#151: Elon vs Trump: Leadership Lessons From a Twitter War // Next Level Pros Podcast

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we dive into the journey of joining a startup from humble beginnings, the power of a clear mission and vision, and how culture can shape both personal and organizational success. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to build or join a purpose-driven team.Highlights:"He who has the bigger vision will always win.""If people come to you for money, they will leave you for money.""Culture eats strategy for breakfast.""Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate how much they can accomplish in five."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:01 First Impressions and Interview Experience 05:09 Starting at the Company and Initial Challenges 09:22 Growth and Success of the Solar Company 11:53 Building a Five-Year Roadmap 14:34 Adapting to Different Roles 17:33 The Importance of Clear Communication 18:50 Final Thoughts on Mission and Vision Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, Chris interviews Aaron Cooper from Sameday.ai, exploring how AI is transforming customer service and sales in home service businesses. Perfect for entrepreneurs, trade business owners, and tech-curious professionals looking to understand the future of customer interactions and business efficiency.Highlights:"If you're not using AI to rewrite your copy now, you're missing out." "The AI can close at rates in the 90s for HVAC, plumbing, and electric services.""We're training AI to be the best closer." "AI never has a bad day, never struggles with work ethic."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:57 AI's Impact on Marketing and Content Creation07:44 Consumer Fears About Talking to AI11:27 AI Voice Nuances and Realistic Interactions14:39 Overcoming Customer Objections with AI16:27 Replacing vs. Supplementing Human Customer Service19:29 AI Handling Difficult Customer Interactions21:51 Smart Dispatching and Technician Allocation25:08 The True Cost of Underperforming Customer Service28:07 Sameday.ai's Growth and Industry ImpactWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to Next Level Pros! In this explosive episode, we dive deep into the public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, uncovering critical lessons about leadership, ego management, and healthy communication. Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode will transform how you handle disagreements and build high-trust organizational cultures.Highlights:"Your ego is the guard dog that's been with you since you were two or three years old, and its self-appointed job is to make you feel safe.""Check your egos at the door.""To the degree that you are passionate about something, to that same degree you tend to be attached to it.""Real leaders understand how to work with both strengths and weaknesses."Timestamps:00:00 Elon Musk and Donald Trump's Feud: Initial Context and Reactions 02:27 Handling Disagreements in Leadership 05:07 The Role of Ego in Leadership 12:46 Building a Culture of Trust and Conflict Resolution Practical Strategies for Managing Ego and Conflict 13:18 The Impact of Ego on Organizational Dynamics 17:28 The Role of Passion and Attachment in Leadership 23:11 The Importance of Preemptive Communication in Leadership Want me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today, we’re diving into how Google's new AI video platform, VEO 3, is flipping the script for small business marketing and production. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the cost or complexity of creating video content, this episode is for you. Learn how AI is making full-scale video production accessible — and how it could literally save your business millions. This one’s for small business owners, digital marketers, content creators, and anyone looking to scale using AI without a massive team or Hollywood budget.Highlights:“You can produce a Hollywood style commercial in a matter of what, 30 minutes?“You’re a freaking influencer.”“If you’re not using AI, see you later.”“This is the gold rush of the early 2000s… now’s your time to shine, baby.”Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:53 – Google's New Ecosystem02:19 – Community Use Case04:32 – Cost Comparison08:20 – The Business Bottleneck09:34 – AI Without Being On Camera10:30 – Scaling with AI vs. Teams11:53 – Strategy Over Automation14:59 – The 1% Opportunity18:17 – Free Resources & Next StepsWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its game-changing impact on home service professionals. Whether you're a business owner, technician, or entrepreneur in the trades, this episode will reveal how AI can be your biggest opportunity or your biggest threat.Highlight:"AI will teach you about AI" "Don't be scared of AI. Utilize AI, learn AI" "The positions that are going to exist are people managing AI agents" "If you do not become an exceptional talent, you will face the need for a career change" Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: AI in Home Services00:28 How AI is Changing the Game for Professionals03:00 Practical AI Tools for Business Owners05:49 Wearable AI and Employee Interaction Tracking07:01 Creating an "Immortal" Digital Version of Yourself10:01 How to Start Using ChatGPT Effectively12:29 Voice Conversations with AI13:25 AI Voice and Text Bots for Customer Service14:45 Ethical Considerations of AI Job Replacement17:13 Closing Call to Action: Embrace AI or Get Left BehindWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today’s episode is a powerhouse roundtable featuring Ismael Valdez and Dustin Van Orman, two giants in the trades game who have each scaled service businesses to over $100 million in revenue. They join Chris and the team to talk about the real impact of private equity in the trades, the myths, the opportunities, and how the right mindset and sales driven culture can launch your business from $2M to $100M+. If you’ve been skeptical, or scared about private equity, this episode might just change your mind.Highlights:“AI won’t replace the trades. People still want humans in their homes.”“The loudest voices attract the most labor.”“We don’t have an information problem. We have an accountability problem.”“You’re not selling out. You’re building up.”Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:12 From Zero to $108M: Ismael’s Growth Story08:30 The Private Equity Boom in Trades13:10 Tackling the Labor Shortage19:45 California vs. Washington: Tough Markets, Big Upsides26:30 Sales-Driven Culture: The Real Growth Lever32:58 How to Attract Top Sales Talent39:15 Picking the Right Coach (and Avoiding Scams)45:00 The Power of Accountability & Coaching51:25 What Drives These Founders TodayWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this engaging discussion, Chris Lee and Trent Lowenstein share the turnaround story of Amber's podiatry clinics in Portland, Oregon. Designed for medical practitioners struggling with profitability and business owners looking to scale efficiently, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your practice from running in the red to flourishing in the black. Learn how Amber went from a net operating income of negative $144,000 to a positive $23,000 in just a few months by joining the Next Level community, focusing on key metrics, and implementing strategic marketing initiatives. Discover the importance of staff accountability, the power of knowing and tracking key metrics, and how to effectively budget your marketing spend to fill up your practice’s calendar.Highlights:“Previously none of our employees knew what it meant to be successful.”“When you can measure something, you can control it. Before, there was no visibility—now we know our break-even, our gross margin, our average revenue per visit. That’s when it gets fun.”“It’s scary to spend money on marketing when you’ve been in desperation mode. But the opportunity cost of not spending is bigger.”“Nobody loves your business like you do. Everyone else gets paid, and the entrepreneur goes home wondering how they’re going to make payroll. That’s why alignment and incentive structures are so important—so your team starts pushing the wagon with you.”Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:25 Turning Point: Joining the Community04:40 April's Success and Key Implementations08:50 Clinic Capacity and Staffing Issues14:24 Compensation Structures and Recruitment31:38 Marketing Strategies and Cost of Acquisition37:16 Addressing Marketing Concerns and Repeat Business40:16 Opportunity Cost and Scaling the Business49:44 Improving Front Desk Operations and Employee Incentives59:06 Exploring Marketing Channels and Strategies01:03:20 Conclusion

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this high-energy workshop, solar industry expert Chris Lee breaks down the critical strategies for building a profitable solar business. Designed for solar entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and installation company owners struggling with low margins and industry challenges, this episode provides a roadmap to transform your solar business from surviving to thriving.Highlights:"There's no such thing as lazy people. Only unclear people.""Competition is only the pain that you are solving.""Customers do not buy because of price, and reps do not work for you because of commission.""I would much rather recruit a C player and train them up to be a B player."Timestamps:00:00 Industry Introduction: Solar's Current Challenges09:50 Attracting Top Talent Through Clear Vision13:58 Why the "Red Line" Model Destroys Businesses20:30 The Importance of Prioritizing Company Health22:58 Breaking Down Revenue and Margin Structures25:22 W2 vs 1099: Building a Valuable Organization28:02 Motivating Sales Reps Beyond Commission29:01 The Fallacy of High Commission Rates30:16 Recruiting and Developing Sales Talent35:00 Leveraging AI and Technology in BusinessWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today, get ready to learn about surviving (and thriving) during economic chaos. Chris, Daryl, and Levi break down how to overcome fear, get creative with your business, and turn a potential recession into your personal comeback story. They'll show you why getting uncomfortable might just be the best thing for your business right now.Highlights:"What would I do if I had no fear?""Your experiences are a reflection of your internal thoughts, beliefs and emotions, not your external circumstances.""Most businesses are run by older people, but there's a lot of opportunity for younger people with ambition.""52% of Fortune 500 companies were started in a recession."Timestamps:0:00:00 Recession Alert: Economic Challenges Ahead0:01:33 Changing Strategies When Old Methods Fail0:04:03 Recession-Proofing Your Mind0:08:35 Opportunities Born from Economic Shifts0:10:27 Overcoming Ego in Business Challenges0:14:16 Transparent Leadership During Tough Times0:19:47 Finding Strategic Partnerships for SurvivalWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros

Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, Chris and Daryl dive deep into the public partnership fallout between Grant Cardone and Gary Brecca, using their dramatic split as a masterclass in how to (and how NOT to) manage business partnerships.Highlights:"Having a partner is hard, but there's nothing more rewarding than an incredible partnership.""The faster you can address hard things, the better.""A healthy relationship requires trust, and the ability to conflict.""Equity only gives you your portion of distributions, it does not guarantee a job."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Partnership Drama03:23 Transforming Partnerships: When Business Changes Rapidly05:53 Communication Strategies: Resolving Disagreements11:42 Partnership Lessons: What Works and What Doesn't16:31 Decision-Making Superpowers in Partnerships21:52 The 618 Three-Year Partnership Method23:21 Equity vs. Job: Understanding Ownership DynamicsWant me to teach you how to grow your business? Text me! 509-374-7554Want access to more of my content? Click the link below for all of our latest updates and events!https://linktr.ee/nextlevelprosWant to be a guest on our show? Apply here!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YlkVBSluEKMTg4gehyUOHYvBratcxHV5rt3kiWTXNC4/viewform?edit_requested=trueWatch my latest PodcastApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-pros/id1687030281Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=95980cd4e55a437aYouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelPros