The Necessary Entrepreneur

Mark Perkins
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.

  1. 3d ago

    #213 - Matt Dalio: Why America's Future Depends on Raising Builders, Not Consumers

    While many people know the Dalio name, Matt Dalio has spent his career intentionally building something entirely his own. As the Founder & CEO of Endless Studios, Matt believes the greatest challenge facing America isn't technology, it's whether the next generation will have the skills to create it. In this conversation with Mark Perkins, Matt explains why the future belongs to builders, why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a threat, and why America's competitive advantage has always been its ability to innovate. Drawing from years spent working throughout emerging markets, Matt introduces the concept of reverse innovation, the idea that some of the world's most valuable breakthroughs come from places forced to solve problems with limited resources. He argues those same lessons may be exactly what America needs today. Mark and Matt also dive into why traditional education is struggling to keep pace with AI, how curiosity creates better learners than memorization ever could, why building things is the greatest form of education, and what entrepreneurs can do to prepare both themselves and their children for a rapidly changing economy. The conversation also explores resilience, founder burnout, cash flow versus growth, developing passion through action, and how individuals can create meaningful change inside their own communities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, parent, educator, or simply wondering what the future of work will look like, this episode offers an optimistic roadmap for developing the skills that matter most in the AI era. In this episode you'll learn: Why America must become a nation of builders again How AI is changing the future of education and employment The difference between ability and capability Why curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning What entrepreneurs should teach the next generation How emerging markets are driving some of today's greatest innovations Why passion is discovered through building, not waiting The debate between growth and cash flow for founders Practical ways to prepare yourself and your family for the future of work Why Matt believes "the treasure is in the skills we build." If you're interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, education, innovation, or preparing for what's next, this conversation delivers practical insights along with a hopeful vision for the future. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Matt Dalio & Endless Studios: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdalio/ https://www.endlessstudios.com/ https://www.instagram.com/endlessstudiosgames/ https://x.com/Endless__Games?s=20 https://www.facebook.com/EndlessStudiosGames/ https://github.com/endlessm

  2. Aug 3

    #212 - How Kay Woo is Challenging Uber with Zero Commission Ride-Sharing and Blockchain

    What if ride-sharing companies stopped taking a cut of every ride? What if drivers owned more of the value they create? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Kay Woo, Founder and CEO of Throo and TADA, to discuss how he's challenging the traditional ride-sharing model with a zero-commission platform built around driver ownership, blockchain infrastructure, and the future of mobility. Kay shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building one of the world's first zero-commission ride-hailing platforms and explains why defining drivers as the primary customer changes everything. From creating trust-based driver communities to navigating global expansion and regulatory challenges, Kay offers a fascinating look at what it takes to disrupt an industry dominated by some of the world's largest technology companies. The conversation also explores where transportation is headed over the next decade. Kay discusses how AI, blockchain technology, and autonomous vehicles could fundamentally change the way we think about ownership, mobility, and ride-sharing. Rather than a future controlled by centralized platforms, he shares his vision of distributed ownership models that could give drivers and communities a greater stake in the networks they help build. Whether you're an entrepreneur building a disruptive company, interested in the future of transportation, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping business models, this episode offers valuable lessons on innovation, leadership, and challenging conventional thinking. In This Episode: Why TADA operates on a zero-commission ride-sharing model The entrepreneurial challenges of disrupting established industries Building trust and community among drivers at scale How blockchain technology powers modern mobility platforms Why drivers should be treated as customers, not commodities The future of autonomous vehicles and distributed ownership AI's role in the next generation of ride-hailing services Navigating regulation while expanding globally Lessons learned from building technology businesses that challenge incumbents Why entrepreneurship requires rethinking long-held assumptions about value creation If you've ever wondered what comes after Uber and traditional ride-sharing, Kay Woo offers an ambitious and thought-provoking vision for the future. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Kay Woo, throo, & TADA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvlkay/ https://x.com/climbingK https://www.facebook.com/kaywooe6/ https://ridethroo.ai/ https://www.instagram.com/ridethroo_official/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tadaamerica_official?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.youtube.com/@TADA-America-2026 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587235988109 https://x.com/throo_official https://tada.global/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tadaglobal/

  3. Jul 27

    #211 - What Buyers REALLY Look For When Acquiring a Business | Muriel Touati | The Necessary Entrepreneur

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Muriel Touati, Founder and CEO of Exit 3D Studio, to uncover what actually makes a business valuable when it's time to sell. While many founders believe profitability automatically translates to value, buyers are looking for something much different, transferability, operational health, recurring revenue, and systems that can thrive without the founder. Drawing from her experience evaluating businesses for acquisition, Muriel shares why so many businesses never make it to the closing table, the red flags buyers immediately look for during due diligence, and how founders can dramatically increase their company's valuation before an exit. She breaks down the acquisition process from NDAs and Letters of Intent to SBA financing, business brokers, and the financial metrics that matter most when buying or selling a company. Muriel also explains why digital presence has become an increasingly important component of business valuation, how AI and automation can improve operational efficiency, and why founder dependency continues to destroy value in founder-led businesses. Whether you're planning to sell your company in the next few years, acquire your first business, or simply build a more transferable and valuable company, this conversation provides a roadmap for creating a business that can succeed beyond its founder. You'll learn: • What buyers really look for when acquiring a business • Why 70-80% of businesses never successfully sell • The biggest valuation killers founders overlook • How customer concentration impacts business value • Why recurring revenue commands higher valuations • How AI and automation can increase operational efficiency • The role digital marketing and lead generation play in business valuation • How SBA loans work for business acquisitions • What founders should do years before planning an exit • Why transferability may be the most valuable asset your business owns Muriel is the Founder and CEO of Exit 3D Studio, where she helps founder-led service businesses increase their valuation and prepare for successful exits. Her upcoming book, The Valuation Gap, explores the hidden issues sellers miss that can significantly impact what buyers are willing to pay. If you're an entrepreneur building for the long term, planning an exit, or considering acquiring a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could save, or make, you millions. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Muriel Touati & Exit 3D Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murieltouati/ https://www.exit3dstudio.com https://www.exit3dstudio.com/the-valuation-gap https://www.exit3dstudio.com/scorecard

  4. Jul 20

    #210 - Why Luxury Clients Pay More Than $10,000 for Trust, Not Just Clothing | Albert Lukonga

    Albert Lukonga arrived in the United States as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo with little more than ambition, resilience, and a willingness to learn. Today, he is the founder of ALBERT COUTURE, Kentucky's first luxury fashion house, creating bespoke garments and handcrafted footwear for executives, professional athletes, entertainers, and public officials across the country. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Albert sits down with Mark Perkins to share the mindset that transformed his life and business. He explains why fear and self-doubt rob entrepreneurs of opportunity, how learning to understand his own value changed everything, and why luxury has far more to do with trust and experience than expensive products. Albert pulls back the curtain on what it takes to serve elite clients, from researching every detail before a fitting to creating highly personalized wardrobe experiences that build lifelong relationships. He also shares lessons on premium pricing, branding, confidence, preparation, and the importance of treating every client like they're your only client. Whether you're building a luxury brand, growing a service business, or simply looking for inspiration to pursue bigger goals, Albert's entrepreneurial journey offers powerful lessons on resilience, value creation, and betting on yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Albert built Kentucky's first luxury fashion house • Why understanding your value changes the trajectory of your business • The difference between luxury and simply being expensive • How to build trust with high-end clients and create unforgettable experiences • Why preparation is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business • The mindset shifts that helped Albert overcome fear and pursue extraordinary opportunities • What entrepreneurs can learn from serving the world's most discerning clients • Why resilience remains one of the most valuable entrepreneurial skills Albert's story is a reminder that where you start doesn't determine where you'll finish. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Albert Lukonga & Albert Couture: https://albertcouture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/albert_couture/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-lukonga-1609b1bb/ https://www.instagram.com/albert_lukonga/

  5. Jul 13

    #209 - Most Investors Ask the Wrong Questions. Here's What the Smart Ones Ask. | Jacob Vanderslice

    Most people think successful investors spend their time chasing the next big opportunity. Jacob Vanderslice believes the best investors do the exact opposite; they spend more time thinking about what could go wrong. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Jacob Vanderslice, Principal and Co-Founder of VanWest Partners, to discuss the mindset, discipline, and decision-making behind successful real estate investing and long-term wealth creation. Jacob shares how his career evolved from residential fix-and-flips to commercial real estate investing, why profitability always matters more than growth, and the framework his team uses to evaluate risk before investing millions of dollars. The conversation explores everything from downside protection and responsible leverage to raising capital, market cycles, commercial real estate, AI-powered deal analysis, and the questions every investor should ask before writing a check. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, real estate investor, or someone looking to build wealth over time, this episode offers practical lessons on protecting capital, evaluating opportunities, and making smarter financial decisions. In this episode: • Why profitability beats growth every time • The biggest mistakes investors make during good markets • How professional investors evaluate risk before returns • The transition from fix-and-flips to commercial real estate • Why storage facilities became an attractive investment class • Responsible leverage and debt management • Cash flow versus IRR, and which matters more • How AI is changing commercial real estate underwriting • Why market cycles create opportunity for disciplined investors • Building long-term wealth through conservative investing If you're serious about entrepreneurship, investing, financial freedom, and building lasting wealth, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Jacob Vanderslice & VanWest Partners: https://www.vanwestpartners.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/

  6. Jul 6

    #208 - The One Leadership Trait Every Founder Underrates (Until It's Too Late) | Sam Eitzen

    Most entrepreneurs think success comes from having the perfect idea. Sam Eitzen believes it comes from something far less glamorous: learning to adapt before you have to. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Sam Eitzen, Co-Founder and CEO of Snapbar, to discuss how a simple photo booth business evolved into an AI-powered experiential marketing platform serving more than 10,000 brands, including Microsoft, Google, and Toyota. Sam shares the unfiltered story of building a bootstrapped company for more than a decade, surviving the collapse of the live events industry during COVID-19, making difficult pivots that nearly cost the company everything, and ultimately betting on artificial intelligence to build the next chapter of Snapbar. Along the way, Mark and Sam explore why trust has become one of the most valuable currencies in business, how curiosity creates better leaders, what founders consistently get wrong about AI, and why the companies that embrace change will outperform those trying to preserve the past. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, founder, or leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation offers practical lessons on resilience, innovation, leadership, and building a company that's prepared for whatever comes next. In this episode: • Why Snapbar pivoted from photo booths to AI-powered experiences • The brutal leadership lessons learned during COVID • Why trust is your greatest competitive advantage • How curiosity leads to better entrepreneurs • The biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence • How to build a company culture that embraces change • Why adaptability beats certainty in today's business landscape • What non-tech companies need to understand about AI • Leadership lessons from fourteen years of entrepreneurship • Why playing the long game almost always wins 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and innovators who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Sam Eitzen & Snapbar: www.snapbar.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-eitzen/

  7. Jun 29

    #207 - AI, Delegation & Hiring: The Blueprint for Scaling a Business | Adam Spector

    Most entrepreneurs don't fail because they lack great ideas. They fail because they spend too much time working in their business instead of on it. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Adam Spector, Founder and CEO of Chore, to discuss why delegation, hiring, communication, and leveraging AI have become essential skills for entrepreneurs who want to build companies that scale. Adam shares lessons learned from building Chore, a business operations platform designed to help founders eliminate administrative bottlenecks and focus on high-value work. He explains why so many business owners become trapped by everyday tasks, how outsourcing can often outperform hiring, and why effective leadership begins with understanding your own strengths and weaknesses. Mark and Adam also explore the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in business, practical ways entrepreneurs can integrate AI into their daily operations, and why the future belongs to founders who embrace technology rather than fear it. Whether you're launching your first startup, growing a small business, or leading an established company, this conversation offers practical strategies for hiring smarter, communicating more effectively, and building systems that create long-term growth instead of constant overwhelm. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why founders get trapped doing low-value work • The difference between hiring employees and outsourcing strategically • How AI is transforming entrepreneurship and business operations • Why communication is one of the most overlooked leadership skills • Hiring slow, firing fast, and avoiding expensive hiring mistakes • How successful entrepreneurs continue learning and adapting • Why coaching can accelerate business growth • The mindset required to build a scalable company • Practical ways to automate repetitive business tasks • Leadership lessons every entrepreneur should know before scaling If you're an entrepreneur, founder, business owner, startup leader, or executive looking to build a business that doesn't depend entirely on you, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, innovators, and business leaders who are building companies, creating jobs, and sharing the lessons they've learned along the way. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Adam Spector & Chore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspector2/ https://www.hirechore.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hirechore/

  8. Jun 22

    #206 - How Great Leaders Scale Through AI, Curiosity & Culture | John Sampogna

    What separates businesses that continue to grow from those that hit a ceiling? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with John Sampogna, CEO and Co-Founder of Wondersauce, to explore the leadership principles, growth strategies, and mindset shifts required to build and scale a modern business. John shares lessons learned from leading a fast-growing agency through economic shifts, technological disruption, acquisitions, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. He explains why attitude often matters more than talent, how curiosity fuels innovation, and why self-awareness remains one of the most underrated leadership skills in business. Mark and John dive into the real impact of AI on marketing, hiring, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, John discusses how leaders can leverage emerging technologies to eliminate mediocrity, increase efficiency, and create new competitive advantages. The conversation also explores talent retention, company culture, business acceleration, marketing strategy, navigating growth plateaus, and the importance of balancing long-term brand building with measurable performance marketing. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, executive, marketer, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights on adapting to change, building resilient teams, and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In This Episode: • How attitude shapes business success • The future of AI in marketing and entrepreneurship • Leadership lessons from scaling a growing company • Why curiosity is a competitive advantage • Talent retention and team development strategies • Performance marketing vs. brand marketing • Breaking through business growth ceilings • Navigating acquisitions and market cycles • The future of hiring in an AI-driven economy • Finding fulfillment while building a successful business 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About John Sampogna & Wondersauce: https://wondersauce.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wondersauce https://www.jsamps.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/

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5
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18 Ratings

About

Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.

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