Shows
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[85] The Pickleball Entrepreneur. From Police Officer to Sales to Mega SuccessAshley Owen, co-founder of Court Reserve, discusses her amazing transformation from law enforcement to sales professional to pickleball industry leader in this captivating episode. Having no formal entrepreneurial experience, Ashley shares personal insights into the struggles and achievements of creating disrupting club court reservation software. Discover how Ashley's resilience, dedication, and Southern charm transformed Court Reserve from bootstrapped start-up to pandemic-fueled success. Learn about CourtReserve's innovative features, its social impact, and the role it plays in the explosive growth of the game.00:44 Introducing Ashley Owens02:09 The Birth of Court Reserve04:54 Challenges an...2025-06-1033 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[84] From Au Pair to Franchisor. The Single Mom That Won't QuitHow to go from a tiny studio to a thriving small business, all while raising two kids and dealing with life-changing crises?Join me for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Perry, founder of The Giggling Pig Arts and Pottery Studios, to learn about her amazing entrepreneurial journey. HIGHLIGHTS:➡️ How to build a business with no background in #entrepreneurship ➡️ Recovering from a devastating disaster and a life-changing challenge➡️ Hannah's key to success is how she picks franchisees➡️ The role of community support in small business➡️ How to achieve happiness with no regrets 2025-05-1640 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[83] The Shocking Truth About Depression And Entrepreneurial SuccessListen to my fascinating conversation with Dr. Shan Siddiqui, a Harvard Medical School NeuroPsychiatrist. Dr. Sidiqqui provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and his experience with entrepreneurship. As an expert in brain stimulation, Dr. Siddiqui offers hope for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions, while his insights on depression and addiction underscore the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental factors. Aspiring founders can benefit from his practical advice on common startup pitfalls, which emphasizes strategic focus, adaptable technology, and genuine problem-solving commitment. His personal journey and advocacy for destigmatizing men...2025-05-0942 min
The Sales Ninja Show PodcastThe Power of Inspired Teams & Delighted Customers with Zev AschIn this episode, we dive into the world of business transformation with Zev Asch, a seasoned expert in marketing, sales, leadership, and customer service. Zev’s decades of experience in coaching entrepreneurs has led him to create actionable strategies that help businesses stand out in today’s competitive market. We discuss how to motivate teams, delight customers, and set your business apart through powerful leadership and marketing techniques that drive real results.Key Topics:Differentiation in Business: Why standing out is no longer optional. Zev explains how businesses must differentiate themselves to thrive in a crowded mark...2025-05-0653 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[82] From autism diagnosis to becoming a mega successful bestselling authorBestselling thriller author JD Barker shares his journey from his Autism diagnosis at 22 to corporate finance to becoming a full-time mega successful novelist. In this candid interview, he reveals his entrepreneurial approach ("selling bananas") to writing and how he stands out in an increasingly crowded market.KEY INSIGHTS:➡️ The entrepreneurial mindset of a bestselling author➡️ Why authors must dare to think differently➡️ The best strategy of building an author brand and expanding readership➡️ Successful book promotional strategies➡️ The creative business magic of co-authoringCHAPTERS:...2025-04-1736 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[81] A Breakthrough in Injury Prevention & RecoveryDarren Lancaster is a serial entrepreneur. We discuss his journey from computer engineering to founding Go Sleeves, a company producing performance-enhancing athletic sleeves. Darren highlights his entrepreneurial philosophy, emphasizing iterative testing and collaboration with experts. He explains the science behind Go Sleeves, combining kinesiology tape principles with compression sleeves to improve recovery and performance. Our intimate and open conversation also covers Darren's insights into brand building, market validation, and the challenge of shifting consumer perception of the product from a remedial tool to a proactive performance enhancer.***GET 15% OFF WI...2025-02-0731 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[80] Why Self-Improvement is Key to Business SuccessEntrepreneurs take notice: Before you work on your business, work on yourself! Join me for an intimate and revealing conversation with George Andriopoulos and learn about his unconventional path to entrepreneurship success. George will share how paying his dues, embracing setbacks, and prioritizing strategic planning shaped his journey.Discover the power of timing, the value of collaboration ("Mazzie"), and why real-world experience is worth more than any textbook. Listen to get actionable insights, especially if you want to grow your business without compromise.HIGHLIGHTS:☛ The best advice for would-be entrepreneurs2024-12-3132 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[79] From Startup Burnout to BreakthroughIn this profoundly reflective episode, Foti Panagiotakopoulos, the founder of the immensely successful GrowthMentor platform (featuring over 700 mentors and nearly 50,000 mentoring hours), shares his transformative startup burnout awakening, rediscovering purpose and balance in life.Takeaways➡️ What is entrepreneurial or startup burnt? ➡️ The relationships between burnout and purpose➡️ The absolute MUSTS after dealing with burnout➡️ The warning signs and impact of too much tech and action steps to mitigate its adverse impact➡️ The importance of small, consistent winsIf you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone seeking a more profound purpose...2024-12-1231 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[78] The Entrepreneurial Mindset Of A Young MusicianWelcome to the intersection of music, culture, and entrepreneurship. Have you ever wondered what it takes to succeed as a musician in today’s world? Join me for an intimate conversation with Dudley Salmon, a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and educator. Dudley shares his inspiring journey, revealing the gritty reality behind the glamorous facade of the music industry. From the hustle of his early days to the strategic moves that led him to success, Dudley shares how his entrepreneurial mindset contributes to his ability to grow his business. Dudley performed and supported artists like Ta...2024-11-141h 06
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[77] Happiness Is Closer Than You ThinkCan you control your happiness? Is there a secret to achieving a consistent state of being happy? Engage in my heartfelt conversation with Sara and understand that achieving happiness is neither a secret nor a daunting challenge. Your journey must start with an introspective assessment of your present circumstances.Sara and I talked about her journey as a fitness coach and how she transitioned to helping clients find their purpose, which ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness. Notable quote: "Feelings are fictional because of subconscious patterns. " TakeawaysHow t...2024-11-021h 04
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[76] Unveiling The Connection Between Entrepreneurial Success, Spirituality, & PurposeThis podcast is for everyone, whether you are spiritual, religious, or an atheist!In this lively and insightful conversation, filled with both depth and humor, I talk with Dr. (Minister) John Page as we explore the intersection of #entrepreneurship, #spirituality, #leadership #personalgrowth.We discuss the importance of resilience, the role of a deeper purpose in business, and the need for humility in leadership. We touch on the differences between religion and spirituality, the problem of evil, and the significance of personal accountability. Through anecdotes and insights, we emphasize the value of recognizing and appreciating the c...2024-10-2355 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[75] Using Innovation to Revolutionizing Healthcare❓ Have you ever wondered why your doctor doesn't inform you about available innovative medical treatments?❓ Why are so many doctors required to use standard-of-care instead of individualized patient-centered care?"My guest, Dr. Robert Bard, knows the answer. He is a passionate physician with over 50 years of experience, not just a doctor but a visionary championing diagnostic and treatment innovations that improve outcomes and save lives.Dr. Bard has been honored with the 2022 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his lifelong dedication to Cancer Imaging and Clinical Research. He is a highly respected and sought...2024-10-1539 minThe Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[74]The Startup Entrepreneur Who Solved The Alcohol Morning-After Effects"I didn't start a company to cure hangovers...there was this incredible technology that allows us to engineer a bacteria to perform a function that people will benefit from."Join me for an exciting conversation with a young scientist with a Ph.D. in microbiology. We'll discuss his journey into entrepreneurship and his mission to utilize science and the body's natural processes to enhance lives. Specifically, we'll dive into his work on developing a remedy for the effects of excessive alcohol consumption or a hangover.Zach openly discusses why he became an entrepreneur despite negative...2024-09-261h 02
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[73] The entrepreneur on a mission to disrupt a broken medical model.Doctors experience burnout regularly because they must work in ways they know can be improved. The business model of medicine has adulterated the relationship between the physician and the patient. Decisions are made about what solutions to offer you, not because it's best for you or the least disruptive in your life. It's because that's how doctors make a living, and that's how the organization they work for makes a living. Russ Allen (yes, he fused his first and last name) has been an entrepreneur since he was 12. While in college, he chose to share a...2024-09-2054 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[72] Why I Became My Family's Business CompetitorAmish Shaw walked away from three generations of his family's diamond business to innovate an industry long overdue for change—a passionate leap into entrepreneurship that risked everything. In the traditional diamond industry, a diamond passes through eleven distribution points before it is displayed at a store. Each 'handler' adds their profit margin, resulting in only 1% of consumers being able to afford a diamond.Amish has a bold vision for his lab-grown diamond company, which bridges the gap between desire and affordability. Already, 62% of engagement rings are made with lab-grown diamonds. Highlights:2024-09-051h 16
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[71] Mastering the Art of Sales From Cold Calling to ClosingAlex Bruschi has spent his entire career in sales, making him uniquely qualified to uncover the secrets of successful sales reps and the skills and mindset that propel them."Sales is a powerful equalizer. Regardless of your background or education, you can do exceptionally well if you're good." - Alex BruschiWe explore the development of sales roles, the reasoning behind appointment setters and closers, how to foster a work environment that minimizes sales staff turnover, and much more.HIGHLIGHTS: The key to building trust and rapport with potential customersThe d...2024-08-281h 09
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[70] How To Negotiate Your Next RaiseFrom selling cars to helping employees unlock their true earning potential. Keri-Lynne (KL) shares her journey and mission: teaching women (and men) how to advocate for themselves. If you're an executive, manager, or employee aspiring for recognition and proper compensation, listen to this podcast and avoid leaving money on the negotiation table. KL has been in your shoes. With her candid approach and real-world examples, she discusses negotiation tactics, salary transparency, and the importance of investing in yourself.TAKEAWAYS:Self-advocacy and negotiation skills are crucial for individuals in the corporate wo...2024-08-221h 17
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[69] How To Break Free From Soul-Crushing Corporate Job TraumaFeeling trapped in a soul-crushing job? Is choosing entrepreneurship your escape from misery? Before you leap into the deceptively unknown, watch this podcast. Karen Cooper's YouTube video might be the eye-opener you need.Karen is an ex-corporate professional and a coach. She shares her raw journey as a working mother juggling it all. She tackles the rarely discussed topic of corporate trauma and its unique impact, especially on women entrepreneurs.This isn't just another burnout story. Karen's journey is about transformation and rediscovering purpose. She offers honest insights on:- Shedding o...2024-08-151h 11
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[68] The Working Mom's Secret To Success"The word sales immediately generates an icky feeling." - Ashley Beck CuellarIf you're a working mom, entrepreneur, small business owner, or anyone focused on growing your business, this podcast is for you. Join me for an exciting and fun conversation with sales expert Ashely Beck Cuellar (pronounced Kway-R), who describes herself as a Sales Mama doing Yoga. Yes, sales may be 'icky', but without revenue, your business will disappear.Ashley cautions that sales success is not about closing deals but forging genuine connections and providing exceptional value. We dive into...2024-08-081h 06
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[67] Breaking through the million dollar revenue barrierEver wondered how to scale your small business from a million-dollar enterprise to a multi-million-dollar powerhouse? Can you crack the top-line revenue number you've been stuck on? Join me for a dynamic, intimate conversation with growth marketing expert Hamlet Azarian.From a modest background as the son of a single-mom hairdresser, Hamlet Azarian has carved a unique path, helping startups break through the one-million-dollar revenue barrier. His journey is a testament to the power of real-world experience and data-driven strategies. Discover how his story can inspire and guide you to grow your business.In this...2024-08-011h 07The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[66] Unmasking Hidden Opportunities: The Data Analytics Detective's PlaybookData analytics is way more exciting than it sounds!Luke Komiskey, founder of Data Drive, explains how start-up entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses can harness the power of data to challenge assumptions and help them make smarter decisions. Without tech talk, Luke explains complex concepts like data engineering. Data is like detective work. When done right, it often uncovers growth and profit opportunities, like a science museum that found donors by looking at their data.Whether you're a data newbie or a business owner looking to up your game, the secret to...2024-07-2444 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[65] The Game-Changing Impact Of Gen-AI On Marketing Sales & Customer ServiceThis quote sums up Vikram Ekambaram's fascinating journey: "I hated computer science, so when I graduated, I got an MBA in Marketing and thought I wanted to be in marketing and sales. I hated sales, too, and a friend approached me and asked if I wanted to come to the US and be a programmer. I figured now was the time to use my computer science degree." Vikram Ekambaram, the founder of Visceral Solutions, has extensive experience working with American Express, Microsoft, Oracle, Tableau, and Gong. He shares his practical and down-to-earth observations about technology in general an...2024-07-221h 15
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[64] Stop Online Fraud from Ruining Your BusinessBusinesses, especially small businesses, rely on online lead generation and transactions. They also recognize (sometimes too late) the impact and opportunity cost of fraudulent leads on their business.Entrepreneurs: are they born or made? In Rich Kahn's case, he seemed destined for it. From a young age, he was drawn to programming, and with perseverance, risk, and courage, he bootstrapped and built multimillion-dollar web properties.Rich Kahn has finally found his true calling and dedicates his career to combating online fraud using his proprietary and proven platform, which guarantees minimal or no false positives.2024-07-091h 02
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[63] From Small Village To Entrepreneurship: An Inspiring Journey of ResilienceThis is an inspiring story of a woman who rose from poverty in her village to being dubbed the "Shakira of Asia" and voted Diva by Asia Life Magazine. Dona is known for her talents as a singer, songwriter, and DJ; she has even started her record label. Additionally, she has ventured into acting and has become a successful entrepreneur after meeting her husband, co-founding one of Asia's largest business executives' peer networks.Dona's remarkable journey from talented singer to successful actress and TV presenter showcases the power of staying committed to goals and perseverance. Dona used...2024-07-0552 minThe Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[62] How Fitness Beat CancerLife was great; Rebecca married the love of her life, her business was growing, and then cancer showed up unannounced. "You have terminal ovarian cancer and seven to ten months to live." Rebecca Lynn Torres, a personal trainer and functional medicine health coach, shares her journey of finding her passion and building a successful career in the fitness industry and how life prepared her to beat ovarian cancer. Becky started with a love for sports and dance, which led her to become a soccer coach and eventually transition into personal training. She emphasizes the importance of...2024-05-211h 03
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[61] Giving Voice To Thousands Of Small Business OwnersTerri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, shares insights on the Long Island small business community, which has 100,000 businesses, of which 90% employ fifty or fewer people. Terri emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors, prioritizing customer service, and building strong customer relationships.She has spent years with Dale Carnegie and discusses the sales role in generating revenue, emphasizing the need for businesses to embrace continuous learning and open-mindedness. Terri also highlights the significance of hiring for attitude and culture fit. She concludes with a discussion on the value of doing what you love and being kind to others...2024-05-161h 02
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[60] The man who transformed #Pickleball Into A Thriving International SportCan a sixty-five-year-old woman beat a 30-year-old man in #Pickleball? Meet Seymour Rifkind, one of the original Pickleball entrepreneurs. He shares the real, firsthand story behind the game's origin and why it's called Pickleball. Seymour's tireless efforts introduced the game to over fifty countries, and his early vision of what the game was lacking was a key factor in transforming Pickleball into a professional sport. Rif is a 5.0-rated player who has won medals in the US Open, regional, and national tournaments. He is also the President and Founding member of the World Pickleball Federation. Ri...2024-04-041h 01
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[59] From Submarine Naval Officer to leadership coachingTom Sicola takes us on a captivating journey from his days as a submarine naval officer, where he learned the invaluable lessons of teamwork and purpose, to the corporate world, where he witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of the infamous Peter Principle.Tom embarks on an entrepreneurial adventure with a burning desire to help corporate leaders and business owners unlock their true potential. Tom highlights the need for training and development in leadership positions and the importance of creating a fulfilling work environment.***HIGHLIGHTS***➡️ How coaching can help individuals achieve their greatest potential...2024-04-031h 00
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[58] Your child will never speak. I proved them wrong.Nichole Daher, founder of Success on the Spectrum, shares her personal connection to Autism and her journey of starting the first ABA therapy franchise in the US. Nicole emphasizes the need for emotional connection with customers, good ABA professionals, and building trust with parents.Nicole shares how she differentiates her clinics from schools or other forms of Autism therapy and emphasizes the need for passion and dedication in running a successful franchise and aligning with franchisees who share her mission.TakeawaysStarting a business often arises from a personal need or frustration w...2024-03-291h 02
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[57] The Royal Restroom EmpireDavid Sauers co-founded Royal Restrooms, a luxury portable restroom trailer company. David focused on marketing to the event industry and offering a cleaner and more pleasant restroom experience. He emphasizes the importance of providing a unique customer experience and targeting higher-end events.David's business grew organically through word-of-mouth, but he faced challenges in convincing event organizers of the value of his higher-priced solution. David's journey highlights the importance of niche marketing and providing a superior product in a competitive industry. David emphasizes the importance of taking risks and working hard to succeed. He also highlights the significance...2024-03-1956 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[56] How Family And Heritage Drives Entrepreneurial SuccessJoin Sam and Hal Zeitlin in captivating stories as they share their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys. Coming from different backgrounds but sharing a Jewish heritage, they discuss how collaboration and learning together have helped them scale their businesses. Whether baking delicious bagels or creating websites using Webflow, the principles of building a successful business are similar, in this engaging conversation, you'll discover:☛ The challenges of meeting high expectations in the competitive food industry and the importance of collaboration.☛ The growth and success of their businesses, Zeitlin's Deli and Candid Leap, and the significance of building a solid...2024-03-0555 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[55] Level Up Your Marketing Game: Play To Win With Smart Bets!This podcast is for you if you're an entrepreneur or a small business owner, especially a SaaS founder. This is a raw and honest discussion about marketing. Justyna Ciecierska-Göçeryan (Justi) and I rant about common mistakes by Saas founders and small business owners and the proven ways to get more out of marketing. When you start a business, you may experience growth at first, but eventually, you reach a point where you cannot grow any further. Justi refers to this as "going from zero to one and getting stuck there." This applies to startups and established bu...2024-02-211h 05
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[54] The Secret to Entrepreneurial Success: Shift Your Mindset From Wealth To PurposeIf you loved Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" talk, this is the street-smart version from a young Israeli entrepreneur.Itay Forer dove into entrepreneurship as an Israeli student living in New York City. He openly shares his down-to-earth and transparent reasons for becoming an entrepreneur and his invaluable reality check. If you want to succeed in business, Itay's raw and street-smart advice is a must-have roadmap to beating tough odds.☛ "If you have the willpower and want to do things out of the ordinary, go for it. "☛ Itay never asked for or nee...2024-01-251h 04
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[52] Teen Prodigy: Meet The 16-year-old Entrepreneur Making Waves!You may not have heard of Moldova, a small country of only 2.5 million that borders Romania and Ukraine. It is unlikely that you have encountered a young man as ambitious and inspiring as Cristian Frunze, who is a high school student and already a successful entrepreneur. Despite the country's lack of access to many resources that Americans enjoy, Cristian has managed to tackle the daily challenges that even many older adults face. He recognizes that productivity is the key to success and has a simple yet powerful schedule in place to stay focused. Key...2024-01-1156 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[51] STEVE WARE: "I Never Set Out To Help Anybody Other Than Myself."Have you ever worked for a company that had an active program to improve the well-being of its employees? I'm not talking about just a standard medical plan but ongoing resources that help you deal with stress, anxiety, and other obstacles that can hinder personal and professional fulfillment. If you did, you're lucky and one of a select few who never felt alone at work. Meet Steve Ware, a plain-spoken, unpretentious bloke (a UK term for a simple guy) who shares how he picked his favorite football (soccer) team, discovered mindfulness, and his mission to...2023-10-311h 12The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[50] Jesi Stracham: "I am very lucky to just be a paraplegic."On January 18th, 2015, a devastating motorcycle accident changed Jesi Stracham's life. She was twenty-two years old. "The last thing I remember is everything going black. And then, at some point, I saw my Grandmother, and she said, "Jesi Mae, it's not your time..."Through grueling back surgeries and rehabilitation, Jesi is determined not to let her condition shape her life. She's in control of her life, her physical and emotional being. Jesi is a sought-after speaker and an entrepreneur. She manages a few businesses while dedicating her life to helping wh...2023-10-121h 05
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[49] Curtis Matsko: From Sobriety to $120+ Million Entrepreneurial SuccessYour search is over. If you're a business owner or a startup founder who has yet to find the formula for successfully growing your business while maintaining a happy work-life balance. Cutis Matsko, the CEO of a growing $120+ business, proudly declares, "I've had a great life, and I am nearly always happy!" Curtis shares his early struggle with alcoholism and the event that inspired his leather goods business. He backs his self-proclaimed "I'm a marketing genius" with impressive accomplishments and ongoing success.Spoiler alert: You will not hear about marketing hacks...2023-09-271h 01
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[48] Chad Brown: How To Spot Patterns That Get In The Way Of SuccessIn this episode of the Entrepreneur Next Door, you'll meet Chad Brown, who became an entrepreneur at fifteen and found his calling after multiple pivots in his career. "Fathering teenage girls is one of the greatest leadership lessons."If my relationship with my wife is terrible, I can’t be effective as a coach leader. His first sales job was as a sales rep for his father’s drywall business. It colored and defined Chad’s professional future.Chad takes a psychology class and gets hooked: “A space where we can discuss the humanness of life.”2023-09-261h 02The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[47] Pia Wendelbo: Humanizing how business is doneEvery business dreams of growth and scaling up. Successfully growing your business only happens by expanding your team. Listen to my guest and get valuable insights on how to manage change and people to ensure a smoother transition later on. I prefer to introduce Pia Wendelbo as something other than an 'expert' in change management since the (overused) term often exaggerates one's accomplishments. However, Pia has amassed a wealth of experience in diverse fields, making her exceptionally effective in leading, directing, and managing organizational change.Here are a few highlights of our conversation: 2023-09-2358 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[46] Irit Levi: "If I can't figure it out in 5 minutes, I'm not recommending it."Irit Levi, "The Secret Tapes." Well, not really. I invited Irit to do a follow-up interview for last year's podcast. A lot has changed with Irit's business, and I wanted her on video so she could be part of my new YouTube podcast line-up. Irit Levi is a source of inspiration for women who strive to balance their roles as a mother, wife, and successful business owner while keeping up with the demands of maintaining a Jewish tradition. Many women (and men) dream of achieving the healthy and productive balance Irit has found in her...2023-09-181h 39
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[44] LoRen gReiFf: "People hire people. They do not hire resumes."Loren Greiff (who purposely plays with how her name is displayed) is a super successful executive career coach. I invited her to the podcast because the key to success in building and growing a business is hiring the right talent. Loren is a self-declared "Idiot Savant" with a talent to visualize, "I treat life like a pallet." And she gives kudos to Grandma, who Loren calls "the bad-ass in the family." Loren attributes her success to the smart strategic move she made to "Learn from the Masters." and sharpen her tools - I wanted to lear...2023-09-0756 minThe Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[45] Ernie Harker: Facing Down The Dream KillerThis podcast is about a career journey that showcases the value of pursuing personal interests and leveraging individual strengths.As a teenager, Ernie aspired to be a Disney artist but started his career as an illustrator for an ad agency. Frustrated with corporate bureaucracy and low pay, he jumps ship and becomes an independent artist. From there, he developed a passion and expertise in branding and opened a branding agency.Ernie's twin brother is a licensed therapist who diagnosed him with a unique "Hyperactive Productivity Disorder." It's not an official diagnosis, but both brothers focus...2023-08-081h 21
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[43] Shlomo Genchin: Copywriting Is Not Just Stringing Words Together.I've worked in marketing for years, and I rarely say this: this young man is one of the most talented marketers I've come across in a long time. Shlomo Genchin possesses similar intuitive brilliance that drew me to Seth Godin many years ago. Listen to my intimate conversation and the evolution of a talented marketer. Get to know him; you won't regret it. Copywriters are entrepreneurs, too. On this episode of The Entrepreneur Next Door podcast, you'll meet an amazingly talented young copywriter with an equally impressive entrepreneurial journey. Join me for a refreshing and i...2023-07-211h 02
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[42] Tess Nyman: "I am not leaving this place without a job."Join me for a candid conversation with a courageous Ugandan woman who overcame challenges, balanced her professional and personal life, and contributed to a noble cause.How does a twenty-year-old get a job as an HR manager with zero experience? (Hint: the title of the podcast.)The surprising way Tess trained herself for a job she was not qualified for.Why did Tess choose HR as a career path with an MBA and two degrees in psychology?How Tess' marital challenge and a move back to Finland propels her into entrepreneurship and reconnects her with her home country. A...2023-07-211h 15
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[40] Paul Katz: "We're all going to die. Now is the time to learn how to play the piano."Join me for an inspiring podcast episode featuring Paul Katz, a highly successful entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success in the competitive music industry. Paul's fascinating journey encompasses working with renowned organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, alongside collaborating with influential figures such as Kevin Bacon, Ziggy Marley, and Desmond Tutu, among others. With an impressive portfolio that includes Oscar-winning movies and collaborations with global music stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Paul's expertise spans various domains. Discover how Paul harnessed the power of influencers, adapted to the...2023-06-161h 05
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[39] Rich Litvin: "Effective Coaching Messes With Your Thinking."I vividly recall my exhilaration when Rich Litvin graciously accepted my invitation to appear as a guest on the podcast. I deeply admire Rich, and the wisdom and insights you'll gain are invaluable. Rich is a masterful transformational coach who works exclusively with high-performing leaders and coaches. His extraordinary ability to forge profound connections with anyone he engages in a conversation or coaches captivates me.Join me on this extraordinary podcast, where we delve into the mind of Rich Litvin, exploring his unique approach to coaching and his remarkable ability to empower individuals to unleash the...2023-05-2348 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[38]: Jahmaal Marshall. "Before You Help People You Need To Help Yourself."Jahmaal Marshall is blessed with a natural ability to help people. He's been doing it since he was a teenager. Listen to Jahmaal's journey, how his childhood traumatic experience defined his future and career, and why he strongly feels that "what we believe about ourselves is often hardwired into a traumatic event."Here are key nuggets from our session together:Jahmaal's journey in/out of prison (not what you think)Why he calls himself a Biblical Counselor, and what he means by "I'm not religious."The difference between living and existingThe difference between coaching...2023-05-0358 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[37] Awet Woldegebriel: "In one second, I learned about the fragility of life."As a society flooded by images and new stories, we’ve become numb to tragedies here and abroad; a Tesla commercial follows a CNN coverage of thousands of refugees living in sub-standard conditions, or a new record of Covid deaths followed by a BOGO (Buy One Get One) free commercial. We may feel a tang of emotion, yet, we can’t help ourselves to be numb. This podcast is about hope and a salute to the few who decide to act and make a difference. Meet Awet, whose experiences have shown him how frag...2023-04-181h 09
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[36] Adam Robinson: "How we beat the "SaaS slow ramp of death."If you're looking for an authentic and inspiring entrepreneurial success story, this podcast episode with Adam Robinson is a must-listen. Adam's transparent and detailed account of his journey is a gem. He shares strategies, technical insights, and valuable lessons he's learned. His story is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering starting their own business, especially in the competitive Software as a Service (SaaS) industry.Adam bootstrapped Robly to an eight-figure exit and publicly shares how he plans to grow his new venture, Retention.com, to a one billion dollars valuation by the end of 2023...2023-04-071h 21
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[35] Peter Murphy Lewis: "The human return on investment is superior to anything else."Peter was born crosseyed and, for years, was bullied by his schoolmates. He had corrective surgeries when he was two, four, ten, thirteen, and nineteen. When you listen to his crazy (and adventurous) journey, you can understand how this experience shaped his tenacity and grit. At twenty-seven, in the middle of his Ph.D. studies, a non-malignant colon cancer diagnosis sparks a "midlife crisis" and propels Peter into entrepreneurship; he quit school and dove into entrepreneurship by opening a biking, walking, wine, golf, and high-end luxury package touring company. This is when Peter discovers that "w...2023-03-2854 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[34] Rui Boom: Breaking free from routine and embracing the unknown."Buckle up and get the popcorn ready; it's a longer podcast worth listening to every minute. When your guest opens the conversation with a profound quote from Confucius - "We have two lives; the second begins when we realize we only have one" - you know you're in for a deeply personal conversation.Rui Boom grew up in Portugal and wanted to become an international soccer player. However, he followed his parents' wishes and pursued a more conventional path as a Finance major. What happens next? He takes a leap of faith, "embraces the unknown"...2023-03-161h 22
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[33] Ferol Vernon: "Hey Dad, we're out of gas."Vernon grew up in an entrepreneurial family: His father ran a hotel, and his mother was an artist. His introduction to running a business started when his father told him, "I'm done mowing the lawn; it's your job now." Vernon and his wife "bet the farm" and took the plunge into entrepreneurship. They own a media company that helps authors and publishers to connect with more readers, a tough problem in a challenging industry. Their mission was to offer authors an effective, reliable channel for book marketing at a time when other book promoters often "took advantage of...2023-03-091h 00
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[32] Chris Hennessy: Did the crime. Did the time and it transformed his life.Chris Hennessy is a "sweets guy" always looking for a snack (chocolate preferred). He has a golden voice and an upbeat personality. Not what you would expect when you listen to his story. In his early years, Chris aspired to be a vet, worked at a jail, and did some construction jobs. But, in his 20s, his life took a downward spiral, as he, in his words, "went crazy" and ended up in prison.Chris reveals his experience living in a confined and hard environment, something few of us can relate to. Being isolated from so...2023-02-2456 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[31] Brenden Kumarasamy: An accidental opportunity that alleviated my family out of povertyBrenden's competitive drive was fueled by a father that told him he would never be successful. Fast forward to college when Brenden signs up for "case competitions," where students present to large corporations and nail a position if they do well. The odds? 300 presenters, 70 get picked. Find out how Brenden was able to shortcut 40 years of knowledge into four by perfecting and winning case competitions. Then, you ask yourself, "Wow, he scratched the winning lotto ticket [a to-die-for career opportunity with IBM) and walked away?"The secret to Brenden's success? "I won because I...2023-02-1559 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[30] Dominick Miserandino. "If you have an opportunity to change things, why wouldn't you?"At 12, Dominick cleaned his neighbor's backyard to save money to buy one $30 share of Disney, unlike what the average boy his age would be doing. Growing up in Brooklyn and watching everyone around him struggle financially motivated him to "change" things. Next came starting a nonprofit for the homeless as an Eagle Scout. Entrepreneurship was like jumping into the pool and saying, "wow, the water is cold." In 1995, way ahead of its time, Dominick started an online blogging news site called the Celebrity Cafe (similar to today's Buzzfeed). At its peak, it had...2023-02-1046 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[29] Steve Braker: The action-thriller entrepreneur"I wanted to have enough money to live comfortably by age 50. I didn't know how to do it, but I knew I would do it." What's the connection between writing action-thriller novels (my favorites) and entrepreneurship? On this podcast, Steve Braker takes us through his journey as he transitioned from being a successful business owner to the highly competitive world of book publishing. Steve opened his first serious business, an English language school in Leicester Square in the UK. He built it from one room above a Chinese restaurant to a four-story building with fifteen cla...2023-01-2454 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[28] ZINEB LAYACHI: SMILE YOU'RE ON VIDEOMany people take podcasting too seriously. Of course, if I'm asking you to spend an hour listening, you want and deserve a return on your investment. Well, here's an hour plus of what we call "edutainment" - educational entertainment. A journey of a brilliant, genuine, and fun woman with an impressively large following (26,000 on Linked) and, most importantly, someone who loves to laugh while making a difference. A clue to this podcast's treat is in Zineb's photo: That big smile means, "I work my butt off but laughing and having fun is never optional." ...2023-01-091h 18
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[27] Chris Joyce: "You Never Kill A bad Idea."The measure of a true business is answering the question: What happens when you die? If you die and the business dies, that was a nice job, not a business. Buckle up for a fun hour listening to an experienced, passionate, opinionated, successful entrepreneur. Some of the topics we discuss are:What happened when Chris was nine-years-old that put him on an entrepreneurship trajectory?Are leaders born or made?How did Chris turn torturous daily 200-300 cold calls into productive selling? Why a philosophy of "you never kill a bad idea" is fundamental for successWhy every comp...2023-01-051h 08The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[26] SHARON SCIAMMAS: "For the first time in years, I'm doing what I really love."Every one of us goes through "What am I going to do next? What makes me happy?" While some entrepreneurs find their calling quickly, for others, like my guest Sharon Sciammas, it has taken a few side trips and explorations before reaching his destination. You can hear the energy and excitement in Sharon Sciammas when he speaks about his childhood wanting to become an Israeli fighter pilot, an astronaut, or a Prime Minister. Sharon's early years, after he serves in the Israeli army, take him on a wild ride from cycling semi-professionally to door-to-door selling to...2022-12-2855 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[25] MARIA SIROTNIKA: I had to decide; get a job or stick with being a business owner.I waited to release this podcast before the Holidays because my guest is so inspiring. You'll be drawn into Maria's energy, genuine care for people, fierce independence, and insatiable curiosity about the world and giving back.Maria grew up in a small town in Russia. From a young age, she aspired to be a journalist, travel the world, and share what she experienced outside her home country. At sixteen, she moved to Moscow on a full scholarship and studied international journalism, only to realize that it might not be a 'safe' career in her homeland. Sh...2022-12-2257 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[24] JOHN KOLLMEIER: The uncompromising entrepreneurial journey of a toxic mess cleanerStop and think for a few minutes.Everything we consume goes through a process that requires machinery and ingredients, which generate waste (solid or liquid) that is left behind and has to be disposed of. We call it toxic waste, industrial contaminants that can't go away independently.Here's the thing: We have many of them under our kitchen and bathroom sinks, but we don't drink them. In contrast, industrial toxic waste makes its way into underground water sources that we end up ingesting, getting sick, and could cause us to die.Disposing of...2022-12-061h 05The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[23] LORI SCHNIPPER: There are no selfies when you're in sales. You have to earn the business.Meet Lori, the Superwoman of Sales. From hardcore yellow pages sales to pension plans to veterinary sales, medical diagnostics/sleep apnea. "Working with children gave me a headache." So four years in college preparing to be a teacher went out the window. "I love conversations with guests who are blatantly open about their journey. Lori shares what so many of us go through when choosing a path in life; in her case, from a social worker to selling a dating service, where her big revelation happens "I realized I was actually in sales and had s...2022-10-291h 12
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[22] BERNADETTE NAGY: Why can't you decide to just be happy and skip life coaching?I have always admired people that dare to uproot themselves to find happiness. At 7, Bernadette starts her journey when her parents move from Hungry to Austria. Fast-forward to today, she's got six countries under her belt, and oh, by the way, you also must learn the language spoken in each country. She does that too. When you listen to her story, it is evident that Bernadett loves people. A turning point in her journey occurs when she decides to become an event manager after being a Nanny. Why does she keep moving? "I follow my hea...2022-10-1355 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[21] SAM & HAL ZEITLIN: A Michelin Chef and his politics dropout brother"What type of bagels do you serve in a post-divorce party?" You'll have to listen to find out. This is the story of two brothers, twenty months apart, who lost their mother at a young age and were raised by a devoted father. Both, (shout out to Dad) are united by their desire for public service and giving back. One brother, Sam, loves to cook and gets to work at a Michelin-rated restaurant, only to realize that a neverending corporate-style rat race to an imaginary top isn't aligned with his values or desires. Hal...2022-09-2759 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[20] JEFF HERZOG: From hustling at a young age to owning a nationwide executive recruiting business"I was in an MBA program, my wife was pregnant with twins, and I had a great job and income. My Dad asked me if I wanted to go into business for myself. I dropped everything and did it. " There may never be a 'perfect' time to leave the comfort of a well-paying job, but if the person selling you a franchise has done just that (leave at the imperfect time), you should probably listen to what he has to share. This is a father-and-son success story, one where the father (Ron) wanted h...2022-09-091h 03
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[19] PRECIOUS WILLIAMS: From a St. Louis hood to Shark Tank (no deal) to Mega SuccessMeet Precious. She's not a tennis player who grew up with supportive parents; she's not Oprah... she's a little girl from a St. Louis hood who, as early as five, decided she wanted to be a talk show host. She never stopped dreaming, managed what life threw at her, and with her grandmother by her side was able to achieve her dream. "There is nothing that is out of reach. You may go through some trauma or stress to get there, but if you recognize and conquer fear, you'll always be able to do what you lo...2022-09-0159 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[18] DIV MENACHEM: How to fix a broken teacup. Giving voice to the unspoken.Meet Div, a brilliant woman with an engineering degree and two masters (marketing and cyber security). What comes next is not a rapid climb up the corporate ladder but a journey of introspection and discovering that mindfulness and self-care are the keys to long-term happiness. Div is openly sharing the milestone in her life where she discovered that she was overwhelmed with anxiety and stress and had to do something about it. There's a Div in each one of us, but sadly we often lack the courage to admit our challenges and, most importantly, actually do something a...2022-08-191h 04
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[17] MICHAEL KATZ: The Newsletter Guy. Narrowness is how you get traction in a market."I do newsletters." Michael, "the newsletter guy" is direct, funny, unpretentious, and proves that when you focus on one thing you're really good at, you'll succeed. Narrowness is how you get traction in a market. While the term "newsletter" is somewhat old school, there's nothing old about Michael's approach to writing and his method of picking clients. If I client wants to hire him to take a 'chore' off their plate, they are not a good fit. The perfect client is someone who sells something that is identical to the competition. Micha...2022-06-251h 07
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[16] TRICIA BROUK: the speaking coachEveryone wants to get on stage and speak. Most of us are scared s#(#*@less about public speaking but overcome our fear for what we perceive will be monetary rewards that are worth the anxiety and efforts. Before you dream about being a speaker, listen to these revealing, behind-the-scenes insights into what it really takes to succeed. Tricia's high school yearbook blurb might as well have been "less likely to be a speaker." All she wanted to be "from the moment I saw my sister dance, I knew all I wanted to be was a da...2022-06-161h 01