Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Nikolas Hulewsky
  • 4,9 (86)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE

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. -5 H

    231 - How Robots Are Saving America's Nursing Crisis with Matthew Chang

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Matthew Chang (https://x.com/MatthewAChang). This episode features Matthew Chang, a Georgia Tech engineer and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, who founded Chang Robotics and is a general partner of the $50 million Chang Robotics fund. We dive deep into how his company designs and installs robotic systems for manufacturing automation, hospital robots, and autonomous vehicles to make the workforce more efficient, safer, and happier through healthcare automation. Matthew shares the story behind America's first autonomous hospital initiative, where $200K hospital robots deliver supplies in 90 seconds with 18-month ROI. Discover why humanoid robots aren't ready for commercial robotics applications and how specialized robotics using collaborative robots (cobotics) are revolutionizing factory automation and healthcare robotics instead. From driverless paper factories producing toilet paper during COVID to FAA-compliant electric vehicles six times more powerful than Tesla, Chang Robotics tackles the hardest engineering challenges in industrial automation. Learn about their breakthrough PFAS-free food packaging using graphene oxide and how they beat 700+ competitors to win the federal DOT grant for America's first driverless bus system in Jacksonville. We explore Matthew's venture studio approach with the Chang Robotics Fund, requiring "Made in USA" manufacturing and proprietary engineering for robotics startups. Plus, hear about his upcoming book "Risk-Taking is Biblical" on faith-based entrepreneurship and Christian business principles. Questions This Episode Answers: How do you ensure robotic automation is adopted by the existing manufacturing workforce and healthcare workers? What technical challenges prevent humanoid robotics from working in real-world applications? How does engineering consulting deliver end-to-end automation solutions from design to robotic system installation? What investment thesis drives a robotics venture fund offering scaled engineering support with "Made in USA" requirements?What strategies won a competitive federal grant for autonomous transportation against major tech companies?__________________________ 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 Innovating Beyond the Norm 02:55 Transforming Healthcare with Robotics 05:45 The Journey to Autonomous Solutions 08:42 Navigating the Challenges of Robotics 12:01 From Engineering to Entrepreneurship 14:55 Winning Against the Odds 17:51 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles 20:42 Building a Sustainable Business Model 24:03 Investing in Innovation 26:56 The Role of AI in Engineering 29:42 Creating a Christian Business Framework

    38 min

  2. -3 J

    230 - Google's New AI Tool Is Breaking the Internet (Nano Banana Review) with Elizabeth Knopf

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for an incredible dive into AI app building and no-code development tools transforming entrepreneurship. We explore Google's Nano Banana AI, their revolutionary Gemini Flash 2.5 image model with game-changing visual memory technology for precise editing and AI image generation. Elizabeth demonstrates Google AI Studio live, showcasing the powerful Stream feature for real-time debugging and AI automation. She reveals how she used Claude Code tutorial methods to build custom RSS feed automation, replacing paid subscriptions, plus her personal AI assistant dashboard with AI agents for project management and task automation. Questions This Episode Answers: What is Nano Banana AI, and why is visual memory revolutionary for AI image editing? How does Google AI Studio Stream enable real-time debugging during custom app development? How can entrepreneurs use Claude Code and AI automation tools to build apps without coding? What are the benefits of AI-powered project management with personal AI assistant agents? Where are the arbitrage opportunities in AI app building for non-technical entrepreneurs? Tools Covered: Google AI Studio complete walkthrough Claude Code tutorial for beginners Nano Banana (Gemini Flash 2.5) AI image generation Custom dashboard creation with AI agents RSS feed automation and app replacement strategies 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 AI Tools and Excitement for Innovation 03:09 Exploring NanoBanana: Google's New Image Model 05:50 Visual Memory and Image Generation Improvements 09:01 Google AI Studio: A New Interface for Building Apps 11:53 Real-Time App Development with Claude Code 15:04 Innovative Features: Maps and Video Analysis 17:53 Creating Engaging Content with AI Tools 21:47 Harnessing AI for Arbitrage Opportunities 23:13 Building Custom Tools with Google AI Studio 24:36 Creating a Personal RSS Feed Tool 26:27 Project Management and Organization Strategies 28:39 Developing a Personal Operating System 32:14 Automating Tasks with AI Agents 35:25 Curating Information and Building Newsletters

    44 min

  3. -5 J

    229 - Michael Girdley's Guide: How to Start a Successful Business in 2025

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I speak with Michael Girdley (https://x.com/girdley), a serial entrepreneur and investor, about building a business, avoiding common mistakes, and identifying future opportunities. Michael shares insights from his diverse experiences, from Alamo Fireworks to Gertling Media, emphasizing the importance of experience and strategic business choices. We delve into overrated business opportunities and explore unconventional business models. Questions this Episode Answers: What two-step process would Michael Girdley follow to build a business in 2025, and how would he make his first million dollars?Why does Michael Girdley advise against buying a business as your first venture, especially for a young entrepreneur?What are some overrated business opportunities in today’s market, and what sectors hold promise for the future?What is Michael Girdley's contrarian belief about business, and how does it influence his perspective on career choices and entrepreneurial paths?What unconventional business model does Michael find fascinating? Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this  with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:00 Business Ventures and Investments01:44 Current Business Scale and Operations03:09 Starting Over in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide05:13 The Value of Experience and Financial Safety07:11 Starting a Low-Capex Services Business10:01 The Reality of Online Courses14:19 The Hold Co Conference and Learning from Failure19:44 Sympathizing with the Struggles of Entrepreneurs19:15 The Fine Line Between Faking It and Failing21:22 Excitement for the Upcoming Conference22:09 The Concept of an Unconference23:21 Challenges and Risks in Event Planning24:28 Innovative Business Models in Event Management29:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs32:24 Contrarian Views on Business Opportunities35:16 The Importance of Personal Fit in Career Choices38:32 Different Paths to Entrepreneurship39:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    40 min

  4. 8 SEPT.

    228 - How 2 Guys Turned Baby Wipes Into a Million-Dollar Empire with Samuel Marcus Ne’bel

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Sam Nebe (https://x.com/1_of_Sl), the founder of Good Wipes! This entrepreneur startup story shows how two college roommates bootstrapped a million dollar business from $42,000 to conquering 14,000 stores. Learn how they achieved their first million through retail distribution strategy, growing their consumer products startup in the flushable wipes industry to reach 2.2 million households and adding 430,000 new customers through Walmart alone. Sam shares how he and co-founder Charlie built this CPG startup using pure intuition and unwavering conviction in an "unsexy" category that's now worth $5 billion. This business growth story reveals their bootstrap business strategy of mastering the Four P's of Marketing, employing irreverent marketing with creative director Maria Gilbo, and strategic retail partnerships that made them a Walmart supplier. We dive deep into customer acquisition strategies including influencer marketing, PR box campaigns, and their viral Golden Porta Palace experiential marketing activation. Sam also discusses his work with the Responsible Flushing Alliance, promoting Flush Smart Month and consumer education initiatives. Enjoy the conversation! Key Topics Covered: Entrepreneur startup journey from fraternity bathroom idea to retail empire Bootstrap vs venture capital funding strategies Retail distribution strategy and partnership building Consumer goods startup scaling tactics Million dollar business development through focused growth CPG entrepreneur insights and industry knowledge Customer acquisition through creative marketing campaigns Building a startup podcast-worthy success story Questions This Episode Answers: How did Good Wipes transform a college business idea into a multi-million dollar business and category leader? What role did intuition and unwavering passion play in building a startup brand before having significant market data? How can bootstrap entrepreneurs use irreverent marketing and the Four P's to compete against larger companies? What customer acquisition strategies work for consumer products startups, including influencer marketing and experiential activations? How can young entrepreneurs strategically say "no" to growth opportunities for sustainable expansion? __________________________ 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 Journey of Good Wipes: From Concept to Success 10:08 Innovative Marketing Strategies and Influencer Engagement 19:55 Navigating Challenges and Growth in the CPG Space 29:54 Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

    39 min

  5. 5 SEPT.

    227 - He Built a $200K Newsletter. Then launched a $100K Christmas Lights Biz with Jas Singh

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jas from Winnipeg Digest (https://x.com/creatingjas). Jas is back for a third time, and his journey is incredible to watch. He first built a local newsletter, the Winnipeg Digest, into a massive distribution channel with over 100,000 people in his audience. Now, he's leveraging that audience to launch his own businesses, starting with a seasonal holiday lighting company. In this episode, we break down his new venture from the ground up. Jas shares the exact strategy he used to launch the lighting business using his newsletter, including a brilliant giveaway tactic he learned from Alex Hormozi.  He explains why he chose a seasonal business, his goal of hitting $100,000 in revenue in his first season, and how this entire project serves as a case study to attract future business partners. We get into the nitty-gritty of his first week—how he sold $5,000 in jobs with no website, just an ad in his newsletter.  This is a masterclass in using an existing audience to create new revenue streams and build a portfolio of companies. Questions This Episode Answers: • How can you leverage a newsletter audience to launch a completely new business? • What's a smart, low-cost marketing strategy to get your first customers for a service business? • Why would an entrepreneur choose a seasonal business model like holiday lighting? • What are the key startup costs and revenue goals for a new holiday lighting business? • How can a new business be used as a "case study" to attract future equity partners? 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 Launching a New Venture: Christmas Lights Business 02:41 Building on Audience: From Newsletter to Business 06:02 Marketing Strategies and Initial Success 08:54 Understanding the Business Model and Pricing 11:44 Execution Challenges and Future Plans 14:39 Exploring New Opportunities and Growth 18:02 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

    23 min

  6. 3 SEPT.

    226 - 50,000 Subscribers, $10M in Revenue, 1 Insanely Creative Business Idea with Michael Clark

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Michael Clark. We dive into the incredible story behind The Flower Letters, a subscription business started with his wife, Hanny Clark, that mails immersive, physical story letters to subscribers. What started as a small idea in April 2020 with World War II love letters has exploded into a multi-million dollar venture, projecting $8-10 million this year! Michael shares how they bootstrapped this unique concept, scaling to over 50,000 subscribers by focusing on daily profitability and smart advertising strategies, leveraging a prepaid option for cash flow. You'll hear why he considers this direct mail business, despite his FinTech background, the most complicated he's ever built, managing over 900 inventory pieces in-house. We also discuss their "long game" vision, transforming The Flower Letters into a mission-driven company with potential for TV shows, audiobooks, and more, while carefully integrating AI only for artistic elements.  Questions This Episode Answers: How did The Flower Letters grow from 33 subscribers to over 50,000 with multi-million dollar revenue? What advertising strategy was key to their rapid customer acquisition and how did they manage a $30 CAC? How does a subscription business like The Flower Letters prioritize daily profitability and manage cash flow through prepaid options? Why is a seemingly simple direct mail business considered the "most complicated" venture by a FinTech entrepreneur, and how is its fulfillment handled? How do The Flower Letters leverage a "long game" strategy to build a mission-driven company with a growing catalog of stories and future content expansion? 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 Rapid Growth and Business Model Overview 03:02 The Origin Story: From Idea to Execution 05:53 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition 08:46 Financial Insights and Business Economics 12:06 Creating a Unique Customer Experience 14:58 Operational Challenges and Fulfillment Process 25:07 In-House Fulfillment and Customer Service 27:58 The Importance of Storytelling in Business 30:21 Creative Storytelling and the Role of AI 36:38 Revenue Growth and Business Strategy 38:59 Building a Sustainable Business Model 42:47 Leveraging the Postal Service for Success 44:45 Community Engagement and Pen Pal Ideas 46:43 Launching a Podcast and Sharing Stories

    50 min

  7. 1 SEPT.

    225 - The Business That Legally Eliminates Your Tax Bill with Kriss Bergethon

    🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview serial entrepreneur Kriss Berg (https://x.com/Krissbergtweets) about his $10 million revenue business empire and revolutionary wealth building flywheel strategy! Discover how this commercial real estate investor generates massive cashflow from his e-commerce health supplements business and innovative telemedicine platform featuring GLP-1 medications, semaglutide (Ozempic), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Learn Kriss's game-changing approach to tax optimization as he reinvests business profits into commercial real estate investments like car wash businesses and gas stations to maximize bonus depreciation tax benefits and achieve zero income tax liability. This real estate tax strategy has transformed his net worth and created a sustainable passive income stream. From his early days running a construction business to living off the grid after reading The Four Hour Workweek, Kriss shares his entrepreneurship journey and proven methods for identifying undervalued businesses ripe for business acquisition and rapid scaling. We explore practical business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs, including parking lot striping, stump grinding, and other service-based businesses that build entrepreneurial skills without requiring massive startup capital. Key topics include understanding cap rates, EBITDA multiples, business valuation, the power of active vs passive losses, real estate professional status, 1031 exchanges, depreciation recapture, effective delegation strategies, and achieving work-life balance while building generational wealth. Questions This Episode Answers: How does Kriss Berg's flywheel business model generate high cashflow while achieving zero tax liability through strategic real estate investments? What is bonus depreciation for car washes and gas stations, and why don't these commercial properties require real estate professional status for tax write-offs? What are proven strategies for finding and acquiring neglected businesses with strong value-add opportunities and multiple expansion potential? How can entrepreneurs use commercial real estate cash flow and appreciation to compound wealth building over decades? What low-capital business opportunities like home service businesses, parking lot maintenance, and equipment-based services offer the best ROI for new business owners? How do cap rate investing and NOI optimization create superior returns compared to traditional stock market investing? What delegation frameworks and operational systems enable business owners to transition from working in the business to working on the business? __________________________ 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 Tax Revelation: A Surprising Discovery 02:51 Building a Business Flywheel: Cash Flow and Investments 05:47 Understanding Bonus Depreciation: A Tax Strategy Unveiled 09:06 The Journey into Commercial Real Estate: From E-commerce to Car Washes 11:51 The Power of Passive Income: Lessons from a Real Estate Mogul 14:39 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Mistakes and Lessons Learned 17:58 The Shift to E-commerce: Finding Opportunity in Health Supplements 20:53 Telemedicine and Health Innovations: The Next Frontier 23:50 The Importance of Delegation: Building a Sustainable Business 27:06 Starting from Scratch: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:04 The Reality of Growth: Compounding Success Over Time

    46 min

  8. 29 AOÛT

    224 - Business Broker Reveals Which Businesses AI Can't Touch (Buy These Now) with Jackie Ossin Hirsch

    MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview business broker Jackie Hirsch (https://x.com/SMBJackieHirsch) to get the real lay of the land in the current M&A market and small business acquisition landscape.  Jackie, whose Florida business brokerage company did over $40 million in transactions last year, shares crucial insights on SBA loan changes 2024 and how new SBA 7a program rules are impacting first-time business buyers and licensed businesses like HVAC companies and survey businesses. We dive deep into why it's always been a seller's market in lower middle market deals and discuss common, costly business acquisition mistakes, like a buyer who lost millions because of due diligence delays and poor SBA lender choices. Jackie pulls back the curtain on the kinds of cashflow-generating businesses attracting private equity and individual buyers today, from materials testing companies to underground construction and the booming private chef services market. This business broker interview explores how AI impact on business is shaping the acquisition landscape and why, even with tariffs 2024 and market uncertainty, there are always small business deals to be made. You won't want to miss her incredible "real deal" stories about business deal interventions and sellers with criminal backgrounds, highlighting why building a strong seller relationship and business deal negotiation skills are paramount to getting any M&A transaction across the finish line. Perfect for entrepreneurs, business buyers, search fund professionals, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition or business valuation strategies. Questions This Episode Answers: What recent SBA policy changes are affecting business acquisitions and seller financing? How can first-time buyers avoid "boneheaded mistakes" in an M&A deal and business due diligence? What types of profitable businesses are currently attracting the most buyers in a seller's market? How is AI automation impacting different business sectors and acquisition strategies? Why is building a strong seller relationship so crucial for closing business deals and post-acquisition success? What are the new SBA standby rules for seller notes and personal guarantees? Which recession-proof businesses and AI-resistant businesses are trending in 2024 business market? __________________________ 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 Ever-Persistent Seller's Market 02:52 Current Trends in M&A and Market Dynamics 05:44 Navigating Changes in SBA Regulations 09:04 Challenges in Selling Licensed Businesses 12:01 Real Deal Stories and Lessons Learned 14:52 The Importance of Relationships in Business Transactions 22:07 Building Trust in Business Transactions 24:53 The Role of AI in Business 27:48 Emerging Business Trends 31:35 The Future of Food Services 35:29 Navigating Buyer Red Flags

    43 min
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À propos

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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