Matt Ebert - Crash Champions Founder & CEO | He Crashed His Car at 16 and Turned It Into a $3B Company With 650 Locations

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Matt Ebert is the founder and CEO of Crash Champions, the third-largest collision repair company in the U.S. He built the business from a single body shop in 1999 to more than 650 locations across 38 states, 10,000+ employees, and $2.75 billion in revenue — up from $40 million just five years earlier. He has no college degree. It all started when he wrecked his first car at 16 and learned to fix it himself. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/mattebertcc/ https://x.com/MattEbertCC  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Life at the Speed of Play - https://getmarksbook.com/success  Noom - https://noom.com  ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro   04:35 – The Gold on the Other Side of Struggle   07:44 – Your First Version Will Suck   10:26 – How Survival Built a $2B Business   15:21 – Take Smart Risks When You Have Nothing to Lose   16:50 – Learn From People Who’ve Done It Before   19:21 – How to Think Bigger   23:14 – The Moment He Knew It Would Work   32:34 – Sponsor Break   35:30 – The Best and Worst Ways to Do a Deal   38:21 – How to Hire the Right People   40:52 – Building Culture Through Acquisitions   46:11 – From the Shop Floor to the C-Suite   52:51 – Going From One Shop to 650   54:25 – Why They Got Aggressive During COVID   57:21 – How to Scale Without Breaking Everything   1:02:06 – Sponsor Break   1:05:50 – Turning Industry Chaos Into Opportunity   1:08:39 – When to Pause Growth   1:13:14 – Don’t Let Growth Hide Your Problems   1:13:55 – Build a Business Everyone Wants   1:15:09 – What Actually Lights You Up   1:20:24 – Why the Trades Are a Massive Opportunity   1:25:47 – Fixing America’s Trade Shortage   1:27:43 – The Golden Opportunity in the Trades   1:32:06 – The Hardest Leadership Lesson   1:34:56 – Advice to His 20-Year-Old Self

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Carl Daikeler, co-founder and CEO of Beachbody, shares his insights on building a successful business while navigating setbacks, changing market conditions, and evolving opportunities. Drawing from his experience creating some of the fitness industry's most recognizable programs, he explains how to distinguish between abandoning an idea and adapting a business model, why iteration is essential for long-term growth, and how staying committed to a core mission can unlock new opportunities. Carl also explores the importance of maintaining ambition, recognizing when a strategy has run its course, and using past failures as stepping stones toward future success. He offers a practical framework for entrepreneurs to evaluate their direction, embrace change, and continue pursuing meaningful goals without losing sight of the bigger vision. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/hJwY76I0hlA  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carl-daikeler-co-founder-ceo-of-beachbody-ending/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PjOhiK5bahZykiDgnuOT0  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Dr. Dan Cohen, neurologist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, explores the science behind deep sleep and its impact on brain health, stress regulation, and overall recovery. He explains how non-REM sleep supports the body's restorative processes, why deep sleep declines with age, and how neuroplasticity may help rebuild neural pathways associated with better sleep and stress management. Dr. Cohen also examines the role of deep sleep in hormone production, cellular repair, and immune function, while discussing its potential implications for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. This episode offers insights into the importance of restorative sleep and emerging approaches to improving recovery, reducing stress, and supporting long-term brain health. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/u2NkfbWe6hY  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dan-cohen-neurologist-inventor-serial-entrepreneur/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7F2YKAVSz7O40OAeX4NR6P  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Anthony O’Neal is a #1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Table, a YouTube show and podcast with more than 1 million subscribers and nearly 100 million views. His new book, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck, debuted on the USA Today bestseller list when it launched in August 2026, and his earlier book, Debt-Free Degree, has helped over 250,000 people plan college without student loans. Before going independent, he spent years as a Ramsey Solutions personality. At 19, he was homeless and $35,000 in debt, and he now teaches millions of people how to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal/  https://x.com/AnthonyONeal  https://www.youtube.com/@anthonyoneal  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-oneal-378704207  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Life at the Speed of Play - https://getmarksbook.com/success  Noom - https://noom.com  ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro   04:28 – Freedom Beats Being Rich   10:35 – The Debt Advice Keeping You Broke   17:03 – When Your Job Pays but Kills You   19:41 – Sponsor Break   23:07 – Money Is a Tool, Not the Goal   28:54 – Set Your Own Freedom Number   32:59 – Stop Living Someone Else’s Life   38:37 – Sponsor Break   42:21 – Why Your “Why” Has to Make You Cry   53:17 – Build Wealth That Outlives You   1:00:09 – The Wake-Up Call That Changed His Health   1:03:40 – Decisions Create Your Future

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Adrian Brambila, author of Start Thinking Rich and former dancer for T-Pain, shares the mindset principles that helped him build a multimillion-dollar online business. He explains the importance of developing an internal locus of control, taking ownership of personal circumstances, and recognizing the power of individual actions in shaping success. Adrian explores how shifting away from blame and external limitations can strengthen confidence, discipline, and consistency, while emphasizing why a healthier relationship with money begins with changing the way people view the world. He also discusses the importance of focusing on what can be controlled rather than getting caught up in politics or circumstances beyond one's influence, offering a practical framework for taking responsibility and creating meaningful change. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/_x3FzKPsQ_U  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adrian-brambila-serial-entrepreneur-author-why-you/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rJYGaEztg4qJ8ipk8dbqF  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Luke Lintz, CEO of HighKey Enterprises, shares the PR strategies behind building influential personal brands and growing audiences to over 100 million followers. He explains why credible media coverage and associations with influential figures build lasting authority beyond social media verification, how digital publications create social proof that strengthens a brand's reputation, and why traditional PR is shifting toward podcasts and new media. Luke also reveals how businesses can leverage podcast partnerships to generate high-quality leads, build relationships with ideal clients, and create effective sales funnels that drive recurring revenue. Through his experience working with high-profile celebrities and entrepreneurs, he offers practical insights into positioning a brand as an industry leader, demonstrating value, and turning credibility into sustainable business growth. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/Je1Av9GUgds   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/luke-lintz-founder-of-highkey-enterprises-from-300k/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BzXi0OEaIXNgyLsOwHaAx  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Gary Lipovetsky is the co-founder of Valeria Inc., the media company behind creator Valeria Lipovetsky, and Creator Method, a community and academy for creators. Valeria Inc. commands a 6.3 million follower audience and drives hundreds of millions of impressions every month. The company has closed more than 1,000 brand partnerships, working with names like Dior and Paige Denim. Through Creator Method, Gary teaches hundreds of creators how to grow their audiences and turn that attention into brand deals. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/garylipovetsky/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Life at the Speed of Play - https://getmarksbook.com/success  Noom - https://noom.com  ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro   04:22 – Getting Better as a Creator   10:22 – How Creators Perform Under Pressure   15:52 – The Advantage of Being Young   22:41 – The Edge of Experience   28:20 – Why Knowledge Isn’t Enough   33:00 – Sponsor Break   36:24 – The Fastest Way to Master a Skill   42:11 – Treat Content Like a Performance   44:48 – Create When Inspiration Hits   47:21 – Staying Creative Through Chaos   48:38 – How to Protect Your Creativity   52:52 – How Creators Protect Their Time   55:47 – Building a Business Without Missing Your Kids   1:05:19 – His Biggest Parenting Lesson   1:12:04 – Why Leaders Hide Their Family Life   1:17:40 – Sponsor Break   1:21:23 – Why Professionals Are Becoming Creators   1:27:03 – How Content Actually Makes Money   1:28:50 – Why Trust Beats Attention   1:38:00 – Don’t Chase Cheap Wins   1:40:28 – How to Fund Content Before It Pays   1:44:05 – The Content Advice He Wishes He Had Earlier

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Travis Hearn, Phoenix Suns chaplain and author of The Fire Is For You, shares how life's darkest seasons can become catalysts for personal growth, renewed purpose, and lasting transformation. Drawing from his own experiences with failure, addiction, and adversity, he explains how difficult trials can refine character, reshape priorities, and reveal a deeper meaning beyond conventional measures of success. Travis explores why wealth and professional achievements cannot replace inner peace and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of faith, perspective, and intentional living when navigating life's challenges. He also offers insights into finding strength through hardship, developing a renewed sense of purpose, and maintaining balance between professional ambitions, personal relationships, and spiritual well-being. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/iOpkHcXh9a0  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travis-hearn-senior-pastor-of-impact-church-and/id1484783544   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LGrm5Phm9DgzGv5fjTWKO  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Anne Mahlum, founder of [solidcore] and Back on My Feet, shares her insights on building successful businesses, advocating for personal worth, and finding purpose beyond financial success. Drawing from her entrepreneurial journey and experience navigating a $90 million exit, she explains why confident negotiation is essential for professionals to receive compensation that reflects their value, why high performers should never undervalue their contributions, and how taking ownership of career growth can create greater opportunities. Anne also explores the difference between founder-centric and founder-influenced brands, revealing how entrepreneurs can build companies with identities that extend beyond their own. Her insights offer practical lessons on negotiating with conviction, pursuing meaningful innovation, and aligning professional ambitions with personal fulfillment. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/6lt1HK2XpFY  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anne-mahlum-entrepreneur-and-keynote-speaker-turning/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3P4Ok5Qu8I727KcEl8nSZB  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Michael Gonzalez turned $10,000 in savings into FitTea, the #1 detox tea in America, with more than $100 million in sales, 2 million households and 1.7 million Instagram followers. He pioneered Instagram influencer marketing in 2013, ran campaigns with Kylie Jenner, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, and put FitTea in Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens and GNC before a nine-figure exit. He then launched HappyTea with a Kylie Jenner endorsement, and has since pushed $200 million+ through ad accounts with his partners, teaching ecommerce founders how to scale. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/teaceo/  https://x.com/teaceoo  https://www.linkedin.com/in/teaceo/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Life at the Speed of Play - https://getmarksbook.com/success  Noom - https://noom.com  ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro   04:30 – Building FitTea for Himself   06:15 – His Early Entrepreneurial Experiments   08:34 – Why Failure Is Your Education   12:01 – When FitTea Took Off   14:38 – When to Pivot or Quit   18:46 – The Hidden Cost of Scale   19:13 – Would He Build Smaller Again?   23:05 – Why He Sold FitTea   26:38 – The Hard Part of an Exit   30:04 – Sponsor Break   33:00 – The Anxiety That Changed Him   40:51 – Building to Escape Yourself   43:08 – Staying Ahead of the Curve   44:16 – How He Worked With the Kardashians   49:46 – The Next Big Marketing Opportunity   53:55 – Sponsor Break   58:35 – AI Is Making Entrepreneurs Lazy   1:00:31 – How to Use AI the Right Way   1:03:29 – Spotting the Next TikTok   1:04:53 – Where He’d Invest Today   1:07:09 – Why Being Yourself Wins   1:12:36 – The Lesson Business Taught Him   1:15:20 – What Humbled Him   1:16:54 – What Success Means Now   1:20:48 – Stop Building Five Things at Once   1:22:27 – Take Massive Action   1:23:15 – Preparation Is Procrastination   1:24:10 – Where to Find Michael