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. 2d ago

    #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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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/

  4. 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/

  5. 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/

  6. Jun 15

    #205 - The Critical Minerals Crisis: Why the Future of AI Depends on Deep-Sea Mining | Oliver Gunasekara

    What if the next great resource boom isn't on land, but thousands of feet below the ocean's surface? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Oliver Gunasekara, founder and CEO of Impossible Metals, to discuss one of the most controversial and potentially transformative industries of the next decade: deep-sea mining. As demand for AI, electric vehicles, data centers, batteries, and advanced technologies continues to surge, the need for critical minerals has never been greater. Oliver explains how Impossible Metals is developing autonomous underwater robotics designed to harvest critical minerals from the ocean floor while minimizing environmental impact. Oliver shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building a venture-backed technology company operating at the intersection of robotics, mining, sustainability, national security, and energy independence. He discusses the challenges of scaling breakthrough technology, competing in global commodity markets, raising capital, hiring mission-driven teams, and moving quickly in highly regulated industries. Mark and Oliver also explore the future of AI infrastructure, the growing importance of rare earth materials, leadership lessons from world-class innovators, and why founders must learn to balance bold vision with disciplined execution. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, technology leader, engineer, or simply curious about the future of energy and critical resources, this conversation offers a fascinating look at one of the most important challenges facing modern industry. In This Episode: • The future of deep-sea mining and critical minerals • How underwater robotics are changing resource extraction • Why AI and data centers require massive mineral infrastructure • The national security implications of rare earth materials • Scaling a startup in a highly regulated industry • Leadership lessons from technology pioneers • Building mission-driven teams around ambitious goals • Environmental trade-offs in the global energy transition • Startup execution, perseverance, and long-term vision • The entrepreneurial mindset required to tackle impossible problems 📌 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 Oliver Gunasekara and Impossible Metals: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunasekara/ https://impossiblemetals.com

  7. Jun 8

    #204 - Why High Achievers Still Feel Empty | Kenyada Meadows

    What if the life you've worked so hard to build isn't actually the life you want? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Kenyada Meadows, leadership coach, former executive at Deloitte, JPMorgan, and Bank of America, and author of The New Alpha. After spending more than 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, Kenyada realized something uncomfortable: success on paper does not guarantee fulfillment. The paycheck was growing. The titles were impressive. But the life he was building no longer felt like one of his own. This conversation dives into the tension between achievement and contentment, ambition and balance, influence and identity. Kenyada challenges many of the assumptions high performers make about success and explores why so many accomplished people find themselves feeling disconnected despite outward success. Mark and Kenyada discuss the hidden cost of chasing status, why emotional intelligence is becoming a leadership requirement, the difference between happiness and contentment, and how entrepreneurs can build lives that are both successful and meaningful. Kenyada also shares the powerful "hollow tree" metaphor from The New Alpha, explaining why many high-achieving men appear strong on the outside while struggling internally. Together they explore personal responsibility, intentional living, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, family, leadership, and the importance of defining what "enough" truly means. Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or simply trying to create a life you'll be proud of when you look back, this episode offers a thought-provoking framework for examining what success really means. In this episode: • Why achievement without fulfillment creates a dangerous trap • The difference between happiness and contentment • Why defining "enough" is one of life's most important decisions • The hidden struggles behind the high-achiever mindset • Emotional intelligence and the future of leadership • Why balance is a season, not a constant state • Lessons learned from 25 years in corporate leadership • The role of intentionality in building a meaningful life • What entrepreneurs misunderstand about risk, failure, and growth • How to create a life that is well-lived, not just well-paid 📌 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 Kenyada Meadows: https://www.executiveparentcompany.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyadameadowscpaciacfe/ 📖 Order a copy of The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance HERE 📖 Order a copy of The P.A.S.S.E.N.G.E.R Seat: Drive Integrity and Steer Influence When Authority Isn't Yours HERE

  8. Jun 1

    #203 - Daniel Nikic on AI, International Investing & The Future of Entrepreneurship

    Daniel Nikic joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, international investing, startup growth, and the future of global business. As a global investment strategist and founder of Cohres, Daniel has analyzed thousands of companies across international markets and brings a unique perspective on how entrepreneurs and investors can identify real opportunity in a rapidly changing economy. From AI's impact on jobs and productivity to the cultural differences between American and European business environments, Daniel shares practical insights for founders, investors, and operators looking to build sustainable long-term success. In this episode, Mark and Daniel discuss: How AI is eliminating "bot work" while increasing the value of human intuition and creativity What entrepreneurs misunderstand about international investing and expansion The key signals Daniel looks for after studying more than 15,000 companies Why founder behavior and trust matter more than flashy projections The growing role of family offices in wealth management and venture investing Business opportunities emerging in Dubai and international markets How investors separate real opportunity from noise Why passion and long-term thinking still matter in an AI-driven world Daniel also shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, investment research, risk management, and how founders can build stronger relationships with investors and partners in uncertain markets. If you are interested in AI, investing, entrepreneurship, global markets, venture capital, or building trust in business, this episode delivers practical insights from someone operating at the intersection of strategy, research, and international finance. 📌 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 Daniel Nikic: https://www.danielnikic.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-nikic/

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5
out of 5
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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