Episoder
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Success isnât just surviving chaosâitâs building toward your exit.
In this episode, I talk with Philip Blackett, founder of Dream Business Makeover and LifeAfter40.com. Heâs been through the fireâliterally rebuilding a cemetery business during COVID while pulling double shifts at Chick-fil-A to make payroll.
We talk exit strategy, leadership, and what really works when youâve got to grow through chaos.
đŻ Youâll Learn:
Why most âbusyâ CEOs miss the pointHow to plan your exit (even if itâs years away)The 4 levers that grow revenue and valueWhat it looks like to lead when everythingâs on fireReady to grow your business with a future? Letâs build your exit-ready roadmap. đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources & Guest Links:
Philip Blackett: LinkedIn, LifeAfter40.comRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki -
Buying a business sounds like a shortcutâbut most people never make it to the finish line. Why? Because they chase the wrong deals.
In this episode, I talk with Richard Parker, founder of Diomo Corporation, about what really works when you're looking to acquire a business that fits youâand what most people get completely wrong.
đŻ Youâll Learn:
Richardâs â4-4-4-1-1â process for staying focused during your searchWhy experience doesnât always translate to ownership successThe 5 filters thatâll save you from a bad acquisitionHow to tell if a business is a spaghetti messâor ready to scaleThe one shift you must make before even reaching out to a sellerIf youâre even thinking about buying a business, start with this episode.
đ Guest Links:
Richard Parker: https://richardparker.com/ -
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Your business is growingâbut is your personal wealth strategy keeping up?
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cecchini, a wealth advisor who works with high-growth founders, to break down what it really means to build a personal capital stack.
đ§ We cover:
Why âjust invest in Vanguardâ isnât a real planHow to make decisions when incomeâs unevenWhat to do with cash thatâs sitting idleWhen to stop DIYâing and bring in a proIf youâve ever felt behind on your own wealth strategy, this oneâs a must-listen.
Want help finding clarity, control, and momentum in your business? Let's grow beyond the plateau together. ⶠChat with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Mark Cecchini: X, LinkedInQuadrant Capital -
Growth doesnât always mean profit.
In this episode, Iâm joined by ProfitHive founder Kevin Bees to talk about how growing businesses leak moneyâand how to stop it. Kevin shares the 7 hidden areas where founders lose margin, plus a tactical framework for getting your financial house in order without becoming an accountant.
How to spot and fix your biggest profit leaksWhy scaling doesnât fix your financial blind spotsThe mental shift that separates busy founders from wealthy onesThe simplest way to improve profit this quarterâno new clients required
đ§ What youâll learn:Letâs make sure your growth is actually profitable. đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Kevin Bees: LinkedIn, TwitterProfitHive -
Success isnât just about scaleâitâs about control. And sometimes that means cutting through the chaos you created.
In this episode, I sit down with Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics, to talk about how simplifying your operations, offers, and mindset can unlock the growth youâve been chasing. We get into the real stuff: what happens after the VC check clears, how complexity creeps in, and how to rebuild with clarity.
đ§ Youâll Learn:
How to simplify your business at any stageWhat entrepreneurs get wrong about growthWhy churn was killing Mikaelâs momentumâand how he fought backThe 4 pillars that keep you fulfilled while scalingHow Funnelytics can help you fix your funnel without the guessworkWant to scale with more control? đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Mikael Dia: LinkedIn, Facebook, Funnelytics -
Ever feel like the business you built is running you?
In this episode, I sit down with John F. Kettley, founder of Sales Masters Guild, to talk about how entrepreneurs lose their way as their company growsâand what it really takes to regain control of your business.
We talk mindset, sales systems, burnout, and the moment most founders realize theyâre not leading anymoreâtheyâre just reacting.
đ§ Inside this episode:
How to shift from doing the work to leading the companyWhy most founders plateau at six figuresHow to reconnect with your original business visionThe âhelicopter viewâ strategy for finding clarityWhy sales + delivery alignment matters more than you thinkIf your business feels heavier than it should, itâs time for a reset. đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
John F. Kettley: Website, LinkedInSales Masters Guild -
Letâs be honestâmost founders are chasing traction without stopping to ask: Is this still what I want to build?
In this episode, I talk with Amit Garg, Managing Partner at Tau Ventures, about what it means to build a purpose-aligned business from the ground up. From launching a hospital in India to raising $86M for a venture fund, Amit shares what real alignment looks like.
đ§ Youâll learn:
How to know if your business is actually venture-backableWhat founders get wrong about raising capitalWhy your pitch deck could be building a business you donât want to runHow to use purpose as your operating systemWhy public thinking is the new investor filterIf your business looks successful but doesnât feel right, itâs time to reset. đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Amit Garg: LinkedIn, XHospital For HopeTau VenturesData Driven -
Success isnât always what it looks like on the outside.
In this episode, I talk with Justin Breen about what it really means to lead a visionary businessâwith clarity, intention, and zero fluff. We unpack Kolbe scores, mindset patterns, and the four traits that set true visionaries apart from the pack.
đ„ Inside this episode:
How to measure your life with two daily questionsWhy âmoreâ often leads to miseryânot meaningHow Justin uses pattern recognition to build rituals that scaleThe flywheel every founder needs: Mindset â Network â OpportunityWhat most founders get dead wrong about leadershipLetâs build better, not just bigger. đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Justin Breen: LinkedIn, X, InstagramJoin BrEpic NetworkJustinâs Map of EQ and IQKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusRead Epic Life by Justin BreenGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhikerâs Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -
What if everything you know about âvalue-driven copyâ is wrong?
In this episode, I talk to Will Green, Founder of Copy Road, about what actually makes copy convert. We dive into the difference between trust and tricks, and why the best copy doesnât need a sales funnelâit needs a promise, proof, and process.
đ„ What youâll learn:
Why most copywriting fails (and what to do instead)The dead-simple rule that drives Willâs 7-figure campaignsHow his offshore team is helping founders scale video at 80% less costWhy he thinks âfree valueâ is overratedâand what to do insteadWhat founders get wrong when hiring copywritersWant to grow with less noise and more clarity? đ Work with A.J.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Will Green: Website, LinkedIn, X -
Success isnât just about strategyâitâs about how you communicate it. And when the message isnât landing, itâs probably not your offer. Itâs your story.In this episode, storytelling expert Karen Eber joins A.J. to explore how to build trust with storytellingâwhether you're pitching, leading, or aligning your team. Youâll learn how to craft stories that connect, convert, and evolve with your business.
đ§ Inside this episode:
Why origin stories can actually hold you backHow to find your customerâs painâand tell the story they needThe storytelling structure that works across leadership, sales, and cultureHow to plan a full year of strategic story contentWhy systems beat charisma every time
If you're tired of messaging that doesnât stick or storytelling that never quite clicks, letâs change that. đWork with A.J.đ Resources + Guest Links:
Karen Eber: Website, LinkedIn, XBook mentioned: The Perfect Story by Karen Eber
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Success isnât just about hustleâitâs about smart ownership. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kelly, an acquisition entrepreneur whoâs scaled five businesses with little to no upfront cash. We talk about how you can skip the startup chaos and buy a business thatâs already thriving.
The âahaâ moment that made Ben leave JPMorganWhy you donât need to be an expert to scale a companyHow to spot the right business to buyâand actually fund the dealWhat mindset separates great acquisition entrepreneurs from wannabesHow Ben built real wealth while staying present for his family
đ„ Youâll learn:This oneâs for the builders who want more control, faster success, and a business that doesnât burn them out.
đ Connect with Ben:
LinkedInXYouTubeBook a call -
Growth doesnât come from hustle. It comes from clarity.
Sean Si hit the wall most founders do â trying to do everything, lead everyone, and fix all the things. Then he blew it up and started fresh.
In this episode, he walks us through how he scaled SEO Hacker by simplifying, delegating, and focusing on what actually matters.
â What burnout taught him about leadership
â Why most marketing teams misfire â and how to fix it
â How to rebuild culture without being the bottleneckIf youâve ever said "I donât know whatâs working anymore," this oneâs for you.
đ Resources + Guest Links:
Sean Si: LinkedIn, Twitter, SEO HackerBook mentioned: Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell -
You built the business. You cashed out. Now what?
Most founders think they need to âreinvest everythingâ or go chase the next big thing. But in this episode of Beyond 8 Figures, I sit down with Ben Fraser of Aspen Funds to break down how to invest after selling a business â the right way.
Benâs been inside this game since the last recession. He watched his father build Aspen Funds from scratch after the 2008 crash, and heâs since helped scale it into a multi-million-dollar platform that helps entrepreneurs invest passively (and intelligently).
We talk about why entrepreneurs make terrible investors, how billionaires actually diversify, and the overlooked tax strategy that could save you six figures. If youâre still betting everything on your business â or worse, sitting on cash and hoping for the best â this episode will shift your mindset.
Guest Introduction:
Ben Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds and co-host of the Invest Like a Billionaire podcast, where he helps high-performing entrepreneurs grow and protect their wealth through smarter, passive investments. With a background in commercial lending and institutional asset management, Ben has overseen $125M+ in real estate and business loans. Today, he specializes in guiding business owners toward alternative investment strategies that prioritize stability, cash flow, and long-term growthâwithout adding complexity to their lives.Key Takeaways & Timestamps:
[05:37] The One-Liner That Changes Everything â âWealth is created through concentration, but preserved through diversification.â[06:38] How Billionaires Really Diversify â Ben reveals the Tiger 21 portfolio breakdown and how to use it.[14:35] Unlocking Tax Loopholes Most Entrepreneurs Miss â What happens when your spouse qualifies as a real estate professional.[15:36] Why One Founder Quit a 6-Figure Job to Save More â Ben shares a story thatâll make you rethink W-2s.[19:47] Where the Smart Money Is Moving in 2025 â Benâs macro-driven view of real estate (and what KKR just did).The next big move in your business might start with a conversation.
If youâve been thinking about leveling up, shifting directions, or preparing for a future exit, A.J. offers strategic support for entrepreneurs at a crossroads. No pitchâjust a chance to explore whatâs possible.đ Start here
Episode Highlights:
Donât just reinvest everything into your business â youâre exposed.Real diversification starts when you stop chasing control.Use tax law to your advantage (especially with a strategic spouse).Billionaires donât try to time the market â they plan across decades.
âWealth is created through concentration. But itâs preserved through diversification.ââEntrepreneurs make terrible investors⊠because weâre wired to take risk, not preserve what weâve built.âYou donât need to earn more. You need to invest smarter.â
Key Quotes:
Invest Like a Billionaire PodcastTiger21 KKRâs Multifamily Acquisition Article
Resources & Links:Connect with Ben Fraser:
LinkedIn Aspen Funds Website -
Most founders wait too long to adapt. Ray Deck says thatâs a mistakeâand shows how to scale smarter using the tools you already have.
What if the biggest leverage in your business isnât new funding or a bigger teamâbut the knowledge and trust youâve already built?
This week, Iâm joined by Ray Deck, founder of State Change, to break down how AI, no-code, and personal reputation are changing the game for founders ready to scaleâwithout burning out.
Rayâs seen it allâfrom the dot-com bust to the rise of SaaSâand now heâs helping entrepreneurs build smarter by tapping into tools that amplify what they already know.
We get into:
đ The power of domain expertise (and why it matters more than ever)đ ïž How to turn your ideas into real toolsâwithout writing codđ Using content to build trust and drive scalable growthđ§Ș Why experimentation is your most valuable growth strategy
If youâre a mid-journey founder running a 7-figure businessâor eyeing your next moveâthis episode is full of real-world tactics to help you scale with less stress and more leverage.đ§ Listen nowâthen go build what only you can create.
Ray Deck â LinkedIn, YouTube, State ChangeTools mentioned: ChatGPT, ZapierBooks referenced: Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker, Win Without Pitching by Blair Enns
đ Resources + Guest Links: -
đïž What if your biggest business breakthrough came from TikTok⊠in a language you barely spoke anymore?
This week, I sat down with Kanessa Muluneh, the powerhouse behind the fashion brand MULU. She built a thriving clothing company in Africaânot through Shopify or adsâbut through Telegram, WhatsApp, and a loyal audience she nurtured with blunt honesty and smart storytelling.
We get into:
Launching a brand in Africa (and why itâs not like the West)Using NFTs to educate and engage a new marketOwning her own factory in PakistanScaling by mentoring women in the U.S. and AfricaThis episode is raw, real, and full of insights for any founder looking to build across borders.
Donât miss it!
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Hiring global talent is no longer just for massive corporationsâitâs a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses, too. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Ashcroft, a veteran in outsourcing and remote work, to break down the exact strategies you can use to hire, manage, and scale a global team efficiently.
đĄ Learn how to avoid common outsourcing mistakes, find top-tier talent without overpaying, and build a hiring system that works. Whether youâre just starting with VAs or looking to scale an entire remote team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
đ§ Listen now and transform how you build your business! đ
đ Want to scale your business smarter with the right hires? Letâs talk. đ Work with A.J.
Get a copy of Kevin's book: Outsourcing For Success
LinkedInWebsite
Connect with Kevin Ashcroft: -
đĄ Think hiring global talent means outsourcing to low-level VAs? Think again. Jon Matzner shares a game-changing approach to hiring and automation that can actually help you scale.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
â The biggest mistake founders make when hiring global talent
â How to structure your team for high-leverage growth
â Why media leverage (like Twitter & newsletters) is an untapped goldmine
â Jonâs personal journey from government work to business ownership
â The first step you should take TODAY to buy back your timeđïž Listen now and start scaling smarter!
đ© Get Jonâs newsletter â Lazy Leverage
đŠ Follow Jon on Twitter â @MatznerJon -
This episode isnât just another polished success storyâitâs the raw, unfiltered reality of what it really takes to build something big. Brad Pedersen has been through the wringer: rapid growth, crushing failures, and three bankruptcies before finally getting it right.
In this episode, Brad shares invaluable business growth lessons, offering insights that will help entrepreneurs navigate the highs and lows of building a successful business.We dive deep into:
Why scaling too fast can destroy your business before it even takes off - 23:38The financial blind spots that almost took Brad down (and how he fixed them) - 24:29The hidden emotional cost of chasing success at all costs - 30:17How to build a business that doesnât just make moneyâbut actually fits your life - 36:04This is one of those episodes that challenges everything you think you know about entrepreneurship. No fluff, no sugar-coatingâjust real talk from someone whoâs been through it all.
About Brad Pedersen:
Brad isnât just another entrepreneur with a success story. Heâs someone who has lost it all, learned the hard way, and built himself back up to create billion-dollar brands. After exiting his toy company, he co-founded Lomi and Pila, focused on sustainability and long-term impact. Through his book Startup Santa and his latest venture, Full Spectrum, Brad is now helping founders navigate the highs and lows of businessâwithout losing themselves in the process.
"Success is a sucky teacher. We only tend to learn from the difficulties.""The greatest fear of any entrepreneur is the death of their business.""If you shortcut the shortcuts, youâre going to end up further back than where you started."
Key Quotes:Actionable Insights:
Run a 13-week cash flow forecast. The easiest way to avoid financial disasters? Know where your money is going before you run out.Slow down to go fast. Speeding through decisions leads to costly mistakes. Take your time to get it right the first time.Protect your flanks. Rapid growth is excitingâuntil it leaves you exposed. Make sure your foundation is strong before scaling up.Redefine success. Bradâs version? Freedom: being in control of your time, energy, and business, instead of the other way around.Balance ambition with reality. If youâre chasing growth at the cost of everything else, itâs only a matter of time before you hit a wall.Resources Mentioned:
Startup Santa by Brad PedersenLomi: www.lomi.comFull Spectrum: www.fullspectrumlife.comConnect with Brad Pedersen:
Website: www.bradpedersen.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bradtpedersenConnect with Beyond 8 Figures:
Website: Beyond8Figures.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8FiguresLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beyond8figuresTwitter: @Beyond8FiguresWork With Me: Want to scale your business without losing your sanity? Letâs talk.
đ Work with A.J. -
In this solo episode, I dive deep into the recurring marketing and sales challenges that plague seven-figure businesses trying to scale higher. Drawing from my personal experience and conversations with numerous founders, I explore how scattered marketing data, unclear ROI, and founder bottlenecks can stall growth.
Key areas covered:
â The challenge of fragmented marketing data across multiple platforms
â High customer acquisition costs in premium markets
â The importance of proper lead management and follow-up
â Breaking free from the founder bottleneck
â Implementing practical solutions for sustainable growth
Actionable Insights:
Unify your marketing data tracking systemsImplement a 10-minute response rule for leadsFocus on existing customer retention before aggressive acquisitionCreate clear systems to delegate critical decisionsStart with one key improvement rather than trying to fix everything at once
Key Quote:
"Pick your biggest pain point...and focus on that first. Remember, it's all about directionally correct incremental progress."đ§ Sens.ai Meditation Device Experiment â Update
A few weeks ago, I shared my initial experience testing out the Sens.ai meditation device. In this episode, I give a quick update on how it's been going and what I've noticed so far. If you missed the first discussion, check out the episode here!
Interested in the technology behind the device? Visit Sens.ai to learn more about their innovative approach. Plus, as a Beyond 8 Figures listener, you can get $100 OFF your purchase with the code "BEYOND8" at checkout.Connect with Beyond 8 Figures:
LinkedInXWebsite
Work With Me:
Need help implementing these strategies? I offer fractional CMO services to help seven-figure businesses scale effectively. Book a consultation at beyond8figures.com/work-with-a-j/ -
Picture this: you're grinding away, trying to scale your business, but growth feels like pushing a boulder uphill. What if the problem isnât how hard you're working but what you're working on? Jason Ehrlich proves thereâs a smarter way: one that doesnât rely on burning out to level up. His journey from corporate life to founding two successful investment firms is filled with lessons on growth, risk, and strategic thinking.
This episode is perfect for:
Entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses rapidly through acquisitions.Bootstrapped founders seeking strategies for predictable growth.Business owners interested in de-risking their growth plans with proven acquisition tactics.Investors who are curious about how acquisition entrepreneurship can deliver strong returns.Anyone contemplating their first business acquisition and needing real-world insights.Jasonâs background is unique: he didnât start out in venture capital or acquisitions. In fact, he and his wife spent years as digital nomads, traveling the world long before remote work was trendy. Through those experiences, he saw firsthand how businesses operate across different markets, sparking his interest in strategic investments.
Strategic acquisitions have become a personal passion of mine because they offer something every entrepreneur craves: predictable growth and speed of execution. Instead of spending years building from scratch, acquisitions allow us to plug into existing revenue streams, established customer bases, and proven operations. Itâs like stepping onto a moving train instead of laying every piece of track yourself.
Today, as the founder of Fruition Capital, Jason manages investments in both commercial real estate and small business acquisitions. His real value isnât just in writing checksâitâs in spotting growth opportunities others miss, mentoring entrepreneurs, and helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships. His perspective is grounded, practical, and packed with insights that can help any entrepreneur think differently about growth.
Why acquisitions can work so well for entrepreneurs
Acquisitions can be a growth shortcut. Instead of spending years building everything from the ground up, youâre starting with systems, teams, and revenue that are already in place. Thatâs why theyâre so effective at accelerating progress.You donât need massive capital to start. Many entrepreneurs assume acquisitions require a ton of money upfront. The reality is, there are ways to structure deals so youâre not putting everything on the line. Itâs about being strategic and finding the right fit.Itâs not just about buying revenue - itâs about stability. The best acquisitions come with loyal customers, proven operations, and a team that knows how to run the show. That stability can help you grow more predictably and reduce risk.You need the right people around you. Acquisitions arenât something you do on your own. Having investors or partners who bring strategic value, not just funding, is a game-changer. They help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls.Diversification creates resilience. By acquiring a business that complements your current operations, youâre spreading risk. If one part of the market shifts, youâve got multiple revenue streams to keep you steady.
Why this matters
What I find fascinating about strategic acquisitions is their ability to de-risk entrepreneurship in ways organic growth can't always achieve. When you acquire a business, you're not just buying revenue - you're acquiring systems, customer relationships, and a proven market fit. In one of my past ventures, acquiring a smaller company gave us immediate access to a niche audience we'd been struggling to reach for years. That deal didn't just boost our bottom line; it accelerated our learning curve, allowing us to refine our value proposition almost overnight.Another powerful aspect of acquisitions is the leverage they create for entrepreneurs. I remember negotiating an acquisition where the business we were targeting had underutilized assets and an incredible team that just needed the right leadership. By integrating them into our existing operations, we didn't just grow fasterâwe created synergies that led to cost savings, enhanced productivity, and a stronger market position. Strategic acquisitions aren't just about growth; they're about optimizing every part of your business to perform at a higher level.
Are you playing it safe or playing to win?
If youâre done settling for incremental growth, itâs time to shift gears. I help entrepreneurs like you fast-track their business success through strategic acquisitions: identifying growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and creating scalable systems. The question isnât if acquisitions can transform your business. Itâs when youâll start. Letâs make that happen now!đ Book a free 15-minute call: https://beyond8figures.com/work-with-a-j/
Jason's best advice for entrepreneurs:
"Acquiring a business isnât just about buying revenueâitâs about buying into systems, relationships, and proven market fits."Connect with Jason Ehrlich:
LinkedInWebsiteFruition Cap for Potential Investors
LinkedInXWebsite
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