Buttoned Up Daniel Seong

In this episode, Daniel Seong sits down with Kevin Seo, a serial entrepreneur, restauranteur, and host of the Good Service Podcast. They delve into the unique and groundbreaking story of Kevin's restaurant, Bored and Hungry, which created a brand around the hype of accepting crypto payments. They also discuss the intentional simplicity of the dining experience and the strategic community building that led to their widespread success. Kevin also shares details about the Sonic Speed Cafe, their expansion to Asia, and their collaborations with well-known figures. The conversation touches on the profound impact of faith and the inspiration behind the Good Service Podcast. Join Daniel and Kevin as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship, community building, and the power of faith in business.
 
3 Key Episode takeaways
- Building Community: Kevin discusses the importance of gathering communities in a viral way and the power of communal marketing in business, especially in quick-service restaurants.
- Business Expansion: Kevin shares the exciting news about the expansion of his restaurant brands, including the recent launch of Sonic Speed Cafe and the franchising opportunities in Asia as part of our company's growth strategy.
- Good Service Podcast: Kevin co-founded the Good Service Podcast with Ben Chung. The podcast aims to have authentic and raw conversations with leaders from different industries about faith, entertainment, and community-building.
 
Show Overview

06:08   Created first restaurant brand around cryptocurrency acceptance.
08:18   Reflection on past challenges and future aspirations.
10:18   Business model shift: community-building drives marketing.
13:41   Struggling with faith in public, but persevering.
18:00.  Love to podcast in east LA with live guests.

In this episode, Daniel Seong speaks with Kody Houk and discusses his experience in the sales industry and how he transformed himself. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and using live communication instead of automated methods. Kody also stresses the need for discipline and mastering mundane tasks, such as daily phone calls and meetings. Daniel Seong adds to this by highlighting the benefits of consistent prospecting and time management for success in sales. Kody also shares his personal story of recovery from addiction and how maintaining a structured routine has helped him in his growth. The two also discuss the idea that everyone is a salesperson to some extent and the influence of parents on their children's behavior. They touch on the balance of personal development and business success. Kody ends the episode by providing his contact information and social media presence, while Daniel encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
 
3 Key Episode Takeaways
- Relationship Over Automation: Kody drives home the point that in the realm of sales, automated methods fall short against the might of building strong relationships and the tangible impact of live calls. Personal connections are king!
- Laser Focus for Success: Both our host, Daniel, and guest, Kody, underscore the idea that about five years of laser-like focus can catalyze true success in business. Pouring energy into fostering relationships today means reaping exponential benefits tomorrow.
- Discipline & Routine = Growth: Learn how Kody utilized a structured routine that not only uplifted his personal life but also skyrocketed his business success. The mundane tasks that many avoid are often the stepping stones to achievement.
 
Show Overview
01:15 Meet Kody Houk
05:39 Unexpected episode explores real-life struggles, relatable experiences.
09:08 Overcoming struggles, leading recovery ministry, sharing story.
10:25 Transitioned from dairy to insurance, increased company revenue.
15:33 Success comes from mastering the mundane tasks.
19:54 Focusing on prospecting is key for success.
22:42 Social media changing game, long-term relationship focus.
25:55 Gym changed life, surrounded by motivated people.
28:05 Woman works hard, sets example for family.
31:51 Thanking Cody for impactful and inspiring words.
 
 

In this Buttoned Up episode, Daniel Seong interviews David de Jesus, the CEO and chief adventurer at Tredder, a company revolutionizing insurance by providing specialty outdoor and adventure travel coverage. David shares his journey, which started with a tech career at Microsoft and led to him founding Tredder to address the need for insurance coverage for outdoor enthusiasts. Tredder offers supplemental policies that cover vehicle modifications, such as overlanding equipment and aims to support various outdoor activities beyond overlanding, like van life, kayaking, hiking, and biking. The company has garnered interest from over 6,000 potential customers before the official launch. David emphasizes the importance of perseverance, creativity, and remaining undeterred in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Daniel and David's conversation highlights Tredder's unique offerings and potential impact on the insurance industry, providing valuable insights for independent agents and consumers.

3 Key Episode Takeaways
1. Don't be deterred easily: David's delusion and persistence through 40 company attempts led to the success of Tredder. Not letting the challenges deter you too quickly is essential for entrepreneurial success.
2. Grit and resilience: David's journey exemplifies the importance of grit, consistency, discipline, and hard work in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
3. Identifying opportunities: David's ability to creatively work through challenges and find solutions led to the creation of Tredder, addressing a crucial need in the industry.

Show Overview
02:12 David de Jesus diversifies, advocates nature, boosts camping popularity.
03:47 Outdoor industry contributes $1 trillion to economy.
08:42 Required supplemental ENS program for comprehensive coverage.
11:45 Struggle to find reinsurance partner, Tokyo Marine.
14:32 Program designed for adventurers at competitive rates.
19:24 Expanding overlanding into other outdoor activities supports hobbyists.
19:58 Seek inspiration, take the leap, embrace change.
 

In this episode, Daniel Seong dives into the world of social media influence with guest Marc Antonio, who has successfully integrated his passions for barbecue, whiskey, and cannabis into a thriving online business. Marc shares his journey from starting a food-based business, which cleverly allowed him to write off food expenses, to rebranding his YouTube content with a focus on high-quality and consistent posting. He reveals how a tip from a friend named Danos led to a viral TikTok video, catapulting him to full-time content creation.
Embracing the importance of connecting with social media audiences, Marc Antonio highlights the need to adapt content across different platforms. We learn about his involvement with Embers TV, aiming to be the Hulu or Netflix of barbecue content, which features a diverse range of shows and now includes his upcoming cannabis barbecue series and travel endeavors.
Both Daniel and Marc discuss the reality of receiving negative comments online, with advice to focus on positive feedback. Marc highlights his impressive background that spans from the military to cinematography. Finally, the importance of authenticity, commitment to one's dreams, and the growing legitimacy of influencer-driven businesses are underscored. Marc can be found on TikTok as Woodfire and Whiskey and on Instagram and YouTube as the can of barbecue.
 
3 Key Episode Takeaways

1 - Monetize Your Passion: Marc discusses his strategic journey from TikTok fame to his culinary business venture, highlighting the clever ways he turned his food expenses into business investments.
2 - Consistency is King: Whether it's social media or smoked brisket, consistency in quality and quantity is key. Marc's success story reiterates the importance of steadfast commitment and adaptability in content creation.
3 - Innovate Authentically: From integrating cannabis in barbecuing to exploring new digital platforms like Embers TV, Marc teaches us the art of fearless innovation while staying true to one's passion and interests.
 

Show Overview


03:56 Marc's net worth grew exponentially due to TikTok.
09:46 Focus on the positive, ignore the negative.
15:36 Cannabis-infused with terpenes enhances flavor and effects.
16:13 Cannabis has medical benefits and government is changing regulations.
19:57 Transition from YouTube to TikTok; unsuccessful attempt.
24:31 Governor Newsom shut down state, impacting work.
29:22 Focus on creating consistent, quality content for success.
 
 
 

In this episode, Daniel Seong dives into the life and career of UFC fighter Michelle Waterson. Michelle candidly reveals the intricacies of a fighter's lifestyle, emphasizing the finite nature of a fighter's career with a focus on a strategic 10-year plan. Despite a tough recent fight at the Apex, she shares her rigorous 8-10 week personalized training regimens and the critical weight-cutting practices during fight week.
Michelle opens up about the mental and emotional highs of entering the octagon, the unpredictability that leads some fighters to step away from the sport, and how amateur promotions differ from professional fights. She recounts a humorous anecdote about an unfortunate pre-fight meal and how she managed in-fight adversity to triumph using her karate background.
The podcast touches on her insightful views on martial arts for children as a tool against bullying and briefly discusses gun laws. Sharing her journey to the UFC, she underlines the importance of understanding the business aspect of fighting. Michelle opened up about dropping out of college to pursue fighting, reflecting on her early struggles and her cultural heritage. The insightful conversation also explores her passion for martial arts as a path to finding her voice and confidence.
Lastly, Michelle talks about her future aspirations, including transitioning to roles in commentary, potential gym ownership, and goals of achieving her jujitsu black belt. We wrap up with her
sharing her social media for listeners to follow her continued UFC journey.

3 Key Episode Takeaways
1. Career Longevity and Planning: A fighter's career has a limited timeline. Michelle underscores the necessity of having a strategy for the future, demonstrating insightful perspectives on career and personal growth.
2. The Science Behind the Fight: From an 8-10 week tailored training regime to mastering weight cuts, athletes like Michelle embody discipline and dedication. The physical and psychological prep that goes into stepping into the octagon is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
3. Life Beyond the Fight: Michelle's passion extends beyond her fists and feet. Her vision for a transition into roles such as commentary, broadcasting, or gym ownership exemplifies a fighter's spirit adapted to entrepreneurship and mentorship.
 
Show Overview
02:15 Michelle found her calling in martial arts.
06:12 Grew up doing martial arts with brother.
07:27 Martial arts gave me confidence and voice.
11:45 Kids training hard, impressive dedication, demanding same.
17:06 Fighting bigger opponents to build record.
22:12 Parent wants kids to have opportunities he missed.
29:14 Moving up to 115lb division, determined to win.
33:01 Training, fight week preparation, and actual fight.
38:29 Anticipation before the roller coaster drop.
40:51 Fought on McGregor undercard, exciting.
43:10 Hospital visit after fight, daughter's concern.
47:02 Inspiring impact: hardworking role model in sports.

In this episode, Daniel engages in a deep and insightful conversation with guest LTC Oak McCulloch, a Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, author, and internationally recognized keynote speaker. The central theme revolves around leadership principles and their application in different contexts, emphasizing the significance of effective communication, personal connections, and building a strong sense of community within organizations.
Daniel and Oak emphasize the importance of genuine care, personal connections, and being available for team members beyond working hours. They stress the value of leadership by, for example, adapting leadership style to the team's needs and investing in relationships with current and former team members. Oak shares his military experiences and transition into civilian life, highlighting the importance of dedicating time to family and personal endeavors.
The podcast also delves into personal anecdotes, leadership principles, and the impact of simple acts of kindness. The hosts discuss their experiences in Mobile, Alabama, and the importance of building a sense of camaraderie within organizations. The episode provides significant insights into effective leadership, its timeless principles, and its impact on organizational success and individual growth.
 
3 Key Episode Takeaways
1. Principles of leadership may remain constant, but their application and communication vary based on individual and organizational differences.
2. Building efficient teams hinges on connecting with people, establishing trust, and demonstrating genuine care.
3. Effective leadership involves making an effort to understand team members' strengths, offering support, and creating a sense of community within the organization.
 
Show Overview
01:24 Daniel Song discusses the importance of leadership.
03:44 High school mentors shaped leadership philosophy positively.
09:11 Lead by example to earn trust and respect.
12:41 Adapt principles, connect with people, build trust.
13:19 Build trust by getting to know people.
18:24 Build trust, have knowledgeable friends in the community.
21:53 Good leaders remember, move on, and empower.
23:04 Retired from day job, focus on writing.
26:44 Contact me through website or social media.