SharkPreneur

4/29/2026

What happens when a simple, innovative idea becomes a $55 million business?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Kevin Harrington and Seth Greene speak with Kris Dehnert, the founder of Dugout Mugs, who shares the incredible story of turning a baseball bat into one of the coolest and most successful drinking mugs in the world. From scaling the business by triple digits to leveraging unique customer acquisition strategies, Kris walks us through his journey of success, challenges, and growth. He also reveals how he diversified the product line and the lessons learned along the way, building a brand that is now a household name in the sports industry.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of focusing on the right metrics, like customer experience. → Creative strategies for gaining customers through email and text messaging. → The role of feedback and customer insight in shaping product offerings and business direction. → How to build a brand with strong customer service and high engagement. → Why creating a lifestyle business gives entrepreneurs freedom to travel and enjoy life. Kris Dehnert is the CEO and owner of Dugout Mugs®, a company that makes unique, MLB-licensed products for baseball fans. He is also the founder of Dehnert Media Group and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in various industries, including real estate, apparel, hard goods, and affiliate marketing. With a focus on e-commerce and social media, Kris has generated over $65 million in online sales. At Dehnert Media, he advises businesses on improving their sales, marketing, eCommerce, and social media strategies, emphasizing fun, efficient systems and maximizing time and network value.   Kris also runs Bigg Golf, a venture dedicated to manufacturing innovative golf products. Kris is passionate about finding businesses with potential and helping them thrive with his expertise and vision.   Connect With Kris:   Dugout Mugs: https://dugoutmugs.com/? Denhert Media Group: https://www.dehnertmediagroup.com/ Bigg Golf: https://bigggolf.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dugoutmugs X: https://x.com/KrisDehnert Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DehnertMediaGroup

4/27/2026

What if the most powerful tool in your business was the one that truly understood you better than you understand yourself?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Kevin Harrington and Seth Greene interview Rich Schefren, owner of Strategic Profits, who discusses his most personal and groundbreaking innovation yet: Zenith Mind. Known as the "guru to the gurus," Rich has helped many entrepreneurs scale—but when he faced his own internal challenge, he turned to AI to develop a tool that would understand him deeply. What began as a personal solution has grown into a transformative system that combines self-awareness, performance psychology, and AI-powered mentorship.   Key Takeaways: → Why AI’s biggest strength is pattern recognition. → Why most advice falls short, and how personalized AI flips the script. → How the Zenith Mirror Score shows how well your AI knows you. → How AI can expose lifelong personal patterns that most don’t even realize they are repeating. → The ultimate vision: AI as a therapist, business strategist, partner, and friend. Rich Schefren is widely recognized as an Internet marketing pioneer and one of the world’s leading experts in online business strategy. As the founder of Strategic Profits in 2005, Rich has made it his mission to turn struggling opportunity seekers into successful entrepreneurs. Throughout his career, he has coached some of the world's top online business gurus and helped his clients increase their revenues by billions of dollars. Rich has a proven track record of success, having grown three of his own businesses to 7-figure annual revenues. He is credited with authoring the first “viral” free business report and popularizing online business coaching in 2005. In 2009, he invented the first automated webinar, further revolutionizing the online business landscape. With his deep understanding of business strategy, Rich continues to be a key influencer in the world of online entrepreneurship.   Connect With Rich:   Website: https://richschefren.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealrichschefren/ X: https://x.com/richschefren Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrategicProfitsHQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-schefren/

4/22/2026

What if the career you worked hardest for is actually the thing keeping you stuck?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Chirag Chaudhari, MD, Emergency Physician, Real Estate Syndicator, Investor Educator, who shares how he transitioned from trading time for money in a high-income medical career to building scalable wealth through passive investing and disciplined due diligence. He breaks down how he has helped over 250 physicians access alternative investments, mitigate risk, and move toward true financial freedom.   Key Takeaways: → Passive investing allows your money to work without requiring additional time from you. → Traditional retirement vehicles can limit growth relative to alternative investments. → The best investors focus on mitigating downside risk before pursuing upside. → Transparency and communication are non-negotiable in any investment partnership. → Financial freedom changes how you show up in your career because you choose to work rather than needing to.  Dr. Chirag Chaudhari is an emergency medicine physician turned real estate syndicator, known as the “Physician Fiduciary” for busy professionals. After years in medical leadership, he shifted careers after a defining “no,” prompting him to rethink his definition of success and begin what he calls his real estate fellowship. What began with a few rental properties alongside his wife has grown into a portfolio of 787 units spanning multifamily conversions, land syndications, ground-up construction, short-term rentals, and oil and gas funds. For Chirag, investing is about more than numbers. He treats each deal with the same care as a physician, conducting thorough due diligence so professionals can invest confidently, without added stress. His journey reflects resilience and a mission to help others achieve financial freedom.   Connect With Chirag: Website: https://thesyndicationdoctor.com/

4/20/2026

If your prospects aren’t making decisions as they used to, it may not be your offer; it may be how their brains process it.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Paul Ross, Elite Sales Trainer, who shares how his background in hypnosis and NLP led to a breakthrough understanding of how decisions are made and why most salespeople target the wrong part of the brain. He explains how language patterns, focus, and suggestion can help entrepreneurs and financial professionals dramatically improve conversions in today’s distracted, fast-moving market.   Key Takeaways: → Buying decisions are made subconsciously. → Prospects must trust themselves before trusting you. → Suggestion is more powerful than direct persuasion. → Traditional rapport-building techniques are increasingly ineffective. → Objections often stem from a lack of psychological positioning.   For 30 years, Paul Ross has been the secret weapon for sales leaders who've exhausted conventional methods. He mastered influence in the most brutal testing ground - dating - so effectively that Tom Cruise played a character based on him in Magnolia. When clients mapped his techniques to sales and started crushing numbers, Paul saw the gap: everyone pushes facts while buying decisions happen unconsciously. So he built The Subconscious Sales Advantage - using hypnotic language to bypass resistance and create buying states in minutes. Clients see 30%+ increases in 90 days. Paul's mission: arm driven sales leaders with psychological tools their competition doesn't know exist - so they stop grinding and start dominating.   Connect With Paul: Website: https://www.speakerpaulross.com/

4/17/2026

Hiring the wrong contractor doesn’t just cost money, it can turn your entire project into a nightmare.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jon Grishpul, Co-Founder of GreatBuildzs, a platform dedicated to helping homeowners find ethical, vetted contractors. With a background in marketing, technology, and consulting, Jon combines his expertise with insights into the construction industry to address one of the most frustrating problems homeowners face. He explains how contractor scams work, why most online listings are misleading, and how a hands-on vetting process can protect homeowners while ensuring better outcomes for everyone involved.   Key Takeaways: → Most contractor listings favor paid ads over quality. → Many contractor scams involve fake or stolen licenses. → Vague estimates are a significant warning sign.  → Payments should be linked to completed project milestones. → Performance-based pricing aligns incentives for everyone involved.   Jon Grishpul is the co-founder of GreatBuildz, a remodeling matching service that connects homeowners with vetted general contractors. He’s built his reputation at the intersection of renovation expertise and homeowner advocacy, helping people make smarter decisions on remodels, ADUs, contractor selection, and realistic budgeting. Jon’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the LA Times, U.S. News & World Report, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. He’s also a sought-after podcast guest and thought leader, with appearances on A Well-Designed Business, The Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast, and the Spaces Podcast. As a published author and media contributor, Jon writes practical, expert-driven articles on home remodeling, hiring the right contractor, and planning budgets that actually hold up.   Connect With Jon: Website: https://www.greatbuildz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatbuildz/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatbuildz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatBuildz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greatbuildz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongrishpul/

4/15/2026

When a serious accident turns someone’s life upside down, having the right legal guidance can shape what happens next.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews David Lever, Founder and Senior Partner of Lever & Ecker, PLLC, who discusses how his practice has grown into a boutique firm dedicated to proactive client service, effective systems, and personalized attention. He talks about the realities of accident claims, common misconceptions, and why empathy, preparation, and business discipline are important when helping injured clients move forward.   Key Takeaways: → Serious injury claims seldom settle as quickly as people expect. → Video evidence now has a greater impact in accident cases.  → Headlines about verdicts often don't reveal the full legal story.  → A strong law firm requires both empathy and efficient business systems. → The right legal representation can assist clients in rebuilding their lives with dignity.   David B. Lever is the Founder and Senior Partner of Lever & Ecker, PLLC, a highly respected personal injury law firm based in White Plains, New York. For over 30 years, he has represented accident victims and their families, securing millions in verdicts and settlements, including a confidential $12 million resolution for a client seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision. Since 1990, David has dedicated his practice solely to helping individuals harmed through no fault of their own and has never represented insurance companies or corporate defendants. Known for his integrity, empathy, and relentless advocacy, he treats every case with personal care and attention. David earned his J.D. from Pace University School of Law and is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. His honors include New York Metro Super Lawyers (since 2020) and Top 25 Lawyers in Westchester County (2024, 2025). He also serves on the Board of ACLD.   Connect With David: Website: https://www.leverecker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leverecker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeverEcker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leverecker/

4/13/2026

Many businesses grow rapidly at first, only to hit a wall when the founder unknowingly becomes the main obstacle to scaling.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Sam Goodner, an Entrepreneur, Investor, Author, and Coach who has spent decades building and scaling successful companies. Sam shares the leadership principles behind his bestselling book Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision, revealing how clarity, repeatability, and disciplined systems drive operational scalability. Drawing from his experience scaling companies like Catapult Systems and helping to build the world’s largest parking technology company, Sam explains how founders can break through growth plateaus and create businesses that run smoothly without them.   Key Takeaways: → True scalability begins with complete clarity throughout organizations.  → Military leadership principles translate surprisingly well into business practices. → Operational scalability depends on clarity, repeatability, and time. → Founders should create a sales playbook before hiring their first salesperson. → Documenting best practices makes growth easier to replicate and teach. Sam Goodner is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor known for leveraging technology to tackle complex business challenges. A dual citizen of Switzerland and the United States, his career ranges from serving as a mountain infantry officer in the Swiss Army to becoming an Inc. 500 CEO and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He founded Catapult Systems in 1993 and grew it into a prominent Microsoft systems integrator before its acquisition in 2013. During this time, he also launched and sold several software and digital companies, including PowerDOC, Inquisite, Mobile Alchemy, and Slingrock. Sam later helped grow FlashParking into a billion-dollar company as president and chief strategy officer. Now retired from daily operations, he focuses on mentoring entrepreneurs and sharing insights from his decades of experience.   Connect With Sam: Website: http://www.samgoodner.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodner/

4/10/2026

What happens when the business you built becomes your identity, and then it disappears?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Alan Underwood, a coach and mentor, who shares his powerful journey that transformed his life and career. After losing his business and facing deep personal struggles, Alan rebuilt his life around purpose, identity, and community support for high-performing men and entrepreneurs. Today, he helps leaders rediscover meaning, rebuild relationships, and create a legacy that goes far beyond just financial success.   Key Takeaways: → How to turn failure into a turning point and define what success means to you. → Many entrepreneurs and executives achieve success only to encounter burnout, loneliness, and a sense of meaninglessness.  → Without clarity on who you are and who you want to become, even the best strategy will fall short. → Learning to change perspective can reveal solutions that once seemed out of reach.  → Small daily choices about who you are becoming can gradually shape the life and legacy you want.   Alan Underwood is a sought-after coach, capital strategist, and entrepreneur who helps high achievers align identity, vision, and legacy. As founder of Alan Underwood, he works with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to connect inner purpose with outer performance, blending high-performance strategy with personal transformation. A devoted father of eight and licensed pilot, Alan also serves as Arizona Wing Leader for Angel Flight West, coordinating volunteer missions that fly patients to life-saving medical care at no cost. Whether teaching elite mindset, legacy-based leadership, or real estate strategy, Alan inspires others to lead with purpose and live in alignment.   Connect With Alan: Website: https://thealanunderwood.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealanunderwood/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-alan-underwood/

4/8/2026

Hormonal imbalances impact more than just sexual health; they can significantly change your mood, energy, and overall well-being.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jay Campbell, founder of BioLongevity Labs, who shares his journey from suffering a life-changing injury to becoming a global authority on hormone optimization. Jay discusses how hormones like testosterone, peptides, and bioidentical regulators are crucial in transforming energy levels, brain function, and athletic recovery. As the founder of BioLongevity Labs, Jay educates listeners on how modern environmental factors contribute to widespread hormonal imbalances and offers solutions to address the root causes of illness instead of just masking symptoms.   Key Takeaways: → Testosterone therapy can significantly boost energy and mood. → Peptides and bioidentical hormones target the root cause of hormonal imbalances. → Environmental contaminants significantly impact hormonal health. → Many people experience hormonal imbalance without even realizing it.  → Optimizing hormones enhances brain function and physical performance.   Jay Campbell is a 5-time international best-selling author, men's physique champion, and the Owner and Co-Founder of BioLongevity Labs. Widely recognized as an expert in hormonal optimization, therapeutic peptides, and biohacking for health and performance, Jay is dedicated to helping people break free from the failing "sick care" system and take charge of their health. His journey started after a sports injury led him to rethink traditional health approaches. Through years of intensive research and personal experience, he discovered the power of therapeutic testosterone and peptides—two transformative tools that changed his life and health. As the founder of BioLongevity Labs, Jay leads a revolution by offering cutting-edge peptides and bioregulators to promote cellular regeneration, hormonal balance, and metabolic health. His mission is to inspire and empower others to optimize their health, reverse aging, and realize their full physical, mental, and emotional potential.   Connect with Jay: Website: https://jaycampbell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycampbell333/ X: https://x.com/JayCampbell333 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayCampbell333/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayccampbell/

4/6/2026

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is the founder’s inability to step away from the day-to-day?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Robyn Goldenberg, VP at Strategy Leaders, who shares how she helps privately held companies navigate the “messy middle” of growth to become scalable, system-driven businesses. With experience guiding companies from $2M to $30M in revenue, Robyn explains why many founders remain stuck in daily operations and how operational systems can unlock growth and freedom. She also discusses financial discipline, exit planning, leadership challenges, and why a business's ultimate goal should be independence from its owner.   Key Takeaways: → When assessing a company’s growth potential, profit, cash flow, and operational structure are more important than top-line revenue.  → Tracking how leaders spend their time can expose major inefficiencies, helping business owners identify where to make changes. → A healthy cash flow fosters reinvestment, stability, and effective scaling of operations. → Businesses that rely solely on the owner are more likely to fail, whereas structured systems enable companies to function independently.  → Entrepreneurs often start businesses without systems, but scaling becomes impossible without them.   Robyn Goldenberg helps business owners build companies that truly work without burnout, excess, or nonsense. A strategist, operator, and mother of three, she has over 15 years of experience supporting small and midsize businesses in growing smarter. As VP at Strategy Leaders, she partners with growth-stage companies ($1.5M–$10M) to develop the structures needed for sustainable growth: clear financials, aligned leadership, operational systems, and a genuine strategic direction. Her approach is direct and action-focused, highlighting clarity, consistency, and accountability. Robyn is also the founder of Bad B CMO, a strategy-first marketing firm that emphasizes systems and a revenue-focused mindset for teams tired of wasting money. Through her third venture, Find Staff, she helps businesses hire faster by connecting them with skilled global talent. A 40 Under 40 honoree and nationally recognized speaker, she’s known for her high-energy, practical insights.   Connect With Robyn: Website: https://strategyleaders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyngoldenberg/

4/3/2026

What happens when an entrepreneur rejects corporate shortcuts and builds a business around relationships, trust, and long-term customer health?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Timothy Rexius, CEO and President of Omaha Protein Popcorn, Rexius Nutrition Corporation, and Iron Heaven Gyms. Timothy shares his unconventional journey of building a nutrition company that started from a single store in Nebraska and expanded into a multi-brand business operating across several countries. A longtime entrepreneur, former competitive bodybuilder, and international keynote speaker, Timothy now leads several ventures, including Omaha Protein Popcorn, VHI Nutraceuticals, and Iron Heaven Gyms. He explains how franchising former employees, prioritizing customer relationships over commissions, and returning to fundamental business principles helped drive long-term growth.   Key Takeaways: → Prioritize building customer relationships and trust rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics.  → Recognizing entrepreneurial potential early can foster long-term leaders. → How humility and careful planning are vital business skills. → Rexius Nutrition grew internationally through networking, collaborations, and personal contacts. → What most entrepreneurs misunderstand when trying to build a brand that truly connects with customers.    Timothy Rexius is the President and CEO of Rexius Nutrition, the fastest-growing chain of retail nutritional supplement stores in the United States, with more than 25 locations across 10 states. With over 13 years of experience in the retail industry, Timothy is a proven leader in franchising, business development, and marketing strategy. He is also the co-founder and co-owner of VHI LLC, a wholesale distribution company known for its innovative supplement lines, including the popular OPP Omaha Protein Popcorn. Beyond retail and distribution, Timothy is a co-owner of Iron Heaven Gyms, a trio of premier fitness facilities in West Omaha dedicated to athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. He also hosts the Now or Never Video Podcast, where he interviews successful entrepreneurs and business leaders across the Midwest. A passionate motivational speaker, Timothy shares his hard-earned insights to inspire and empower the next generation of business owners.   Connect With Timothy: Website: https://timrexius.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothy_d_rexius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@timothydrexius

4/1/2026

What does it take to turn a premium domain name into a data-driven legal tech platform serving millions of consumers and hundreds of thousands of attorneys?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com, who shares how the company evolved from an early domain development opportunity into a powerful legal marketplace and tech platform. She explains how Lawyer.com helps consumers find attorneys more easily, why the company considers itself a data-driven tech business within the legal industry, and how its services have expanded to include intake, call answering, and AI-powered solutions. Colleen also discusses startup mentality, product evolution, content strategy, and the challenge of staying ahead as AI rapidly reshapes both search and legal operations.   Key Takeaways: → Lawyer.com simplifies the process of finding a lawyer by acting as a match-making engine between consumers and attorneys. → The platform is centered on everyday legal needs such as divorce, estate planning, personal injury, and DUI. → Lawyer.com is a tech company first, using data and systems to drive how the business operates. → By embracing AI early, it became central to Lawyer.com’s product development and future planning. → While AI can help with answering and efficiency, important or high-value legal matters still require human empathy and judgement.   Colleen Joyce is the CEO of Lawyer.com, the leading online legal marketplace connecting consumers with trusted attorneys across every practice area and location. With nearly two decades of experience in digital media and domain development—from building Popstar.com and interviewing A-list celebrities to growing Lawyer.com into an industry powerhouse—Colleen brings authenticity, energy, and a growth-first mindset to everything she does. Under her leadership, Lawyer.com assists a large number of consumers each month and maintains a network of private practice attorneys who specialize in consumer law. The company's ecosystem includes LawyerLine, an AI-powered 24/7 call intake service that turns leads into signed retainers, and the Lawyer Growth Summit, an immersive annual conference that brings together legal tech innovators and forward-thinking attorneys. Colleen's brand reflects transparency, innovation, and community; she's authentic, unfiltered, and passionate about democratizing access to justice while helping lawyers grow.   Connect With Colleen: Website: https://lawyer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerdotcom X: https://x.com/lawyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawyerdotcom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyer-com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LDC2025/videos

3/30/2026

When something feels wrong with your medical care, your instinct may be to trust and move on, but that instinct could cost you more than you realize.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Russell R. Reynolds, JD, Co-founder of The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds, a seasoned Texas trial attorney specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury law. With a background in healthcare administration and decades of courtroom experience navigating tort reform, ERISA challenges, and complex expert testimony requirements, Russell has built a firm dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable. He shares how feasibility, case selection, and patient advocacy determine whether justice is even possible and why most potential claims never make it to court.   Key Takeaways: → Medical malpractice cases are extremely costly to pursue due to the high cost of expert witnesses → Most firms operate on contingency, meaning attorneys personally finance cases and only recover fees if they win. → Cognitive dissonance prevents many patients from questioning their doctors even when something feels off. → Getting second or third medical opinions is both a right and an essential safeguard.  → Most malpractice inquiries are rejected due to economic and legal constraints, despite genuine harm.   Russell R. Reynolds, JD, earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2000. He is also authorized to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Over the past 25 years, Rusty has dedicated his career to representing individuals who have suffered personal injuries caused by others' negligence. Rusty has built a reputation as a trusted Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer. He collaborates with the Reynolds & Reynolds team to ensure victims of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Premises Liability cases receive the compensation they deserve. Rusty co-founded The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds with his sister-in-law, Debra Reynolds, in 2005. When he is not working on cases, Rusty enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, and their two daughters.   Connect With Russell: Website: https://rrlfirm.com/

3/27/2026

What if the fastest way to calm conflict is not defending yourself, but helping the other person feel fully heard?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Douglas E. Noll, Lawyer-Turned-Peacemaker, who shares the powerful method behind his book De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. Drawing from decades of experience in conflict resolution, neuroscience, and even prison mediation, Doug explains how emotional validation can calm anger faster than logic, rebuttals, or apologies. He also reveals how his work has helped everyone from families and couples to incarcerated individuals and why he believes these skills could help heal deep polarization in society.   Key Takeaways: → Naming emotions helps calm the mind and regain emotional self-control. → One of the most effective ways to start de-escalating conflict is simply observing how the other person feels. → When emotions flare up, your brain shuts down, removing logic and problem-solving during heated moments. → Apologizing too soon can backfire because people need to feel heard and emotionally understood first. → Incarcerated individuals have used this model to become mediators and peacemakers.   Douglas E. Noll is an acclaimed author, speaker, and mediator. After 22 years as a trial lawyer, he shifted to peacemaking and conflict resolution, helping people settle deep, difficult disputes. Noll teaches Decision Making Under Uncertainty and Conflict as an adjunct professor at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Straus Institute. He earned a law degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and a Master’s in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies from Fresno Pacific University. Noll co-founded the Prison of Peace Project, where he trained inmates to become peacemakers in maximum security prisons. Having mediated over 1,500 disputes, he has trained leaders and mediators around the world. Noll is the author of five books, including De-Escalate, and has developed popular online courses. He’s also a jazz violinist, pilot, ski instructor, and tai chi master, living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with his wife.   Connect With Doug: Website: https://dougnoll.com/podcast/seth-greene/

3/25/2026

What if the fastest way to scale in a hyper-regulated industry is to build the platform everyone else wishes they had?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Joseph Shalaby, Broker and CEO of E Mortgage Capital Inc., a national mortgage bank and broker licensed in 48 states. He shares how he started in the mortgage business in 2002 and built an end-to-end, vertically integrated platform that handles licensing, compliance, audits, surety bonds, technology, and infrastructure, allowing other mortgage companies to grow faster. He also discusses the mindset behind serving-first leadership, explains why entrepreneurship is the main barrier to success in mortgages, and describes how his top-ranked business podcast has become a philanthropic passion project focused on faith, family, and self-improvement.   Key Takeaways: → E Mortgage Capital’s advantage is its vertically integrated platform combining marketing, tech, legal, compliance, and infrastructure. → E Mortgage Capital focuses on a B2B platform model, bringing mortgage firms onto its infrastructure through partnerships and acquisitions. → E Mortgage Capital works with mortgage company owners who understand the leverage of a strong platform. → Rising compliance and audit requirements are pushing smaller mortgage firms to seek larger platforms. → Success in mortgages depends on work ethic, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Joseph Shalaby is the CEO and Broker of E Mortgage Capital Inc., a nationwide mortgage platform operating in over 40 states and employing more than 900 licensed loan officers. With over 20 years in the mortgage industry, he has built a reputation for innovation, client-focused service, and increasing access to homeownership. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with honors, Joseph also studied law at Abraham Lincoln University School of Law, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. Born in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in California, Joseph’s early life and his father’s journey from gas station attendant to physician shaped his drive and resilience. Under his leadership, E Mortgage Capital has become a rapidly growing national lender. Joseph is also a philanthropist and the founder of the Shalaby Foundation, supporting education and underserved communities.   Connect With Joseph: Website: https://www.emortgagecapital.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephshalaby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josephshalaby/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-s-7611718/

3/23/2026

What if the real difference between “saving money” and “building wealth” is just access and knowing how to level up?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Lane Kawaoka, Author of The Wealth Elevator, who went from engineering and traditional 401(k) investing to building a real estate portfolio of 11 rental properties by 2015 and leaving his day job in 2018. Lane explains the difference between “working-class” investing and “investor-class” investing—especially how accredited investors gain access to higher-quality commercial assets through syndications and private placements. He also breaks down the Wealth Elevator philosophy, the mindset shift from earning money to allocating capital, and how macroeconomics, operator skill, and liquidity constraints shape real-world investment outcomes.   Key Takeaways: → Many high-net-worth investors eventually trade scattered rental properties for larger apartment investments through pooled capital. → Flipping properties usually involves more time and risk than long-term buy-and-hold or value-add commercial investments. → The difference between working-class and investor-class opportunities usually comes down to access to capital and larger deals. → Real estate syndications can provide investors with institutional-quality exposure while avoiding some of the inefficiencies associated with large public REIT structures. → Surrounding yourself with experienced investors helps accelerate learning and improve decision-making.   Lane Kawaoka owns 10,000+ rental units and leads the “Hui Deal Pipeline Club,” which has acquired over $2.1B+ of real estate by syndicating $200 million+ of private equity since 2016. He has returned over $ 45 million to his investors through distributions. Lane uses his Engineering degree to reverse-engineer wealth-building strategies the rich use in the Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.   Connect With Lane: Website: https://thewealthelevator.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthelevator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewealthelevator/

3/20/2026

If you’re adopting AI quickly but revenue isn’t increasing, the issue might not be your tools; it may be your roadmap.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Apryl Syed, CEO of ApetureCodex, who led three product lines at Sage and later worked on conversion strategies with enterprise brands through Bloomreach, including clients like Staples, Gap, Neiman Marcus, and Williams-Sonoma. She explains how to build an AI-enabled growth roadmap that combines people and automation, enhances the customer journey from “trial to wow,” and delivers measurable revenue growth without copying what everyone else is doing.   Key Takeaways: → Using the same AI as everyone else produces the same results. → Some team members excel in rapid change, while others find it challenging. → Identifying where customers reach the “wow” moment helps you eliminate friction in the user journey. → After refining the product journey, improve ad targeting, then optimize landing pages and message-match. → Higher leader volume doesn’t matter if the process and onboarding can’t convert and retain the right customers.   Apryl Syed is the CEO of ApertureCodex, a growth and innovation consultancy based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As founder, she helps technical founders see their businesses from multiple perspectives—enhancing sales, marketing, customer success, fundraising, and leadership—so they can bridge the gap between technical skills and business knowledge and grow sustainably. Previously at Sage, Apryl managed three product lines with full P&L responsibility, including sales, support, customer success, marketing, product direction, and development, and led the NPS program across Sage North America. She later led Marketing and Customer Success at Blytheco (Sage’s largest U.S. partner), launched the Bellwether business magazine, developed sales onboarding, and coached teams to close million-dollar deals for manufacturers and distributors. At Bloomreach, she collaborated with enterprise brands like Staples, Neiman Marcus, and Gap to improve digital commerce performance. She also publishes Think Like a CEO and The Founder’s Edge.   Connect With Apryl: Website: https://www.apeturecodex.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprylsyedcoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprylsyed/

3/18/2026

If buyers don’t care about your product story, how do you meet them where they are and still drive revenue growth?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Brent Keltner, Ph.D., Founder and President of Winalytics LLC, who leverages his experience leading marketing and sales teams and achieving multiple growth results to explain why most go-to-market efforts fail: they begin with the seller, not the buyer. He explains how to establish a “journey-first” approach that allows buying committees to self-educate, aligns internal teams around a shared value proposition, and turns discovery into the engine that drives real revenue growth.   Key Takeaways: → Most teams talk about themselves first, but buyers care more about what is in it for them. → A strong value proposition starts with the outcome the buyer wants. → The best value propositions connect product value, business value, and enterprise value. → Buyers prefer to educate themselves, so companies should give them clear ways to learn at their own pace. → Discovery should be a major part of the sales process because it helps build support across the buying committee.   Brent Keltner, Ph.D., is President of Winalytics LLC and the creator of Winalytics’ Journey First Growth methodology. Winalytics helps mid-market and enterprise clients accelerate account-based B2B growth. The team has expertise in various industries, including education, human capital, healthcare, and SaaS.  Before starting Winalytics, Brent expanded growth as a revenue leader at four different companies. He began his career as a Ph.D. social scientist at Stanford University and the RAND Corporation. His first book was the Revenue Acceleration Playbook. He has published articles on marketing and sales strategy in MarketingProfs, CEOWorld, the Sloan Management Review, the California Management Review, and Sales and Marketing Magazine.   Connect With Brent: Website: http://winalytics.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winalytics-llc/

3/16/2026

Many businesses obsess over getting more leads, but the real growth happens in what you do after the click.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Michael Elliot, Founder of Adtrain, who discusses how he built a seven-figure PPC agency starting with just $3,000 in the bank and no safety net. Drawing from his experience with depression, high-risk entrepreneurship, and rapid agency growth, Michael explains what most businesses get wrong about paid traffic, lead follow-up, and data attribution. This episode provides a candid look at how conversion rate optimization, automation, and honest operational discipline turn ad spend into real, scalable revenue.   Key Takeaways: → The greatest ROI improvements usually occur after the click, not from attracting more traffic.  → Broken attribution and dirty data result in expensive, misleading decisions. → Quick lead responses greatly boost conversion rates. → Automation is most effective when it first addresses key business processes.  → AI tools are only useful when connected to fundamentals, not just shiny objects.   Michael Elliott is an expert in turning paid media and AI into systems that deliver predictable revenue. With 14 years of experience, he’s renowned for transforming messy ad accounts, vague funnels, and operational bottlenecks into clean, scalable engines that founders can rely on. A Google Premier Partner and top 1% Upwork freelancer, Michael has managed £1.5M/month in ad spend, generated £67M+ in client revenue, and built multiple seven-figure businesses across advertising, AI automation, and the holiday-home industry. Michael’s AI-driven systems have helped companies generate 600–800 leads per month with just one salesperson, leveraging workflows that streamline operations and accelerate response time. His approach focuses on adopting AI in ways that directly impact profit, such as improving qualification, routing, and follow-up—rather than getting distracted by flashy tools. Michael leaves audiences with actionable steps to apply immediately, helping them maximize their ROI.   Connect With Michael: Website: https://adtrain.co.uk/

3/13/2026

What if the book you’ve been putting off is already hidden inside the conversations you’ve recorded?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Sheila Slick, founder of Five Milestones and creator of the PodToBook.ai platform, who shares how entrepreneurs, podcasters, and experts can become published authors without starting from a blank page. Drawing on her background as a software developer and business consultant, Sheila outlines her five-step process for transforming audio content into polished, AI-assisted books that build authority, drive ROI, and preserve legacy. With more than 80 experts already guided from raw conversations to published works, this episode reveals a faster, smarter path to turning content into a tangible business asset.   Key Takeaways: → If you record podcasts, webinars, or calls, you already have the raw material for a book.  → Audio content eliminates the biggest friction point in writing: the blank page. → AI-assisted publishing works best when paired with human editing and revision. → Repurposing content can reduce book creation from months to days. → Publishing a book can drive ROI through authority, speaking engagements, and client acquisition.   Sheila Slick, MS, is the Founder of Five Milestones and creator of PodToBook.ai, an AI-powered platform that transforms podcast episodes into professionally structured book manuscripts in 2-3 hours. Since launching, she's helped publish 80+ authors and is a two-time Amazon bestselling author, having authored "Momentum: Daily Practices to Build Your Business & Thrive" and co-authored five books. As Past Chair of SCORE Volusia Flagler County, she mentored over 1,000 small business owners. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a Master's in Leadership, Sheila provides strategic business consulting and publishing services while hosting the "Milestone Moments in Business and Leadership" podcast.   Connect With Sheila: Website: https://fivemilestones.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/

3/11/2026

High performers are taught to push harder, but what if the real breakthrough comes from learning to regulate, recover, and reconnect?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Owen Marcus, Founder and CEO of MELD (Men’s Emotional Leadership Development) and author of Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Emotional Maturity. Owen unpacks why high-performing entrepreneurs often hit an invisible ceiling despite doing “everything right.” Drawing on five decades of experience working with leaders, athletes, and elite performers, Owen explains how chronic stress, emotional disconnection, and nervous system overload quietly erode performance, relationships, and fulfillment. This conversation bridges neuroscience, leadership, and personal growth to reveal how building resilience from the body up unlocks the final 30% of untapped potential.   Key Takeaways: → Entrepreneurs are often wired for survival, not fulfillment, which leads to chronic overdrive. → Long-term stress creates allostatic load, silently shrinking resilience and emotional capacity. → High performance at work does not automatically translate into a healthy connection at home. → Neuroplasticity allows leaders to rewire stress patterns and build new capacity over time. → Somatic mindfulness helps retrain the nervous system by increasing body awareness.   Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD (Men’s Emotional Leadership Development), demonstrating the transformative potential of evidence-based peer support. A pioneer in men’s emotional health, his retreats, workshops, coaching, training, and other programs enhance relational dynamics and support men’s personal and professional growth and leadership development. For nearly three decades, MELD has been a trusted guide for men navigating the complex terrain of modern life: stress, relationships, leadership, and identity. Marcus is also the author of Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Emotional Maturity. In it, Marcus leads readers on an enlightening path toward the authentic self, revealing how men need clarity, purpose, connection, and the support of other men to thrive. A founding member of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and a member of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, Marcus integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic mindfulness to help individuals and groups cultivate emotional intelligence and authentic leadership.   Connect With Owen: Website: https://meld.community/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meld.men/ X: https://x.com/meldmen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meldmen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meldmenscommunity/

3/9/2026

If your team is frustrated, your culture is drifting, and change feels exhausting, this conversation will reset your leadership.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Scott Burgmeyer, Founder and CEO of BecomeMore Group, who shares how he helps 300–500-employee organizations grow through leadership development, strategy, and change management. He’s the author of Chief Optimization Officer (2020) and Think: The Road Less Traveled (May 2025), and he co-hosts the Leadership Line podcast, released weekly. Scott explains how authentic leadership, truth-telling, and doing improvement with people (not to them) can reduce turnover, strengthen culture, and create measurable business impact.   Key Takeaways: → Regulatory disruption can be ignored, resisted, or accepted, but the winners redesign the org and equip leaders for the new reality. → Scaling works best when repeatable systems are built without neglecting the human side that drives adoption and retention. → Authentic leadership is relational, not social. → Leaders often “know” the issues but need an outside voice to cut through the sugarcoating and call out what’s really happening. → You can’t lead today’s workforce with yesterday’s assumptions. Frustration often stems from resisting reality rather than adapting your leadership approach.    Scott Burgmeyer is the Founder and CEO of BecomeMore Group, a company that reflects his journey of growth and transformation. His early career followed a traditional path, with successful roles in corporate environments. However, after achieving a significant corporate opportunity, Scott realized his comfort zone had shrunk, while the organization seemed content with his performance. Seeking more, he founded Creative Solutions Group in 2010, driven by relentless curiosity and a desire for growth. In 2018, Scott focused his efforts full-time on Creative Solutions Group and shortly thereafter co-authored his first of four books. The company continued to expand, culminating in a corporate acquisition with his partner Tammy in 2021 and the release of their fifth book. In 2023, Scott and Tammy formalized their merger, rebranding as BecomeMore Group to reflect their commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.   Connect With Scott: Website: https://www.becomemoregp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomemoregp/ X: https://x.com/BecomeMoreGroup https://x.com/scottburgmeyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576980455975 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/becomemoregp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/becomemoregp/

3/6/2026

In an AI-driven world, SEO is evolving, but is traditional SEO still effective? Discover how Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is changing the digital landscape.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Damon Burton, Founder and President of SEO National, who discusses the future of SEO in an AI-dominated world. As AI tools like ChatGPT take over search queries, Damon explains how businesses can leverage these tools while staying true to the tried-and-true SEO strategies that have worked for decades. From the basics of SEO to advanced Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Damon offers expert insights into how businesses can thrive in this new digital era.   Key Takeaways: → AI is reshaping SEO, but it’s still vital to focus on the same core elements. → Despite the rise of AI, foundational SEO, like website structure and content strategy, remains essential. → Google’s dominance in search engines is still substantial, and businesses should not panic. → Understanding the intent behind search queries is vital for both traditional SEO and AI-powered platforms. → AI offers small businesses a unique opportunity to compete against larger players with the right SEO strategy and content.   Damon Burton is the founder of SEO National, a search engine marketing agency he launched in 2007 after famously outranking a billion-dollar company on Google. Since then, he has built an international team that’s helped clients like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, NBA teams, and Inc. 5000 and Shark Tank–featured companies make more in a month than they used to in a year. A best-selling author, Damon literally wrote the book on SEO—Outrank, a practical guide that shows businesses how to dominate Google without paying for ads. Featured in Entrepreneur, Forbes, BuzzFeed, and USA Weekly, he’s known for making complex SEO strategies easy to understand and implement. A husband and father of three, Damon also speaks on leading remote teams and building a family-first culture while scaling a high-performance digital business.   Connect With Damon: Website: http://damonburton.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurdamon/ X: https://x.com/EntrepreneurDB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damon.burton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonburton/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@damon-burton

3/4/2026

Most business owners don’t realize they’re building an exit they can’t afford.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Marc Adams, Strategy Mentor & Business Exit Planner at Acquisitions4You, who shares how his work has helped provide $22B in funding support and why he now focuses on helping founders double business value in 12 months or less. After a stage-four cancer diagnosis during the pandemic and a life-changing conversation with his son, Marc pivoted his mission toward helping the “nine out of ten” owners who never get the outcome they need. He explains the Double and Keep It framework, designed to grow value fast while protecting owners from the usual traps of dilution, debt burdens, and painful exit costs.   Key Takeaways: → Most business owners don’t get the value they expect when it’s time to sell. → Exit-math can be brutal, especially in states with high taxes. → Traditional private equity doesn’t solve the real problem. → The “double and keep it” framework aims to achieve value growth without dilution or debt service.   → This framework is meant to create a real retirement-grade exit.   Marc Adams is a strategy mentor and business-exit planner who helps founder-led companies double enterprise value in 12–24 months and structure tax-efficient exits without heavy dilution or personal guarantees. He’s helped take a company from roughly $140M to a $1B valuation and led a loss-making $18M-revenue business to a $140M exit. A bestselling author with Times Square features, Marc works closely with family offices and private capital, providing founders with a practical, buyer-aligned playbook for value creation, clean diligence, and better after-tax outcomes.   Connect With Marc: Website: https://acquisitions4you.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marcadams/

3/2/2026

Your benefits plan may be getting more expensive for reasons unrelated to better care.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Chris Hamilton, Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance and a healthcare industry expert, who explains why employer health costs keep skyrocketing. He breaks down how misaligned incentives in traditional plans drive inflation and why mid-market employers often have far more control than they realize. You’ll hear practical, modern strategies such as self-funding, direct agreements, and transparency tools that can improve coverage while reducing total costs for both companies and employees.   Key Takeaways: → Traditional compensation structures can incentivize higher premiums rather than better outcomes for employers and employees. → When insurers own PBMs and other components, pricing can become a circular profit engine that justifies ongoing rate hikes. → If you reduce the underlying cost of care, the premium required to fund the plan naturally drops. → The same procedure can vary dramatically in price across facilities, with no reliable correlation to quality.  → Employers can contract directly with hospitals and concierge physicians to simplify access, improve care, and reduce both company and employee financial burdens.   Chris Hamilton is a Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance in Texas, where he leads the employee benefits consulting practice. He specializes in managing healthcare and insurance costs to improve benefits coverage, reduce expenses, and enhance employee health outcomes. With over a decade of experience in corporate finance, Chris has advised clients across various industries, including private equity and oil & gas. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, working out, attending live music events, and spending time with family.   Connect With Chris: Website: https://hotchkissinsurance.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrishamiltonbenefitsinsider LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamilton/

2/27/2026

If your business only works when you’re working, it’s time to redesign how it runs.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Lady Jen Du Plessis, DC, The Scaling Architect, who shares how she went from knowing nothing about mortgages to becoming a top-producing leader who helped fund more than a billion dollars in loans. A celebrated Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, and TV host, she’s helped more than 8,000 entrepreneurs transition from practitioner mode to scalable companies that don’t require daily intervention. She breaks down the mindset shift, systems, and leadership habits that drive real harmony and long-term growth.   Key Takeaways: → Teams can’t execute consistently without documented, repeatable processes. → People struggle when they aren’t empowered with clear workflows and expectations. → Scaling a business requires clarity about vision, values, and voice. → AI is useful, but it can’t replace the human touch.  → Know when to hire using lead indicators and KPIs, not out of desperation.   Affectionately known as The Scaling Architect, Lady Jen Du Plessis is the Leading Expert in helping powerhouse business owners create a company that runs smoothly without them - achieving massive revenue growth while gaining more freedom and fulfillment in life with grace and ease. Who would have ever thought that little "Jenny Who Ain't Got a Penny," now Dame Lady Jen, a member of the Royal House of Cappadocia and the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, would have become a numerous #1 Amazon best-selling author, host of 3 top ranking podcasts, and producer and host of her TV show Business on the Vine.   Connect With Jen: Website: https://www.ladyjenduplessis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenduplessis/ X: https://x.com/JenDuPlessis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDuPlessis22 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenduplessis/

2/25/2026

Are you a high-income earner looking to build long-term wealth without spending more time on active investing? Learn the secrets of passive real estate investing and why it’s the key to financial freedom.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Whitney Elkins-Hutten, Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com, Founder of Ashwealth.com, and Author of the #1 Bestseller Money for Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth, who shares her journey from accidental real estate investor to expert in passive investing. With a wealth of experience, including a bestselling book Money for Tomorrow, Whitney explains how high-income earners can transform active income into passive income while capitalizing on cash flow and equity growth. If you’re looking for ways to achieve financial independence, Whitney's insights on real estate investments and market strategies are invaluable.   Key Takeaways: → Passive investing enables high-income earners to focus on their jobs while building wealth through real estate. → Diversification across asset classes is crucial for long-term financial success, especially as capital stacks grow. → Market dynamics, such as job and income growth, are critical factors in evaluating investment opportunities. → Deals should have clear paths to capital preservation, cash flow, and equity growth, with tax benefits as a bonus. → The current economic climate requires patience as investors must navigate volatility and identify genuine opportunities.   Whitney Elkins-Hutten is the Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com, founder of Ashwealth.com, and author of the award-winning #1 bestseller Money for Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth. Through her proven wealth-building framework, Whitney empowers high-earning professionals and business owners to create secure, passive income streams that support a legacy of financial freedom for generations. With over $800MM in assets—including 6,500+ residential units, 15 express car washes, and 2,200+ self-storage units—Whitney guides clients to invest strategically, helping them confidently turn a single $100,000 investment into hundreds of thousands within a few years or millions over decades.   Connect With Whitney: Website: https://www.passiveinvesting.com/welcome-whitney/ https://ashwealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyelkinshutten/

2/23/2026

Looking to raise capital and elevate your business? Discover how proximity, trust, and AI can be game changers in the world of family offices.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Richard Wilson, Founder & CEO of Family Office Club, who shares expert insights on navigating the world of family offices, capital raising, and building trust with investors. With 18 years of experience and a reach of 18 million across his social platforms, Richard discusses the power of proximity to highly successful entrepreneurs and how leveraging AI tools can give you an edge in investor relations. Tune in as he unveils the mental models and strategies that have helped him build a thriving community of capital-raisers and investors.   Key Takeaways: → Surrounding yourself with highly successful entrepreneurs and investors elevates your thinking and expands your opportunities. → The most important aspect of pitching is building trust before presenting. → Pitching without adding value or establishing trust is a common mistake among capital raisers. → Leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance decision-making, messaging, and client engagement for capital raisers. → Live events where investors and capital-raisers can meet face-to-face increase the chances of success by 16 times. Richard C. Wilson is the founder of the Family Office Club, a global investor community with millions of members and dozens of live events each year, serving professionals in the family office and private wealth sectors. He has built the leading media platform in this niche, including the most-visited website, the top-ranked podcast, and the most-watched YouTube channel dedicated to family offices. Richard is also the creator of Investor Super Intelligence, an AI platform that models how investment deals are sourced, evaluated, and closed, based on thousands of investor conversations and real-world deal workflows. He is the author of 13 books, has spoken on over 1,000 stages and podcasts across 20 countries, and runs Billionaires.com, a leading resource on the mental models and strategies of ultra-high-net-worth families.   Connect With Richard: Website: https://familyoffices.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyofficeclub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyofficeclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/familyoffices/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FamilyOfficeClub

2/20/2026

If you’re looking to scale your business without breaking the bank on full-time hires, fractional staffing could be the game-changer you need.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Nicole Grinnell, 2x Business Founder of Bosun Solutions and Mic'd Up Booking, who shares her entrepreneurial journey from executive assistant to building a staffing solutions business that helps small businesses thrive. With over nine years of experience, Nicole discusses the benefits of fractional staffing and virtual assistants, offering affordable and flexible solutions for growing companies. Tune in to learn how fractional teams can help you scale your business efficiently, avoid hiring mistakes, and create a well-balanced work-life environment.   Key Takeaways: → There is a growing need for fractional staffing solutions among small businesses. → Fractional teams provide the flexibility to scale without the overhead of full-time employees. → The difference between traditional staffing and fractional work, and how they complement each other. → The role of personality assessments in ensuring a successful candidate-client match. → Common hiring mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them.   Nicole Grinnell comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is a 2x business owner and launched her first business, Bosun Solutions, in 2017. As the daughter of a small business owner turned corporate executive support, she has unique insight into the needs entrepreneurs and CEOs face when scaling their businesses. Her entire career has been defined by finding a work-life balance, from working for her family business to getting married, having children, and climbing the corporate ladder. She is now married and has two teenage children, and her businesses have grown to $2 million in revenue. Her goal is to help other small businesses succeed.   Connect With Nicole: Website: https://www.bosunsolutions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosunsolutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosunsolutions/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bosunsolutions/

2/18/2026

What happens when a wealth manager applies institutional discipline and global insight to hospitality investing?    In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews William Huston, Founder and General Partner at Bay Street Hospitality, who discusses his journey from a call center business to creating global hospitality-focused funds designed to deliver high yields through quant-driven strategies. William shares deep insights into hospitality investment, covering topics from student housing in Hong Kong to tourism growth in India, and how his firm’s data-driven approach maximizes returns for institutional investors. He explains how combining local market intelligence, government partnerships, and strategic acquisitions has enabled Bay Street to scale rapidly while maintaining high-quality service for asset owners, operators, and developers worldwide.   Key Takeaways: → Long-term success depends on backing proven operators and developers—not just attractive properties.  → Student housing shortages in Hong Kong, India’s tourism boom, and Australia’s Olympic-driven infrastructure investments all represent distinct, time-sensitive market drivers.  → The same disciplined frameworks used in wealth management, including risk assessment, alignment, and scalability, can be successfully applied to hospitality.  → Hospitality is an experience-driven business, shaped by human connection, culture, and memory.  → Growth should align with life priorities.    In 2018, William Huston founded Bay Street Hospitality, where he currently serves as General Partner. Bay Street started as a call center based in El Salvador, structured as an LLC, serving his own investment fund rather than other companies' clients. The firm operates globally across public and private markets and applies a proprietary quantamental investment framework that integrates quantitative scoring models with fundamental underwriting discipline and targets hospitality operators, developers, and asset owners, offering equity, credit, and hybrid capital solutions. In May 2025, Huston launched a $430 million hospitality investment fund aimed at combining financial returns with positive social impact, targeting underinvested hotel markets globally, with a particular emphasis on India’s fast-growing tourism sector.   Connect With William: Website: https://www.baystreethospitality.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huios/

2/16/2026

Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about presence, character, and who you choose to be when things get hard.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mick Hunt, creator of the MICK Factor™, who shares the deeply personal story that shaped his leadership philosophy. From a promise he made at age ten to change his mother’s life to building a successful career in entrepreneurship, consulting, and podcasting with over 20 million downloads, Mick explains why emotional intelligence and presence now matter more than authority. He breaks down his MICK Factor framework and explains why leadership today requires empathy, accountability, and the courage to keep going.   Key Takeaways: → How leadership has fundamentally changed in a world where everything is instantly validated. → Trust, transparency, and empathy outweigh titles, perks, and compensation packages. → Sustainable success is never about the individual; it’s about developing people. → Growth comes from committing to your own development, not just from working harder. → Your standards and values are visible before you ever say a word.   Mick Hunt is the unapologetic voice of modern leadership. As the creator of the MICK Factor™—a leadership framework rooted in Mastery, Impact, Courage, and the drive to Keep Going—he helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs and executives lead with clarity, courage, and authenticity. He's the founder of Mick Hunt Official and host of Mick Unplugged, the #1 Self-Improvement podcast with over 2 million monthly downloads. A dynamic speaker, business builder, and mentor, Mick has been featured in Forbes, collaborated with brands like Nike and McDonald's, and been mentored by icons like Les Brown and Daymond John.   Connect With Mick: Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ X: https://x.com/MickUnplugged Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

2/13/2026

If AI answer engines stopped reading your brand tomorrow, would anyone searching for your solution still find you?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Julian Lopez, Head of Research at AEO.co, who explains how brands can become the answer AI is most likely to recommend. Drawing on months of deep research with co-authors Perry Belcher and Kasim Aslam, Julian explains why branding, structure, and multimodal content now sit at the heart of discovery in an AI-driven world. He also outlines what small businesses can do over the next 6–12 months to become compliant with this new landscape, increase AI visibility, and prepare for shifts such as zero-click search and wearables.   Key Takeaways: → How AEO builds on top of traditional SEO rather than replacing it. → Why branding is becoming the key differentiator in AI recommendations. → Why you shouldn’t chase schema hacks and listicle formats without first building a solid foundational structure. → How video, transcripts, and repurposed clips give AI the rich data it craves. → How profiles, mentions, and consistent brand signals across platforms help engines confirm you’re real and relevant.   Julian Lopez is a 'recovering' graphic designer with over 8 years of branding experience who decided to get into marketing as a new challenge to sharpen the skills that can make or break a business. Julian has co-authored The AEO Blueprint, the first full-length book on Answer Engine Optimization, which guides business owners and entrepreneurs in future-proofing their brands and becoming the AI-recommended answer in their market.   Connect With Julian: Website: http://aeo.co/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aeo.co X: https://x.com/AEOdotCO

2/11/2026

Social media management is evolving rapidly, and the future of content creation hinges on understanding both technology and audience behavior.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Emeric Ernoult, Founder and CEO of Agorapulse, a social media management platform that has grown to $20 million in revenue without external funding. With more than 26 years of entrepreneurial experience, Emeric shares the challenges and breakthroughs that led to Agorapulse's success, from its early days of bootstrapping to its emergence as a leader in social media management. In this episode, Emeric also discusses the shifting social media landscape, trends businesses can't afford to ignore, and how AI is poised to revolutionize content creation.   Key Takeaways: → Agorapulse supports 10 major social networks and helps businesses publish content, engage with their audience, and analyze social media performance. → AI automation within Agorapulse enables brands to manage high volumes of interactions, prioritize engagement, and streamline moderation. → Social listening capabilities extend beyond social profiles to track brand mentions across forums, blogs, and other online platforms. → The future of social media is evolving from a focus on follower count to “interest media.” → Content creation today must be hyper-targeted, focusing on understanding the audience’s pain points and creating content they would pay for.   Emeric Ernoult is a serial entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in Social Media and Saas (software as a service). He is the CEO and co-founder of Agorapulse, a Paris-based Social Media Management Software launched in 2011. Agorapulse has 175 team members in 19 countries, and is currently being used by more than 37,000 users across 180 countries. It is the only business in this industry to have exceeded $20M in annual revenue without raising capital.   Connect With Emeric: Website: https://www.agorapulse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agorapulse/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@agorapulse TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agorapulse X: https://x.com/agorapulse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Agorapulse/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agorapulse/

2/9/2026

Struggling with paid ads? Find out how to simplify your strategy and grow your small business without blowing your budget!   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Andy Janaitis, Founder & Chief Strategist at PPC Pitbulls, a digital marketing agency specializing in paid advertising for small businesses. With a background in data science and software development, Andy transitioned from corporate work to help e-commerce businesses scale through more strategic, simplified, and cost-effective marketing. He shares insights on avoiding common ad mistakes, leveraging AI tools, and building campaigns that drive long-term growth.   Key Takeaways: → How many small businesses are overwhelmed by digital marketing, so they overcomplicate campaigns and waste money. → Simplifying ad structures and focusing on robust measurement systems can lead to better results with smaller budgets. → Why you should focus on what’s working and avoid jumping onto multiple platforms or constantly chasing new strategies. → E-commerce businesses aiming for 7-figure growth need a targeted, scalable paid ad strategy. → Automated bidding and data-driven decision-making are essential to optimizing ad campaigns effectively.   Andy Janaitis is the founder and chief strategist of PPC Pitbulls, a boutique digital marketing agency that helps small businesses grow past 7 figures using Google and Meta Ads. He partners with founder-led brands and e-commerce teams to simplify their paid ad strategies, ensuring campaigns are built on solid tracking, clean execution, and profitability—not noise or guesswork. With over 10 years of agency and analytics experience, Andy’s background spans engineering, web development, and digital strategy. He’s known for his practical, down-to-earth approach that cuts through marketing overwhelm and empowers business owners to take confident action. Whether he’s helping a brand understand attribution or demystifying Performance Max, Andy brings clarity, integrity, and a deep respect for the entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Andy: Website: https://www.ppcpitbulls.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppc-pitbulls/

2/6/2026

What if three minutes in cold water could reset your brain and your day?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Troy Laing, Founder of Culture OC, who shares how fitness, breathwork, and modern recovery tech power a community-driven biohacking and performance center. From overcoming addiction to building a hub with medical-grade LED light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, infrared saunas, and coached cold-plunge protocols, he explains what truly moves the needle. He also unpacks his approach to discipline, leadership, and his vision to scale internationally while preserving the intimate culture that drives outcomes.   Key Takeaways: → Why breathwork and cold plunges rewire stress responses and build everyday resilience  → How stacked protocols synergize to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery. → The role of mindset and brainwave training. → How health, family, leadership, and then business create a practical framework for balance. → How your morning routine shapes the rest of your day.   Culture OC was founded by Troy Laing, an Australian entrepreneur passionate about health and fitness, inspired by his global travels and immersion in diverse wellness practices. His vision was to create a pioneering biohacking social wellness club that fosters strong community bonds while promoting physical and mental well-being. This mission has earned recognition in esteemed publications highlighting its innovative approach to merging fitness with social connectivity. Troy, also a devoted husband and father, instills values of compassion and resilience, adding a personal touch to the club's ethos.   Connect With Troy: Website: https://cultureoc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoc_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culture_oc X: https://x.com/cultureoc_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultureocusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-laing-591a71285/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CultureOC

2/4/2026

What if one hour of creative testing beats a month of ad spend?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Daniela Bolzmann, Founder of MindfulGoods.co, who leads a boutique Amazon creative studio that helps seven- and eight-figure CPG and DTC brands turn product pages into high-converting brand experiences. Known for running hundreds of split tests and publishing aggregate metrics, she shows where creative focus delivers outsized conversion gains. In this conversation, Daniela breaks down the three highest-impact tests, why brand-driven storytelling wins on Amazon, and how shifting a slice of ad budget into creative can unlock rapid lift.   Key Takeaways: → What brand-specific storytelling looks like on a PDP. → Why it’s vital to have the right title, images, image stacks, and content. → How to make your main image drive clicks. → How ongoing split tests compound results across SKUs. → The importance of going all in with conviction.   Daniela Bolzmann is the Founder of MindfulGoods.co, the go-to creative studio for Amazon brands. As a featured speaker at Amazon Accelerate 2024, she is a leading expert in Amazon optimization and supports hundreds of eCommerce brands in doubling and tripling their sales on Amazon through creative content that converts.    Connect With Daniela: Website: https://mindfulgoods.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabolzmann/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbolzmann/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielabolzmann

2/2/2026

What if your biggest sales breakthrough began the moment you stopped trying to sell?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Vivian Weyll, The Sales Queen™, who shares how she went from $500,000 in debt to leading a nine-figure holding company. She created Influence OS, a science-based framework that scales revenue through presence, neuroscience, and ethical influence rather than pressure, and today owns one of the largest insurance IMOs in the country. In this conversation, Vivian unpacks the identity shifts, practical methods, and environment design that transform average producers into trusted advisors.   Key Takeaways: → How presence outperforms pressure in every conversation. → How to use the Presence Protocol to structure the first six minutes of any pitch to earn trust, defuse objections, and establish authority. → Why you should listen, reframe, and allow buyers to reach their own conclusions. → Why salespeople should handle common objections early, then guide them with questions and purposeful silence. → How surrounding yourself with top performers upgrades your own results.   Vivian Weyll is an internationally recognized speaker, visionary CEO, and founder of The InfluenceOS™ framework. Known worldwide as The Sales Queen™, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of high-ticket sales. Born in Brazil, Vivian came to the U.S. at 20 and faced early hardships including a failed business, painful divorce, and over $500,000 in debt. With no corporate background or formal training, she turned to sales — becoming a top producer in her first month and earning six figures monthly within six months. In just five years, she scaled from first-time salesperson to building and leading multiple 8-figure companies worth over $100 million. Through her programs, including the CROWN™ Million Dollar Masterclass, Vivian has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and coached leaders to 7- and 8-figure success, cementing her role as a global authority on influence and ethical sales.   Connect With Vivian: Website: https://vivianweyll.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viweyll/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivianweyll X: https://x.com/vivweyll Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viweyll LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-weyll-d-andrea-0479b52a/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vivianweyllsalesqueen

1/30/2026

You’re not stuck; you’re just repeating yesterday and calling it normal.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dianna Kokoszka, CEO of DK Businesses, who led Keller Williams Realty International through a turnaround, moving from losing $1M a year to generating over half a billion dollars in revenue. She explains why mindset isn’t fluff; it’s the operating system. Dianna shares how she built high-performance cultures, raised people’s “financial thermostat,” and helped leaders turn vision into execution, even in uncertain times. She also discusses her book Becoming More: You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different, her mindset assessment tools, and why your first 10 minutes of the day predict your future.   Key Takeaways: → Unless you raise your “financial thermostat,” you’ll sabotage yourself as you near success. → People don’t follow slogans; they follow a vision they believe they’re part of. → You can rewire your thinking by using deliberate language that moves you away from frustration and toward curiosity. → The fastest way to build belief is through repeated exposure to possibility. → The first ten minutes of your morning predict your trajectory for the day.   Dianna Kokoszka is an entrepreneur, keynote and TEDx speaker, best-selling author, investor, podcaster, and mentor. She is recognized as one of the top 25 business coaches in the U.S., has been named Entrepreneur of the Year four times, and has been named Businesswoman of the Year three times. As CEO of Keller Williams Realty International MAPS Coaching, she turned a $1 million annual loss into 1/2 billion in revenue. She authored BOLD: Business Objective, a Life by Design, helping KW be recognized as the world’s #1 training company for five years straight and earning a T125 Hall of Fame induction. A founding member of John Maxwell Certified Coaches and a board member of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, she travels with the team, meeting Presidents and Prime Ministers and bringing value-based training to their countries. And now into the schools of many states across America Her bestselling book, Becoming More, has been recognized as the number one book for divergent entrepreneurs. Her book provides models for rewiring your brain for greater success. She is the owner of Dynamic Growth Collective, Coaching Consortium, and DK Businesses.   Connect With Dianna: Website: https://www.diannak.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianna.kokoszka/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianna.kokoszka Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannakokoszka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingMoreDiannaK

1/28/2026

Are you ready to scale your business without the overwhelm? Discover how automation and AI can help you drive traffic, generate leads, and create video content while you sleep.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Reed Floren, The Solopreneur Automator, who shares his journey from early internet marketing to revolutionizing his business with AI-driven automation. Known for his expertise in marketing and automation, Reed has helped six-, seven-, and eight-figure entrepreneurs scale their businesses efficiently. With his innovative use of AI to automate video creation, lead generation, and social media content, Reed is paving the way for marketers to optimize their operations while saving time and money.   Key Takeaways: → Why speaking with industry leaders can accelerate your career. → How AI-driven automation enables entrepreneurs to scale video content with minimal effort. → How Facebook Ads with broad targeting can generate leads for under $1, enabling high-volume, profitable campaigns at scale. → AI scripts and video generation tools enable people to produce hundreds of videos daily. → Why it’s vital to optimize video ads and content using automated rules in Facebook Ads to improve performance and reduce waste.   Reed Floren is “The Solopreneur Automator,” the entrepreneur who teaches founders to scale without hiring teams. He designs AI agents that handle sales conversations, follow-ups, client support, and audience growth 24/7 - turning busywork into profit. Reed has trained thousands of marketers worldwide to use automation as real leverage, not hype, and build businesses that run even when they don’t.   Connect With Reed: Website: https://automatedaimarketer.com/index617911 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reedfloren/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reedflorenofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedfloren/

1/26/2026

You don’t really know how alone you are after a wreck until the insurance company starts talking.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Darrell Burrow, a Bankruptcy and Personal Injury Attorney at Burrow & Associates, who shares what he’s learned over nearly 30 years representing injured people in Georgia. Darrell explains why insurance companies aren’t there to “do the right thing,” why most people leave money on the table, and what to do in the critical moments after a wreck. He also discusses building a values-driven law firm, fostering a culture of client empathy, and preparing the next generation of attorneys to carry the torch.   Key Takeaways: → The first call you should make after a car crash or personal injury is 911. → Photos at the scene can become critical evidence. → Documenting injuries immediately can make or break a claim. → If the police don’t file a report, Burrow & Associates can help by using a self-report form to create an official record. → Making sure each client has an excellent experience is intentional, as most clients are often scared and overwhelmed.   Darrell Burrow is an accomplished attorney with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate personal injury and bankruptcy cases. Born in Alabama and raised in Virginia, he earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama in 1992 and began his career clerking for Judge John Bush. In 1996, with the support of his wife, Darrell opened his own practice in Atlanta, which has since expanded to multiple offices across Georgia. Over the course of his career, he has successfully handled more than 30,000 cases, earning a reputation as a trusted advocate and advisor. Beyond the courtroom, Darrell is a devoted family man who values faith, fitness, and the outdoors. Whether boating, golfing, or camping under the stars with his children, he embraces life with a spirit of adventure while remaining deeply committed to his clients and community.   Connect With Darrell: Website: https://legalatlanta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burrowassociatesllc/ X: https://x.com/burrow_assocLLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763112141 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burrow-associates-llc/

1/23/2026

If your business disappeared from under you tomorrow, would your balance sheet, cash strategy, and exit plan keep you standing? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Willis, CFP®, and David Barnett, best-selling author and veteran buy/sell advisor. Together, they unpack their new book The Business Fortress: How to Grow, Protect, and Exit Your Business with Confidence. David shares what thousands of real-world transactions reveal about banker risk, valuation blind spots, and why owners too often discover their exit gap too late. Mark outlines liquidity-first strategies, “be your own line of credit” concepts, and how fortress-style cash design creates moats for growth, resilience in shocks, and negotiation power at exit. Key Takeaways: → How scaling low-margin activities dilutes valuation.  → Why you should build strength before deploying capital.  → How golden-handcuff tools help keep key clients through growth and transition. → Why internal, policy-style lending frameworks can shorten cycles and capture distressed opportunities.  → Where you store your cash changes how you act and how stable stores enable decisive moves, acquisitions, and better terms across the table.  Mark Willis, CFP® is a man on a mission to help you think differently about your money, your economy and your future. Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a three-time #1 Best Selling Author and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, a financial firm in Chicago, Illinois. As co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast™, he shares some of his strategies for investing in real estate, paying for college without going broke, and creating an income in retirement you will not outlive. Mark works with people who want to grow their wealth in ways that are safe and predictable, to become their own source of financing, and create tax-free income in retirement.    International speaker, author, and consultant David C. Barnett has spent over two decades guiding small and medium-sized business owners through buying, selling, financing, and managing their companies. He is the author of ten books, including the best-selling How to Sell My Own Business, and creator of the Business Buyer Advantage program. Barnett’s YouTube channel and podcast reach a global audience, with over 2.9 million views and 667,000 podcast downloads. Recognized for making complex deal-making concepts accessible, David works with entrepreneurs worldwide to structure successful transactions and avoid common pitfalls. His engaging talks and workshops equip audiences with actionable insights for building and exiting businesses strategically. Connect With Mark: Website: https://lakegrowth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyouraveragefinancial X: https://x.com/lakegrowth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklakegrowth/ Connect With David: Website: https://www.davidcbarnett.com/  Website: https://www.davidcbarnettlist.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dbarnettmoncton/ X: https://twitter.com/DBarnettMoncton LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

1/21/2026

If your brand feels too small to matter, this blueprint shows why that might be your unfair advantage. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital, who unpacks how a niche idea became a global category. Mark shares the strategy that took ZICO from yoga studios in NYC to nationwide shelves, the discipline behind constant pitching and fundraising, and why exits aren’t the finish line. He also discusses his new book on putting freedom first, and his work at Ground Force Capital (backer of brands like Liquid Death and Beyond Meat), helping founders scale both their companies and their lives. Key Takeaways: → Why “inch-wide, mile-deep” focus beats broad launches for breakthrough CPG growth. → How pairing a product with a specific usage occasion (post-hot yoga) created early traction. → The surprising first hurdle: taste—and how “preach to the choir” accelerates momentum. → Fundraising reality: why you either get profitable fast or get great at raising—continuously. → The nine-year “overnight success” mindset and the decade-long horizon most wins require. Mark Rampolla is Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital (GFC), where he works closely with founders and teams to build impactful businesses. He has represented GFC on the boards of leading companies, including Vive Organic, OWYN, Liquid Death, Kinder Farms, Flying Embers, and ZICO Rising. Prior to GFC, Mark founded and served as CEO of ZICO Beverages, pioneering the coconut water category and growing the brand into a global leader before its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. Earlier in his career, he held senior management roles at International Paper, overseeing joint ventures across Latin America and the Caribbean. A Peace Corps alum, Mark has advised more than 100 CEOs, raised over $1B, and invested in 40+ social-impact startups. He is the author of High-Hanging Fruit and holds degrees from Marquette University and Duke University. Connect With Mark: Website: https://www.markrampolla.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markrampolla/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/

1/19/2026

Explore how strategic leadership, global legal expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset help companies navigate expansion, talent acquisition, and innovation in today’s fast-moving markets. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dean Fealk, Northern California Co-Managing Partner at DLA Piper and WSJ Best-Selling Author, who has decades of experience guiding technology companies through global expansion, talent strategy, and market growth. A former international practitioner with work spanning East Asia and Northern California, Dean has advised top-tier clients like IBM, McDonald’s, and Pfizer, as well as contributing to civic organizations and three U.S. presidential campaigns. In this episode, he shares lessons on scaling businesses, leading diverse teams, and applying strategic legal and operational insight to real-world challenges. Key Takeaways: → Strategies for helping companies expand into new markets with minimal friction. → Balancing global corporate standards with local flexibility for success. → The importance of hiring and empowering top talent in different regions. → Lessons from advising major multinational clients and navigating complex business environments. → Dean’s experience contributing to civic organizations and U.S. presidential campaigns. Dean Fealk is the Northern California co-managing partner at global law firm DLA Piper and a recognized citizen statesperson tackling international issues at the intersection of business, politics, and security. With 25+ years advising multinational companies on over $40 billion in cross-border transactions, Dean brings unparalleled expertise on how geopolitics impacts business and economy. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Chief Influencer, his insights appear in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Atlantic. Dean serves on numerous international security organizations including the Halifax International Security Forum and co-founded Transatlantic West to strengthen Silicon Valley-Europe relations. His leadership in global diplomacy has earned him designations as a Fulbright Scholar, Eisenhower Fellow, and Council on Foreign Relations life member. Connect With Dean: Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlapiper/ X: https://x.com/DLA_Piper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLAPiperGlobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dla-piper/

1/16/2026

Discover the strategies, mindset shifts, and leadership lessons that help business owners turn complex tech challenges into scalable growth opportunities. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Ephraim Ebstein, CEO and Co-Founder of FIT Solutions, who has built two national companies from the ground up and now guides business leaders in leveraging technology for growth. Ephraim shares how he scaled his business to over 100 team members, integrated AI into operations, and maintained a culture across a geographically diverse organization. Listeners will learn actionable insights on leadership, scaling, and transforming tech headaches into powerful growth engines. Key Takeaways: →Strategies for integrating AI into business processes while keeping humans in the loop. → The inspiration behind founding Fit Solutions and building a world-class team. → Understanding the core services of Fit Solutions: IT, cybersecurity, and AI integration. → Lessons learned from key growth inflection points and overcoming personal limitations. → Why owners must step out of operational roles to scale effectively. Ephraim Ebstein is a seasoned IT professional and entrepreneur based in San Diego, California, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and managed IT services. As the CEO and co-founder of both Socbox and FIT Solutions, he has led teams to deliver innovative, effective technology solutions that enhance productivity and security for businesses. Ephraim's extensive expertise encompasses a wide range of IT disciplines, including cloud computing, network security, and virtualization. His commitment to client satisfaction is evident in the high-quality, white-glove service approach he advocates. With a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems from ITT Technical Institute, he combines technical knowledge with strategic leadership. Ephraim's vision centers on leveraging technology to make a significant impact on businesses, aiming to help 6,000 organizations achieve their goals. He is passionate about continuous learning and adapting to the ever-evolving tech landscape, ensuring his companies stay at the forefront of the industry. Connect With Ephraim: Website: https://fitsolutions.biz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitsolutionsllc/ X: https://x.com/fitsolutionsIT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FITSolutionsIT/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-solutions.biz/

1/14/2026

One mindset shift can turn your biggest loss into your greatest comeback. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Rod Khleif, Multifamily Real Estate, Expert Podcast Host, Best-Selling Author, and Philanthropist, built a real estate empire and then rebuilt it after losing $50 million in the 2008 crash. Rod breaks down why mindset drives 80–90% of success, shares lessons from owning 800 single-family homes, and explains what’s happening in multifamily right now as debt comes due and opportunity rises. He also shares how his decades of work with Tony Robbins shaped his philosophy and why giving back through the Tiny Hands Foundation became a core part of his definition of fulfillment. Key Takeaways: → Mindset beats mechanics: Rod argues that psychology drives the majority of success; tactics only work when you act on them consistently. → Single-family risk is underestimated: One vacancy can mean 100% vacancy, plus turnover costs can wipe out a year of profit. → Multifamily scales faster than people think: Buying one 20-unit property can be simpler than buying 20 separate houses, with fewer moving parts. → Avoid cross-collateralization traps: Rod’s crash was worsened by tying stronger assets to weaker ones, creating a domino effect. → Education first, then action: Don’t “dabble.” Commit to learning the business and getting around serious operators and frameworks. Rod Khleif is a Sarasota-based multifamily investor, best-selling author, and top-ranked podcast host who rebuilt a real estate empire after losing $50M in the 2008 crash. Today, he leads one of the most successful real estate investing coaching communities with 260,000 student-owned units. He supports his mission of abundance through the Tiny Hands Foundation, which has fed more than 160,000 children. Rod combines his market knowledge with a strong personal comeback story. He offers clear, honest advice on building wealth that can withstand recessions. He also shares insights on setting goals and running purpose-driven businesses. This makes him a trusted voice in the community. Connect With Rod: Website: https://rodkhleif.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rod_khleif/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodkhleifofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodkhleif/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/12/2026

Discover the key to unlocking true business success by shifting your mindset and implementing a strategic plan that supports freedom and growth. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Trevor McGregor, CEO of Trevor McGregor International, who has guided countless individuals to unlock their potential and achieve success. After experiencing financial failure and a life-changing transformation, Trevor went on to mentor high performers and build a coaching business that helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses while maintaining balance in life. In this episode, Trevor shares his unique insights into the five freedoms: financial, time, location, impact, and relationship freedom, and how anyone can achieve them with the right mindset and strategic planning. Key Takeaways: → The Power of Identity: Your identity determines your success. You’ll never outperform the person you believe you are. → Real Estate as a Gateway to Freedom: Trevor's shift to real estate investing helped him recover from financial loss and build a profitable portfolio. → Tony Robbins' Coaching Legacy: Trevor’s time working with Tony Robbins gave him unparalleled insight into coaching and human behavior. → Strategic Planning is Key: Most people fail to scale because they don’t have a strategic plan or vision for the future. → Limiting Beliefs Hold Us Back: To grow, you must challenge and eliminate limiting beliefs that restrict your progress. Trevor McGregor is a world-class Real Estate Investor and High-Performance Master Coach who has spent more than two decades transforming the lives, and businesses of clients around the globe. With over 45,000 one-to-one coaching sessions to his name, Trevor is recognized as one of the most trusted and sought-after strategic advisors in the industry. He has coached and mentored Fortune 500 Executives, Doctors, Attorneys, Elite Real Estate Investors, Entrepreneurs, and even Olympic Athletes. Trevor’s mission is simple: to help people Scale Their Business, Make More Money and Achieve Unparalleled Levels of Success and Time Freedom, faster than they ever thought possible.  His unique blend of real-world investing experience, elite coaching methodologies, and deep mindset mastery has positioned him as a transformational catalyst for high performers who are committed to taking their business and their lives to a whole new level. Connect With Trevor: Website:https://trevormcgregor.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachtrevor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mcgregor-93375862 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/9/2026

What if the year you lost your job and your mother lost her home became the same year you helped build a $70 million breakthrough in medicine? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Rome Madison, 3X Best-Selling Author and Keynote Speaker, who shares how growing up with a single mother battling severe mental illness and later homelessness fueled his “no excuses” mindset, and how hand-copying medical textbooks at Barnes & Noble helped him break into precision medicine just as the Human Genome Project was completed. He walks through launching a consulting firm, co-creating the Precision Medicine Podcast that contributed to a $70 million acquisition, and his current work as a confidence coach and host of the global show Genetics for Healthcare, helping high achievers stop second-guessing themselves and expand their impact.   Key Takeaways: → The pivotal year when unemployment and a family crisis collided, and why that moment became the catalyst for entering precision medicine. → The unconventional way he prepared for a highly technical role by hand-copying medical and molecular biology content from bookstore shelves. → A plain-language breakdown of what precision medicine actually is, and how it first transformed cancer care through surgical specimens. → Why so many venture-backed precision medicine companies burned through billions, and how that opened the door for his consulting firm. → Behind-the-scenes insights into the $70 million acquisition that included the podcast, and the powerful lessons it taught him about ownership, equity, and value creation.   Rome Madison is a dynamic speaker, author, and podcaster who helps people boost self-confidence, face fears, embrace uncertainty, and cut through chaos to achieve bold, ambitious goals. Known for his high-energy delivery and inspiring message, he empowers audiences to take risks and pursue success with fearless determination. A pioneer in the precision medicine industry, Rome draws from extensive sales management and executive leadership experience, sharing powerful lessons from leading massively successful start-ups to navigating the challenges of corporate collapse and restructuring. A futurist with a Specialty in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School Online, he blends forward-thinking insight with real-world expertise. Featured on more than 50 TV and radio programs nationwide, Rome has spoken on global stages, including the Consumer Electronics Show, where he shared his expertise on the Future of Healthcare. His mission is simple yet profound: inspire people to crush their goals, no matter the obstacles. Connect With Rome : Website: https://romemadison.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romemadisoneverydaysuperstar/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomeMadison X: https://x.com/RomeMadison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEverydaySuperstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genomicsellingsolutions/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/7/2026

Discover how combining strategic thinking, integrated campaigns, and strong team execution transforms marketing from a chaotic expense into a predictable growth engine. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Andrew Seidman, COO and Co-Founder of Digital Reach Agency, a former professional poker player turned marketing strategist who helps global enterprises and well-funded startups achieve measurable growth. With over a decade of experience leading multi-channel campaigns using platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Demandbase, and 6sense, Andrew is known for turning complex digital challenges into streamlined, high-impact solutions. In this episode, he shares lessons on building repeatable processes, integrating teams, and leveraging data to drive meaningful results. Key Takeaways: → The importance of focusing on process rather than short-term results in marketing and operations. → Understanding the core challenges companies face in generating qualified leads and pipeline. → The value of integrating branding, content, digital experience, and revenue operations into one cohesive strategy. → How multi-channel campaigns deliver measurable impact across platforms like Google, LinkedIn, and social media. → Scaling teams effectively while maintaining culture, accountability, and alignment across geographies. Andrew Seidman is the COO and Co-Founder of Digital Reach Agency, where he has played a key role since 2013. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Andrew works closely with global enterprises to develop and implement strategies for Account-Based Marketing (ABM), Demand Generation, and Product-Led Growth (PLG) motions. He leads global advertising campaigns using platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Bing, Facebook, Demandbase, 6sense, and Terminus. Andrew coordinates resources to drive the agency's growth while providing support to the sales and technology teams to ensure exceptional customer service. With over 12 years of experience, Andrew is dedicated to delivering end-to-end digital strategies that drive success for clients around the world. Connect With Andrew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalreachagency/ X: https://x.com/digitalreachb2b Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigitalReachAgency/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-reach-agency/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Digitalreachagency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/5/2026

What if an AI agent could negotiate your car deal while you keep your phone on silent? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Zach Shefska, Co-Founder & CEO of CarEdge, a platform using data, software, and services to make car buying fair, fast, and transparent. Zach explains how CarEdge evolved from a YouTube channel with his veteran car-salesman father into a suite of tools—pricing data, a concierge team, and an AI negotiator—that level the playing field for buyers without trying to eliminate dealerships. He shares how the business model aligns incentives, why “human-in-the-loop” AI matters, and how trust and speed can beat opacity and pressure. Key Takeaways: → CarEdge began as a YouTube channel teaching people how to buy cars and has grown into a platform with millions of monthly viewers plus tools and services that support the entire purchase journey. → The company offers negotiation-ready data, an AI negotiator that engages dealers on your behalf, and a human concierge team made up of former dealership pros who can run the process end-to-end. → Zach designed the model to avoid dealer pay-to-play by charging consumers for help, which means dealerships receive educated, motivated buyers without subscription fees or low-quality lead churn. → The mission is not to destroy dealerships but to make transactions fairer and faster, which can still serve dealer interests by improving close rates and reducing negotiation friction. → Dealership profits are typically driven by finance and insurance products rather than the new-car sale itself, so CarEdge focuses on fair vehicle pricing while educating consumers on F&I decisions. Zach Shefska is the co-founder and CEO of CarEdge, a platform dedicated to reforming the automotive retail experience through radical transparency, consumer empowerment, and digital innovation. His journey from tech executive to mission-driven entrepreneur exemplifies a deep commitment to building purpose-driven solutions that challenge exploitative norms. Connect With Zach:Website: http://www.caredge.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycaredge TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caredge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycaredge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/2/2026

What if the same mindset that builds nine-figure businesses could also create a happier, healthier life?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Pete Sacco, Entrepreneur, Technologist, Modern Day Mystic, is the author of Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Body, Mind, and Spirit, who shares how his own low point—facing poor health and personal unhappiness despite career success—sparked a complete transformation that reshaped both his life and his company. He reveals the framework behind his “Commit, Learn, and Do” philosophy and how understanding superpowers, core values, and balance can turn ambition into fulfillment.   Key Takeaways: → How each stage of expansion requires new structures, mentors, and sometimes new team members. → Why it’s vital for entrepreneurs to evolve from being business operators into strategic thinkers and investors → How professional success without personal fulfillment is a form of failure. → Why it’s crucial to practice gratitude, reframe expectations, and find daily moments of wonder. → How clarity, collaboration, and alignment are more important than control.   Pete Sacco is a visionary entrepreneur, technologist, and modern-day mystic who blends conscious leadership with breakthrough innovation. As the founder of multiple ventures—including PTS Data Center Solutions, INTUVA, GRID7, InstaGuardIP, and Gray Wolf Data Centers—Pete has led transformative initiatives across AI, energy, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. His journey from electrical engineer to spiritual author and advisor reflects a rare fusion of high performance and inner awakening. Pete is the author of Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Body, Mind, and Spirit, a guide for high achievers seeking fulfillment beyond success. A finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Pete holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He serves on the advisory board of its School of Computer Sciences and Engineering. Based in New Jersey, he helps purpose-driven professionals unlock clarity, vitality, and purpose—one system, one person, and one moment at a time.   Connect With Pete: Website: https://petesacco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petesaccoofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petesacco X: https://x.com/PeteSaccoCEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petertsacco/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeteSaccoCEO   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/31/2025

Freedom gets a lot easier when your systems work harder than you do.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Daniel Alonzo, Wealth Coach, who unpacks the mindset and mechanics of true financial freedom. Financially independent by 28, Daniel scaled to 1,500+ agents across 60 offices and hosts the Wealth on the Beach podcast. He breaks down scaling via leadership, content consistency, and modern messaging that attracts the next generation while building durable passive income.   Key Takeaways: → Why entrepreneurs must replace their limiting beliefs with decisive action. → How achieving true financial freedom requires both passive income and strong cash reserves. → Building leaders who can operate independently allows a business to scale faster than any individual effort ever could. → Why documenting systems, training materials, and repeatable processes leads to sustainable growth and more free time. → How consistency separate those who get attention from those who fade away.   Daniel Alonzo is a high energy entrepreneur, wealth coach and host of the Wealth on the Beach Podcast, ranked top 100 by million podcasts. He's built one of the largest financial teams in America with over 1,500 licensed agents and 60 offices. He's also the author of 3 books: Wealth on the Beach: 11 Laws to Building Financial Freedom, Wealth on the Beach: For Teens, and his latest, Wealth on the Beach: Why Most Life Insurance is a Scam - And How to Get It Right. Daniel's Mission is to teach people how to build wealth, shift their mindset, and live a life of freedom, choices and options - no fluff, no BS.   Connect With Daniel: Website: https://wealthonthebeach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielalonzo/ X: https://x.com/DanielAlonzoBL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.alonzo.796/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielAlonzo1   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/29/2025

When you focus your energy like a laser, the right single move can change everything.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Stephen Scoggins, Faith-Driven Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Author, who rose from homelessness to build Custom Home Exteriors into one of the East Coast’s largest exterior service companies—~400 employees and just under nine figures annually—before exiting in 2023. Stephen now leads Unstoppable Solutions, creating media and events and empowering education to help founders align purpose, performance, and profit. He shares the mentor lessons that saved his life, the pitfalls that stall entrepreneurs, and how “presence over hustle” creates compounding momentum.   Key Takeaways: → Why being busy doesn’t equate to being proactive and how focused presence beats hustle culture. → How to overcome the five constraints: arrogance, ignorance, impatience, fear, and insecurity. → Why starting from scratch requires ingenuity, initiative, and brick-by-brick systems that scale. → How profit without meaning leads to isolation and how to build both wealth and fulfillment. → Why many founders need alignment more than another playbook. Stephen Scoggins is a business strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Unstoppable Solutions by Scoggins International Inc. Once homeless, he went on to build and exit multiple companies, becoming a serial 9-figure entrepreneur and mentoring thousands through his Unstoppable Entrepreneur Programs and frameworks for aligned, sustainable growth. Named by USA Today and The Wall Street Times as one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurs in 2023, Stephen has also reached over 48 million podcast views through his show Build, where he helps purpose-driven leaders scale without compromising who they are. Known for challenging hustle culture, he teaches an integrated approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes meaning, integrity, and legacy-level impact—proving that lasting income follows radical alignment.   Connect With Stephen: Website: https://stephenscoggins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_scoggins X: https://x.com/stephen_scoggin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenscoggins/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenscoggins/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephen_scoggins   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/26/2025

When execution gets cheap and fast, the advantage shifts from incumbents to the bold.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Alex Mehr, PhD, Former NASA Scientist, Serial Entrepreneur, and AI Disruptor, who explains why this AI wave is different. Technology is replacing human tasks (often doing them better), turning “idea machines” into prolific builders by slashing execution time and cost. He shares how famous.ai helps entrepreneurs spin up real MVPs quickly, why “barbarian” tactics beat empires, and the mindsets that separate shippers from stallers.   Key Takeaways: → How this AI wave replaces, not just augments, many human activities. → How AI collapses the gap between ideation and execution. → How underdogs can carve niches by attacking specific, local weak points. → Why entrepreneurs should test cheaply, retreat quickly, and redeploy where traction appears. → Why logos and colors are meaningless if you’re not shipping and learning.   Dr. Alex Mehr is a former NASA scientist turned serial entrepreneur who has built and exited multiple companies serving millions of users worldwide. Today, as Co-Founder and CEO of Famous.ai, he’s breaking down the last barrier to entrepreneurship: coding. Alex believes there’s a dividing line in entrepreneurship—before 2025 and after 2025. With AI now able to turn plain-English prompts into production-ready apps, execution is no longer the bottleneck—ideas just became more valuable than ever. From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, Alex has seen firsthand that speed is the ultimate competitive advantage. His mission is to empower non-technical founders, creatives, and professionals to build bold tech businesses without needing engineers, massive funding, or years of trial and error. Alex’s unique gift is taking complex technology and translating it into actionable, inspiring stories that leave audiences believing: your idea is worth building today, not someday.   Connect With Alex: Website: https://famous.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoralex Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realDrMehr/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dealai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/24/2025

When you solve one real problem brilliantly, it can unlock five more and add an entire category. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Shawn Nelson, Founder and CEO of LoveSac, who shares how a homemade “not-beanbag” snowballed into a NASDAQ-listed company with 300+ locations, a logistics moat, and the best-selling sectional platform in the U.S. He breaks down the invention mindset, LoveSac’s sustainability-by-design philosophy, and why products must be designed for life to win long term. Key Takeaways: → Why logistics matter and how they can be used as your hidden superpower.  → Building a product that can evolve allows it to stay relevant for decades. → Why sustainability and durability beat planned obsolescence.  → Why building your own channel proves demand for your product.  → If products last, growth must come from new rooms, categories, and features. Shawn Nelson is the founder and CEO of LoveSac, Inc. He graduated from the University of Utah and founded LoveSac in 1998, initially creating his first “not-bean bag” from shredded foam camp mattresses. Nelson quickly gained traction, securing an order for 12,000 Lovesacs from Limited Too, and later opening his first retail location in 2001. In 2003, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nelson also appeared on Richard Branson’s The Rebel Billionaire in 2005, winning a $1 million investment, and spent three months as acting president of Virgin companies. Shawn expanded LoveSac’s product line to include the world’s only changeable sectional couch. He earned his master’s degree in strategic design and management from Parsons in 2015, where he also became a part-time instructor. That same year, he appeared on Make Me a Millionaire Inventor and delivered the keynote at the 40 Under 40 awards for Fairfield County, Connecticut. In 2018, he took LoveSac public, with shares debuting on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LOVE.” Connect With Shawn: Website: https://www.lovesac.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac X: https://x.com/shawnoflovesac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/22/2025

Revenue keeps rising, but your bank account doesn’t? Here’s how to fix that.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Ben Hansen, Business Consultant & CEO, Profit Doctor, who built an eight-figure consulting firm to 100 employees and $13M revenue with five Inc. 5000 awards, after earlier stints at Dell and Microsoft. Ben now helps $2–$50M companies add +5 net profit points in 90 days by importing top-quartile practices into below-average performers. He shares the mindset, metrics, and surgical cuts that turn chronic cash strain into sustainable profitability.   Key Takeaways: → Why chasing your top line often hides bottom-line decay. → How to make money by stopping what loses money. → The ten areas that are most likely to hide margins. → How to identify unprofitable customers, products, and channels, and exit them. → Why it’s vital to build a business that funds its own growth.   Ben Hansen is a 5-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur and founder of an 8-figure staffing firm. In his previous business, he built a team of over 100 employees in just 8 years and consistently achieved fast growth and high profit. Today, he helps CEOs solve their profit problems fast and he understands firsthand what it takes to build a lean, scalable business that actually makes money. He works with companies earning between $2 and $50 million in annual revenue to increase margins, cash and distributions. Most see meaningful improvements within just 12 weeks without adding more workload or pressure. Ben specializes in curing what he calls Profititis - when revenue keeps growing but profit doesn’t. With hands-on experience, he offers simple, practical solutions that deliver real results, not more theory or complexity.   Connect With Ben: Website: https://profitdoctor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitdoctorben/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitdoctorben Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/19/2025

Most owners work hard for money—few learn to make the tax code work hard for them. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Catrina M. Craft, a tax strategist and accountant who’s advised business owners and previously learned elite tax strategy working with the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Creator of the CRAFT Money Map framework, Catrina specializes in turning reactive “tax season” chaos into proactive, year-round wealth strategy. She breaks down the KPIs that actually drive profitability, the entity and election decisions that matter, and timely plays like bonus depreciation, §179, and QBI that can free up cash to grow.   Key Takeaways: → Proactive vs. reactive taxes: what changes when strategy starts before year-end. → The five KPIs that matter: cash flow, profitability, A/R & A/P, LTV, and CAC—plus how to dashboard them. → The C.R.A.F.T. Money Map: Cash flow, Retirement, Asset management/protection, Financial freedom, and Tax strategies. → Entity structure ≠ paperwork: why LLC + the right tax election (S/C/partnership/sole prop) can swing your tax outcome. → When to hire a strategist: startup consults to avoid missteps; quarterly at ~$50k profit; monthly at ~$100k+.   Catrina M. Craft, CPA, CEO & Founder of Craft More Cash. "The tax code isn’t fair — but that’s your opportunity as a business owner.” This is the perspective Catrina Craft brings as the CPA and tax strategist behind some of the most profitable coaches, consultants, and creators in the industry. After climbing out of $100K in debt and losing 80% of her income overnight, she rebuilt her business by using the same advanced tax strategies and wealth-building tactics that the top 2% of the wealthiest rely on to protect and multiply their money. Now, she teaches her clients to do the same. Through her Craft Money MapTM system, she helps high-earning entrepreneurs cut taxes by 25% and boost profits by 20% — strategies most accountants won’t even talk about. On the mic, Catrina pulls back the curtain on what the ultra-wealthy know: how proactive tax strategy lets you keep more, grow faster, and build real wealth. Listeners walk away with practical insights on entity structuring, overlooked deductions, and income planning that scales. Connect With Catrina: Website: https://www.catrinamcraft.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catrinamcraft/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catrinamcraft1/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/17/2025

Most practices are busy—but busy doesn’t always mean profitable. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Terri Ross, Founder of Terri Ross Consulting & Co-Founder of Aesthetic Success, who is one of the leading voices in the medical aesthetics industry. With nearly two decades of experience, she has advised top practices, trained thousands of providers, and been featured as a speaker at Johns Hopkins, international conferences, and in multiple publications. In this conversation, Terri shares her proven seven-pillar revenue optimization system, insights on KPIs that drive millions in growth, and strategies to help practices thrive in competitive markets. Key Takeaways: → Why being busy doesn’t guarantee profitability. → The seven-pillar framework for revenue optimization. → Common mistakes most practice owners make—and how to avoid them. → The KPIs that matter most in the first 3–6 months. → How pricing and compensation strategies impact profitability. Terri Ross, founder of Terri Ross Consulting, is a globally recognized expert in practice management and high-performance sales coaching, with a specialization in medical aesthetics. She has helped practices and Fortune 500 companies achieve over $2.5M in annual revenue growth. Industry leaders like Galderma, Skinbetter, and Merz Canada rely on her expertise for training sales teams and delivering keynote presentations at top aesthetic conferences. As the founder of Terri Ross Consulting, she later launched the APX Platform, merging with a patient education firm in 2023 to form a cutting-edge performance system. With a background in sales leadership roles with Fortune 500 medical device companies, Terri consistently ranked in the top 10% nationally. Terri hosts the "In Touch with Terri" podcast and co-founded Aesthetic Success, a quarterly summit series designed to master business strategy in aesthetics. Connect With Terri Ross: Website: https://terrirossconsulting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrirossconsulting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terriross/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/15/2025

What if hitting rock bottom wasn’t the end, but the exact moment life cracks open to reveal your true power?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Kellan Fluckiger, High-Performance Life Coach, who shares how a harrowing “divine intervention,” sobriety, and a second chance at love rewired his future. Drawing from his books, near-death experience, and 18 years of deep personal work, Kellan lays out a no-nonsense pathway to purpose, prosperity, and joy. He also tackles the future of coaching in the age of AI and why becoming the product of your message is the only durable strategy.   Key Takeaways: → The 18-hour turning point that ended addiction cold-turkey. → Why “head in the sand, ante is high, work is hard” stops change. → The WIPOS framework: Worth, Identity, Possibility, Ownership, Sovereignty. → How to define your “Ultimate Life” without outsourcing your truth. → The single most powerful asset: your story of becoming.   Coming through decades of depression, addictions, life-threatening illness, and a near-death experience, Kellan Fluckiger has become the ultimate catalyst to help motivated people melt barriers, move mountains, and mobilize superpowers to achieve their true desires. As a Best life coach in LA and keynote speaker, Kellan’s masterful approach helps people get past old stories, change beliefs, and create a life context to reach even goals that seemed impossible.   Connect With Kellan Fluckiger: Website: https://www.kellanfluckiger.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellan.fluckiger/ X: https://x.com/KellanFluckiger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellan.fluckiger3 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kellanfluckiger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/12/2025

What’s really stopping you from hitting seven figures isn’t strategy, it’s how you think about money, growth, and yourself. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, founder of Incredible One Enterprises and author of Move to Millions, who shares how she helps entrepreneurs scale to seven figures while honoring their values and avoiding burnout. With a background of building her own multimillion-dollar business, she now equips service-based business owners with the strategies, systems, and mindset shifts needed to create sustainable success. In this conversation, she breaks down pricing, limiting beliefs, hiring challenges, and the path to true abundance. Key Takeaways: → Why daily marketing and sales are non-negotiable for growth.  → The hidden cost of underpricing and how to fix it.  → Creating starter offers that lead clients to premium programs. → How limiting beliefs sabotage business owners without them realizing.  → The role of money mindset in breaking revenue plateaus.  Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon is the award-winning, iconic, and incomparable two-time Inc.5000 CEO of Incredible One Enterprises, LLC, a multi-million-dollar coaching and consulting brand. From the moment she opens her mouth, brace yourself for a transformation that will overcome you. Best known for combining soul leadership with business growth strategy, Darnyelle equips her audiences with actionable insights and strategies to leverage and scale businesses that serve them financially and spiritually. She entertains, equips, empowers, and holds space for attendees to see themselves at their next level. By teaching her award-winning Move to Millions® Method, Darnyelle helps clients collapse the amount of time it takes them to reach the million-dollar mark with ease and grace, rather than through hustle and grind. Darnyelle is a 7-time best-selling author, the creator of 5 powerful business systems and the host of the MOVE To Millions Podcast with Dr. Darnyelle J. Harmon. Now, she is introducing the world to the book she was born to write, Move to Millions®. Connect With Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon: Website: https://www.drdarnyelle.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/darnyellejerveyharmon Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darnyellejerveyharmon LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/darnyelejerveyharmon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/10/2025

Most companies don’t have a lead problem, they have a follow-up problem. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jason Kramer, Founder & CEO at Cultivize, who breaks down how smart CRM strategy can transform “maybe someday” prospects into real revenue. Jason shares how his team helps manufacturing, roofing, finance, and home service businesses design, implement, and actually use CRM systems like HubSpot and Pipedrive so salespeople stop dropping the ball. With real-world case studies, including a roofing company that turned old quotes into seven-figure sales, Jason shows what’s possible when technology, strategy, and authentic follow-up finally line up. Key Takeaways: → Why most growing businesses don’t really know which marketing efforts are working, and how a properly set up CRM changes that. → The three simple criteria that define an ideal client for a CRM overhaul and why company size and sales team count matter. → The common problem shared by manufacturing, roofing, finance, and home service companies is that they send hundreds of proposals a year. → A behind-the-scenes case study of a roofing company that revived ignored quotes with a thoughtful, automated follow-up sequence. → How to design automated emails that feel genuine and personal, not robotic or canned, while still running on autopilot. Jason Kramer is the founder of Cultivize, a consulting firm that builds smart CRM strategies for business consultants and growth advisors. With over 20 years in marketing and business development, he helps experts transform their lead management systems into scalable growth engines. His process integrates CRM automation with email nurturing to create trackable, ROI-focused results for B2B and consulting clients. Jason’s background includes work with global giants like Virgin Atlantic and Johnnie Walker, but today his focus is on supporting strategic advisors and fractional leaders who need visibility into what’s working—and what’s not—in their sales process. When he’s not helping clients streamline their revenue systems, he’s on the Hudson River with his family. Connect With Jason Kramer: Website: https://cultivize.com/ X: https://x.com/cultivize Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultivize/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleighkramer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/8/2025

What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything and teaches you more than success ever could? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jeff Martinovich, Author of When Not If: A CEO’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity, who shares his astonishing journey from the boardroom to federal prison and back. Wrongly targeted during the 2008 financial crisis, Jeff refused three plea deals on principle and paid a heavy price. His story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention reveals hard-won lessons about leadership, integrity, and rebuilding after unimaginable loss. Key Takeaways: → The cultural principles and “A-player” mindset that fueled his firm’s explosive growth. → What really happened when regulators came for smaller financial firms after 2008. → The meaning behind When Not If—why every leader must prepare for crisis before it strikes. → How a childhood fascination with investing led to a billion-dollar wealth-management empire. → How helping others in the prison law library became his unlikely path to freedom. Jeff Martinovich earned his B.S. in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and his MBA in Finance from The College of William and Mary. He had the honor of serving his country during The First Gulf War at Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Langley, Virginia. Pursuing a second career in financial services, Jeff was Founder and CEO of MICG Investment Management, a billion-dollar wealth management firm nationally recognized for its rapid growth, WoW service and A-Player culture. Following the 2008 Financial Crisis, MICG’s proprietary hedge funds experienced regulatory scrutiny and allegations. As CEO, Jeff vigorously defended his firm, refusing three separate plea offers and instead choosing to defend his employees and himself in federal court. In a bizarre narrative, Jeff was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Yet, then representing himself, the court decisions were reversed twice by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, two separate U.S. District Court Judges were removed, and his successful federal suit liberated him from a higher-security, violent prison. After nearly 7 years, Jeff was finally released to begin his journey of rebuilding, restoring, and turning disadvantages into advantages. His life has been a continuous string of business and family miracles ever since. His perilous journey and miraculous restoration are the topics of national publications, to include When Not If: A CEO’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity, Forbes Books, January 2024. He spends his days helping CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders not make the mistakes he made on the way up, as well as teaching trench warfare tactics necessary to achieve victory when the black swan shows up at your office. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife, son, and new little girl.  Connect With Jeff : Website: https://www.jeffmartinovich.com/ X: https://x.com/JeffMartinovich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.martinovich.2023/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-martinovich/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/5/2025

Thinking about selling your fitness studio one day? The smartest move is to start preparing long before you’re ready. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mitch McGinley, Founder and CEO of Boutique Fitness Broker, who has guided countless entrepreneurs through one of the biggest transitions of their lives—selling their business. With experience spanning studios, spas, gyms, and beyond, Mitch brings both empathy and expertise to the exit process. In this episode, he shares common mistakes to avoid, trends shaping boutique fitness, and how to set up your business so it sells for the maximum value. Key Takeaways: → How selling a yoga studio opened the door to advising others. → The difference between being a broker, consultant, and advisor. → How biggest mistakes business owners make include having messy books, unclear HR, and being too tied to the business. → Why talking openly about selling makes deals easier and better. → How to turn a dragged-out deal into a multimillion-dollar exit. Mitch McGinley is a former studio owner, business broker and exit planning advisor specializing in boutique fitness. He originally worked in hotel management with Omni Hotels, and then with an investor who was flipping boutique hotels in San Diego. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife Karson bought their favorite yoga studio. During that time he began consulting in the boutique fitness industry, teaching seminars at Mindbody University and other fitness conferences all over the world, helping studio owners make better business decisions. After successfully selling his studio in 2019, he merged all of his worlds to create Boutique Fitness Broker, helping other entrepreneurs in this industry maximize their biggest payday. He has helped facilitate over 60 transactions in the past five years, with over $10M in transacted value in 2024 alone. Connect With Mitch: Website: https://boutiquefitnessbroker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefitnessbroker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmcginley/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/3/2025

If your revenue has stalled despite strong demand, this playbook shows how numbers, systems, and leadership, not bigger ad spend, restart explosive growth. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Karl Maier, Founder of Abunden, an experienced CEO and business advisor who has played a key role in doubling sales at 5 companies in just 2 years. In this conversation, Maier explains how installing a 13-week cash forecast, building repeatable operating systems, and developing leaders unlock capacity so growth sticks. He also shares his Abundant Framework, insights from his book Surfing Economic Chaos, and what actually changes when you scale from $10M to $100M. Key Takeaways: → Why growth stalls after early success, and how shifting from heroics to repeatable systems and delegation restarts momentum. → The 13-week cash flow cadence: a simple weekly forecast that prevents surprises and fuels confident decisions. → When marketing isn’t the first lever: fix finance, ops capacity, and delivery so sales gains don’t break the machine. → “Every time you double, everything breaks”—what to upgrade (process, tools, roles) before pressing the gas. → The hardest part of $100M isn’t spreadsheets, it’s people, alignment, and leadership bench strength. Karl Maier is the founder of Abunden, where he helps CEOs transition from survival mode to achieving predictable, profitable growth. Specializing in energy-related companies, Karl turns financial blind spots into powerful growth engines, guiding both organic and acquisition-led expansion. He has extensive experience in private equity, family office roles, and capital raises, including supporting a $10M fracking water cleaning project and raising debt and equity for a $192 million EV private equity acquisition. Karl's expertise spans mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including buy-side support for international expansions and a $45 million B2B distribution company. He has also been instrumental in turnaround situations, such as guiding a healthcare services company to 40% growth and helping a coffee company pivot to hand sanitizer during COVID, generating $400K in just five months. With global CFO experience, Karl has led teams across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. Connect With Karl Maier: Website: https://abunden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlkmaier/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/1/2025

What if your sales team woke up on Monday to a calendar already full of qualified discovery calls? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Gabe Lullo, CEO of Alleyoop, who has helped companies from startups to giants like Microsoft, Peloton, and ZoomInfo transform their sales pipelines. Under his leadership, Alleyoop.io has pioneered a two-step model that separates prospecting from closing—backed by 11 million cold calls a year and a focus on authenticity in outreach. In this episode, Gabe shares the systems, stories, and strategies that have fueled Alleyoop.io’s rapid growth and its role in scaling billion-dollar brands. Key Takeaways: → The two-step approach that separates prospecting from closing. → How Alleyoop.io serves both startups and global enterprises. → The “hot lead vs. warm lead” model—and why timing matters. → What really causes sales teams to stall (hint: it’s not always leads). → Why most “lead gen companies” aren’t actually prospecting. Gabe Lullo’s expertise in sales, marketing, recruiting, and management began when he started his own business after graduation from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. He owned and operated his own sales, training, and marketing firm for more than a decade. He excelled in training sales and marketing professionals, and additionally, Gabe has had a successful career in executive recruiting. He has been instrumental in expanding the company’s search and placement for IT, Software Development, Sales, Customer Success, Marketing, and Executive leaders. Gabe's most recent success has been with us here at Alleyoop. For many years he has been working to build and grow the company by focusing on our culture, environment, customer success, and sales. Connect With Gabe Lullo: Website: https://alleyoop.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alleyoop-io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11/28/2025

What if just 12 minutes a day could completely rewire your subconscious and transform your success? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews John Mitchell, Entrepreneur and Professor at the University of Texas, who turned a lifetime of “average” results into extraordinary success by unlocking what Napoleon Hill left unsaid. Through his 12-minute-a-day method, John multiplied his income 25x, attracted his dream relationship, and now teaches his framework at the University of Texas and to top coaches and entrepreneurs. In this episode, he shares the full secret, the science behind it, and why only the most driven 2% are willing to apply it. Key Takeaways: → How rereading Think and Grow Rich 20 times revealed the missing half of the secret. → The role of the subconscious in controlling 95% of daily actions. → Why most people falsely believe they consciously control their choices. → The full secret: envisioning in detail with emotion every day. → The three stages of transformation: control, confidence, and automatic right actions. At 50, John Mitchell realized he wasn’t as successful as he had hoped, prompting him to turn to Think & Grow Rich, the world’s most renowned success book, read by over 150 million people. While the book reveals a secret to success, John uncovered the full secret and developed a groundbreaking 12-minute daily technique to apply it. As a result, his income skyrocketed 25x, surpassing the $200K he had earned annually for the previous 20 years. John's methodology, rooted in neuroscience and powered by an AI-driven algorithm, personalizes the success formula for each individual. He teaches this system at the University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business and serves as the mental coach for UT’s 18 head athletic coaches. John shares his powerful system in his book, The Missing Secret of the Legendary Book Think & Grow Rich, offering insights on working smarter, not harder, and rewiring the autopilot that governs 95% of our thoughts and actions. Connect With John: Website: https://thinkitbeit.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkitbeitcompany/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-it-be-it-llc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices