Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Nikolas Hulewsky
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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.

  1. HÁ 3 DIAS

    244 - The Math Behind a $100M Concierge Medicine Business with Sandeep Palakodeti

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti (https://x.com/DrDeepMD). I was excited to welcome Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti, also known as Dr. Deep, to talk about his revolutionary company, Velocity Health. This concierge precision medicine clinic is addressing huge macro trends, particularly the demand for better healthspan and longevity. We unpack why someone would leave a top institution like the Mayo Clinic to start a business aimed at solving the "sick care" problem of American healthcare. Dr. Deep contrasts the standard transactional 7-minute primary care visit with Velocity Health’s functional medicine approach, which focuses on root cause medicine and objective diagnostics like VO2 max, DEXA scan, and the coronary artery calcium scan. We also dive deep into the business model, exploring how Velocity Health scales as a 50 state virtual practice, utilizes the MSO PC model for regulation, and maintains an attractive CAC to LTV ratio through its recurring revenue plans. If you’re an entrepreneur who believes preserving health is as crucial as preserving wealth, this episode is a must-watch. Questions This Episode Answers: 1. Why did an institutional physician leave major hospitals like the Mayo Clinic to start a cash pay medical practice? 2. How does a concierge precision medicine approach fundamentally differ from a traditional 7-minute primary care visit? 3. What advanced diagnostics, like the VO2 max test, are the most critical KPIs for assessing longevity and health risk? 4. From a regulatory and business perspective, how does the MSO PC model work for healthcare startups raising outside capital? 5. How can a subscription-based healthcare service maintain an appealing CAC to LTV ratio using a longitudinal relationship model? 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 State of Healthcare Today 05:00 Emerging Trends in Concierge Medicine 10:09 The Shift to Preventive Care 14:46 Understanding Functional Medicine 20:05 The Role of Technology in Healthcare 24:55 The Business Model of Velocity Health 30:04 Patient Experience and Engagement 34:48 Future of Healthcare and Personalization

    1h1min

  2. HÁ 5 DIAS

    243 - Agent Builder is Here! What Does it Do? with Elizabeth Knopf

    Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) to demystify OpenAI's newest creation, the Agent Builder. We set the context by explaining the crucial difference between simple, static if-then automation and a true agent, which requires autonomy, memory, and decision-making capabilities in a workflow. This tool is designed to finally make building complex agentic workflows accessible to business owners who aren't technical experts. Liz walks us through the platform.openai.com/playground interface and demos a real-world research agent in action. We dive deep into the cost structure, explaining why OpenAI charges based on a high-call usage-based model using API calls, which can "add up really quickly", instead of a flat monthly subscription like ChatTPT.We compare it head-to-head with competitors like N8n, Lindy, and Zapier. While the Agent Builder UI is "way less intimidating" and features like Guardrails are valuable for mitigating hallucinations and protecting sensitive data, Liz reveals that the execution is "not quite there yet". Questions This Episode Answers: • What is the core difference between an Agent and a standard business Automation? • Why does OpenAI use a usage-based model for Agent Builder instead of a flat monthly fee? • How does OpenAI’s new Agent Builder compare directly to tools like Zapier, N8n, or Lindy? • What are Guardrails, and how do they protect internal business documents and mitigate hallucinations? • What are the most likely and best use cases for building business agents 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 Introduction to OpenAI's Agent Builder 03:05 Understanding Agents vs. Automation 05:48 Navigating the OpenAI Interface 09:09 Exploring Use Cases and Templates 11:57 Building a Research Bot with Agent Builder 14:49 Guardrails and Safety in Agent Workflows 18:04 Live Demo: Data Enrichment Use Case 20:55 Sentiment Analysis on Social Media 23:48 Challenges and Limitations of Agent Builder 27:05 Comparing Agent Builder with Other Tools 29:52 Future Potential and User Experience 33:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

    42min

  3. 10 DE OUT.

    242 - I Replaced My Research Team with This AI (Here's How) with Elizabeth Knopf

    Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I sit down with AI expert Elizabeth Knopf (⁠https://x.com/⁠leveragedupside) for a deep dive into Anthropic's Claude 4.5 Sonnet, the latest AI breakthrough for entrepreneurs and business automation in 2025.Watch as Elizabeth demonstrates game-changing features that transform Claude AI from static outputs into dynamic web applications through API integration and parallel tool execution. We explore extended AI thinking capabilities (up to 30 hours of processing), which delivers higher quality outputs for complex business tasks without constant iteration errors or AI hallucinations.The highlight? Claude generates a 22-page competitive analysis and content strategy for my YouTube channel versus Chris Koerner's "Corner Office"—complete with viral frameworks, audience insights, and growth recommendations. This deep AI research previously required specialized tools like Perplexity AI.We break down practical AI productivity strategies including building your AI second brain, prompt engineering libraries, context document management, and AI agent development for business operations. Elizabeth shares her framework for mastering AI tools like a fighter pilot—developing true AI literacy beyond basic prompting.QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:What are Anthropic's key new updates for Claude 4.5 Sonnet and Claude Sonnet 4.5?How do dynamic AI artifacts and parallel tool execution speed up business workflows?How can extended AI thinking improve output quality for complex entrepreneurship tasks? What are the necessary components for building a functional AI second brain? How should entrepreneurs approach maximizing value from AI productivity tools? What's the difference between Claude AI and ChatGPT for business automation? How can first-time entrepreneurs use AI to build their first million-dollar business?What are the best AI tools for startup founders and small business owners? How do you create an AI operating system for personal productivity? What are practical AI use cases for entrepreneurs in 2025?__________________________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/subscribe⁠Spotify: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y⁠Apple: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284⁠YouTube:⁠ https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT⁠__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Building Your AI Second Brain02:43 Anthropic's Claude Updates and Dynamic Artifacts06:07 Advanced Reasoning and Parallel Task Execution09:00 Enhanced Decision-Making and Contextual Awareness11:43 Creating Comprehensive Outputs and Research Strategies15:02 Navigating AI Technology and Personal Frameworks17:52 Managing AI Across Life's Pillars21:03 Building a Personal Operating System for AI23:54 The Future of AI in Organizations

    29min

  4. 8 DE OUT.

    241 - The Freight Market Is Collapsing, Here's What You Should Do to Save Your Business with Craig Fuller

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Craig Fuller (https://x.com/freightalley), CEO of FreightWaves and Sonar, for a critical update on the freight market collapse and what it means for small business owners and entrepreneurs in 2025. Last time, I called Craig "Nostradamus" for his spot-on predictions about tariffs and supply chain disruptions—and this time, the data is even more alarming. We analyze the OTBI index (Outbound Tender Volume Index), which tracks trucking volumes and shipping activity across the US economy, and the numbers are flashing red: we've lost seven years of economic growth in the goods economy. Craig breaks down how the collapse in critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, housing, energy, and transportation logistics—which together employ 35 million Americans—is being completely ignored by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and Congress. While AI stocks and the Magnificent Seven drive the stock market to all-time highs, the Main Street economy is showing clear recession warning signs. This episode explains why freight data is the ultimate leading economic indicator, often predicting recessions 6-9 months before they hit (a principle known as Dow Theory). We discuss what the 2007-2008 financial crisis can teach us, why consumer spending is masking deeper problems, and most importantly—what you should do right now as a business owner or entrepreneur. Questions This Episode Answers: How severely have US shipping volumes and freight activity declined, and what does this mean for the real economy? Why are the Freight Market and OTBI index critical leading indicators often ignored by Wall Street, the Fed, and Washington DC? As a small business owner or entrepreneur, what specific actions should I take right now to prepare for an economic slowdown or recession? Why is a downturn actually a prime time for business acquisitions, consolidation, and securing undervalued assets? What is Dow Theory, and how does transportation data predict broader economic recessions? How do tariff policies and trade tensions with China impact domestic logistics and supply chains? What's the disconnect between AI stock speculation (Mag-7) and the goods-producing economy? __________________________ 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 Economic Growth and Market Predictions 02:53 Logistics and Supply Chain Insights 05:45 The State of the Goods Economy 09:04 Job Market and Employment Trends 11:59 Small Business Strategies in a Downturn 14:55 Opportunities in a Recession 18:09 The Role of Government and Economic Policy 21:03 Future Market Predictions and Indicators 23:57 The Impact of Freight on the Economy 26:49 Understanding Supply Chain Dynamics 30:08 Cultural and Historical Context of Logistics 33:03 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    42min

  5. 6 DE OUT.

    240 - OpenAI Just Changed Everything! Sora 2 Breakdown 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) about the biggest AI tools updates of 2025. I was incredibly excited to sit down with Liz this week because OpenAI just dropped massive updates, including ChatGPT 5, OpenAI Pulse, and the game-changing Sora 2 AI video generator. We dive straight into Sora 2, a revolutionary AI video generation tool and text-to-video AI platform that's disrupting content creation for entrepreneurs and small business owners. We discuss how Sora 2 creates stunningly accurate AI digital clones and AI avatars of yourself from just five seconds of video—no expensive equipment or video editing software needed. This AI cloning technology is lightyears ahead of older AI video tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, and D-ID. We analyze OpenAI's genius product launch strategy and growth hacking tactics, using an invite-only system and leaning on Sam Altman for founder marketing and personal branding, creating immediate scarcity marketing and viral growth that could launch a totally new AI social media platform and AI content platform to compete with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Next, we switch gears to Anthropic's major updates for Claude AI. I was shocked to see the new Claude Chrome extension and Claude browser integration, which allows the AI assistant to analyze web pages, scrape data, automate browser workflows, and perform real-time automation tasks like a virtual assistant. This is perfect for business automation, data entry automation, and workflow optimization for first-time entrepreneurs building their online business. Finally, Liz demonstrates Claude Sonnet 4.5's ability to generate professional PowerPoint presentations, pitch decks for startups, and perfectly formatted CSV files and Excel spreadsheets directly from complex data sources and PDF documents. This eliminates tons of manual data entry and grunt work for any business owner, solopreneur, or content creator trying to scale to their first million dollars. Questions This Episode Answers: How did OpenAI use scarcity marketing and social media strategy to achieve a massive viral product launch for Sora 2 AI? How does the Sora 2 Cameo feature create highly realistic AI digital clones and deepfake avatars faster than previous AI video generation tools like HeyGen, Runway ML, and Pika Labs? How can small business owners and entrepreneurs leverage the new Claude Chrome extension for real-time browser automation, web scraping, data extraction, and workflow automation directly in Google Chrome? What makes Sora 2's inversion of AI technology into an entertainment platform and social network a "paradigm shift" compared to traditional marketing-focused AI tools and B2B SaaS products? How does the updated Claude AI model now generate high-quality PowerPoint decks, business presentations, and structured CSV data exports from complex PDF files and financial documents for business intelligence and data analysis? __________________________ 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 Rise of AI Automation 13:45 Sora: A New Era in Content Creation 24:00 Claude's New Features and Updates

    32min

  6. 3 DE OUT.

    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

    53min

  7. 1 DE OUT.

    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

    43min

  8. 29 DE SET.

    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

    45min
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Sobre

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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