Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Nikolas Hulewsky

Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, looking to make their first million. I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue. Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere. Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work. Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.

  1. قبل يوم واحد

    239 - How to Build Your Own Short Term Rental Empire with Taylor Jones

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Taylor Jones (https://x.com/MrJonesSTRs), the founder of strsearch.com. Have you ever wondered if short-term rentals (STRs) are as passive as they seem? I used to think so, but Taylor completely changed my perspective. He breaks down how he went from a sales guy to overseeing over $120 million in STR investments by treating it not as a real estate game, but as an operations business. We dive into his first investment—a cabin in the North Georgia mountains that he bought having never owned real estate before—and how it generated $22,000 in cash flow its first year. Taylor reveals the critical mistakes he made, the lessons he learned about market supply and demand, and how a single amenity like a pickleball court can add $40,000 to your annual revenue. We also get into the incredible tax benefits and how STRs can offer active losses to offset your regular income, something I wish I'd known sooner. Questions This Episode Answers: • How can a single pickleball court add over $40,000 in annual revenue to an Airbnb? • Why is a short-term rental business more about operations than real estate? • How can you use short-term rentals to legally reduce your taxable income? • What is the biggest mistake new STR investors make when choosing a property? • Why are large-group rentals and small, romantic getaways the hottest trends right now? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:00:00 The Allure of Short-Term Rentals 02:55 Understanding the Operations Behind STRs 05:42 The Journey into Real Estate Investment 09:00 Lessons from Early Investments 12:09 Scaling Up: From One to Multiple Properties 14:56 Market Dynamics and Supply-Demand Imbalances 18:11 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape 20:55 Investment Strategies for Success 26:00 Understanding Market Dynamics and Profitability 30:13 Revenue Estimation and Occupancy Rates 33:25 Tax Implications and Depreciation Strategies 40:27 Investment Strategies for Short-Term Rentals 47:31 Advice for New Investors in Short-Term Rentals

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  2. قبل ٣ أيام

    238 - How to Easily Turn Vending Machines Into a Passive Income Empire

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Mike Hoffman (https://x.com/mrpassive). Ever wonder if you can actually create enough passive income to quit your job? In this episode, I talk with Mike, who went from being a college coach to living off the cash flow from his assets in just a few years. He shares how an observation at an airport led him down the rabbit hole of unattended retail and the vending machine business. We get into the nitty-gritty of what "passive" really means. Mike explains how he started by servicing his first machine himself (literally buying snacks at Costco with his daughter in the shopping cart) and built the systems that allowed him to scale to over 60 machines. He also reveals how the vending industry is being disrupted by new technology like micro markets and AI, creating huge opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Questions This Episode Answers: • How can a vending machine business generate enough income to replace a full-time job? • What does it really take to make a "passive" income stream truly passive? • How can you start a vending machine business with no money down? • Where are the best, most profitable locations to place a vending machine? • How is new technology like AI and micro markets changing the vending industry? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 01:02 Meet Mike Hoffman: The Passive Income Expert 02:36 Mike's Journey from Coach to Entrepreneur 03:27 Diverse Income Streams: Real Estate, Vending, and More 04:22 Challenges and Strategies in Crypto Mining 07:03 Building a Passive Income Empire 09:35 The Vending Machine Business Model 12:40 Scaling and Systematizing Vending Operations 18:59 Community and Coaching for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 20:29 The Disruption in the Vending Machine Industry 21:18 Real Estate and Vending Machines: A Parallel 21:48 Expanding Vending Routes in Chicago 22:41 Building a Vending Community 23:24 The Business Model and Revenue Streams 24:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Vending 33:34 Innovative Vending Solutions 37:12 Future of Vending and Micro Markets 37:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

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  3. قبل ٥ أيام

    237 - What the 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Your Business

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Trenton Hughes and Chris Munn for a jam-packed episode where we cover everything an entrepreneur needs to know right now. We kick things off by debating which AI tools are worth paying for, from ChatGPT and Claude to Grok, and discuss how AI might soon replace your doctor. Then, we dive into the new "big beautiful bill" and what its tax changes mean for you. I'll share why the accelerated depreciation clause is a "massive boon" for entrepreneurs and how you can leverage it by investing in real estate like car washes or storage facilities to potentially pay zero in taxes. We also break down the confusing new rules on tips and overtime and why we think tipping should be abolished altogether. Finally, we explore why smart salespeople are ditching Zoom for in-person meetings to close bigger deals. Questions This Episode Answers 1. Which AI tools are essential for business owners today? 2. How can entrepreneurs use accelerated depreciation to save big on taxes? 3. Will the new tax bill really eliminate taxes on tips and overtime? 4. Why are successful salespeople returning to in-person meetings? 5. Is it a good time for business owners to invest in real estate? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Exploring AI Services and Their Impact 10:19 Navigating the Big Beautiful Bill and Real Estate Investment 22:51 Understanding Tax Deductions on Overtime 29:05 The Complexity of Overtime Tax Deductions 35:35 The Shift Back to In-Person Sales 39:49 The Return of Business Travel 44:24 Growing the Podcast Audience

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  4. ٢٦ سبتمبر

    236 - How to Easily Automate Your Marketing with Brad Smith

    Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brad Smith (https://x.com/bradsmithcoach). In this episode, I talk with Brad Smith, the co-founder of Automation Links, a business that helps other companies automate their marketing. Brad's company is doing an incredible $100k a month with 80% margins, and he shares the secrets behind his high-margin business model. He explains the power of being omnipresent and why a customer needs to see you 24 times on four different channels before they trust you. The most mind-blowing part? We dive deep into a marketing strategy involving pixels. Brad breaks down how these small pieces of code can track visitors to your website and social media posts, allowing you to retarget them with ads for a fraction of the cost. It’s a secret weapon for scaling your business! Questions This Episode Answers: • How can pixels help you track and retarget customers for a quarter of the cost? • What is the "one action item" every business owner should do today, even if they aren't ready for ads? • Why does staying small and profitable lead to a better quality of life than chasing massive top-line revenue? • How can you get your ad to the top of Google Maps searches with zero competition? • What is a simple "themed day" system for creating a consistent social media content calendar? Enjoy the conversation!__________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Brad and His Business 01:17 The Role of Automation Links 02:07 Revenue and Growth Insights 03:55 Investment Opportunities and Business Philosophy 10:57 Digital Marketing Channels Explained 14:19 The Power of Pixels in Marketing 17:17 Setting Up Pixels for Your Business 19:06 Targeting Your Audience Effectively 19:39 Setting Up Pixels for Better Ad Targeting 20:35 Using Ads to Boost Organic Growth 22:09 Leveraging YouTube and Google's Ad Network 22:52 Pixel Tracking for Small Businesses 24:05 Practical Examples and Tips for Businesses 26:39 Choosing the Right Channel and Content Strategy 33:36 SEO and AI: The Future of Search 35:57 Content Calendar Strategy 36:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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  5. ٢٤ سبتمبر

    235 - How Mattress Firms Make Money Despite Empty Stores with Nick Hancock

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick (https://x.com/mattressguy_). We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of the mattress business. Nick, owner of Direct Outlet Mattress and part of a family with stores across North Carolina, shares his unique insights. We discuss everything from the less glamorous side of old mattresses to the economics of running a mattress store, even comparing his approach to giants like Mattress Firm. You'll be fascinated to hear how he's leveraging Twitter to build a successful brand and reach customers in unexpected ways. Questions This Episode Answers: How do these businesses (Mattress Firm) make money? What other overhead expenses would you have besides lease?  How do you acquire customers for your mattress store? What is your approximate customer acquisition cost? How much does it typically cost to start a mattress business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Mattress Business Journey 03:05 Family Dynamics in Business 05:56 Understanding the Mattress Market 08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies 11:47 Expanding Product Offerings 15:05 The Importance of Quality 17:58 Navigating Business Challenges 20:55 Building a Brand on Social Media 23:51 Future Plans and Online Expansion

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  6. ٢٢ سبتمبر

    234 - Make $10,000 in 30 days with Sponsorships with Justin Moore

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Justin Moore (https://x.com/justinmooretfam). Justin Moore is a legit master marketer, content creator, and the author of Sponsor Magnet, who has personally closed over $5 million in brand partnership deals and built a $600,000 coaching business teaching others how to get sponsorships and secure major brand deals. We track his journey from working in medical devices and corporate influencer marketing to pivoting alongside his wife April's early YouTube monetization side hustle, which eventually gave them time freedom and entrepreneurship success. This episode is essential for any entrepreneur looking to make money content creator style, even if you hate the word "creator." We discuss why your personal brand and organic distribution are the last moat in the age of AI for first million dollar business owners. Justin breaks down his powerful R.O.P.E. method—a four-step sales formula and sponsorship email template system that can be applied to business outreach for any company, not just content creator sponsorships. Plus, I put Justin's creator monetization systems to the test: he walks me through exactly how to get your first sponsorship deal and generate $10,000 sponsorship revenue in the next 30 days by gathering the right audience data and understanding the difference between a vitamin and a painkiller solution for your customers. __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Understanding the Importance of Distribution for Founders 02:45 The Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur 05:57 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing 08:47 The ROPE Method: A Framework for Successful Partnerships 12:07 Common Mistakes in Influencer Marketing 14:50 The Power of Customer Understanding and Personalization 18:02 The Importance of Clarity and Saying No 22:43 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Trading Time for Freedom 25:08 Architecting Your Life: Defining Success 26:07 Building Trust at Scale: The YouTube Focus 27:06 Analyzing Audience Engagement: The Importance of Feedback 30:23 Identifying Pain Points: Crafting Effective Surveys 34:07 Sponsorship Strategies: Aligning with Audience Needs 39:47 Proof of Influence: Validating Your Impact 43:35 Reframing Sponsorship: Serving Your Audience

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  7. ١٩ سبتمبر

    233 - Political Pressure on Entrepreneurs: Should You Take A Stand?

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I discuss with Chris Munn and Trenton about the tough realities facing small business owners and entrepreneurs today. We dive deep into how business leaders are navigating increasing political polarization in business and the pressure to take a public stand on social issues, discussing case studies like the backlash against Bud Light and MyPillow, and whether sticking to company core values and business values is the best path for small business survival. We also break down the latest economic shifts affecting small businesses, from Fed rate cuts and Federal Reserve policy, and their impact on small business asset prices, business valuations, and SBA loan delinquency rates, hitting a 20-year high. We explore the small business hiring crisis, challenges of employee retention, and talent acquisition amidst low unemployment rates and the rising cost of living for those not holding business assets or real estate assets. Plus, we dive deep into the massive business opportunities and strategic shifts driven by AI automation, artificial intelligence implementation, and AI tools for small businesses, from boosting productivity and business efficiency to the rise of the solopreneur movement and one-person businesses. We discuss AI implementation strategies, business automation tools, and how AI consultants and automation engineers are becoming essential business roles. Questions This Episode Answers: How should business leaders and entrepreneurs navigate the pressure to take a public stand on political issues and social issues while maintaining business growth? What do Fed rate cuts, interest rate changes, and high borrowing costs mean for small business valuations, business acquisitions, and SBA loan approval? How is the current economic climate and inflation impact affecting small business hiring, employee expectations, and wage demands for small businesses? What are the biggest AI opportunities and practical AI applications for small businesses, including AI automation tools and AI implementation strategies? Why is it becoming harder to buy and sell small businesses in the current business market, and what are the alternative business strategies and entrepreneurship opportunities? __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Navigating Leadership and Political Stances 17:53 Understanding the Impact of Fed Rate Cuts on Small Businesses 24:09 Economic Disparities and Asset Ownership 29:49 The Impact of AI on Employment and Business 35:59 Entrepreneurship and the American Dream 41:46 AI as a Business Multiplier 47:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

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  8. ١٧ سبتمبر

    232 - How to Make Easy Money Using Government Grants with Hector Resendez

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hector (https://x.com/ts_secrets). Hector reveals how he accidentally stumbled upon a little-known government grant and used it to build a multi-million dollar online trade school. He teaches trades like HVAC, plumbing, and medical billing completely online, sometimes using VR goggles. He shares how the government pays him directly, up to $10,000 per student, for courses that are only 80-100 hours long. We get into the nitty-gritty of how he finds students for free by partnering with nonprofits and sober living homes, achieving SAS-like margins without any traditional marketing. Questions This Episode Answers: How can you get the government to pay you $10,000 per student? How do you start an online school with almost no startup costs? What is the "secret" to getting unlimited students for free? How do you automate a business to the point you only work two hours a day? What is the WIOA grant and how does it work for entrepreneurs? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to the Online Trade School Model 03:07 Understanding the Grant System and Its Impact 05:56 The Evolution of the Business Model 08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies 11:48 Curriculum Development and Accreditation 15:02 Operational Insights and Business Growth 17:55 Challenges and Future Aspirations

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Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, looking to make their first million. I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue. Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere. Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work. Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.

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