HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I kick things off with a funny story about going to Raisin Canes while wearing a "Think You Should Leave" t-shirt. Then we talk about the booming Med Spa market, which is really driven by millennials who are both vain and obsessed with their health. Nik and I then discuss how there's potential in integrating Med Spas with golf courses and other membership-based businesses. I share my idea of starting a sauna/cold plunge business inside a gym or country club. Then we shift gears to AI agents, and discuss how to leverage them for market research and identifying new opportunities, and also how to extract insights from interviews. We wrap things up by talking about OpenAI's new tools, which are GPT Operator and Deep Research, weighing both the pros and the cons for different business applications.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Highlights
00:33 Family Outing at Raisin Cane's
01:07 The Iconic '55 Burgers' Shirt
03:11 Med Spas and Their Growing Popularity
04:50 Med Spas in Golf Courses: A New Trend?
06:25 Revenue Models and Business Strategies
10:24 Cold Plunge and Sauna Business Ideas
16:17 Leveraging AI for Business Success
23:40 Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
26:54 Unveiling Deep Research Capabilities
28:16 Exploring Chris Crone's Profile with Deep Research
29:26 Deep Research: Asking the Right Questions
30:46 Maximizing Deep Research on a Budget
31:58 Introducing GPT Operator and Deep Research
33:36 Impact on Industry Reports and Market Analysis
36:07 Challenges and Limitations of GPT Operator
39:20 The Future of AI and Self-Driving Technology
43:57 Deep Research: Pros and Cons
47:17 Practical Applications and Early Adoption

Sign up at HeyRosie.com and use code TKO50 for 50% off your first month

I sat down with Jordan Gal (https://x.com/JordanGal) about how he built Hey Rosie, an AI voice answering service for small businesses, leveraging AI to provide a better alternative to traditional answering services. Jordan shared how his GPT wrapper addresses the challenges small business owners face with handling phone calls and converting leads, emphasizing focusing on solving customer problems rather than getting caught up in the tech. Hey Rosie is experiencing impressive growth, doubling every month, with a low churn rate. We also touched on the various business categories that Hey Rosie serves. And very importantly, Jordan offered advice on building AI wrappers.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:53 Introducing Rosie: The AI Answering Service
01:36 Challenges with Traditional Answering Services
02:24 AI's Potential in Business Communication
04:39 Real-World Use Cases for Rosie
07:09 Customer Interaction and AI Transparency
10:55 The Journey to Building Rosie
17:38 Pricing and Positioning Strategies
20:54 Unexpected Business Applications
21:28 Understanding the Role of Phone Calls in Business
21:45 Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Small Businesses
22:10 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
23:51 The Broad Approach to AI in Business
25:06 Opportunities in AI Sales Coaching
27:34 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
30:27 Customer Acquisition and Market Demand
32:50 Live Demo: Setting Up a Rosie Agent
37:07 Customizing Your AI Agent
39:05 Conclusion and Special Offer

I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson) again, and we talked about AI wrappers and a tweet from Greg Isenberg about DeepSeek and ChatGPT wrappers. We discussed interface loyalty and why user interface is more important than the AI model. Sam shared experiences with Creative OS and integrating into Facebook ad management. We also brainstormed actionable ideas like building a simplified version of ChatGPT for older adults and automating cold emailing with a specialized AI wrapper service. We also talked about using AI and the Facebook Ad Library to find add creatives and more.

This is part 2 of our conversation about AI. Be sure to tune in to the previous week for part 1 to find out more about the basics.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Highlights & Introduction
00:38 Greg Eisenberg's Tweet
01:05 The Value of GPT Wrappers
02:00 Interface Loyalty and Market Strategy
02:48 Real-World Applications and Examples
07:38 Entrepreneurship and AI-Powered Apps
12:53 Cold Outreach and Niche Markets
20:15 Retail Arbitrage with AI
22:14 Exploring AI for Catering Quotes
22:32 Real-Time AI Task Demonstration
23:51 AI in Real Estate and E-commerce
25:02 AI as a Travel Agent
27:33 Automation and AI in Business
31:00 Advanced AI Use Cases and Future Potential
37:17 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I discuss the world of controversial self-help gurus, specifically focusing on Dan Pena. We dissect Pena's background, from his early days in Florida to his claims of a massive oil empire and his now infamous $30,000 mastermind seminars. We analyze his aggressive persona and tactics, while trying to understand what makes him successful. We question the real value of his teachings, including his QLA principles, and if his advice is actually useful or just pure motivational hype. We also discuss the difference between gurus that just motivate you versus the ones that have a concrete business plan. Finally, we explore how AI is changing things and whether businesses can be created to protect consumers from all the spam that is going to come with the new technology.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• Nik@cofounders.com
• Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
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00:00 Introduction to Controversial Gurus
00:58 Meet Dan Pena: The Trillion Dollar Man
02:09 Dan Pena's Predictions and Background
03:59 Dan Pena's Business Ventures
08:32 The QLA Principles Unveiled
12:55 A Personal Encounter with Dan Pena's Team
17:32 Unshakable Belief in Entrepreneurship
18:18 The Fyre Fest and WeWork Examples
19:33 Alex Hormozi's Tactical Approach
20:14 Sales Gurus and Their Strategies
21:38 Dan Pena's Podcast Invitation
24:36 AI and the Future of Outbound Marketing
26:53 AI Tools and Consumer Defense
35:15 PhD-Level Autonomous Agents
36:45 Productizing AI Prompts
39:20 Exploring Custom GPTs
40:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I'm back with another Q&A episode! I start by sharing viral marketing stunts for an escape room and emphasize finding a "Kirk" for business partnerships. Then, I explain how to grow a local newsletter using Facebook groups and ads, and monetize through AI and high-ticket services. I discuss why premium domain names aren't valuable for crypto and suggest focusing on trending niches, like AI. Finally, I advise on cloning content creators with AI chatbots, and selling this service to creators and community owners, as well as stressing the need to outsource weaknesses and double down on strengths.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
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---

00:00 Introduction
00:11 – Early Bird vs Night Owl Debate
02:53 – Creative Marketing Strategies for Escape Rooms
03:12 – Finding the Right Operational Partner
08:45 – Building a Local Newsletter and Monetization Strategies
13:09 – Exploring Crypto Domain Names and Their Value
18:04 – Creating AI Chatbots for Content Creators
21:53 – Conclusion

I sat down with podcast regular Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), and we talked about how he's planning to launch an AI-powered recipe app using no-code tools and Facebook ads. We discussed his idea to become a free proposal consultant to get into the wedding business. He also shared his views on the importance of understanding business math like CAC and cash conversion cycle. We also touched on using affiliate marketing to generate revenue with a lead magnet created with ChatGPT and promoted using ads, and using tools like Creative OS and HeyGen to make ad creatives and videos.

This is part 1 of a two-part conversation with Sam. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
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00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on AI and Apps
00:49 Wedding Planning Business Strategy
02:29 Personal Reflections and Technology Evolution
04:15 Exploring No-Code App Development
05:42 Recipe App Concept and Monetization
07:52 Marketing Strategies and Business Models
14:11 Collaborations and Future Plans
16:07 Cold Audience Strategies
16:40 The Power of Facebook Ads
17:19 Optimizing Ad Campaigns
22:33 Affiliate Marketing Tactics
29:17 AI in Marketing
30:00 Viral Marketing Case Studies
32:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I discuss the world of sales and unexpectedly profitable business models, such as pest control, a field I have personal experience in. We examine how high incomes can be achieved through door-to-door sales, as well as the financial dynamics of the pest control industry. We also discuss the compensation structure of sales crews and the potential of renting out specialized licenses. We explore the idea of pest control as a convenience service rather than a necessity, and share the story of an entrepreneur who achieved remarkable success with a Christmas lighting business.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• Nik@cofounders.com
• Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
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00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
03:37 The Economics of Pest Control
06:46 Insights on Sales Ethics and Practices
11:38 Personal Experiences in Pest Control
15:16 Questioning the Effectiveness of Pest Control
16:08 Revelation: Pest Control is a Scam
17:00 The Convenience Business Model
18:15 Success Story: Christmas Lighting Business
23:39 Entrepreneurial Spectrum: Different Approaches
25:55 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Knowledge

This is part 2 of a two-part conversation with Daniel. Be sure to listen to part 1 (aired Jan 27, 2025, Ep. #123) to hear how he got started, found the right niche, and set up the systems to grow and succeed.

I sat down with Daniel Cronauer (LinkedIn), to continue our conversation about his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique strategies for acquiring customers, using rock flyers and yard signs. Daniel also talks about how he expanded his business with Christmas lights, and discusses his experience building his own gym from the ground up. He also touches on his experience with permanent light installations and their drawbacks as a business.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
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Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
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00:00 Introduction: Acquiring Customers
01:06 The Power of Yard Signs
01:35 Handling Complaints and Mental Toughness
01:49 Success Stories and Testimonials
02:51 Rock Flyers: A Unique Marketing Strategy
03:54 Operation Carpet Bomb: Aggressive Marketing
05:33 The Importance of Visibility and Branding
11:27 Networking and Personal Connections
16:23 Gym Anecdotes and Personal Stories
18:50 Vigilante for Good: Sneaking into Gyms
19:48 Building a Gym from Scratch
20:06 Entrepreneurial Lessons and Challenges
23:46 Navigating Competition in the Gym Business
30:15 Expanding to Multiple Locations
33:33 Permanent Light Business Insights
36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts