226 - 50,000 Subscribers, $10M in Revenue, 1 Insanely Creative Business Idea with Michael Clark

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hector (https://x.com/ts_secrets). Hector reveals how he accidentally stumbled upon a little-known government grant and used it to build a multi-million dollar online trade school.He teaches trades like HVAC, plumbing, and medical billing completely online, sometimes using VR goggles. He shares how the government pays him directly, up to $10,000 per student, for courses that are only 80-100 hours long.We get into the nitty-gritty of how he finds students for free by partnering with nonprofits and sober living homes, achieving SAS-like margins without any traditional marketing. Questions This Episode Answers:How can you get the government to pay you $10,000 per student?How do you start an online school with almost no startup costs?What is the "secret" to getting unlimited students for free?How do you automate a business to the point you only work two hours a day?What is the WIOA grant and how does it work for entrepreneurs?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to the Online Trade School Model03:07 Understanding the Grant System and Its Impact05:56 The Evolution of the Business Model08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies11:48 Curriculum Development and Accreditation15:02 Operational Insights and Business Growth17:55 Challenges and Future Aspirations

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Matthew Chang (https://x.com/MatthewAChang). This episode features Matthew Chang, a Georgia Tech engineer and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, who founded Chang Robotics and is a general partner of the $50 million Chang Robotics fund.We dive deep into how his company designs and installs robotic systems for manufacturing automation, hospital robots, and autonomous vehicles to make the workforce more efficient, safer, and happier through healthcare automation.Matthew shares the story behind America's first autonomous hospital initiative, where $200K hospital robots deliver supplies in 90 seconds with 18-month ROI. Discover why humanoid robots aren't ready for commercial robotics applications and how specialized robotics using collaborative robots (cobotics) are revolutionizing factory automation and healthcare robotics instead.From driverless paper factories producing toilet paper during COVID to FAA-compliant electric vehicles six times more powerful than Tesla, Chang Robotics tackles the hardest engineering challenges in industrial automation. Learn about their breakthrough PFAS-free food packaging using graphene oxide and how they beat 700+ competitors to win the federal DOT grant for America's first driverless bus system in Jacksonville.We explore Matthew's venture studio approach with the Chang Robotics Fund, requiring "Made in USA" manufacturing and proprietary engineering for robotics startups. Plus, hear about his upcoming book "Risk-Taking is Biblical" on faith-based entrepreneurship and Christian business principles.Questions This Episode Answers:How do you ensure robotic automation is adopted by the existing manufacturing workforce and healthcare workers?What technical challenges prevent humanoid robotics from working in real-world applications?How does engineering consulting deliver end-to-end automation solutions from design to robotic system installation?What investment thesis drives a robotics venture fund offering scaled engineering support with "Made in USA" requirements?What strategies won a competitive federal grant for autonomous transportation against major tech companies?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Innovating Beyond the Norm02:55 Transforming Healthcare with Robotics05:45 The Journey to Autonomous Solutions08:42 Navigating the Challenges of Robotics12:01 From Engineering to Entrepreneurship14:55 Winning Against the Odds17:51 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles20:42 Building a Sustainable Business Model24:03 Investing in Innovation26:56 The Role of AI in Engineering29:42 Creating a Christian Business Framework

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for an incredible dive into AI app building and no-code development tools transforming entrepreneurship. We explore Google's Nano Banana AI, their revolutionary Gemini Flash 2.5 image model with game-changing visual memory technology for precise editing and AI image generation.Elizabeth demonstrates Google AI Studio live, showcasing the powerful Stream feature for real-time debugging and AI automation. She reveals how she used Claude Code tutorial methods to build custom RSS feed automation, replacing paid subscriptions, plus her personal AI assistant dashboard with AI agents for project management and task automation.Questions This Episode Answers:What is Nano Banana AI, and why is visual memory revolutionary for AI image editing?How does Google AI Studio Stream enable real-time debugging during custom app development?How can entrepreneurs use Claude Code and AI automation tools to build apps without coding?What are the benefits of AI-powered project management with personal AI assistant agents?Where are the arbitrage opportunities in AI app building for non-technical entrepreneurs?Tools Covered:Google AI Studio complete walkthroughClaude Code tutorial for beginnersNano Banana (Gemini Flash 2.5) AI image generationCustom dashboard creation with AI agentsRSS feed automation and app replacement strategiesEnjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to AI Tools and Excitement for Innovation03:09 Exploring NanoBanana: Google's New Image Model05:50 Visual Memory and Image Generation Improvements09:01 Google AI Studio: A New Interface for Building Apps11:53 Real-Time App Development with Claude Code15:04 Innovative Features: Maps and Video Analysis17:53 Creating Engaging Content with AI Tools21:47 Harnessing AI for Arbitrage Opportunities23:13 Building Custom Tools with Google AI Studio24:36 Creating a Personal RSS Feed Tool26:27 Project Management and Organization Strategies28:39 Developing a Personal Operating System32:14 Automating Tasks with AI Agents35:25 Curating Information and Building Newsletters

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I speak with Michael Girdley (https://x.com/girdley), a serial entrepreneur and investor, about building a business, avoiding common mistakes, and identifying future opportunities.Michael shares insights from his diverse experiences, from Alamo Fireworks to Gertling Media, emphasizing the importance of experience and strategic business choices.We delve into overrated business opportunities and explore unconventional business models.Questions this Episode Answers:What two-step process would Michael Girdley follow to build a business in 2025, and how would he make his first million dollars?Why does Michael Girdley advise against buying a business as your first venture, especially for a young entrepreneur?What are some overrated business opportunities in today’s market, and what sectors hold promise for the future?What is Michael Girdley's contrarian belief about business, and how does it influence his perspective on career choices and entrepreneurial paths?What unconventional business model does Michael find fascinating?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this  with your opinion or send me an email at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:00 Business Ventures and Investments01:44 Current Business Scale and Operations03:09 Starting Over in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide05:13 The Value of Experience and Financial Safety07:11 Starting a Low-Capex Services Business10:01 The Reality of Online Courses14:19 The Hold Co Conference and Learning from Failure19:44 Sympathizing with the Struggles of Entrepreneurs19:15 The Fine Line Between Faking It and Failing21:22 Excitement for the Upcoming Conference22:09 The Concept of an Unconference23:21 Challenges and Risks in Event Planning24:28 Innovative Business Models in Event Management29:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs32:24 Contrarian Views on Business Opportunities35:16 The Importance of Personal Fit in Career Choices38:32 Different Paths to Entrepreneurship39:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Sam Nebe (https://x.com/1_of_Sl), the founder of Good Wipes! This entrepreneur startup story shows how two college roommates bootstrapped a million dollar business from $42,000 to conquering 14,000 stores.Learn how they achieved their first million through retail distribution strategy, growing their consumer products startup in the flushable wipes industry to reach 2.2 million households and adding 430,000 new customers through Walmart alone.Sam shares how he and co-founder Charlie built this CPG startup using pure intuition and unwavering conviction in an "unsexy" category that's now worth $5 billion. This business growth story reveals their bootstrap business strategy of mastering the Four P's of Marketing, employing irreverent marketing with creative director Maria Gilbo, and strategic retail partnerships that made them a Walmart supplier.We dive deep into customer acquisition strategies including influencer marketing, PR box campaigns, and their viral Golden Porta Palace experiential marketing activation. Sam also discusses his work with the Responsible Flushing Alliance, promoting Flush Smart Month and consumer education initiatives.Enjoy the conversation!Key Topics Covered:Entrepreneur startup journey from fraternity bathroom idea to retail empireBootstrap vs venture capital funding strategiesRetail distribution strategy and partnership buildingConsumer goods startup scaling tacticsMillion dollar business development through focused growthCPG entrepreneur insights and industry knowledgeCustomer acquisition through creative marketing campaignsBuilding a startup podcast-worthy success storyQuestions This Episode Answers:How did Good Wipes transform a college business idea into a multi-million dollar business and category leader?What role did intuition and unwavering passion play in building a startup brand before having significant market data?How can bootstrap entrepreneurs use irreverent marketing and the Four P's to compete against larger companies?What customer acquisition strategies work for consumer products startups, including influencer marketing and experiential activations?How can young entrepreneurs strategically say "no" to growth opportunities for sustainable expansion?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Journey of Good Wipes: From Concept to Success10:08 Innovative Marketing Strategies and Influencer Engagement19:55 Navigating Challenges and Growth in the CPG Space29:54 Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jas from Winnipeg Digest (https://x.com/creatingjas). Jas is back for a third time, and his journey is incredible to watch. He first built a local newsletter, the Winnipeg Digest, into a massive distribution channel with over 100,000 people in his audience. Now, he's leveraging that audience to launch his own businesses, starting with a seasonal holiday lighting company.In this episode, we break down his new venture from the ground up. Jas shares the exact strategy he used to launch the lighting business using his newsletter, including a brilliant giveaway tactic he learned from Alex Hormozi. He explains why he chose a seasonal business, his goal of hitting $100,000 in revenue in his first season, and how this entire project serves as a case study to attract future business partners. We get into the nitty-gritty of his first week—how he sold $5,000 in jobs with no website, just an ad in his newsletter. This is a masterclass in using an existing audience to create new revenue streams and build a portfolio of companies.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can you leverage a newsletter audience to launch a completely new business?• What's a smart, low-cost marketing strategy to get your first customers for a service business?• Why would an entrepreneur choose a seasonal business model like holiday lighting?• What are the key startup costs and revenue goals for a new holiday lighting business?• How can a new business be used as a "case study" to attract future equity partners?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Launching a New Venture: Christmas Lights Business02:41 Building on Audience: From Newsletter to Business06:02 Marketing Strategies and Initial Success08:54 Understanding the Business Model and Pricing11:44 Execution Challenges and Future Plans14:39 Exploring New Opportunities and Growth18:02 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Michael Clark. We dive into the incredible story behind The Flower Letters, a subscription business started with his wife, Hanny Clark, that mails immersive, physical story letters to subscribers.What started as a small idea in April 2020 with World War II love letters has exploded into a multi-million dollar venture, projecting $8-10 million this year! Michael shares how they bootstrapped this unique concept, scaling to over 50,000 subscribers by focusing on daily profitability and smart advertising strategies, leveraging a prepaid option for cash flow.You'll hear why he considers this direct mail business, despite his FinTech background, the most complicated he's ever built, managing over 900 inventory pieces in-house. We also discuss their "long game" vision, transforming The Flower Letters into a mission-driven company with potential for TV shows, audiobooks, and more, while carefully integrating AI only for artistic elements. Questions This Episode Answers:How did The Flower Letters grow from 33 subscribers to over 50,000 with multi-million dollar revenue?What advertising strategy was key to their rapid customer acquisition and how did they manage a $30 CAC?How does a subscription business like The Flower Letters prioritize daily profitability and manage cash flow through prepaid options?Why is a seemingly simple direct mail business considered the "most complicated" venture by a FinTech entrepreneur, and how is its fulfillment handled?How do The Flower Letters leverage a "long game" strategy to build a mission-driven company with a growing catalog of stories and future content expansion?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Rapid Growth and Business Model Overview03:02 The Origin Story: From Idea to Execution05:53 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition08:46 Financial Insights and Business Economics12:06 Creating a Unique Customer Experience14:58 Operational Challenges and Fulfillment Process25:07 In-House Fulfillment and Customer Service27:58 The Importance of Storytelling in Business30:21 Creative Storytelling and the Role of AI36:38 Revenue Growth and Business Strategy38:59 Building a Sustainable Business Model42:47 Leveraging the Postal Service for Success44:45 Community Engagement and Pen Pal Ideas46:43 Launching a Podcast and Sharing Stories

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview serial entrepreneur Kriss Berg (https://x.com/Krissbergtweets) about his $10 million revenue business empire and revolutionary wealth building flywheel strategy! Discover how this commercial real estate investor generates massive cashflow from his e-commerce health supplements business and innovative telemedicine platform featuring GLP-1 medications, semaglutide (Ozempic), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Learn Kriss's game-changing approach to tax optimization as he reinvests business profits into commercial real estate investments like car wash businesses and gas stations to maximize bonus depreciation tax benefits and achieve zero income tax liability. This real estate tax strategy has transformed his net worth and created a sustainable passive income stream.From his early days running a construction business to living off the grid after reading The Four Hour Workweek, Kriss shares his entrepreneurship journey and proven methods for identifying undervalued businesses ripe for business acquisition and rapid scaling. We explore practical business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs, including parking lot striping, stump grinding, and other service-based businesses that build entrepreneurial skills without requiring massive startup capital.Key topics include understanding cap rates, EBITDA multiples, business valuation, the power of active vs passive losses, real estate professional status, 1031 exchanges, depreciation recapture, effective delegation strategies, and achieving work-life balance while building generational wealth.Questions This Episode Answers:How does Kriss Berg's flywheel business model generate high cashflow while achieving zero tax liability through strategic real estate investments?What is bonus depreciation for car washes and gas stations, and why don't these commercial properties require real estate professional status for tax write-offs?What are proven strategies for finding and acquiring neglected businesses with strong value-add opportunities and multiple expansion potential?How can entrepreneurs use commercial real estate cash flow and appreciation to compound wealth building over decades?What low-capital business opportunities like home service businesses, parking lot maintenance, and equipment-based services offer the best ROI for new business owners?How do cap rate investing and NOI optimization create superior returns compared to traditional stock market investing?What delegation frameworks and operational systems enable business owners to transition from working in the business to working on the business?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Tax Revelation: A Surprising Discovery02:51 Building a Business Flywheel: Cash Flow and Investments05:47 Understanding Bonus Depreciation: A Tax Strategy Unveiled09:06 The Journey into Commercial Real Estate: From E-commerce to Car Washes11:51 The Power of Passive Income: Lessons from a Real Estate Mogul14:39 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Mistakes and Lessons Learned17:58 The Shift to E-commerce: Finding Opportunity in Health Supplements20:53 Telemedicine and Health Innovations: The Next Frontier23:50 The Importance of Delegation: Building a Sustainable Business27:06 Starting from Scratch: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs30:04 The Reality of Growth: Compounding Success Over Time

MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview business broker Jackie Hirsch (https://x.com/SMBJackieHirsch) to get the real lay of the land in the current M&A market and small business acquisition landscape. Jackie, whose Florida business brokerage company did over $40 million in transactions last year, shares crucial insights on SBA loan changes 2024 and how new SBA 7a program rules are impacting first-time business buyers and licensed businesses like HVAC companies and survey businesses.We dive deep into why it's always been a seller's market in lower middle market deals and discuss common, costly business acquisition mistakes, like a buyer who lost millions because of due diligence delays and poor SBA lender choices. Jackie pulls back the curtain on the kinds of cashflow-generating businesses attracting private equity and individual buyers today, from materials testing companies to underground construction and the booming private chef services market.This business broker interview explores how AI impact on business is shaping the acquisition landscape and why, even with tariffs 2024 and market uncertainty, there are always small business deals to be made. You won't want to miss her incredible "real deal" stories about business deal interventions and sellers with criminal backgrounds, highlighting why building a strong seller relationship and business deal negotiation skills are paramount to getting any M&A transaction across the finish line.Perfect for entrepreneurs, business buyers, search fund professionals, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition or business valuation strategies.Questions This Episode Answers:What recent SBA policy changes are affecting business acquisitions and seller financing?How can first-time buyers avoid "boneheaded mistakes" in an M&A deal and business due diligence?What types of profitable businesses are currently attracting the most buyers in a seller's market?How is AI automation impacting different business sectors and acquisition strategies?Why is building a strong seller relationship so crucial for closing business deals and post-acquisition success?What are the new SBA standby rules for seller notes and personal guarantees?Which recession-proof businesses and AI-resistant businesses are trending in 2024 business market?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Ever-Persistent Seller's Market02:52 Current Trends in M&A and Market Dynamics05:44 Navigating Changes in SBA Regulations09:04 Challenges in Selling Licensed Businesses12:01 Real Deal Stories and Lessons Learned14:52 The Importance of Relationships in Business Transactions22:07 Building Trust in Business Transactions24:53 The Role of AI in Business27:48 Emerging Business Trends31:35 The Future of Food Services35:29 Navigating Buyer Red Flags

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Garth Fasano (https://x.com/garthfasano). Garth shares his incredible entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) success story of acquiring a call center business and crushing it, paying off his SBA loan in just two years through strategic small business acquisition!We dive into how he scaled by dramatically improving lead conversion rates for small businesses through clever integrations with platforms like Thumbtack and Angie's List. This business acquisition success story showcases how proper ETA business strategy can transform a traditional call center into a thriving enterprise.This rapid success paved the way for Garth to pivot his company into Rainmaker AI, an innovative AI-powered sales platform that's revolutionizing AI sales automation for SMBs. He discusses the future of AI voice technology in end-to-end sales solutions, the concept of recursive learning with their Rain Brain technology, and what this means for the evolving role of humans in sales.We also explore the exciting, yet challenging, landscape of the post-close search entrepreneur community and how search fund strategies are evolving. This business acquisition case study demonstrates how buying an existing business can create significant wealth through smart operations and AI transformation.Questions This Episode Answers:How can a business pay off an SBA loan in just two years after small business acquisition?What is the most effective way to improve lead conversion rates for small businesses?How is AI sales automation transforming small business customer interactions?What is "recursive learning" in the context of AI-powered sales platforms?How can Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) create significant wealth for entrepreneurs?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Transforming Sales with AI Integration10:00 The Journey of Acquisition and Growth19:57 Innovating Sales Processes for Small Businesses29:52 The Future of AI in Sales and Customer Interaction