Brick by Brick

In this episode, we explore secondary funding for your business. Learn the signs it's time to consider this option, the pros and cons, and how it impacts your acquisition timeline. We also discuss alternative funding methods like personal investments, loans, and revenue optimization. Key takeaways: be transparent with investors, believe in your business, and be prepared to continue operations post-funding. Timestamps:(00:00) Securing primary investment vs. secondary investment explained.(07:52) Analyzing business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.(11:30) Timing with Elevar influenced our chosen direction.(15:46) Moving conversation forward on pursuing secondary funding.(18:07) Startup financing options(24:33) Founders often struggle with the 80/20 rule.(27:07) Money doesn't buy happiness; find fulfilling work.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

In this episode, Brad & Nate dive into company culture. They discuss leading by example, transparency, and investing in your team's growth. Your actions set the tone for the organization so tune in for insights on how to create a winning culture. Timestamps:(00:00) Your actions define who you are.(04:18) Leaders must be transparent, authentic, and accountable.(07:50) Struggling with micromanaging in leadership and communication.(12:19) Lead with empathy for better leadership impact.(14:36) Good HR practices to prevent potential issues.(17:39) Creating a positive company culture through values.(22:48) Influence of reading and staying informed.(23:42) Respect differing opinions and avoid unnecessary arguments.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

We open up Brad's personal Apple Notes file he's been keeping for years with key learning lessons building Elevar. Listen in as Brad and Nate discuss each and translate into tips you can implement for your own business. Timestamps:(00:00) Journal of learning lessons shared with listeners.(05:14) Founders may not receive honest feedback(09:00) Empowering leaders and cutting unnecessary expenses.(10:16) Frequent product changes require regular team training.(16:21) Focusing on CRM and automation for growth.(22:07) Customer buying story, emotion, and consistency.(26:29) Understanding personality type for effective task management.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

Dive into the essentials of content creation and audience building. We explore the importance of starting simple and staying consistent, focusing on authenticity, and the power of documenting daily activities. Discover why it's not about the polish, but the value and entertainment you provide. Hear insights on the significance of transparency and personal stories, like overcoming anxiety when posting on LinkedIn. This episode is all about providing value, connecting personally with your audience, and diversifying your content to resonate with more people. Timestamps:(00:00) Evolving brand image, founder-led content initiatives.(04:33) Start niche, then diversify as audience broadens.(08:37) Algorithm now favors engaging, entertaining content variety.(12:17) Advice on relatable marketing and authenticity.(16:42) Create broad content to draw in audience.(21:08) Entertaining content with subtle product placement strategy.(32:31) Publish content for others' benefit, not self-promotion.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

Comparing NBA draft decisions to starting early vs founding later in life as an entrepreneur. Brad also shares his experience from Philip McKernan's Brave Soul retreat he just got back from with his wife. We explore the importance of understanding our past behaviors, using tools like the "why exercise" and the "mask exercise" to align our true selves with our goals. Tune in to learn tools about powerful personal development that can help in your family, personal, and professional worlds. Timestamps:(03:53) Entrepreneurial decision: start early vs. being a #2 to learn (then start)(08:59) The importance of time and experience.(12:48) Age and success relationship in entrepreneurial endeavors.(14:47) Why older entrepreneurs have higher probability of success(21:20) Overcoming the "good enough" trap to avoid regret.(23:30) Reflecting on childhood shapes present and future.(29:21) Challenging beliefs, questioning actions, seeking purpose.(31:29) Understanding past's impact on present, striving for improvement.(34:53) Choice between dark and light energy acceptance.(40:46) Reflecting on inability to pause and reflect.(42:56) Recognize anger's impact, seek alignment and love.(49:25) Understand your motivations to succeed.---Links:BraveSoul / Philip McKernanLearn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

In this episode, co-hosts Nate Winkler and Brad Redding dig deep into the factors that enhance happiness, productivity, and efficiency both at work and at home. Timestamps:(00:00) Embracing a new work-life balance perspective.(06:39) Commit, discipline, work harder, outlast, eventually win.(10:17) Effort and results vs. changed workforce psychology.(11:43) "Work-life balance study shows positive impact."(16:40) Improving job satisfaction through energy audit.(18:43) AI implementation impacts business efficiency and engagement.(25:54) Preparing for competition, focusing on internal improvements.(40:36) Quality time with family, escaping chaotic schedules.(44:07) Balancing work, family, and personal growth.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

In this episode, we dive deep into the hiring process and emphasizing the importance of structured onboarding to turn new hires from zero to hero in just 30 days. We also cover performance reviews, creating feedback-friendly environments, and energy audits to maintain team satisfaction. Plus, a hot debate on whether influencers should be paid in cash or equity for maximum impact. Timestamps:(00:00) Thoughts against influencer equity due to psychology reasons.(03:50) Influencer involvement in business and future considerations.(12:44) As a CEO, focus on vision, people, culture.(15:50) Evaluate experience and adaptability in hiring process.(17:27) Custom video interview efficiently filters job candidates.(21:18) Paid tests to filter out applicants(23:59) Vidyard founder's 4-box framework for performance reviews.(36:10) Company values: "keep it real" and speak up.(36:55) Regular energy audits important for employee retention.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

Dive deep into the lessons learned from overcommitting and the importance of knowing your limits. Nate and Brad also explore how they are leveraging AI, especially GPT, for everything from daily routines, content creation, tutoring kids, fitness routines, and even building your own like advisory boards using knowledge from Buffet, Elon and more. Timestamps:(00:00) Focus on one startup for better success.(03:29) Gary V focuses on audience and platforms.(11:15) AI Use Cases---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

This episode we dive deep into unique investment strategies according to our own investor DNA. We explored the benefits of whole life insurance for tax advantages and cash flow, the power of real estate for wealth building, and shared our experiences on balancing personal happiness and business success. We also discussed using AI tools for investment decisions and legal feedback. Remember, wealth isn't just money—it's about buying time for what truly matters to you in life.Timestamps:(00:00) Discussing personal investments(06:13) Understanding your investor DNA is crucial.(09:51) Request research on real estate and investments.(10:39) Using AI tools for unbiased financial advice.(16:50) Compound interest on policy loans is advantageous.(19:22) Diversify funds to mitigate financial risk.(21:21) Prioritizing cash flow investments, declining non-cash opportunities.(24:01) Real estate investment preferred over angel investment.(27:27) Wealth is more than money, it's time.(31:18) Talking to customers, more time for growth.(34:09) Reflect on financial goals, seek diverse perspectives.---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram

Can dynamic equity help save failed founder partnerships? In this episode Brad and Nate discuss the good, bad, and ugly of the slicing pie framework and reality of partnerships when grinding out a new startup over many years. You'll hear how they navigated their own early partnership tension, examples of other businesses that have ended too early, and tips that you can apply to your own partnership.  Timestamps:---Links:Learn more about Brad Redding / Connect on LinkedIn and InstagramConnect with Nate Winkler on Instagram