The Hidden Cost Of Dead Brands

In this episode of the Business Lunch Podcast: We discuss the recent SEC lawsuit against Tai Lopez and the implications of his business model involving the acquisition of defunct retail brands. We analyze the challenges faced by the business, including operational complexities, funding issues, and the importance of having a strong leadership team. We also delve into strategies for revitalizing brands and the lessons learned from this case, emphasizing the need for careful investment and operational planning.TakeawaysThe importance of testing business models before full commitment.Operational complexity requires a strong team with relevant experience.Raising capital should be done with a clear plan for deployment.Brand recognition does not guarantee brand equity.Investors should evaluate the management team's experience and track record.Avoid getting caught up in hype when considering investments.Successful brand revitalization requires strategic marketing and operational support.Understanding consumer preferences is crucial for brand success.Invest in what you know and understand to minimize risk.Be cautious about raising outside capital and its implications.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Book Launches03:06 Tai Lopez SEC Lawsuit Discussion06:04 Business Model Analysis of Acquired Brands08:54 Operational Challenges and Funding Issues12:03 Strategic Recommendations for Brand Revitalization15:08 Lessons Learned from Investment Failures18:10 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysSpecial AnnouncementAfter 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work, thousands have built real wealth with these frameworks, but because AI, capital markets, and collaboration have changed the game. I'm shifting from teaching deals to doing deals. Want access to everything before it disappears forever? This is your last chance to grab 5 years of proven frameworks, strategies, and training materials before they're gone for good. See the full story and whats going into the vault here: Go to the vaultConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉  HereRESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:The VaultSpecial Announcement After 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work,...

In this episode of Business Lunch(Snack Time): This conversation delves into the significant impact of the federal shutdown on small business financing, particularly focusing on the halt of SBA loans. It explores the resulting liquidity shock, the opportunities it presents for buyers, and the alternative financing strategies that can be employed during this period. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of preparation for sellers and outlines a rapid 10-day strategy for buyers to navigate the current market dynamics effectively.TakeawaysThe federal shutdown has halted SBA loans, impacting small business transactions.A liquidity shock creates temporary opportunities for buyers.Waiting for the SBA to reopen may lead to missed opportunities.Sellers should be flexible and ready to negotiate terms for certainty.Alternative financing options include seller financing and CVRs.Buyers need to prepare a clean deal package to be competitive post-shutdown.The urgency to act now is critical to avoid chaos when the SBA reopens.Understanding geographical concentrations of SBA loan blockages can inform strategy.A proactive approach is essential for both buyers and sellers in this market.The negotiation strategy should align incentives between buyers and sellers.Chapters00:00 Impact of Federal Shutdown on Small Business Transactions04:30 Navigating the Liquidity Shock: Opportunities for Buyers07:27 Alternative Financing Strategies During the Shutdown10:32 Preparing Sellers for a Quick Exit13:38 Aggressive Strategies for Buyers in a Tight Market16:13 snackable introI'm Retiringhttps://epicnetwork.com/epic-retirement-program-vault/Connect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉  HereRESOURCES:I'm Retiring, See What Is Going In The Vault7 Steps to Scalable workbookGet my book, Zero Down, FREE

In this episode of Business Lunch: Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss the evolving landscape of personal branding and the necessity of becoming an embedded influencer in today's marketing environment. They explore the importance of having a unique point of view, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the strategies for creating engaging content across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and connection in branding, as well as actionable steps for listeners to develop their own personal brands effectively.Takeaways:Personal branding is essential in today's marketing landscape.Embedded influencers are more effective than traditional spokespeople.AI has made personal branding more accessible and manageable.Creating content is a necessary part of being a brand ambassador.A unique point of view is crucial for standing out.Character development is key in personal branding.Reluctance to be a public figure can be overcome with practice.Choosing the right content channels is vital for success.Engaging content formats can enhance audience connection.Brands should focus on building a community around their unique perspectives.Chapters:00:00 The Rise of Personal Branding05:56 The Necessity of Embedded Influencers12:02 Building Your Personal Brand18:06 Navigating Reluctance in Personal Branding24:06 The Three Pillars of Personal Branding29:53 Creating Content That Resonates35:56 Final Thoughts on Unique Points of ViewConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉  HereRESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

AI isn’t just speeding up your work—it’s collapsing the market price of your time. In this urgent episode, we trace how the hourly model took over (from artisans to Taylorism to the FLSA), why it systematically funnels surplus value to owners, and why AI is about to accelerate that transfer for consultants, coders, strategists, and creators.Drawing on insights from Roland Frasier, we outline a practical pivot: Consulting for Equity (CFE). Trade your peak-leverage assets (judgment, access, strategic vision) for ownership stakes in businesses AI will amplify. The window to negotiate from strength is short—think 2–5 years. This is how you reconnect pay to outcomes and own a slice of the future you help create.🔑 Key TakeawaysTime vs. Value: The hourly system decoupled pay from outcomes—AI will finish the job by commoditizing execution.Urgency Window (2–5 Years): Use today’s credibility to negotiate equity before AI depresses fees and perceived human premium.CFE in Practice: Swap cash fees for equity when your expertise is decisive to growth (governance + vesting + KPIs).Trade What AI Can’t Replace:Judgment: High-stakes decisions under uncertainty.Access: Trust-based relationships and deal flow.Strategic Vision: Category design, non-obvious bets, sequencing.Outcome Math > Hourly Math: A single well-chosen 3–5% stake can outpace years of billable hours.Episode Highlights00:00 – Cold open: “Don’t outrun AI—trade expertise for equity while your bargaining power is highest.”00:24 – The coming value crash for knowledge workers in the AI era.01:21 – Roland Frasier’s thesis: AI destroys the perceived value of time-to-output.01:50 – Our mission: connect the history of hourly pay to today’s AI shift.02:24 – From artisans to factories: how ownership/control shifted from makers to capital.03:41 – Taylorism & the split: managers think, workers execute—replaceability rises.04:44 – FLSA codifies the hour; protections + unintended incentives for time-based pay.05:24 – Surplus value 101: why productivity gains accrue to owners, not labor.07:18 – The “great decoupling” and why AI accelerates it for knowledge work.08:40 – Market perception shift: “good enough” AI collapses premium rates.09:05 – The window: 2–5 years to convert expertise into equity.10:33 – CFE example: swap a $50k fee for 5% in a $2M SaaS that scales to $20M.11:47 – What to trade: judgment, access, vision (and how each compounds outcomes).13:32 – Action plan: identify your first CFE target this week.💬 Memorable Quotes“If you’re just selling time, AI will set your price.”“The play isn’t to outrun AI—it’s to own what AI will multiply.”“Equity reconnects your pay to the value you actually create.”“Trade judgment, access, and vision—because AI can’t.”Mentioned in This EpisodeRoland Frasier on the urgency of Consulting for Equity (CFE)Historical anchors: Putting-out system, Taylorism, FLSA (1938), surplus value & the productivity/pay decouplingCFE Mechanics: Equity-for-fee swaps, vesting tied to KPIs, governance basicsTry This This WeekList 3 businesses where your judgment, access, or vision could create step-change...

Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss crack open the 2025 Forbes 400 and spot a seismic shift: 71% are now self-made, the cutoff is a record $3.8B, and the newest entrants aren’t entertainers or app celebrities—they’re infrastructure builders (data labeling, energy export, freight platforms, drive-thru formats). The guys lay out a practical framework—B.O.T. (Bottlenecks, Order Flow, Tools)—to find, buy, and scale the “unsexy” choke points where outsized wealth is created. Expect candid takes on ethics and regulation, tax advantages vs. complexity, and why tech alone isn’t a moat in the AI era.Key TakeawaysQuiet wealth > spotlight wealth: New billionaires control choke points (permits, labeled data, logistics, power access) instead of chasing virality.Tech isn’t the moat—distribution is: If you’re just a feature, the platform will build you tomorrow. Own users, data, or order flow.B.O.T. framework:Bottlenecks — Find scarce inputs (power near substations, HIPAA-grade data, specialized trades), professionalize small operators, exit to strategics.Order Flow — Aggregate fragmented brokers (freight, dirt hauling, niche staffing), add AI matching, monetize spread & float.Tools — Bundle niche AI/DevOps tools (monitoring, RLHF QA, rights mgmt.) into suites; sell shovels for the gold rush.Ethics & risk: Bottlenecks ≠ monopolies; add real value or get routed around. Order-flow plays invite regulatory heat—design accordingly.Luck favors the paranoid: Nvidia’s rise = timing + category choice. Choose your competitor carefully; it defines your playing field.Episode Highlights00:00 – Cold open: dentists, numb faces, and a record-breaking Forbes 400.03:10 – The stat no one’s talking about: 71% self-made, $6.6T total wealth, $3.8B cutoff.08:20 – Why opportunity has more leverage than ever (AI + democratized tools), but tech alone won’t save you.12:45 – B is for Bottlenecks: picks & shovels thinking; mini-moats in permits, medical transcripts, underground tank installers for data centers.22:10 – Ethics check: bottlenecks vs. monopolies; how to add value without getting regulated to death.27:05 – O is for Order Flow: Robinhood’s play, freight/dirt broker roll-ups, AI pricing/matching, monetizing spread & float.36:40 – The toll-booth trap: if you don’t add value, the sides will route around you.41:30 – T is for Tools: why toolmakers outlive trends; bundling niche AI devtools; the Nvidia, Intel, AMD cautionary tales.53:10 – Choosing competitors = choosing categories; luck + timing still matter.57:45 – Operator wrap: how to map your business to B.O.T. this quarter.Memorable Quotes“If all you are is a feature, you don’t have a business—you have a countdown clock.”“Quiet wealth lives in the choke points everyone else ignores.”“Bottlenecks aren’t monopolies—create value or the market will route around you.”“Tech isn’t a moat. Users, data, and distribution are.”Mentioned in This EpisodeForbes 400 (2025): $6.6T total; $3.8B entry; 71% self-madeCategories: Data labeling (Surge AI), LNG export...

In this week’s episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss continue breaking down the “Bottlenecks” framework—the 11 proven playbooks that billionaires use to grow, protect, and multiply wealth.From AI-driven acquisitions to tax-optimized exits, this conversation dives into the strategies that separate ordinary entrepreneurs from long-term empire builders. You’ll hear how the world’s wealthiest think about capital allocation, scaling “boring” businesses, and structuring companies for massive, tax-efficient exits.Whether you’re scaling your first venture or managing a growing portfolio, this episode is a tactical deep dive into how to think—and act—like a billionaire.Key Takeaways • Tech Is Not a Moat: With AI making innovation easy to copy, your real advantage is distribution and users. • The QSBS Advantage: How the Qualified Small Business Stock exemption can eliminate up to $10M (or more) in capital gains per shareholder. • DAFs & Charitable Strategy: Donor Advised Funds can combine tax savings with long-term impact—if structured correctly. • Boring Businesses, Billionaire Results: Logistics, energy, and real estate can quietly create generational wealth when value is added and scaled. • Capital Cycling: Why the world’s best investors (like Blackstone and Berkshire) act like banks—recycling capital and compounding returns.Episode Highlights [00:02:00] – Why tech is easy to copy—and why users, not code, create real enterprise value. [00:10:00] – The billionaire tax play: how QSBS and DAFs legally minimize or eliminate capital gains. [00:18:00] – When to start thinking about tax strategy (hint: usually not before $10M net worth). [00:25:00] – Logistics, land, and “boring” businesses that create quiet fortunes. [00:33:00] – The ESG arbitrage: adding sustainability to raise valuations. [00:40:00] – Network effects and marketplace rollups: creating compounding flywheels. [00:55:00] – The rise of “edge retail”: micro-brands, coffee chains, and inversion models that scale fast. [01:05:00] – Capital cycling and other people’s money (OPM): how billionaires play the funding game.Memorable Quotes“If all you are is a feature that someone else could build, you don’t have a business—you have a countdown clock.”“Boring businesses aren’t boring when they compound quietly into billions.”“It’s not what you make—it’s what you keep.”“Billionaires don’t think like operators; they think like capital allocators.”Mentioned in This EpisodeQualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) – U.S. tax exemption strategyDonor Advised Funds (DAFs) – Philanthropic and tax planning vehiclesRoss Perot Jr. – Logistics real estateDutch Bros – Scalable retail model exampleBlackstone & Berkshire Hathaway – Capital cycling and compounding modelsListen If You’reA founder or investor learning to structure smarter deals.A CEO or operator ready to scale beyond execution into capital allocation.A strategic thinker who wants to play the long game in business and wealth creation.ConnectHosts: Roland Frasier & Ryan DeissPodcast: Business Lunch with Roland FrasierMore at: businesslunchpodcast.com

In this episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss explain how the classic four-stage buying journey has collapsed into one moment—and why trust is the lid that keeps prospects “popping” in your pot. They unpack three forms of trust—Identity, Competence, and Proximity—with sharp wins and public flops (Nike, Sephora, Peloton, DSW, Starbucks, Apple, United). You’ll get simple creative frameworks to turn short-form content into instant, in-channel conversions and a 14-day sprint to prove it on a small budget.Highlights“It’s not a funnel anymore—it’s a popcorn popper. Your audience are kernels heating at different speeds. Trust is the lid that keeps them popping for you.”“Competence trust means the brand ‘gets me’—often better than I can describe myself.”“Employees outperform celebrities for reach and credibility—because most buyers are employees.”“Frictionless is forgettable. Add desirable friction that helps buyers name their pain and act.”“If you can’t pivot your model, bolt trust into your media: mirror-micro-media, why-what-where, people-place-proof.”Mentioned in This EpisodeThree Trust Types (MAP mnemonic):M – Identity trust: Mirror → Micro → MediaA – Competence trust: “Answer” with Why → What → WhereP – Proximity trust: People → Place → ProofCompetence wins & misses: Nike’s “Why do it?” repositioning; Sephora tutorials lifting AOV; Peloton’s 2019 holiday ad backlash.Proximity plays: DSW AR try-ons; Starbucks barista TikToks; Apple retail specialists; cautionary tale—United Airlines viral incidents.Localization tactics: regional currency/sites, geo-specific visuals (city skylines), and micro-influencers by market.KPI effects: higher AOV/retention/loyalty from competence; higher LTV from proximity; employee posts driving outsized reach.Timestamps00:00 – The collapsed customer journey: from funnel to popcorn popper (trust as the lid)04:00 – Recap: Identity trust (mirror, micro, media)—and why episodes stand alone but compound07:30 – Competence trust: the brand that “gets me” (Nike shift, Sephora demos) + Peloton misread14:20 – Framework for competence: Why → What → Where (myth-bust, demo, direct CTA)17:30 – Example: 30-sec tax advisory myth-buster → LinkedIn/Reels → consult link → track AOV20:10 – Proximity trust: employees, in-place context, show real proof (DSW AR, Starbucks, Apple)24:10 – Employee content > celebrity polish; make it authentic, even shot on phone26:00 – 14-day Trust Sprint and MAP recap; why proximity is overlooked yet most scalableTakeaways for OperatorsStop chasing linear funnels; engineer trust in-channel so action can happen immediately.Use Why → What → Where to collapse steps: name the pain, show the fix, drop the link.Turn staff into a media network: People → Place → Proof with incentives and simple tracking.Localize by currency, domains, visuals, accents, micro-influencers—it quietly multiplies conversion.Run a 14-day sprint: baseline CAC/AOV → recruit 3 customers + 3 insiders → record shorts →...

In this episode of the Business Lunch podcast, Host Roland Frasier and guest Richard Lindner break down the subscription trap and why recurring revenue isn’t always the ultimate solution it’s made out to be.From the outside, subscription models look like a dream: predictable cash flow, higher valuations, and a business that doesn’t start at zero each month. But as Roland and Richard reveal, the reality can be far more complicated.They dive into real stories from their portfolio companies, showing how recurring revenue can backfire through hidden churn, customer support debt, and endless innovation demands. You’ll hear how even big players like Netflix constantly battle to keep customers engaged, and why smaller businesses often underestimate the true cost of service.This episode is a must-listen if you’re considering shifting to a subscription model—or if you’ve already launched one and want to make sure it’s sustainable.HIGHLIGHTS“Recurring revenue is great… until you’re losing more members each month than you know how to gain.”“There’s voluntary churn, where people cancel. But the killer is involuntary churn—declined payments, expired cards—that can quietly eat your business alive.”“If you’re creating content subscriptions, pair them with community. Access is the real value that keeps people sticking around.”“Don’t fall in love with the model. Define your business by who you serve, not just how you charge.”Mentioned in this EpisodeThe difference between breakage vs. consumption models (think Netflix vs. gym memberships)Why AI in customer support is changing the economics of subscription businessesHow to tell if your business should pursue a bolt-on subscription or avoid it altogether🎧 Whether you’re launching your first subscription offer or scaling an existing one, this episode will help you see beyond the hype and make smarter decisions for long-term growth.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & The Subscription Trap02:10 – Should Every Business Go Subscription?04:58 – Understanding Churn & Retention07:52 – The Innovation Challenge10:23 – Cost of Service & Support Debt13:35 – Smarter Models: Community + Content19:31 – Key Questions Before You LaunchCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rolandfrasier 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandfrasier/📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandFrasierPage/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandfrasier/ Subscribe to Roland Frasier 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHnnFgdaTCg8KBd7W_LGSw?sub_confirmation=1Mentioned in this episode:Join Roland & Ryan at Get Scalable LiveIf you’re a founder, CEO, or operator running a 7- or 8-figure business, Get Scalable Live was built for you.This is not your typical business event. It’s 3 days of hands-on strategy, real-world frameworks, and next-level networking with the smartest operators in the game.Event Link: https://business-lunch.captivate.fm/gsl🗓 November 18–20, 2025📍 San Diego, CA🎉 Hosted by Ryan Deiss, Roland Frasier, and Richard Lindner🎧 As a Business Lunch listener, you get 25% off your ticket.Use code LUNCH at checkout.Get Scalable Live

Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss break down the “loyalty illusion”—why points and perks often backfire, how spreadsheet thinking killed customer love, and a practical framework to audit or rebuild a program that actually increases retention, spend, and referrals.What you’ll learnWhy “loyalty penalties” drive your best customers awayThe airline/credit-card miles economics—and how devaluation erodes $25B in perceived valueThe 5-Question Loyalty Audit (value, simplicity, frequency of wins, emotion vs. switching cost, financial sanity)What great looks like: status, access, and convenience (not discounts)A 7-step roadmap to design (or reset) your programTimestamps00:00 Cold open: founders’ meeting recap, wine cellar banter02:05 The hook: the “loyalty illusion” and why consumers feel trapped05:20 Consumer POV: when complexity makes customers give up08:10 Finance-driven devaluation: how “pencil-whipping” kills goodwill09:45 Airlines &gt; miles &gt; credit cards: the $25B machine and breakage12:40 From distance flown to dollars spent: fallout and backlash15:05 “Loyalty penalty”: new-customer offers vs. existing customers16:50 The 5-Question Loyalty Audit (red flags &amp; benchmarks)19:30 Simplicity wins: JetBlue/Southwest lessons (and where they slipped)22:15 Frequency of wins: Starbucks habit loop vs. margin compression25:20 Luxury model: status &amp; access (Hermès, Four Seasons, 100 Acre)28:40 Access &gt; discounts: Wynn Private Access, line-skip convenience31:10 Choosing your currency: points, status, experiences (Sephora case)34:35 Setting earn ratios: 2–5% cost with outsized perceived value37:10 Tiering for aspiration: Prime renewals, why Amazon is an outlier39:20 7-Step Roadmap: objective → currency → earn ratio → tiers → early wins → daily integration → quarterly audits43:30 Operator action items; consumer playbook (negotiate, switch, diversify)46:10 Ultimate test: does your program create love—or hostages?47:40 Closing thoughts &amp; invitations to share experiencesTakeawaysDiscounts train delay; access creates desire.If &lt;30% of points are redeemed, your program likely isn’t driving behavior.Measure outcomes (retention, AOV, referrals) as symptoms of real loyalty—not substitutes for it.Make it explainable in 60 seconds.CONNECT&nbsp;• Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉&nbsp; https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rolandfrasier&nbsp;📸&nbsp; Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rolandfrasier/" rel="noopener...

In this episode of the Business Lunch podcast, host Roland Frasier sits down with Lucy Guo, a remarkable entrepreneur who made her mark in a short amount of time. Lucy takes us through her inspiring journey, starting from her early days as a kindergartener selling Pokemon cards and colored pencils to her groundbreaking roles as an intern at Facebook and the first female designer at Snap.Lucy's shares how she leveraged platforms like PayPal and eBay to turn her skills into financial opportunities. Lucy and Roland delve into the topic of coding and its importance in today's landscape. While Lucy acknowledges the rise of no-code tools, she emphasizes the value of understanding coding fundamentals, particularly when it comes to managing engineering teams and making informed decisions about app development.This podcast episode offers a captivating glimpse into Lucy Guo's entrepreneurial journey, filled with valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.HIGHLIGHTS"I was always an entrepreneur growing up... I was selling Pokemon cards and colored pencils for money." "Knowing how to code is important... the best sites today and the best apps today, you still need a team of engineers."“If you are just a business person and you are hiring a team of engineers, you're gonna get ripped off."