Next Level Pros

Chris Lee
Next Level Pros

Welcome to Next Level Pros, where we explore the journeys of some of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. I'm your host, Chris Lee. Throughout my career, I've founded multiple nine-figure companies and learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the world of business. Now, I want to share those lessons with you by bringing on guests who have their own incredible stories to tell. I'm on a mission to find the most unique and entertaining individuals that have done it the right way.

  1. 26/12/2024

    #133: Increasing 30% year over year with no marketing? Will it still work?

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Josh Bucio and Carter Romero, the founders of Urban Oasis, a thriving landscaping and outdoor construction business based in Texas. In this episode, we dive deep into their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges they've faced, and their ambitious plans for the future. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "Paid advertising should be your number one generator for business. Where most business owners get it wrong is they pump the brakes on this once they get too much business” "Mentorship and understanding marketing are key for us." "If we increase the price 10% we're not losing 10% right? Which is perfect, like and, and that's a key thing for anybody to understand, that's watching this or listening to this, is just how valuable an additional dollar is to the business owner versus the customer." "Creating a strong company culture with clear values has been a big focus for us." Timestamps: 00:00 Paid Advertising as a Business Generator 02:20 Urban Oasis - Background and Growth 05:00 Early Days - Hands-on Work and Expansion 09:21 Deciding to Go All-In on the Business 12:06 Current Team Size and Challenges 15:48 5-Year Vision and Growth Plans 21:11 Marketing Quadrants and Strategies 25:00 Importance of Paid Advertising 32:23 Pricing Strategy and Profit Margins 38:46 Scaling Considerations and Overhead 47:39 Integrating Sales and Marketing 57:19 Lessons Learned from Next Level Pros Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    1h3min
  2. 06/12/2024

    #132: Building Dubai Since 1991 - Adel Sajan

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Adel Sajan, an influential figure hailing from Dubai, where his family’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to top real estate developers is nothing short of inspiring. Adel shares his unique experiences, from dramatic historical events impacting his family to his innovative approaches in business that have significantly shaped Dubai's skyline. Whether discussing the strategic shifts in his family business or exploring his personal entrepreneurial journey, Adel's insights are invaluable. Dive in as we explore the resilience and ingenuity behind his success. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 Highlights: "You gotta set yourself up for luck." "Resilience is key in transforming challenges into opportunities." "Understanding the pulse of the customer is crucial."   "You can’t just work hard; you have to work smart." Timestamps: 00:00: Adel Sajan and the start of his family's escape from Kuwait. 05:23: Adel discusses his father’s business and their move to Dubai. 10:51: Early struggles and the strategic decisions in Dubai during the 1990s. 16:00: Values Adel gained from his dad and his early business experiences. 22:23: Strategic business decisions and the creation of Danube Home. 30:00: Adel shares his aggressive growth plans and how to achieve them. 37:27: Transition into real estate and approaching to affordable housing. 42:50: Luxury amenities and revolutionizing Dubai’s real estate market. 48:20: The motivation behind continuing the business legacy. 53:04: Adel’s vision for the future and advice for young entrepreneurs. Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    53min
  3. 22/11/2024

    #131: 3 9-Figure Businesses in One Room? How Tommy Mello, Chris Lee, And Daryl Kelly Grew Their Businesses to Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Tommy Mello, the mastermind behind the highly successful garage door service company join Chris Lee, a dynamic leader known for his innovative approaches in the fitness industry, and Daryl Kelly, who has made significant strides in the health and wellness sector. Together, they share invaluable experiences and lessons on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, building sustainable business models, and the importance of creating a culture of trust within their organizations. Tune in as they unfold the secrets to their success and personal growth, providing you with actionable insights to elevate your professional and personal life. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8 Highlights: "You're only as good as the team you build around you." "Entrepreneurship is about adjusting the sails when the wind changes direction." "Leadership means being a visionary, not just a manager of the status quo." "Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together." Timestamps: 0:00:00 - Introduction: Sales and Visionary Mindset 0:06:09 - Challenges and Success in Business 0:14:49 - Cultural and Personal Growth 0:24:32 - Building a Strong Business Partnership 0:32:22 - Leadership and Team Dynamics 0:41:56 - Paradigm Shifts and Business Growth 0:49:12 - Cultural and Operational Excellence 0:57:24 - Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges 1:05:05 - Building a Sustainable Business Model 1:18:43 - The Importance of Health and Self-Care Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠ Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠ Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    1h34min
  4. 18/11/2024

    #130: How Jotform Founder & CEO Aytekin Tank Got Great at Solving One Problem

    Welcome to a New Episode of Next Level Pros! In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Aytekin Tank, the mastermind behind the transformative software JotForm, which has dramatically altered the landscape of online forms. Aytekin will share his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on the pivotal role of sustained focus and compounded growth in achieving business success. He discusses the evolution of JotForm, from its inception as a simple form builder to a comprehensive suite catering to varied business needs, emphasizing automation and customer-centric development. Stay tuned as Aytekin shares the principles that kept him on track amidst the allure of new opportunities, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs at all stages. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "We hit oil by digging one hole 1000 feet deep, not 1000 holes one foot deep." "Giving something away for free is the biggest marketing tool you can have."  "Automate your busy work to focus on what's truly important."  "Persistence is key; you need to learn to pivot and persevere through challenges." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Aytekin Tank and the genesis of JotForm. 02:52 - Aytekin joins the show; background and initial motivations. 07:13 - The leap from employment to entrepreneurship. 10:34 - Learning from side projects and the transition to full-time on JotForm. 16:41 - The evolution from free to paid subscriptions and early challenges. 23:15 - Expanding JotForm's functionality beyond basic forms. 28:17 - Introduction of enterprise solutions and learning the ropes of sales. 32:20 - Growth and scaling challenges faced over 19 years. 35:16 - The critical importance of focus and saying no to distractions. 41:28 - Where to find Aytekin Tank and closing remarks. Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    42min
  5. 05/11/2024

    #129: will.i.am Unplugged: Will AI take over the world?

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In today’s conversation, our guest is Will.i.am—artist, tech innovator, and futurist. Will dives into a range of topics including his journey from music to technology, the future of AI governance, and his thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI). He shares unique insights into his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and how curiosity has driven him to pioneer in the tech space. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to innovate fearlessly and the mindset needed to push boundaries in both art and technology. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation; stay curious, and you'll find the answers." "We’re headed towards a world where companies run themselves with only a few people overseeing data."  "You don’t need to own something to find value in it, but own your data and your identity." "True collaboration happens when minds gel, ideate, and challenge each other without ego." Timestamps: 00:00 – The Future of AI and Business 06:56 – Creative Thinking and Influence 14:00 – Autonomous Vehicles 20:20 – Universal Basic Income Debate 26:57 – Data Ownership and Modern Society 29:32 – Craftsmanship vs. Planned Obsolescence 33:02 – Pioneering in Tech 39:34 – Learning at Harvard 47:29 – Pitching Success Stories 50:21 – Principles for Success Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    54min
  6. 23/10/2024

    #128: A company that helps you automate your profits, isn’t making profit.

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Schultz, a budding entrepreneur who's navigating the challenges of turning his marketing firm, Profit Automation, into a profitable business despite its current unprofitable state. We'll dive deep into the issues holding Andrew back, including a detailed analysis of his financials and marketing strategies, along with some personal obstacles that are impacting his professional progress. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "I mean, when you asked me what my biggest challenge was, I don't know what I'm selling."   "Your secret sauce is identifying what the problem is around their customers in their pipeline, so you can pull them into action." "I will help increase your conversion, or I will add another 2% to your conversion, or you don't pay anything." "I haven't done a whole lot of marketing or talked to a lot of people about it, so I find it hard to believe that you have enough data to say that this doesn't work." Timestamps: 0:00:00 Profit Automation is not turning a profit 0:04:13 Describing the Business 0:06:03 Explaining the Lead Conversion Offering 0:08:15 Identifying the Biggest Challenge - Packaging the Offer 0:13:25 The Pipeline Crisis and how to fix it 0:19:21 Addressing the Perception of Free vs. Paid Offers 0:20:24 Exploring Performance-Based Pricing Options 0:25:47 Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset 0:27:08 Comparing Eliminating Downside vs. Eliminating Risk 0:41:00 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in the Business 0:48:30 Refocusing on Sales and Marketing as the Priority 0:55:47 Balancing Personality Types within the Team 0:57:41 Shifting Mindset from Home Runs to Consistent At-Bats 1:03:29 Overcoming the Need for Certainty 1:11:08 Adopting a Scientific Approach to Testing and Measuring 1:17:07 Final Plan and Closing Thoughts Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    1h20min
  7. 15/10/2024

    #127: Risk the $600K in His Home or Play it Safe?

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us as we delve into a compelling discussion with Seth Shaner, who shares his candid experiences about the financial and emotional challenges of being house poor. Discover how these challenges are impacting his business operations and family dynamics. Seth, who has a rich background in the restaurant industry, opens up about his journey through business failures, relocations, and the intricate balance of financial decisions and family life. Don't miss this deep dive into the real-world consequences of living beyond one's means. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "I always said I would never be house poor, but here I am because the house is the expensive part."   "You can't have high society desires overcome what your income is."  "Being in proximity to people you know can be helpful too."    "I'm not going to go in as the president of a company this big very often."  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction  04:15 - Seth discusses his early business failures 08:54 - How past business experiences and financial choices impact Seth 13:16 - Seth’s current financial strategies and his consulting work dynamics 17:25 - Emotional and financial challenges post-divorce 20:31 - Benefits of relocating for financial and family stability 30:08 - Past financial disasters and their influence on present decisions 34:43 - Seth discusses shifting focus from consulting to what he truly enjoys 39:42 - Strategies for utilizing resources effectively in business  50:57 - The potential impacts of moving to more affordable locations. 55:30 - The pros and cons of staying in California versus relocating. 01:05:22 - The impact of financial stress on mental and emotional health. 01:15:39 - Closing thoughts  Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    1h13min
  8. 04/10/2024

    #126: Race Car Driver Questions God

    Welcome to a new episode of Next Level Pros! Join us today as we dive into the electrifying world of racing with none other than Lucas Di Grassi, the godfather of Formula E. From his early days racing go-karts to his profound insights into professional struggles and personal growth, Lucas shares his journey through the high-speed turns of his career and life. We explore not just the exhilaration of the race track but also the challenges and philosophical questions that come with being at the top of one's game. Apply to be on the show: https://forms.gle/hwDijQPFyKCEtHNs8  Highlights: "You can never be satisfied. You can always improve." "Being happy could be an enemy of performance."  "Happiness is not a state. It is a moment."  "Imposter syndrome is real. You always question how good you are."  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Lucas and the world of Formula E 01:32 - The creation of Formula E and its impact 03:07 - Lucas's lifelong racing career and personal background 05:04 - Challenges in Lucas's personal and professional life 10:40 - The intersection of happiness and performance in sports 15:18 - Lucas's battle with imposter syndrome and aging in sports 19:03 - The clash of pragmatism and religious belief 22:34 - Debating the role of science and God in the universe 27:54 - The concept of E + R = O: Event plus Response equals Outcome 31:21 - Skepticism and self-examination in personal growth 35:07 - Leadership principles and the willingness to be wrong 37:19 - Lucas's take on social media and the importance of showing humanity Looking to scale your business? Want to learn directly from the same team that helped me sell my last business for 9 figures? Click this link below to check out how you can work with us. https://nextlevelhomepros.com/grow-home-service-vsl  Join my community - Founder Acceleration ⁠https://www.founderacceleration.com  ⁠ Apply for our next Mastermind: h⁠ttps://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⁠  Golf with Chris: h⁠ttps://www.golfwithchris.com ⁠  Watch my latest Podcast Apple- ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281S ⁠ Spotify- ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2 ⁠ YouTube - @thefounderspodcast

    39min
4,7
de 5
81 avaliações

Sobre

Welcome to Next Level Pros, where we explore the journeys of some of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. I'm your host, Chris Lee. Throughout my career, I've founded multiple nine-figure companies and learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the world of business. Now, I want to share those lessons with you by bringing on guests who have their own incredible stories to tell. I'm on a mission to find the most unique and entertaining individuals that have done it the right way.

Você também pode gostar de

Para ouvir episódios explícitos, inicie sessão.

Fique por dentro deste podcast

Inicie sessão ou crie uma conta para seguir podcasts, salvar episódios e receber as atualizações mais recentes.

Selecionar um país ou região

África, Oriente Médio e Índia

Ásia‑Pacífico

Europa

América Latina e Caribe

Estados Unidos e Canadá