Summary

In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, Nick James interviews Ben Gottfredson, also known as Big Ben, who shares his entrepreneurial journey in the moving and storage industry. Ben discusses the influence of his upbringing, the lessons learned from sports, and the importance of resilience and sacrifice in business. He reflects on the early days of his moving company, the challenges of scaling, and the significance of financial management. Ben emphasizes the value of hiring for culture and building a strong team, as well as the mindset shifts required to grow from a small business to a larger operation. In this conversation, Ben Gottfredson discusses the importance of building a trustworthy leadership team, the critical role of vision in business, and the concepts of profit sharing and equity. He shares insights on expanding into the storage business, managing multiple ventures, and raising capital through private equity. Ben emphasizes the significance of family values and maintaining a balance between work and personal life, while also highlighting the importance of an abundance mindset in achieving success.

Takeaways

- Ben's entrepreneurial journey began with his father's initiative to create a moving business. - Sports taught Ben valuable lessons about resilience and teamwork that he applies in business. - The importance of finding a mentor early in the entrepreneurial journey. - Starting with a lean approach helped Ben grow his business without taking on debt. - Stress tolerance and making calculated decisions are crucial for business success. - Ben emphasizes the need to live below one's means to ensure financial stability. - The transition from trading time for money to buying back time is essential for scaling. - Hiring for culture rather than experience can lead to a more cohesive team. - Ben's approach to financial management evolved as his business grew. - Creating a positive company culture is vital for employee satisfaction and performance. A strong leadership team is essential for growth. - Vision must encompass the dreams of others. - Profit sharing can align employee incentives with company goals. - Expanding into related businesses can enhance service offerings. - Managing multiple ventures requires trust in executive teams. - Raising capital can open doors to new opportunities. - Family and relationships are core motivators for success. - Being present with family is crucial for work-life balance. - An abundance mindset fosters collaboration and growth. - Setting clear goals helps in achieving long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Big Ben's Journey 02:45 - The Impact of Sports on Entrepreneurship 06:52 - Finding the Entrepreneurial Path 10:53 - Early Days of the Moving Business 15:19 - Lessons from the Early Years 18:15 - Navigating Financials as a Business Owner 20:55 - Scaling from Zero to Million 23:46 - Building a Team and Company Culture 33:51 - Building a Trustworthy Leadership Team 34:38 - The Importance of Vision in Business 37:52 - Understanding Profit Sharing and Equity 41:10 - Expanding into the Storage Business 44:29 - Managing Multiple Business Ventures 47:54 - Raising Capital and Private Equity Ventures 54:46 - The Heart Behind the Business 01:02:25 - Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities

Mindset Book: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322

Connect with Ben Gottfredson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_gottfredson/

https://www.instagram.com/bigbensmovingandstorage/

https://www.instagram.com/bigstorageventures/

https://www.instagram.com/thebiggerlifepodcast/

Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary

In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, hosts Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp reflect on their personal and professional growth as they enter 2025. They discuss insights gained from previous guests, particularly focusing on the themes of self-sabotage, the challenges of business growth, and the importance of hiring the right talent. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding personal narratives and the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success often comes through navigating failures and implementing effective systems. In this conversation, Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp explore the essential themes of entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of understanding business strengths, simplifying operations, and overcoming resistance. They discuss the journey of David Metter in the automotive industry, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and the significance of finding a deeper purpose. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace fears and build a supportive community as they look forward to 2025.

Takeaways

- 2025 brings new opportunities and reflections on past changes. - Self-sabotage can hinder personal and professional growth. - Honesty in sharing personal struggles enhances coaching effectiveness. - Recognizing comfort zones is crucial for overcoming self-sabotage. - Failure is a part of the journey to success. - Your personal narrative influences your business decisions. - Hiring the right talent is essential for scaling a business. - Understanding the systems in your business is key to growth. - Realistic expectations are important in entrepreneurship. - Surrounding yourself with the right people can help navigate challenges. Business owners must evaluate their systems for effectiveness. - Simplicity is key to successful business operations. - Resistance is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. - Facing fears leads to personal and business growth. - Finding a deeper purpose fuels entrepreneurial motivation. - Community support is crucial in overcoming challenges. - Entrepreneurs often face criticism from those close to them. - Success requires embracing discomfort and challenges. - The journey of entrepreneurship is ongoing and evolving. - Reflecting on one's 'why' can lead to transformative decisions.

Chapters

00:00 - Reflecting on Change and Growth 10:10 - Navigating Failure and Self-Sabotage 21:30 - Understanding Business Strengths and Simplifying Operations 29:11 - Embracing Challenges and Growth in Business 37:27 - Facing Fears and Building Community in 2025

Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary

In this episode of the Abundant Journey Podcast, host Nick James interviews Robert Mallon, an experienced entrepreneur and executive coach. Robert shares his journey from the restaurant industry to becoming a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, leadership development, and a holistic approach to coaching. He discusses the significance of identifying one's purpose, the value of transformation over mere information, and the necessity of balancing various life aspects to achieve success. Robert also provides insights into the coaching process, including how to identify the most impactful areas of focus in one's life and business. In this conversation, Robert Mallon shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of investing in support, delegation, and understanding one's strengths. He discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and the necessity of facing fears in business. Mallon highlights the significance of having a clear mission statement and the role of accountability partners in achieving success. He encourages entrepreneurs to step outside their comfort zones and to recognize when to say no to opportunities that do not align with their goals.

Takeaways

• Robert Mallon transitioned from the restaurant industry to executive coaching after realizing his passion for growing leaders.
• He emphasizes that business principles apply across industries, making it possible to switch fields successfully.
• Robert's mission is to inspire and encourage individuals to reach their full potential.
• He believes in a holistic approach to coaching, addressing both personal and professional aspects of life.
• The concept of 'information without transformation' highlights the need for actionable change in coaching.
• Robert uses a life category sheet to help clients assess their overall well-being and set specific goals.
• He encourages clients to identify the 20% of their efforts that yield 80% of their results.
• Eliminating, automating, or delegating tasks can help individuals focus on their strengths.
• Robert stresses the importance of having a supportive network to process challenges and growth.
• Finding one's zone of genius is crucial for maximizing effectiveness and satisfaction in work. Investing in support can yield significant returns.
• Delegation is essential for scaling a business.
• Identify tasks you are not good at to delegate effectively.
• Imposter syndrome is common; face it head-on.
• Fear can be a motivator in entrepreneurship.
• Having a clear mission helps in decision-making.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone expands your capabilities.
• Accountability partners provide necessary support and guidance.
• Look for integrity and experience in a coach.
• Understanding your strengths can guide your career path.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Robert Mallon 01:00 - Robert's Journey into Entrepreneurship 05:55 - The Transition from Restaurant Industry to Coaching 10:05 - Establishing an Executive Coaching Business 15:46 - Defining Executive Coaching 21:55 - The Holistic Approach to Coaching 24:58 - Identifying the 20% that Drives Success 29:30 - Investing in Support for Business Growth 30:37 - Delegation: The Key to Scaling Your Business 31:19 - Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses 33:47 - Facing Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur 34:16 - Embracing Fear in Entrepreneurship 36:27 - The Importance of Purpose in Life and Work 37:28 - Mitigating Risk in Entrepreneurial Transitions 38:34 - Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone 42:57 - Finding the Right Accountability Partner 44:30 - Qualities of a Good Coach or Accountability Partner 49:22 - Crafting Your Mission Statement 51:26 - Using Strengths to Guide Your Path 54:43 - Knowing When to Say No

Connect with Robert Mallon: Website: https://www.robertmallon.com/ Email: robert@elitecoaching.solutions , robert@robertmallon.com Phone: 770-906-7397 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmallonecs/ Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, hosts Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp welcome David Metter, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader. David shares his journey from a young paperboy with an entrepreneurial spirit to a successful sales manager and tech innovator in the automotive industry. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up in a single-parent household, his early experiences in sales, and the importance of self-education. David also reflects on the shift from a selfish mindset to a servant leadership approach, the resistance entrepreneurs often face, and the lessons learned from his experiences with investment and business growth. In this conversation, David Metter shares insights on the importance of alignment in partnerships, the principles of scaling a business, and the significance of communication and conviction in entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with business demands and emphasizes the need for awareness and peer networks to foster growth. David also highlights the importance of hiring the right people and the impact of a selfless leadership approach on personal and professional success. The discussion culminates in a reflection on legacy building and the joy of giving back. Takeaways - David's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age with a paper route. - Overcoming adversity motivated David to seek a different path in life. - Self-education played a crucial role in David's success. - David's first experience with sales was in the automotive industry. - The importance of building relationships and communication in sales. - David emphasizes the significance of servant leadership in business. - The 'crab in the bucket' analogy illustrates the resistance entrepreneurs face. - David's early adoption of technology set him apart in sales. - Investment decisions can greatly impact a business's success or failure. - Life experiences shape our perspectives and decision-making as we grow. - - Alignment in partnerships is crucial for success. - Scaling requires understanding market needs and automation. - Communication and conviction are essential for entrepreneurs. - Peer networks provide valuable insights and accountability. - Hiring the right people is key to business growth. - Balancing family and business is a conscious decision. - Transitioning to a selfless mindset can lead to greater success. - Generosity and legacy building are important values. - Family meetings can strengthen family dynamics. - Investing in relationships and community enhances personal fulfillment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to David Metter 06:43 - Overcoming Adversity and Finding Motivation 19:21 - The Crab in the Bucket Analogy 27:05 - Lessons from Investment and Business Growth 32:27 - The Importance of Alignment in Partnerships 39:17 - Communication and Conviction in Entrepreneurship 46:22 - Hiring for Success: The Right People Matter 54:01 - Transitioning from Selfish to Selfless Leadership Connect with David Metter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmetter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmetter/?hl=en Connect with Legacy Builders 12 Stone Church: Website: https://12stone.com/legacybuilders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12stonechurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/12StoneChurch TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@12stonechurch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/12StoneChurch/ Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary In this episode, Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp discuss the critical decision of whether to buy an existing business or start a new one from scratch. They explore the pros and cons of each approach, emphasizing the importance of established systems, reputation, and relationships in buying a business. The conversation also delves into the challenges of inheriting a business culture, the dynamics of working with previous owners, and the potential pitfalls of business acquisition. Ultimately, they highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and the motivations behind starting a business versus buying one. In this conversation, Nick Aufenkamp and Nick James explore the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges and rewards of starting a business versus buying an existing one. They discuss the difficulties of cultural change, the complexities of business acquisition, the advantages of starting from scratch, and the importance of passion and persistence in entrepreneurship. The conversation also highlights the significance of having a clear exit strategy and the unique journeys that entrepreneurs embark on, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a successful business. Takeaways - Buying an established business can provide immediate customer relationships. - Starting a business from scratch often involves significant client acquisition challenges. - The culture of a business is crucial and often inherited from previous owners. - Having a good relationship with the previous owner can be beneficial for mentorship. - Understanding the barriers to entry is essential when considering a business purchase. - You may be buying a job if the previous owner did everything themselves. - Established systems and processes can save time and effort in business operations. - The reputation of a business can be a double-edged sword when buying. - Entrepreneurs often face challenges regardless of the path they choose. - The decision to buy or start a business should align with personal goals and vision. Changing a culture is often more challenging than starting anew. - Identifying market gaps can drive entrepreneurial ventures. - Buying a business involves complex negotiations and relationships. - Starting a business has lower barriers to entry compared to buying. - Financing for startups can be more challenging than for established businesses. - Passion for the work can sustain entrepreneurs through tough times. - Celebrating small wins is crucial when starting from scratch. - Having an exit strategy can guide business decisions from the start. - Entrepreneurs must understand their unique motivations and goals. - There are multiple paths to success in entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Journey Overview 06:00 Pros and Cons of Buying an Established Business 12:03 Relationship with Previous Owners 21:28 Pitfalls of Buying a Business 27:28 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting vs. Buying 33:44 Starting from Scratch: The Entrepreneur's Advantage 39:01 Passion and Persistence: The Heart of Entrepreneurship 45:41 Finding Your Path: The Unique Journey of Entrepreneurs Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, hosts Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp welcome Ryan Deiss, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Digital Marketer. Ryan shares his journey into entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling businesses without sacrificing personal values and family time. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from an entrepreneur to a CEO, the significance of effective delegation, and the necessity of visualizing business processes for clarity and efficiency. The conversation highlights the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face and offers actionable strategies for achieving a balanced and successful business life. In this conversation, Ryan Deiss shares insights on the importance of systemization in business, the mindset shifts necessary for successful delegation, and the challenges entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses. He emphasizes the need for clear role definitions, overcoming fears related to hiring, and the significance of cashflow management. Deiss also critiques traditional annual planning methods, advocating for a more flexible approach that focuses on quarterly goals instead. He concludes with practical advice for new entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of identity and financial management. Takeaways - Ryan Deiss became an entrepreneur out of necessity, not intention. - Scaling a business can lead to personal sacrifices if not managed properly. - The importance of family and time management in entrepreneurship. - Transitioning from entrepreneur to CEO requires a shift in mindset. - Effective delegation is crucial for business growth. - Hiring higher-level employees can lead to greater business success. - Visualizing business processes helps identify inefficiencies. - Documenting key business processes is essential for scaling. - Entrepreneurs often over-identify with the growth phase of their business. - The business should serve the entrepreneur, not the other way around. - Document the critical processes in your business. - Start delegating tasks one sticky note at a time. - Good systems are essential before hiring new people. - The entrepreneur should aim to be the least valuable in their business. - Annual planning often leads to unrealistic expectations. - Focus on quarterly goals instead of annual ones. - Your identity as a business owner should evolve with your business. - Cashflow management is crucial for business survival. - Hiring professionals can alleviate management burdens. - Imposter syndrome can hinder effective delegation. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Abundant Journey Podcast 03:17 - Ryan Deiss: The Accidental Entrepreneur 08:34 - Scaling Without Sacrificing Your Soul 10:47 - The Importance of Family and Time Management 14:31 - Transitioning from Entrepreneur to CEO 20:31 - Strategies for Effective Delegation 26:59 - Visualizing Business Processes for Clarity 29:51 - The Importance of Systemization in Business 33:49 - Mindset Shifts for Successful Delegation 37:58 - Overcoming Management Fears and Imposter Syndrome 40:57 - The Transition from Growth to Scale 42:53 - Rethinking Annual Planning Strategies 51:57 - Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Identity and Cashflow Management

Connect with Ryan Deiss: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanDeissOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandeiss/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ Digitalmarketer: https://www.digitalmarketer.com/faculty/ryan-deiss/?srsltid=AfmBOooSv2ST1gIGhNlJNY4T5LMwq5rLOoEqbV_3ZGnc9RLDZbWW6Gpd Scalable: https://scalable.co X: https://x.com/ryandeiss?lang=en Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenick_james/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickaufenkamp/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, hosts Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp reflect on their two-year journey of podcasting, discussing the lessons learned, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They explore the growth of their audience, the depth of connections made, and the clarity they've gained in understanding their target audience. The conversation also delves into the struggles of new entrepreneurs, the imposter syndrome they face, and their renewed focus on helping business owners cross the million-dollar revenue threshold. In this conversation, Nick Aufenkamp and Nick James discuss their evolving vision for their podcast and business endeavors. They emphasize the importance of expanding their content beyond traditional podcasting to include targeted video content and practical advice for business owners. They share their personal journeys in entrepreneurship, highlighting the lessons learned from failures and the significance of taking action. The duo expresses their commitment to building a community of entrepreneurs, encouraging audience engagement, and sharing valuable insights from their experiences and those of their guests. Takeaways - The podcast has been a journey of reflection and growth. - Building relationships with guests has been more valuable than expected. - The numerical growth of the podcast has been slower than anticipated. - Clarity in understanding our audience has emerged over time. - The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and learning. - Imposter syndrome is a common experience for new entrepreneurs. - It's important to focus on serving a specific audience. - The goal is to help business owners cross the million-dollar threshold. - Networking has led to deeper connections and opportunities. - The podcast aims to document the entrepreneurial journey and share insights. We're excited to help business owners grow and scale. - Video content is a huge opportunity for targeted advice. - Revisiting past guests for specific business challenges is key. - Documenting our journeys adds authenticity to our message. - Taking massive action is essential for growth. - Community is vital for long-term success in business. - Engagement from our audience helps build a stronger community. - Cross-industry insights can spark innovative ideas. - We're focused on helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges. - Our journey reflects the importance of learning from failures. Chapters 00:00 - Reflecting on Two Years of Podcasting 05:48 - Finding Our Voice and Audience 12:11 - The Journey of Entrepreneurship 18:03 - The Imposter Syndrome of New Entrepreneurs 23:30 - Expanding Beyond the Podcast 32:35 - The Power of Taking Action 41:01 - Engaging with Our Audience Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenick_james/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickaufenkamp/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Summary

In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, host Nick James and guest Chris Jansen explore the transformative journey of life coaching, particularly for high achievers and perfectionists. Chris shares her personal story of overcoming perfectionism and addiction, emphasizing the importance of community and mindset in recovery. The conversation delves into the distinctions between coaching and counseling, the significance of accountability, and the role of personal narratives in shaping beliefs. Chris also discusses her upcoming book, 'Grace Yourself', and offers insights on how to navigate the coaching landscape effectively. Takeaways

- Chris Jansen is a life coach who helps high achievers. - High achievers often struggle with perfectionism and self-sabotage. - Community plays a crucial role in recovery and personal growth. - The resistance faced in achieving goals is often a sign of progress. - Coaching focuses on moving forward, while counseling often addresses past issues. - It's important to find a coach who asks the right questions. - Coaching should have a clear starting and ending point. - Personal narratives shape our beliefs and can be rewritten. - Being part of a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation. - Fitness is foundational to overall well-being and success. Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Chris Jansen's Journey 08:15 - The Evolution of Life Coaching 17:44 - Understanding High Achievers and Perfectionism 25:00 - Personal Stories of Overcoming Perfectionism 32:26 - The Importance of Community in Recovery 37:21 - Coaching vs. Counseling: Understanding the Differences 46:34 - Navigating the Coaching Landscape 51:40 - Gold Nugget Round: Insights and Reflections Connect with Abundant Journey: Website: AbundantJourney.net Newsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney Connect with Chris Jansen: Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ Book: https://www.graceyourselfbook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjanssencoaching/