In this episode of the Built to Last show, Megan interviews Kendall Lejeune, exploring his multifaceted journey as an entrepreneur, educator, and branding expert.

Kendall recounts his early influence from his entrepreneurial grandfather, which instilled a strong desire to forge his own path rather than adhere to traditional employment models. Though he initially thrived as a music teacher, he felt a persistent entrepreneurial drive, leading him to explore real estate while still educating students. He began wholesaling houses while teaching and quickly expanded his income through real estate.

The conversation shifts to how Kendall's diverse pursuits intersect and inform his approach to branding and community building. He compares designing marching band shows to creating effective brands, equating both to theatrical productions that elicit specific emotional responses from an audience. Through his experiences in music and performance, Kendall articulates how successful branding hinges on intentional design elements, stimulating emotional connections and guiding customer perceptions.

Kendall further discusses organic growth strategies he employed to cultivate his community without relying on paid advertising, emphasizing that brands should make people feel part of something greater. Initially, he focused on providing free, value-driven content in his podcast, asking insightful questions that resonated with listeners.

The essence of his growth strategy intertwines community engagement with the branding process, reflecting that the brand's “soul” resonates with its audience. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human psychology to foster that sense of belonging — recognizing the various desires and fears driving potential audience members. This genuine understanding encourages community members to engage at different levels, including both free and paid offerings, translating inquiries and interest into structured programs that add value to their entrepreneurial journeys.

Kendall also addresses the evolution of the brand and the organic adaptation of its offerings, noting that changes should align with the community's needs. He acknowledges that branding isn't just about transactional relationships; it’s about creating meaningful experiences and responding genuinely to audience feedback.

HIGHLIGHTS:

6:46 The Journey into Real Estate

16:55 Transitioning from Teaching to Consulting

24:16 Creating Community and Engagement

29:49 The Psychology of Community Building

37:41 The Soul of Your Brand

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

Only Brand Fans

Only Land Fans

Kendall's website

Megan Huber’s Socials & Resources:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Book a Call | Consulting

Structured Freedom Inc |...

Meg Rentschler, a psychotherapist turned executive coach, discusses her journey with Megan, emphasizing the importance of mastering coaching skills over sales tactics.She highlights the challenges new coaches face in defining their identities and the pressures of group coaching.

The conversation addresses the need for realistic client expectations, the adverse effects of a scarcity mindset, and the significance of self-care. Meg and Megan focus on fostering relational connections over transactional interactions, particularly within business settings. They discuss the significance of active listening and curious questioning as pivotal relational skills that enhance the client-coach dynamic, echoing the need for leaders to cultivate these traits within their teams for a healthier and more productive environment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

3:30 Meg's Journey from Psychotherapy to Coaching

7:54 The Shift to Executive Coaching

8:22 The Importance of Mastery in Coaching

13:01 Navigating Group vs. Private Coaching

16:15 Fear and Success in Coaching

20:38 Client Success and Retention in Coaching

28:17 Addressing Burnout in the Coaching Industry

32:25 Creating Flow in Business

37:05 The Importance of Iteration in Learning

40:24 Building Relational Connections in Coaching

CONNECT WITH MEG:

Website

Star Coach Podcast

YouTube

LinkedIn

Facebook

Megan Huber’s Socials & Resources:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Book a Call | Consulting

Structured Freedom Inc | Client Acquisition For High Ticket Coaches

The Coaches Pathway to $500K | Guide and 10-part video mini-course

In this episode, Megan dives into a thoughtful conversation with Vincent Pugliese, an expert in building and nurturing memberships. As someone who recognizes the power of connections, Vincent shares insights distilled from his journey—from a successful sports photographer to a thriving membership coach. His passion for community and the impact of meaningful interactions are evident throughout our discussion.

The conversation transitions into the topic of membership models, with Vincent sharing his belief that a strong membership foundation can drive success across various types of businesses. He explains how memberships not only provide financial stability but also cultivate community, allowing members to engage actively and share their experiences. The idea of starting small with memberships is reinforced; success can bloom from seemingly humble beginnings where four interested people can turn into a thriving community.

Vincent's unique perspective on learning from failures and the necessity of starting, even from a low point, sheds light on the path to entrepreneurial accomplishment. His hilarious yet humbling story about a speaking engagement with an almost empty audience serves as a powerful reminder that the size of an audience is not as significant as the authentic connections made during any exchange.

They also discuss the flexibility of membership models, emphasizing their adaptability based on the audience's needs. Vincent addresses the misconception that one must have a colossal following to launch a successful membership. Instead, he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to identify their passions and create content that resonates with their intended audience, ultimately leading to organic community growth.

As they shift gears, Vincent breaks down his own membership tiers, illustrating how they’re structured to offer varying levels of engagement, from budget-friendly access to exclusive, higher-touch experiences. He explains the logic behind these tiers, showing how they create a funnel that allows members to choose their journey and find the most value where they need it most.

Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that Vincent epitomizes the belief that community fosters not just growth, but also sustainability in business. His approach resonates with anyone looking to build a business that prioritizes genuine relationships and shared success.

HIGHLIGHTS:

3:11 The Power of In-Person Connections

5:28 Embracing Vulnerability in Entrepreneurship

8:13 Lessons from Small Audiences

11:31 The Importance of Origin Stories

18:59 Discovering a New Passion

23:58 The Appeal of Membership Models

25:46 Understanding Membership Dynamics

28:42 Customizing Your Membership Offer

30:57 Building a Stadium for Your Business

34:11 The Content and Connection Rivers

41:06 Selecting the Right Membership Tier

44:36 The Evolution of Memberships

56:17 Freedom Over Content

CONNECT WITH VINCENT:

Website

The Wealth of Connection audio book

Facebook

Instagram