Description

Ben Kelly thought landing his JP Morgan job would give him everything he wanted—until he realized his six-figure salary came at a cost. 6-day workweeks and a lot of wasted moments with his family.

Not wanting to sacrifice more time with his loved ones, Ben began planning his exit. Then, he made a crucial discovery: His wealthiest clients built their fortunes not through corporate jobs, but by acquiring small businesses. This revelation sparked his interest in business acquisition. He decided to purchase a small business and run it as a side hustle. Now, his portfolio is generating more than $70,000 a month in passive income!

In this interview, Ben sits down with Ryan Atkinson to talk about his business acquisition strategies, ways to get business loans and secure business funding, risk management and how to structure your business to maximize your free time. Whether you're just starting or scaling your investments, this interview will equip you with the strategies you need to get the life you deserve.

Takeaways

- Ben Kelly transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship.

- He realized the importance of time freedom after witnessing a colleague's experience.

- His first acquisition was made while still working full-time.

- Partnerships can be a key growth strategy for businesses.

- Boring businesses are recession-resistant and have recurring revenue.

- Identifying momentum in a business can lead to significant growth.

- Cold outreach via email can be an effective way to find acquisition opportunities.

- Self-evaluation is crucial before pursuing a business acquisition.

- Understanding financing options is essential for potential buyers.

- The SBA loan process can take 60 to 90 days to close. The first 90 days after acquisition should focus on learning.

- Building rapport with the team is crucial post-acquisition.

- Evaluate franchises like independent businesses.

- Clean financials are essential for any acquisition.

- Consider professional services for high margins.

- Acquisitions should not rely solely on the seller's management.

- Having a general manager in place reduces risk.

- Franchises can offer stability but require careful evaluation.

- Networking is key to finding reliable operating partners.

- Boring businesses can be lucrative opportunities.

Tags: Business Buying, Entrepreneurship, Business Loan, Passive Income, Side Hustle, Business Funding

Resources:

Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/3Y8L1rD
Connect with Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benkellyone/?hl=en

Description:

Joshua Brown’s childhood is far from easy. Growing up without any father figure in a struggling Nashville neighborhood, rampant drug use and lack of economic opportunities were something that he witnessed every day. Before he knew it, he got looped into drug dealing activities and got kicked out of high school, without any clear future in sight.

Until one day, a car crash made him evaluate his life decisions. Starting as a side hustle, he entered the home service business and vowed to turn his life around. Now, his pressure-washing business is generating $2 Million in revenue.

In this interview, Joshua sits down with Ryan to talk about his journey in the pressure washing industry, how to find your ‘why’ before you start in your entrepreneurship journey, how to adjust your marketing strategy depending on your personality, and how the importance of understanding local SEO in the current business landscape. Joshua wants us to know that no matter where we are, it’s never too late to turn our life around.

Takeaways

- Joshua's life changed after a car crash at 19.

- He found purpose after realizing he was making no impact.

- Starting a business requires a strong 'why'.

- Core values are essential for building a brand.

- Customer acquisition strategies evolve with business growth.

- You can always start as a side-hustle to know if you are cut out for the indsutry

- Building relationships is key to success in business.

- Every job should aim for a five-star review.

- Self-reflection is crucial for identifying one's purpose.

- Entrepreneurs must take risks to succeed.

- It is important to understand your personality to determine your strategy

- Understanding Local SEO is important in current business landscape

- Treating others well is fundamental in business.

Tags: Pressure Washing, Retail Goods, Side Hustle, Local SEO, Entrepreneurship, Home Service

Resources:

Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/44mJsKi

Connect with Joshua: https://www.instagram.com/brownspressurewashing/?hl=en

Description:

Parker Olson started PodPitch - an AI-powered tool that simplifies outreach for podcast bookings - with no coding experience. Within a year, that company generates 6-figures in monthly reoccurring revenue. And the best part? Parker believes that you can do the same, as long as you can recognize this one thing . . .

In this episode, Parker shares the strategy that he used to identify a niche market, the sales questions he asked during his product launch, and the importance of learning from your failures as an entrepreneur.

He also breaks down why bootstrapping gave him more control than traditional business funding, how to get customer retention, and the importance of tracking key metrics in your business. For all aspiring entrepreneurs out there, Parker's insight will change your perspective on sales and product development.

Takeaways:

- Parker invested his life savings to learn about making money online.

- His Twitter account grew to 750,000 followers through strategic content and retweets.

- Living in a tent for two years taught him perseverance and focus.

- The Forage experience highlighted the importance of a viable business model.

- Pod Pitch was born from the need for efficient podcast guest outreach.

- Sales techniques are crucial for understanding customer needs.

- Asking customers to pay on the spot reveals true interest.

- Building a business requires both grit and a sound financial model.

- Networking and outreach are key to finding new customers.

- Learning from failures is essential for future success. Asking the right questions can shift business direction.

- Bootstrapping can lead to more control and quicker decisions.

- Understanding your funding approach is crucial for success.

- Profitability can take time, even for high-revenue businesses.

- Entrepreneurship requires a realistic understanding of challenges.

- Effective customer acquisition is key to growth.

- Identifying pain points is essential for product-market fit.

- Metrics guide informed decision-making in business.

- Experimentation is vital in discovering effective marketing channels.

- Founders should leverage social media for genuine connections.

Tags: Podcasting, Niche Markets, Product Launch, Customer Retention, Business funding, Product Development

Resources:

- Start Your Business Today: ⁠https://links.upflip.com/44g3N3T

- Connect with Parker: https://www.instagram.com/parkerolson_/?hl=en

Description

Jaspreet Singh grew up in an immigrant household where success only comes in two options: becoming a doctor or a lawyer. However, despite the heavy expectation from his parents, Jaspreet always has a business mindset. From throwing college parties as a side hustle to building a financial media empire (including a 2M+ subscriber YouTube channel), Jaspreet proved that a high-paying job is not the only way to gain financial freedom — (he even became a licensed attorney and proceeded to never practice law in his entire life, just to prove to his parents that entrepreneurship was his true calling!)

In this episode, he breaks down the gritty realities of business growth: how to fund your dreams without traditional business funding, the habits you need to get rid of to get out of a rut, and the mindset shifts that separate the wealthy and the rest. Whether you’re battling self-doubt or scaling your business, Jaspreet’s no-BS advice will help you in your hustle.

Takeaways

- It's not about how much money you make, but how you think about money.

- Success meant becoming a doctor due to traditional upbringing.

- The first real business was an entertainment company.

- Mindset is crucial for overcoming business challenges.

- You have to be morally aligned with your business.

- Every business requires understanding marketing, sales, and operations.

- You will face hurdles, and how you handle them matters.

- Passion is important, but it shouldn't overshadow profitability.

- Learning from mistakes is essential for growth.

- You need to keep trying and adapting to succeed. Reinvesting profits wisely is crucial for business growth.

- Learning from mistakes is a vital part of entrepreneurship.

- Having a clear end goal helps in reverse engineering success.

- Creative funding methods can help startups with limited capital.

- Hiring the right talent is essential for a successful team.

- Avoid complacency and stay hungry for growth.

- Reflect on mistakes to improve future decisions.

- Transition leisure time into productive learning activities.

- Think bigger and set ambitious goals for your business.

- Anyone can become wealthy with the right mindset and effort.

Tags: Business mindset, Service & Consulting, Business growth, Side hustle, Business funding

Resources:

- Start Your Business Today: links.upflip.com/42kYLBT

- Connect with Jaspreet: https://www.instagram.com/minoritymindset/?hl=en

Description:

John Bianchi, widely known as the "Airbnb Data Guy," has revolutionized short-term rentals with his data-driven approach to finding high-performing properties. By 2024, his company has helped investors acquire over 200 profitable real estate properties worth $90+ million—all with a 100% success rate! His proven system eliminates guesswork, allowing investors to confidently identify lucrative rental opportunities while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

In this episode, John sits down with Ryan Atkinson to share the key strategies behind his property management strategy, how he uses data analytics tools like AirDNA to forecast revenue with precision, and how to leverage retail goods and guest experience to dominate the hospitality industry. John also explains how competitive research can set you apart, why cash flow is essential for long-term success, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that derail new investors.

Whether you're starting with $0 or scaling an existing portfolio, John’s insights provide a step-by-step roadmap to building a profitable short-term rental business. Tune in to unlock expert strategies that could transform your financial future.

Takeaways

- John transitioned from financial advising to Airbnb investing.

- Data analytics simplifies the process of property evaluation.

- Raising capital was a challenge without a real estate background.

- Successful properties often share common characteristics.

- The 20% rule helps identify cash flow potential.

- Understanding local regulations is crucial for Airbnb success.

- AirDNA is a valuable tool for forecasting revenue.

- Investors should focus on markets with existing regulations.

- Cash flow is essential for sustaining an Airbnb business.

- Potential earnings can range from $20,000 to $50,000 in free cash flow. Profiting $35,000 in three months can change your life.

- You make your money in business and invest in real estate.

- Cash flow is a cushion, not a net worth appreciator.

Keywords: Real Estate, Retail Goods, Property Management, Short Term Rentals, Hospitality, Data Analytics

Resources:

Start Your Business Today: ⁠https://links.upflip.com/4hEbnsq

Connect with John: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy/?hl=en

Launch your dream business with Bizee today at https://bizee.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=content_sponsorship&utm_campaign=upflip

Brian Batch never set out to become a restaurant owner, but life had other plans. After growing up in a tough family situation that forced him to be independent from a young age, Brian learned to adapt, create, and survive. Years later, while working at a small café in Texas, he met Ryan McElroy, who would later become his business partner and friend.

When Ryan's wife was diagnosed with cancer, he had to step away from running the café, and Brian stepped up. What started as an employee covering for his boss turned into a life-changing partnership. Together, they launched Bird Bird Biscuit, a take-out restaurant that now generates $250K—$300K per month without spending a dime on marketing.

In this episode, Brian shares how they built one of the most beloved restaurant businesses in Austin, why betting on a take-out model during COVID was their best decision, and how creative problem-solving shaped both his life and success as a restaurant owner. If you’re a restaurant owner (or hope to be one), Brian’s story is packed with lessons on adapting when it matters most and building something people love— one biscuit at a time.

Resources:

🎓 FREE Business Startup Course - httphttps://links.upflip.com/4hzn57E

🎓Take our FREE Business Discovery Assessment - https://links.upflip.com/4hz57Cc

📕 FREE access to ‘137 most profitable businesses’ - https://links.upflip.com/41LzRKe

👉 Brian’s business - https://www.birdbirdbiscuit.com/

Carmelo Marsala joins the UpFlip Podcast to unpack how he transformed Spray-Net from an average home service company into a franchise powerhouse. With 4 industry-shaping patents, Carmelo managed to scale his company to over 120 territories across North America. Earning him coverage from several mainstream media such as Forbes, Dragons' Den, Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, HGTV, and NetFlix.

He explained a couple of strategies that he used for his business growth, mastering franchising challenges, managing product development, and leveraging technology to outpace his competitors. For entrepreneurs craving actionable insights on innovation and expansion, this episode delivers a no-nonsense roadmap to success.

Takeaways

• Carmelo Marsala is an innovator in the home services industry.
• He started his journey in home services at 18 years old.
• Carmelo's initial motivation was to run his own business, not specifically to paint.
• He realized the need for value creation in the painting industry.
• The patented paint technology was developed to address common issues with conventional paints.
• Carmelo emphasizes the importance of specialization in business.
• He grew his revenue from 150K to 3 million in 5 months.
• Marketing strategies included various channels like Facebook ads and home shows.
• Franchising was a key strategy for scaling the business.
• Carmelo's experience on Dragons Den helped attract more franchisees. We broke the internet with 1,200 franchise requests.
• Rapid growth can be messy but is a learning experience.
• Winning the Franchisees Choice Award was a significant milestone.
• Creating a franchise support team was essential for scaling.
• Using AI technology has improved franchisee support.
• Training programs have evolved significantly over the years.
• Expanding into the U.S. market presented unique challenges.
• Franchising allows individuals to build a business without needing a unique idea.
• Cultural fit is crucial when selecting a franchise opportunity.
• Persistence and resilience are key to entrepreneurial success.

Resources:

• Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/3Dzq95N
• Connect with Carmelo: https://www.spraynetfranchise.com/start-a-franchise/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Youtube
• On Instagram
• On Facebook
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Introducing It’s All an Illusion from Things That Go Boom.

Follow the show: Things That Go Boom

Nearly everyone has played dress up at some point in their lives, whether putting on mom or dad’s clothes as kids, for Halloween, as their favorite Marvel character at ComicCon… or even, maybe, as a Civil War soldier.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where historians say Civil War casualties were highest, attracts many reenactors. They carry their muskets, pull on their blue britches, and revel in the past. But today that hobby has taken on new meaning — survivalists on the left and right and even some pundits have suggested a second US Civil War isn’t quite so unlikely as it might seem. So, we thought we’d head out to learn a little bit more about why some folks like to play war… and what they think about the prospect of another.

GUESTS: Pete Bedrossian, Civil War reenactor; Mike Peets, Civil War reenactor; Levi Rifenburgh, Civil War reenactor, high school student; Mary Babcock, Bannerman Island; Rebecca DuBois, Bannerman Island, archivist; Peggy Bedrossian, Former reenactor, Pete's wife; Kyle Windahl, Regalia maker, historian; Jocelyn Windahl, Occasional Reenactor, High school STEM teacher, Kyle's wife; Matt Atkinson, Civil War reenactor; Sherry/Cheri Stultz, Gettysburg Family Restaurant; Mark Russell, Civil War reenactor

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Civil War Re-Enactors Have Their Own POG-Level Slang, Blake Stilwell, We Are The Mighty

How Gettysburg Became a Refuge for Conservatives Battered by Trump-Era Strife, Virginia Heffernan, Politico

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.