FanRoll Dice creates high-end accessories and experiences for the tabletop gaming market through creativity and innovation. Mark & Neal talk about when the idea hit for Mensch on a Bench, the struggle to make it happen, and pitching it on Shark Tank. Neal also talks about buying and marketing FanRoll...
2023-10-302h 08
The Necessary Entrepreneur#64 - Tomas Keenan - Step It Up AcademyThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Tomas Keenan from Step It Up Academy. He is an example of "Technician turned CEO". He began his career as a custom car audio installer. He co-founded an industry-leading GPS Tracking and Dashboard Camera installation company, growing it to a 7-figure business and later moved into the coaching space for industry leaders and business owners. Mark & Tomas talk about how he learned a strong work ethic from his uncles in his youth, how he finished up high school, gained experience in the mobile audio space, and how college isn't the best path for...
2023-10-231h 14
The Necessary Entrepreneur#63 - Dan Oliver - Dan-O's SeasoningThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Dan Oliver of Dan-O's Seasoning. Dan-O's Seasoning was founded in 2017 near Louisville, KY and has become one of the fastest growing seasoning companies in America with a mission to change the world one table at a time, aiming to inspire people to cook up a whole lotta fun with the best all-natural, sugar-free, low-sodium seasoning products available in the market. With over 6.5 million followers across social media platforms and retail offerings in over 30,000 stores, people can't get enough of that Yum Yum Get Ya Sum! Mark & Dan talk about high school football days...
2023-10-162h 00
The Necessary Entrepreneur#62 - Kenny Koepnick - The Toy DepartmentThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Kenny Koepnick from The Toy Department in Fairfield Ohio. The Toy Department is a premier destination for collecting and nostalgia. It was founded near the beginning of 2018 by 4 friends who realized how much the area lacked the presence of a great toy store. They strive to bring back that old toy store feel we all grew up with by stocking the highest quality and largest variety of toys and collectibles around. They moved to an even larger location earlier this year, so they can continue to grow and to keep up with customer demand. Kenny...
2023-10-091h 42
The Necessary Entrepreneur#61 - Bobby Mackey - Country Music IconThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Bobby Mackey. Bobby is a country music singer with a career spanning more than 5 decades and is the owner of Bobby Mackey's World in Wilder, KY. Bobby found himself at a crossroads of moving to Nashville, or staying local as his career was taking off. He decided to stay in Northern KY and opened Bobby Mackey's Music World in 1978 next to the same railroad track he worked in his youth. Bobby Mackey's World could be named The Grand Ole Opry of NKY featuring live traditional country music that has featured the likes of George Jones...
2023-10-021h 29
The Necessary Entrepreneur#60 - Cordelia Heaney - CEO, Corporation for Findlay MarketThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Cordelia Heaney, President & CEO, Corporation for Findlay Market. Cordelia is an experienced leader in food access, gender equity and economic justice advocacy, with a background including non-profit, government and higher education. Her multi-sector knowledge brings unique skills to diverse organizations. Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market that connects farmers, producers, sellers, and customers since 1852. It is one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions, welcoming more than one million visitors each year. Findlay Market was voted Top 10 Public Markets in the World by Newsweek Magazine in 2019. Findlay Market Opening Day Parage is a legendary...
2023-09-251h 34
The Necessary Entrepreneur#59 - Will Clarke - NFL/XFL PlayerThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Will Clarke. Will played college football at West Virginia and was called up to the NFL when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014. He also played for the Arlington Renegades, the 2023 XFL Champions. Will coaches Union Raiders Youth Football, and is training to get back into the NFL. Mark & Will talk about growing up in Pittsburgh, the differences between college football, the NFL, and the XFL, the "dog mentality" of the greatest athletes, showing respect to get respect, coaching kids, giving without expectations, and how luxuries are the aftertaste effect from...
2023-09-182h 10
The Necessary Entrepreneur#58 - Ben Schmidt & Kelly Heekin - HOIST IV-Level HydrationThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Ben Schmidt, Purveyor of Hydration, and President Kelly Heekin from HOIST IV-Level Hydration. HOIST is unlike other hydration drinks because it closely matches your body's natural osmolality. It is 110% more hydrating that water with 3x the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks. HOIST is so effective, it's been chosen as the electrolyte hydration solution by the US Military and authorized by the Department of Defense. Mark, Ben, & Kelly talk about the origins of HOIST, as it began as a hangover cure more than a dozen years ago and how it...
2023-09-111h 42
The Necessary Entrepreneur#57 - Christian Gill - Executive ChefThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Chef Christian Gill. Christian is the company owner at Christian Gill's Culinary Gang and a Spiceologist at Spiceology. He found inspiration in his grandma's kitchen at a young age. He started his career as a cast member at Walt Disney World and then an executive chef at Cincinnati Art Museum. Later he opened Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey. He has been on the Food Network and Netflix including winning top prize in Guy's Grocery Games. He won again on Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge. He was victorious on Beat Bobby Flay and has been on Guy's Grocery Games: Sum...
2023-09-041h 49
The Necessary Entrepreneur#56 - John Drury - The Dancing TruckerThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes John "The Dancing Trucker" Drury. John is a super spreader of joy and social media sensation. With a huge following across social media platforms and millions of views on Tik Tok, John does what he does best, and that is dancing to make people smile. John is a truck driver. At one point he lost 100 lbs doing Zumba, eventually became a Zumba instructor. He's been on Steve Harvey, danced with Mario Lopez, and auditioned for America's Got Talent. After overcoming mass adversity in many facets of life, he now dances to promote peace. Mark & John t...
2023-08-282h 10
The Necessary Entrepreneur#55 - Mark Siebert - iFranchise GroupThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Mark Siebert, CEO of iFranchise Group. The iFranchise Group is a leading franchise consulting firm that offers strategic planning, operations training and documentation, franchise marketing and sales, advertising fund management, and franchise recruitment. Their consultants have helped thousands of businesses assess their franchise potential. They also help existing franchisors improve franchise sales effectiveness, generate more leads, decrease costs and improve franchisee relationships. Some of their clients include McDonald's, Shell, Subway, UPS Store, Yankee Candle, General Electric, Massage Envy, and more. Mark Siebert has been in the franchising space for almost 40 years. He is...
2023-08-2157 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#54 - Joel Willis - Channel 3 GamingThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Channel 3 Gaming founder, Joel Willis. Joel worked at GE for nearly 10 years. From there he became a humor writer, editor, and social media manager for Scary Mommy and then eventually editor in chief for The Dad. Joel co-wrote a book "Dad Law: The Definitive Reference for All Things Dad." After leaving The Dad, Joel founded Channel 3 Gaming, a new social platform for gamers. Mark & Joel talk about Joel's background and career, content creation, gaming as a means of social interaction, manufacturing memories, the importance of balance battling consistency rather than intensity, and that...
2023-08-141h 48
The Necessary Entrepreneur#53 - Bob Herzog - News PersonalityThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Cincinnati reporter and news personality Bob Herzog. Bob has been in the media business since the mid 90s. He joined WKRC, Local 12 in 2005 and currently anchors Good Morning Cincinnati with Sheila Gray. In 2023, Bob received the Joe Nuxhall Award for being a tremendous storyteller, broadcaster, and an advocate for communities in the Greater Cincinnati area. Bob loves time with his wife and four kids, as well as music and movies. Bob and Mark talk about being yourself, even if it's "weird normal", as well as all things Cincinnati, his family, traveling out west...
2023-08-072h 52
The Necessary Entrepreneur#52 - Mark Borison - Actor/Podcaster/DirectorThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Cincinnati Local Favorite, actor, podcaster, and director, Mark Borison. Mark & Mark discuss Joe Rogan, the Jungle Jim's International Market Podcast, various commercials starring Mark Borison, bad jobs, scarcity mindset, being stuck in metiocrity, being open to what the future can hold, what Cincinnati needs to get to the next level to avoid being a fly-over loaction, "no's" turning into "yesses", and doing shit is the quick way to opportunity. Find out more about Mark Borison: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarkening/ https://www.instagram.com/themarkening/?hl=en https://www.linkedin...
2023-07-312h 58
The Necessary Entrepreneur#51 - Susan Stone - Ubiquitous Energy, IncThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes 20-year investor, advisor, and CEO at Ubiquitous Energy (UE), Susan Stone. Mark & Susan talk about how Susan became CEO of UE, climate tech/clean tech, the secret of VC's, rating metrics 10+ yrs into a company vs early VC, what makes a great CEO, goal setting, solar window pricing, and more. Susan Stone has been a longtime board member and investor at UE. Prior to joining the company, she was the founder and CEO of Sierra Wasatch Capital, an early stage venture capital firm. She managed early stage investing for Riverhorse Investments, Inc., wor...
2023-07-241h 11
The Necessary Entrepreneur#50 - Andrew Amann - NineTwoThree Venture StudioThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Andrew Amann, the CEO and co-founder of NineTwoThree Venture Studio, a two-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company in the United States, and the leading mobile app development agency in Boston as ranked by Clutch.co. Since co-founding NineTwoThree Venture Studio in 2012, Andrew has helped launch 50 apps for funded startups and tech brands and launched 14 startups internally-funded startups. He is an experienced intrapreneur and entrepreneur. He is responsible for three patents for supply chain processes while he worked as a nuclear submarine engineer. He has successfully launched fourteen startups, including the digital business card solution, Inigo App, a...
2023-07-171h 03
The Necessary Entrepreneur#49 - Josh Sneed - Stand-Up Comedian & Co-Founder - Cincy ShirtsThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes stand-up comedian and Cincy Shirts co-founder, Josh Sneed. Josh is making his mark as one of the top young comics in the business. He quit his comfy day job at Procter & Gamble and followed his passion to make people laugh. He has been on Comedy Central, opened for various members of "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour", makes regular guest appearances on "The Bob & Tom Show", and has released comedy albums. Josh is also the co-founder of Cincy Shirts. Cincy Shirts is the premiere vintage t-shirt brand in Cincinnati that was created to honor the history...
2023-07-102h 35
The Necessary Entrepreneur#48 - Mike McFall - Co-Founder BIGGBY CoffeeThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Mike McFall, co-founder/co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, back to the show. Mike just released his new book "Grow". Mark & Mike talk about growing vs getting better, CFO disease, the calm in business, being a chameleon, street credibility, why only 1 in 37,000 entrepreneurs make it, and principles in the the book, "Grow". Find out more about Mike McFall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/ https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/mike.mcfall3 https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/meet-our-co-founders/ https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall?lang=en https...
2023-07-031h 22
The Necessary Entrepreneur#47 - Julie O'Neill - Speaker/AuthorThe Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes speaker & author, Julie O'Neill. Julie spent 30+ years in broadcast news where she interviewed Mother Teresa and other global icons in addition to chasing the news of the day. She recently released her debut book "BOLD" where she reveals key strategies she developed to secure big wins. She deconstructs big moments and how anyone can apply these principles to crash through their comfort zones and be bold in their endeavors. Mark & Julie dive into these principles, as well as the "two wolves in your ear", ego, feelings, why & why not, and having a strong board of...
2023-06-261h 50
Pawg Patrol PodcastPawg Patrol Podcast #10 - Flaming VansHello this is the REAL episode #10 and were here discussing Hasbullas heinous acts, Jonah calls Mark out for being a beta, our favorite TV show Milf Manor is making the rounds again and ESPN fake news?!
2023-04-1830 minPawg Patrol PodcastPawg Patrol Podcast #1 - Milf ManorIn the first ever episode of the Pawg Patrol Podcast Jonah and Mark discuss the first time they locked eyes, a gaming companies "odd" requests, a Buffalo Bills conspiracy, gofundme vs scammer and the boys new favorite TV show MIlf Manor.
2023-02-0626 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#11 - Annie Venerable, Kyle Draper, and Michelle MikelMark Perkins sits down with past guests Kyle Draper and Michelle Mikel along with new guest Annie Venerable. After a successful Pivolution event, the four sit to talk about overcoming fear and techniques for using your social media to your business advantage plus more!
2021-04-0636 min
The Necessary Entrepreneur#1 - Nick FoltzHost Mark Perkins interviews rock star realtor Nick Foltz. They talk growing a real estate network, what it means to commit, how goal setting has impacted his business, how relationships are the foundation of his massive success, working on cruise ships, and meeting John Travolta o the set of Gotti.
2021-01-031h 29