Always Be Building

Max Gagliardi
  • 4.8 (37)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The Always Be Building Podcast explores business, entrepreneurship, markets, and current events with insightful commentary and engaging conversations. Whether it's building a company, expanding your knowledge, or creating a better life, we’re all building something. Hosted by entrepreneur Max Gagliardi—who has founded companies across Energy, Real Estate, Tech, Hospitality, and Media—the show brings unique perspectives on the forces shaping our world. Originally launched as Talk Energy, the podcast ran for 160 episodes focused on the energy sector before evolving into Always Be Building. New episodes drop weekly.

  1. 04/29/2025

    #224: Sweaty Start Up - Nick Huber

    In this episode, I sit down with Nick Huber, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and the voice of "The Sweaty Startup." Nick built a multi-million-dollar self-storage empire and champions the power of "boring" businesses that deliver real profits.  Today, Nick celebrates the launch of his book, The Sweaty Startup, a guide to building sustainable businesses by focusing on proven models over risky innovation. We explore his journey from launching small service companies to scaling major real estate ventures, his candid views on China, tariffs, and the realities of entrepreneurship in the digital age, plus his take on AI, innovation, and why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Hope you enjoy the show!  https://sweatystartup.com/ https://www.nickhuber.com/

    1h 1m

  2. 04/15/2025

    #223: AI and the Future of Media - Kaz Bycko

    This episode's guest is Kaz Bycko, a young entrepreneur out of OKC who I have known and worked with over the years. Kaz and his team recently launched Bubbl, an AI-powered platform that curates podcast content. He also co-founded Red Dirt Mining and serves as President of the Oklahoma Bitcoin Association.  In this episode, we explore how Kaz is looking to revolutionize the Podcast industry and what Bubbl is doing to enhance podcast discovery. We chat about the evolution of podcasting platforms and how AI will change the way we consume media. I've recently been using Bubbl to listen to my favorite podcasts and discover new clips from other shows that when I don't have time to listen to the full episode. I love the direction these guys are taking the platform. If you are someone who enjoys consuming podcasts then check out the Bubbl link in the show notes below.  Hope you enjoy the show! Kaz's Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kazbycko Bubbl: https://www.bubbl.fm Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:03 – Guest Welcome & Background 4:58 – Podcast Digests 8:03 – Podcast Archive 9:55 – Human Insights Over AI Summaries 12:27 – Introducing Bubbl: Breaking media bubble limits 31:26 – Air Chat: Naval’s Failed Platform 40:00 – Emphasizing Podcasters’ Feedback Loop 46:52 – Native App Strategy Using Next.js Technology

    56 min

  3. 02/27/2025

    #222: The Ridge Wallet Story - Sean Frank

    In this episode, I sit down with Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge Wallet, the brand that redefined men’s accessories with its sleek, RFID-blocking wallets and everyday carry gear. Men’s fashion rarely prioritizes accessories, and wallets are something most guys replace once a decade—yet Ridge built a thriving business in a space where success seemed unlikely. We dive into the Ridge Wallet story, the state of e-commerce, the challenges of manufacturing in America, and why the Amazon seller model is crumbling. Sean keeps it real and drops a ton of knowledge. Don’t miss this one! Hope you enjoy the show!

    1h 2m

  4. 02/11/2025

    #221: Building Luxury Cabins in the Woods - Jeff Burns

    In this episode, we have my business partner in our real estate firm Jeff Burns. We start the conversation on how he made an incredible parlay early in his career that has been the foundation of everything we have built in real estate. We then touch on the journey, from starting out with an idea, to how it has evolved into a large scale company. We dive into the lessons learned and the challenges faced, from building our own cabins, to launching a ground up waterfront development, to building a social media following, to self-managing all of our properties.  If you are interested in Short-Term Rental investing, land development, or property management, then this episode is for you.  Hope you enjoy the show! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Precap 00:02:06 - Guest Introduction  00:08:15 - How he built his company from scratch 00:13:10 - Saturation on Listings 00:15:45 - Challenges of Building a Cabin 00:24:20 - Why did he switch to Self Management? 00:35:57 - Developing a Resort 00:53:41 - How we sold the Cabins 00:58:32 - Conclusion

    59 min

  5. 02/07/2025

    #220: The ESG Bubble Has Burst

    Is ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing dead? Once hailed as the future of finance, ESG is now facing a reckoning. From underperforming green investments and political backlash to corporate retreats and cultural pushback, the cracks in the system are undeniable.  In this episode, we break down why ESG is crumbling—examining its financial failures, political rejection, and global contradictions. Listen to uncover the truth behind the rise and fall of ESG, and what it means for the future of corporate America. PSA below: This episode is the restart of the solocast direct message series from the early days of the podcast. I'll be trying to put these shorter form (~10 minute) episodes out weekly along with the normal interview style episodes.

    10 min

  6. 01/13/2025

    #219: Born to Build - Adam Rossi

    In this episode, I sit down with Adam Rossi, who built and sold a successful cybersecurity software company serving federal agencies. Adam shares his journey from structural engineer to tech entrepreneur, offering key insights on starting and scaling a business. We discuss his strategic approach to entrepreneurship - working for two years to gain experience before launching his venture, living frugally while his wife's income provided stability, and evolving his company from a one-person engineering software business to a 250-person organization developing sophisticated government tools. Adam candidly discusses the challenges of scaling, his post-exit experience, and how he's approached subsequent ventures with a focus on better work-life balance. He shares practical wisdom on how to get started in entrepreneurship, managing risk, and why young founders may have advantages in terms of energy and flexibility. The conversation also covers his current projects, including his popular off-grid cabin builds and his perspective on Bitcoin as a tool for financial independence. Adam's story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and those navigating business ownership's challenges. Hope you enjoy the show! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Precap 00:02:06 - Introduction and Background 00:03:49 - Entrepreneurial Journey and Advice 00:07:04 - The Risk and Reward of Entrepreneurship 00:12:49 - Dealing with Uncertainty and Loneliness 00:15:37 - Negative Feedback and Entrepreneurship 00:18:47 - The Evolution of a Business Idea 00:20:18 - The Early Days and Challenges 00:22:02 - First Major Project and Pivot 00:30:23 - Growth and Evolution of the Company 00:34:58 - Decision to Sell the Company 00:38:13 - Life After Selling the Company 00:40:20 - Transitioning from Retirement to New Ventures 00:42:25 - Investing and Entrepreneurship 00:45:55 - Interest in Bitcoin 00:48:29 - The Struggles of Overthinking 00:53:15 - The Appeal of Off-Grid Living

    1h 8m

  7. 12/23/2024

    #218: 2025 Oil & Gas Market Outlook - Dan Pickering

    This episode's guest is Dan Pickering, the well known energy sector analyst and investor currently serving as the chief investment officer at Pickering Energy Partners.  Dan has had a track record of successful entrepreneurship ventures throughout his career, notably co-founding Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. before launching PEP. He's a regular guest on mainstream media outlets providing insights into oil and gas markets, investment strategies, and the evolving energy transition. This episode we dive into the future of the oil and gas industry. We discuss the 2025 outlook, investment opportunities, market trends, and the impact of the energy transition on traditional energy sectors.  It's always great to get insights from one of the leading voices in energy finance and capital markets.  Hope you enjoy the show! Timestamps: 00:00:00- Precap 00:01:17 - Introduction and Background 00:03:06 - Impact of Geopolitical Events on Oil Market 00:06:11 - Impact of the Trump Administration on the Oil Market 00:07:50 - OPEC's Role in Oil Market 00:16:19 - Gas Market Outlook 00:18:54 - Impact of Lower Oil Prices on Gas Market 00:21:02 - Introduction and LNG Discussion 00:27:06 - Energy Transition and Decarbonization 00:28:27 - Investment in Energy Transition 00:36:15 - Power Business and Nuclear Energy 00:40:06 - Pickering Energy Partners 00:41:49 - Opportunities in Traditional Energy 00:44:44 - Future Opportunities 00:50:47 - Entrepreneurship Journey

    1 hr

  8. 11/26/2024

    #217: Luminus Capital - Karl Graham

    This episode's guest is Karl Graham, co-founder and principal at Luminus Capital, an investment firm specializing in self-storage and industrial real estate. Karl is also a small business entrepreneur that has founded various start-ups. This episode we discuss Karl's journey from a geologist in the oil and gas industry to building a thriving real estate business. We talk about his strategies for identifying value-added opportunities and his data-driven investment approach.  Episode flow:   - Transitioning from geology to real estate   - Self-storage investments  - Future Opportunities in Real Estate - Operational leverage and market trends - SMB Build vs Buy - Partnerships and creating long-term value Connect with Karl Graham:   - Luminus Capital Website: https://luminuscapital.com)   - Karl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karl_Luminus Hope you Enjoy the show! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:52 - Karl's Background and Journey into Real Estate 00:03:43 - Transition from Oil and Gas to Real Estate 00:07:24 - Challenges and Opportunities in Starting a Real Estate Business 00:13:13 - Utilizing Global Talent and Sacrifices in Starting a Business 00:16:45 - Strategy for Self Storage 00:20:12 - Capital and Risk in Business 00:23:14 - Advantages of Real Estate Investment 00:26:01 - Debt Management in Business 00:33:13 - Future Plans in Real Estate 00:35:29 - Exploration and Expansion in Business 00:40:46 - Initial Business Ventures 00:43:54 - Challenges with Google Business Profiles 00:46:43 - Reflections on Business Failure 00:48:11 - Starting a Business vs Buying a Business 00:51:31 - Starting a Fencing Business 00:55:52 - Marketing Strategies for Fencing Business

    1h 2m
See All (223)

4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The Always Be Building Podcast explores business, entrepreneurship, markets, and current events with insightful commentary and engaging conversations. Whether it's building a company, expanding your knowledge, or creating a better life, we’re all building something. Hosted by entrepreneur Max Gagliardi—who has founded companies across Energy, Real Estate, Tech, Hospitality, and Media—the show brings unique perspectives on the forces shaping our world. Originally launched as Talk Energy, the podcast ran for 160 episodes focused on the energy sector before evolving into Always Be Building. New episodes drop weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Max Gagliardi
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Always Be Building
  • Show Website
    Always Be Building