Afleveringen
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In this episode of Made It with Connor Tomkies, Gil Eyal returns to discuss the unpredictable nature of success in the world of social media and business investment. They dive deep into the challenges of investing in consumer products, the importance of identifying businesses with billion-dollar potential, and the pitfalls of the dating app industry. With a mix of humor and insight, Gil and Connor explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurial ventures, leaving listeners with valuable lessons and plenty of inspiration.
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ChaptersApologies for the confusion. Here are the updated timecode-based chapter titles:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Gil Eyal Returns
[00:00:29] The Power of Social Media and Influence
[00:02:00] Lessons Learned as an Investor
[00:03:45] Consumer Goods vs. SaaS Investments
[00:06:08] Focusing on Consumer Goods and Tech
[00:08:34] The Challenges of Raising a Fund
[00:09:40] Dream Product: A Hair Growth Solution
[00:11:00] Rethinking the Dating App Model
[00:17:15] Considering a Venture Studio
[00:19:14] The Problem with “Fake it Till You Make It”
[00:22:00] Excitement Around GLP-1 Drugs and the Future
[00:23:40] Civilization as a Business Game
[00:25:45] Wrapping Up: Where to Find Gil EyalGil's Stuff:
Website: https://stardustventures.us/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gileyal/
X: https://x.com/gileyal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gileyalMy Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Join Connor Tomkies in this exciting episode of the Made It Podcast as he chats with Darrell Lerner, the man behind All Paws and Snap Interactive. Discover how Darrell transitioned from revolutionizing online dating to creating a successful platform connecting dogs with their forever homes. Listen as Darrell shares the unconventional journey of founding Snap Interactive, leveraging Facebook's app platform, and the unexpected challenges of taking a company public. Learn how his passion for pets led to the inception of All Paws and his unique approach to matchmaking for dogs. Darrell also delves into the thrilling rollercoaster of scaling a startup, raising millions, and the intense due diligence of selling a company. This episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, the pet industry, and the evolving world of social media influencers. Don't miss out on Darrell's fascinating stories and valuable lessons!
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Join Our Community!
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction
[00:00:27] Focus on Dogs
[00:00:45] Connecting with Dog Genetics
[00:01:05] Starting All Paws
[00:01:34] Creating a Pet Matchmaking Service
[00:02:22] From Snap Interactive to All Paws
[00:03:00] The Concept of Tinder for Pets
[00:04:02] Leaning into Online Dating Experience
[00:04:45] Filtering for the Perfect Pet
[00:05:24] Early Success of Snap Interactive
[00:06:00] The Premise of Snap Interactive
[00:07:55] Viral Growth on Facebook
[00:09:15] Unexpected Publicity Boost
[00:10:55] Stock Market Surge
[00:12:30] Raising Capital and Scaling
[00:13:57] Challenges of Being Public
[00:15:00] Insider Trading Restrictions
[00:16:00] Navigating Public Perception
[00:17:00] Leaving Snap Interactive
[00:18:17] Due Diligence Challenges
[00:20:33] Transitioning After the Sale
[00:22:11] Taking Time Off
[00:25:15] Adjusting to Life Post-Sale
[00:26:15] Exploring the Influencer Economy
[00:28:15] Monetizing Influence
[00:30:15] Building Brands with Influencers
[00:31:45] Lessons Learned and Next Steps
[00:34:45] Where to Find Darrell Lerner
Darrell's Stuff:
Website: https://www.darrelllerner.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrelllerner/
X: https://x.com/DarrellLerner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlerner2112/My Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Join us for a captivating conversation with Benji Markoff, a returning guest who initially appeared in Episode 3. In this episode, Benji opens up about his latest venture, Padel United Sports Club. He discusses the intricacies of launching a high-end social wellness club focused on the fast-growing sport of Padel. Discover how Benji is building a vibrant community, the strategic decisions behind membership offerings, and his vision for combining sports with wellness modalities like cryotherapy, sauna, and more.
Connor and Benji also explore the creator economy, the importance of genuine human interaction in business, and the value of documenting the entrepreneurial journey authentically.
Check Out Our Sponsors:
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Join Our Community!
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Intro and Banter
[00:00:09] Reflecting on Last Episode
[00:00:34] Podcast Schvitz Idea
[00:00:55] Sauna Experiences
[00:01:21] Live vs. Business Content
[00:02:07] Unscripted Conversations
[00:02:30] Learning from Discussions
[00:02:55] Sauna’s Unique Environment
[00:02:45] Paddle vs. Padel
[00:03:29] Social Media Influence
[00:04:47] Padel United Vision
[00:05:15] Creating a Wellness Club
[00:05:30] Russian Sauna Traditions
[00:06:00] Multipurpose Sauna Hats
[00:06:45] Business Content Overload
[00:07:00] Entrepreneurial Motivation
[00:08:01] Beyond Startup Stories
[00:08:30] Late-night Entrepreneur Thoughts
[00:09:00] Family and Business Balance
[00:09:15] Entrepreneurship as a Career Cycle
[00:09:30] Building Multiple Companies
[00:09:45] Passion vs. Profit
[00:10:00] Business Challenges
[00:10:26] Personal Business Journey
[00:11:00] Real-life Business Insights
[00:12:00] High-level Business Decisions
[00:12:30] Value of Spontaneous Ideas
[00:13:38] Entrepreneurial Resilience
[00:13:45] Padel Community Building
[00:14:47] Early Membership Offers
[00:15:30] Personalized Sales Pitch
[00:16:47] Immediate Feedback
[00:16:57] Membership Commitment
[00:18:47] Friend’s Support
[00:19:00] Sales Strategy
[00:19:45] Direct Communication
[00:20:26] Immediate Action
[00:21:00] Engaging Network
[00:21:30] Marketing Authenticity
[00:22:47] Personal Branding
[00:23:30] Real-life Networking
Benji's Stuff:
Padel United Sports Club: https://www.padelunitedsportsclub.com/
Padel Mecca on Substack: https://substack.com/@padelmecca
Instagram: @PadelUnitedSCMy Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/Tune in to "Made It" with Connor Tomkies and be inspired by stories of entrepreneurial success and innovation. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
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In this episode we sit down with Alexander White, the co-founder of Next Big Sound. Alexander shares his journey from launching a music data business during his senior year at Northwestern to its acquisition by Pandora for a remarkable 10x revenue multiple. Discover how Alexander's passion for data led him to his next venture, focusing on uncovering and optimizing tax incentives and credits for businesses. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, the music industry's data revolution, and the untapped potential of government incentives.
Check Out Our Sponsors: https://wealthwithrush.com/
Join Our Community!
Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:00:16] Starting Next Big Sound in College
[00:00:59] Early Investments
[00:01:44] Initial Business Model
[00:02:16] Understanding Trends and Early Adopters
[00:02:30] Tour Managing a Band
[00:04:00] Gathering Data and Selling to Music Industry
[00:04:53] Scaling the Business
[00:06:00] Series A Funding and Music Industry Dynamics
[00:06:56] Pandora Acquisition
[00:09:00] Integrating with Pandora
[00:12:16] Post Exit Identity Crisis
[00:14:13] Team Dynamics at Pandora
[00:16:00] Leveraging Youth
[00:17:30] Post Exit Life
[00:18:30] Professor Role at NYU
[00:23:15] Investor & Author Roles
[00:27:30] Working at Pandora
[00:32:00] Taking a Break
[00:36:56] Tax Credits and Incentives Implementation
[00:39:30] Working with CPA Networks
[00:46:00] Engaging with Large Tax Firms
[00:50:00] Leveraging Tax Credits
[00:56:00] Conclusion
Alexander's Stuff:
Website: https://alexanderswhite.com/
X: https://x.com/mralexwhite
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderswhite/My Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
In this episode of "Made It with Connor Tomkies," Connor sits down with Vadim Rogovskiy, a successful entrepreneur who sold his first company in 2014 and has since been involved in various ventures, including the innovative AR company 3DLOOK. Vadim shares his journey from early entrepreneurial efforts in Ukraine, dealing with the challenges of in-game advertising, to his pivot into augmented reality and computer vision technology. Learn about his insights into the startup ecosystem, the importance of agility and perseverance, and his vision for the future.
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Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:15 - Social Media Advertising in Eastern Europe
00:03:45 - Bootstrapping an Ad Network
00:10:00 - Challenges in the Eastern European Ad Market
00:15:00 - Selling the Company and Moving On
00:17:27 - Investing in Startups
00:24:15 - Pivot to Augmented Reality
00:30:00 - Building 3DLook
00:34:45 - Looking to the Future
00:37:30 - Closing Thoughts
Vadim's Stuff
Website: https://geek.vc/
Vadim's X: https://x.com/vadim_rogovskiy
Vadim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-rogovskiy/My Stuff
Podcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Boris shares his journey from working at Atlassian to founding his own company Atlas Authority, navigating the challenges of being a solo founder, and eventually exiting the business. Dive into their discussion about unsexy business ideas, the importance of shared context in startups, and Boris's candid insights on his entrepreneurial experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and unique perspectives.
Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:00:30] The Unsexy Business
[00:00:45] From Atlassian to Solo Founder
[00:02:15] Starting the Company
[00:03:28] Business Model and Services
[00:04:30] Platform Risk and Emotional Fatigue
[00:04:51] Remote Work and Team Structure
[00:05:44] In-Person vs. Remote Work
[00:06:15] The Importance of Communication
[00:08:45] Accountability as a Solo Founder
[00:09:00] Birthday Sale Ritual
[00:10:04] Learning from the Sale Process
[00:11:03] Valuation and Exit
[00:12:15] Post-Exit Reflections
[00:13:15] Unsexy Business Ideas
[00:15:30] Spam Scoring for Outbound Emails
[00:18:45] Sexy Goat Bath Product
[00:21:00] Meatbags: A Unique Snack Idea
[00:23:15] Property Tax Appeal Service
[00:25:45] Weird Sports Network
[00:28:30] RC Plane Venues
[00:31:15] Public Library Publisher
[00:36:00] Advocating for Libraries
[00:36:38] Closing Thoughts
[00:37:00] OutroBoris' Stuff
Website: https://www.nothingeasyaboutthis.com
Boris' X: https://x.com/borisberenberg
Boris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borisberenberg/My Stuff
Podcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Eric Bahn, co-founder of Hustle Fund, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and investor. He shares insights on building genuine communities, identifying true "hustlers", and redefining wealth and success. Eric opens up about his family's story, working with his wife and sister, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He also discusses Hustle Fund's unique investment approach and their flagship event Camp Hustle which aims to build meaningful connections. This candid conversation touches on finding joy after an exit, building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, and growing together in the long-term.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:35 - Building Genuine Communities
03:13 - Eric's Vulnerable Journey
04:44 - Eric's Family's Sacrifices
08:15 - Pivotal Life Moments
10:43 - Minivan Enthusiasm & Branding
13:13 - Beat the GMAT
16:00 - 3 Pillars of an Excellent Community
19:32 - Choosing the Right Acquirer
21:58 - Post-Exit World Travel
24:43 - Working with Your Sister
26:47 - Genesis of Hustle Fund
29:25 - Hustle Fund's Secret Weapon
30:29 - Hustle Fund's Investment Approach
32:30 - Hustle Fund's Inclusive Mission
34:44 - The Loneliness of Success
37:07 - Navigating Life After an Exit
39:56 - Camp Hustle
42:05 - Power of Shared Experiences
44:17 - Hustle Fund Community
45:46 - Eric's Ideal Collaborators
Eric's StuffHustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc/
Eric's X: https://x.com/ericbahn
Eric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericbahn/My Stuff
Podcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Andrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, returns to the pod to share his insights on the post-exit journey of entrepreneurs. The two discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose after selling a business, the value of shadowing successful entrepreneurs, and the potential of building a community for post-exit founders. With a focus on personal growth and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs after an exit, this podcast offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey. Discover the key to staying motivated, connected, and inspired in this thought-provoking conversation.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:11 - Finding the Right Podcast Format
00:06:48 - The Impact of the "My Second Million" Podcast Launch
00:10:57 - Andrew's Outdoor "Anti-Office" Setup
00:14:07 - The Potential of Video-First Podcast Content
00:19:13 - Engaging Post-Exit Founders
00:22:20 - The Anticlimactic Moment of Selling a Business
00:24:28 - Building a Community for Post-Exit Entrepreneurs
00:27:15 - Finding Motivation Beyond Fear After an Exit
00:29:34 - Andrew's Search for Clarity
00:32:17 - The Lost Art of Apprenticeship
00:37:30 - Experience as an EOS Implementer
00:39:39 - Building Relationships
00:41:46 - ConclusionAndrew's Stuff
Andrew's Site: https://mixergy.com/
Andrew's X: https://x.com/AndrewWarner?s=20
Andrew's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Asking-Questions-High-Impact-Interviews/dp/1737676540My Stuff
Podcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
In this episode, serial entrepreneur Dan Reich shares his remarkable journey of building and exiting multiple companies across various industries. From his early ventures in high school to co-founding Spinback, which was acquired by Buddy Media and later Salesforce, Dan's experiences highlight valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the importance of pursuing passion projects. He also discusses his current approach to building companies and investing through his informal venture studio, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of the entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:10] The Spinback Story
[00:04:22] Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
[00:09:46] Lessons from a Failed Partnership
[00:11:05] Pursuing New Opportunities
[00:16:31] The Birth of Tula Skincare
[00:18:38] Dan's Involvement in Various Companies
[00:22:21] Criteria for Pushing a Project Live
[00:25:03] Thoughts on the Current SaaS Market
[00:31:12] Simplicity in Building Companies
[00:32:07] Balancing the Roles of Operator and Investor
[00:35:18] Entrepreneurship as a Video Game
[00:38:01] The Importance of Employee Equity
[00:41:20] Dan's Immature Business Ideas
[00:43:25] Conclusion and Where to Find Dan ReichDan's Stuff:
Website: https://danreich.com/
X: https://x.com/DanReich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danreich/My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
In this candid interview, Noah Abelson, founder of ShareRoot, shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting up in a garage to taking his company public. He discusses the challenges of pivoting, fundraising, and navigating co-founder relationships, as well as the emotional toll of life after a successful exit. Noah also shares his passion for making a positive impact and his personal mission to help others heal strained family relationships. Filled with valuable insights and lessons learned, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to find purpose and drive change in their post-startup life.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:21 - Noah's Founder Journey and Impact
00:04:30 - Pivoting and Tough Team Conversations
00:07:55 - Leadership During Challenging Times
00:11:39 - Navigating a Co-Founder Partnership Split
00:14:53 - Identifying a Niche in Privacy
00:19:47 - Fundraising: Taking on Another Job
00:22:30 - Life After Exit: Challenges Faced
00:25:48 - Helping Post-Exit Founders Find Purpose
00:29:29 - Noah's Personal Mission: Family Relationships
00:35:38 - Importance of Community
00:37:47 - Wrap-upNoah's Stuff:
Website: https://foundersjourney.io/
X: https://x.com/NoahAbelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahabelson/My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Alex Lieberman, co-founder of Morning Brew and host of the Founders Journal podcast, takes us on a whirlwind journey through his post-exit adventures. From getting a full-body MRI to launching a quirky backyard game, Alex candidly shares the highs and lows of life after a successful startup. He delves into Morning Brew's evolving content strategy, the future of marketing, and the challenges of finding product-market fit with his new venture, StoryArb. Filled with relatable stories and valuable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs at any stage looking to stay innovative and adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:09:13 - Alex's Failed Plunger Game
00:11:58 - Humanizing Brands
00:14:52 - Expectations on public-facing CEOs
00:17:06 - Hiring young, agile marketing talent
00:21:12 - Zero to one: Alex's creative drive
00:24:28 - StoryArb
00:26:39 - Lessons learned from StoryArb
00:30:18 - Morning Brew's evolving content strategy
00:32:00 - Creator Economy
00:40:10 - Challenges in the content market
00:42:40 - Early-stage startups as challenging customers
00:43:20 - Four points of value for CEOs
00:44:00 - Outsourcing: From odd to essential
00:45:22 - Wrap-upAlex's Stuff
Website: https://foundersjournalpod.morningbrew.com/
X: https://x.com/businessbarista
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lieberman/
My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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Jason Kirby shares hard-earned wisdom with Connor, from exiting his company to Walmart, after a failed acquisition by Samsung. Jason explains key lessons for founders in the acquisition process, like getting your own legal counsel and maintaining multiple options. He also details his new venture Thunder, an investment bank aiming to provide founders with the M&A and fundraising guidance he wished he had.
The two discuss the rise of eSports in schools, navigating the stresses of being an acquisition target while running a company, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right advisors.
Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights on entrepreneurship and life after an exit. Check out the links to connect with Jason and access Thunder's free investor matching tool for founders.Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introducing Jason Kirby
00:02:30 - What Thunder Offers to Founders
00:04:55 - The Challenges of Raising Capital
00:07:56 - Building Thunder
00:13:13 - Bringing eSports to Schools
00:22:49 - The Rollercoaster of Selling Liquid Sky
00:29:12 - Picking Up the Pieces
00:32:07 - Maintaining Optionality
00:34:53 - Hard Lessons Learned from M&A
00:41:57 - The Rise of Solo GP
00:45:32 - Wrapping UpJason Kirby's Stuff
Website: https://web.thunder.vc/
X: https://x.com/JasonKirby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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In this episode, we sit down with Luke Bonney, co-founder of Redox, a healthcare tech company that raised $95 million. Join us as Luke shares his journey from med school dropout to successful entrepreneur, discussing the challenges of building a startup, the importance of strong co-founder relationships, and the future of healthcare technology. Tune in for valuable insights and lessons learned from a founder who's been in the trenches.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:05:07 - The Power of a Big, Bold Purpose
00:07:08 - Building a Distributed Company at Redox
00:10:04 - Challenges of Handling Healthcare Data
00:11:16 - Stepping Down as CEO
00:15:07 - Adapting to Different Phases of Life
00:18:12 - Maintaining Strong Co-Founder Relationships
00:22:13 - Post-Exit Lifestyle
00:24:22 - Leadership Principles
00:29:17 - Working On the Company
00:34:43 - AI in Healthcare
00:36:01 - Start-Ups Changing Landscape
00:37:12 - Better Support Systems
Luke's Stuff:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-bonney-he-him-965a135/
My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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From celebrity crashes to influencer insights, lessons from a marketing pioneer. Join Connor Tomkies as he sits down with Gil Eyal, a serial entrepreneur who's seen it all in the world of influencer marketing. Discover the ups and downs of Gil's journey, from working with A-listers like Lil Wayne and Leonardo DiCaprio to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media.
Packed with valuable insights on leveraging celebrity partnerships, adapting to data restrictions, and the future of influencer marketing, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital world.
[00:00:00] - Gil Eyal's Celebrity Crash Course
[00:04:19] - Pivoting from Mobli to Hypr
[00:06:55] - The Social Network Data Goldmine
[00:09:05] - Cambridge Analytica: The Turning Point
[00:11:13] - The Acquisition Roller Coaster
[00:13:40] - Structuring Celebrity Equity Deals
[00:18:25] - The Power of the Number Two Position
[00:22:13] - The Jake Paul Effect: Influencer Boxing
[00:24:29] - The Micro-Influencer Debate
[00:28:48] - Soho House: Exclusivity vs. Scalability
[00:32:31] - The Rise of Community-Focused Real Estate
[00:37:17] - Finding Opportunities in Underutilized Assets
[00:43:47] - The Game-Changing Potential of Medical Weight Loss
[00:47:46] - Wrap-up and Contact Info
Gil's Stuff:
https://stardustventures.us/
[email protected]My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Entrepreneur Shane Neman shares his incredible journey from founding Junebug, a nightclub software and events company, to building EZ Texting, a pioneering mass texting platform. Discover how Shane spotted opportunities, pivoted when necessary, and bootstrapped his way to success. He also shares insights into his current ventures, including an investment in humanoid robotics and the acquisition of the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:00 - Junebug's Origins
00:04:05 - Launching Junebug
00:07:20 - Hosting Events
00:10:30 - Junebug's Success
00:12:51 - The Texting Opportunity
00:16:07 - Transitioning to EZ Texting
00:19:50 - EZ Texting's Acquisition
00:23:05 - Starting Neman Ventures
00:25:10 - Investing in AI Robotics
00:27:40 - Acquiring the Santa Monica Pier
00:29:15 - Conclusion
Shane Neman Stuff:Website: https://www.shaneneman.com/
X: https://twitter.com/shaneneman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneneman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneneman/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shaneneman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NemanVentures/My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/ -
Serial entrepreneur Adam Spector shares his journey of building and exiting multiple startups, including his current venture, Levy, which revolutionizes back-office support. In this engaging episode, Adam discusses the lessons he's learned from navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, the importance of solving real problems, and his outlook on the future of work in an era of AI and globalization. He also shares insights on running a VC-backed vs. bootstrapped company, the challenges of attribution in personalization, and the increasing accessibility of entrepreneurship. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
00:00:34 - Adam's Background
00:01:17 - Starting Levy
00:02:36 - Solving Real Problems
00:07:10 - Running a Startup
00:09:10 - Growing the Business
00:10:37 - Spinning Out Levy
00:13:37 - Adam's Four Startups
00:19:16 - Missed Acquisition
00:23:35 - Building & Selling Lift Igniter
00:28:32 - VC vs. Bootstrapped
00:32:26 - Future of Work Outlook
00:40:06 - AI in Outsourcing
00:41:16 - Accessible Entrepreneurship
00:42:46 - Reflections on Success
Adam Spector's StuffAdam's Business: https://www.levy.company/
X: https://x.com/aspec00?s=20
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspector2
My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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Join along as I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Vlada Lotkina, the brain behind ClassTag, for a journey filled with dreams, determination, and the drive to make a difference in the world of education. From her early days in Ukraine to creating waves in the U.S. tech scene, Vlada's story isn't just about building a successful platform; it's about bridging gaps, overcoming the naysayers, and transforming challenges into triumphs. We're not just sharing her success story; we're diving into the essence of what it means to pursue your passions, stand up after setbacks, and forge your path in the world. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone who loves a good story of hope and hard work, you won't want to miss this.
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:03] Founding ClassTag
[00:03:04] Vlada's Entrepreneur Background
[00:06:04] Navigating business during the war in Ukraine
[00:09:56] Selling ClassTag
[00:12:47] Reflecting on the Exit
[00:15:39] After the Exit
[00:17:28] Supporting Immigrant Founders
[00:23:33] Scaling ClassTag to 5 million users
[00:27:44] Impact of COVID on ClassTag's Growth
[00:31:21] Parenting and Entrepreneurship
[00:37:22] Wrap-upVlada Lotkina's Stuff
Website: https://www.elev8orlab.com/
X: https://twitter.com/vlotkina
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina
My Stuff
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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We dive into the journey of Benji Markoff, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the insurance industry with his startup, Founder Shield. Benji shares his rollercoaster experience from the early days of grueling work and personal challenges to achieving a monumental exit. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of resilience, innovation, and the unexpected paths of entrepreneurship, as well as a peek into his next venture, revolutionizing wellness and beyond.
[00:00:00] Opening
[00:01:01] Intro
[00:06:09] Founding Founder Shield
[00:13:29] The Acquisition Gauntlet
[00:20:28] Keys to Startup Success
[00:27:59] Life After Exit
[00:33:51] Establishing a Family Office
[00:40:31] Investing in Tangible Businesses
[00:44:03] Discovering Padel Sport
[00:51:32] Creating a Social Wellness Club
[00:56:09] Outro
Benji's Stuff:Website: https://www.sja58.com/
Padel United Sports Club: https://www.padelunitedsportsclub.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjimarkoff/
My Stuff:
Podcast: MadeItPod.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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LISTENER NOTE: My Second Million asa title was always intended as a cheeky joke around the fantastic pod "My First Million" but now on April Fools we've decided to pivot as so many founder do, to the "Made It with Connor Tomkies" podcast. We can't wait for the guests we have coming up and we're excited to share more episodes. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Made It with Connor Tomkies"
Dive into an enlightening conversation with Aaron White, a tech visionary who recently sold two companies, ProfitWell and Blissfully, in a remarkable dual exit. In this episode, Aaron opens up about the rollercoaster journey of entrepreneurship, from confronting massive industry pushback to experiencing the life-changing moments of selling his ventures. Tune in to uncover the real challenges and triumphs behind building and selling a startup, and what life holds on the other side of success.
Aaron's Stuff
Aaron's Blog: https://www.singularity.vc/
X: https://x.com/aaronwhite?s=20
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/
My StuffPodcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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Connor dives deep with Jeremy Parker, the innovative mind behind Swag.com. They explore Jeremy's dynamic journey from aspiring filmmaker to successful entrepreneur. Jeremy shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, revealing how he navigated through failures and pivots to build and sell swag.com, transforming the promotional products industry along the way. This episode offers a unique look into the strategies, mindset, and resilience required to turn visionary ideas into profitable ventures.
00:00:00 Chapter 1: The Entrepreneurial Journey
00:03:18 Chapter 2: Innovating in Promotional Products
00:08:23 Chapter 3: Acquisition Insights
00:13:51 Chapter 4: The Birth of Swag.com
00:19:53 Chapter 5: Strategies for B2B Success
00:25:34 Chapter 6: Launching SwagSpace
00:31:17 Chapter 7: Post-Exit ReflectionsJeremy's Stuff
Website: https://swag.com/
X: https://x.com/yocanikickit?s=20
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyianparker/
My Stuff
Podcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.com
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
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