#35: Aaron Foss - How to Turn Everyday Problems Into Businesses That Scale

#35: Aaron Foss - How to Turn Everyday Problems Into Businesses That Scale

Aaron Foss is a serial entrepreneur who has built five companies, including Nomorobo, the service that has stopped billions of unwanted robocalls and spam texts. Nomorobo was acquired by Applause Group in August 2023. Before that, Aaron participated in Techstars NYC with SideTour, which Groupon acquired in 2013. He has testified before Congress three times and has been featured by outlets including The New York Times, Wired, CNN, CNBC, and Fox News. In this conversation, Aaron explains how to identify problems worth solving, distinguish progress from real traction, and know when to narrow your focus from a wide flashlight into a laser. We also discuss why entrepreneurs should fall in love with the problem instead of chasing trends, how constraints can improve creativity, what he looks for in founders, and why his work with Defy Ventures has become such an important part of his life. Aaron also shares lessons from building and selling companies, along with the books and negotiation tools that helped him along the way. Subscribe for more conversations like this on Pieces of Impact. Join the newsletter: https://substack.com/@steveseger [https://substack.com/@steveseger] Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2 [https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=f5abdaf2294c4a35 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=f5abdaf2294c4a35] Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger [http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger] Connect with Aaron and explore his work: https://go.aaronfoss.com/linktree [https://go.aaronfoss.com/linktree] Learn more about Defy Ventures: https://www.defyventures.org/ [https://www.defyventures.org/] Never Split the Difference Negotiation Cheat Sheet: https://medium.com/yanda/negotiation-cheat-sheet-31c73031956a [https://medium.com/yanda/negotiation-cheat-sheet-31c73031956a] 00:00 From Tech Kid to Serial Problem Solver 03:41 The Wing Dipper and Learning Through Real Feedback 07:48 Techstars, Focus, and the Road to Nomorobo 14:53 Retiring at 45 to Coach Entrepreneurs 16:19 Start With the Problem, Then Narrow the Beam 21:23 Constraints, Forcing Functions, and Learning by Doing 29:24 Fall in Love With the Problem, Not Your Passion 35:19 Every Interview Is a Pitch, and Experience Beats a Resume 41:30 Defy Ventures and Entrepreneurship After Incarceration 48:18 Progress vs. Traction: The Proof Investors Need 54:43 Mistakes, Book Recommendations, and Founder Green/Flags 01:05:27 Final Wisdom: Keep It Simple

#34: A Sith Lord, a $90K Dog, a Redfish, and a Duck Stamp

In this solo episode of Pieces of Impact, I walk through four unrelated rabbit holes I went down recently: Darth Bane and the Rule of Two in Star Wars, trained protection dogs that can cost around $90,000 or more, a quick oral report on redfish, and the federal duck stamp. The goal here is simple: learn a little, have some fun, and share a few topics I found interesting enough to dig into. Subscribe for more solo episodes and long-form conversations on Pieces of Impact. 00:00 Introduction to the Solo Episode 01:54 Darth Bane and the Rule of Two 07:03 The World of Trained Protection Dogs 10:23 Exploring Redfish: A Deep Dive 15:13 The Federal Duck Stamp: Conservation in Action

#33: Carter Huff: The Story Behind Bogey’s Barn

In this episode, I sit down with Carter Huff, an Army veteran and the man behind Bogey’s Barn. Carter invited me up to his place to record this conversation inside the pole barn he is turning into a home gym, training space, and brand named after his basset hound, Bogey. Bogey of course was a big contributor to this candid discussion. Check out the video version to see him. Subscribe for more conversations like this on Pieces of Impact. Join the newsletter: https://substack.com/@steveseger [https://substack.com/@steveseger] Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2 [https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=f5abdaf2294c4a35 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=f5abdaf2294c4a35] Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger [http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger] Guest Links Bogey’s Barn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bogeys_barn/ [https://www.instagram.com/bogeys_barn/] Bogey’s Barn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bogeys.barn [https://www.tiktok.com/@bogeys.barn] Bogey’s Barn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568794403157# [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568794403157#] Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro and why I drove up to Bogey’s Barn 02:03 Carter joins the show inside the barn 02:39 Carter’s background, military path, and return to Ohio 03:36 Bogey, basset hounds, and the story behind the name 04:43 Buying the property and building the barn piece by piece 08:41 Finding the farmhouse and why people connect with the space 14:26 Posting every day and growing Bogey’s Barn authentically 22:08 Marathon prep, hybrid training, and removing excuses 32:00 Bogey’s role, diet, basset hounds, and life at the barn 41:55 Carter’s long-term vision, rapid fire, and final wisdom

#32: Scott Trench: Financial Independence, BiggerPockets, and Building Leverage

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Trench, former CEO of BiggerPockets and host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, to talk about financial independence, career leverage, house hacking, and the path that took him from early employee to leading one of the biggest real estate education platforms. We get into why financial runway creates better career options, how Scott made himself valuable early at BiggerPockets, what it looked like when the company sold, how he thinks about personal brand and AI, and why financial freedom is about more than just real estate. We also talk about family, kids, wealth, strategy, and the advice he hopes listeners remember. Subscribe for more conversations like this on Pieces of Impact. Join the newsletter: https://substack.com/@steveseger [https://substack.com/@steveseger] Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2?si=NcXPNK00GHANUmpR [https://youtube.com/@Steve_Seger2?si=NcXPNK00GHANUmpR] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=fa8d2e2a653f491b [https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=fa8d2e2a653f491b] Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger [http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger] Guest Links: Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22/] BP Money Podcast: https://youtube.com/@biggerpocketsmoney?si=P1_KewEzj67-oYuV [https://youtube.com/@biggerpocketsmoney?si=P1_KewEzj67-oYuV] CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Intro and why Scott’s work matters to Steve 03:33 Scott joins the show 04:00 Life after stepping down as CEO 05:28 Balance, obsession, and CEO stress 07:14 Finding BiggerPockets through financial independence 07:46 Mr. Money Mustache, house hacking, and early FI thinking 10:16 Building financial runway after college 11:39 Making yourself valuable as an early employee 14:10 Choosing equity and upside 16:34 What a company sale looks like from the inside 19:31 Learning from Josh Dorkin and a professional CEO 20:50 Set for Life and what still applies today 22:16 BiggerPockets Money and the next FI problems 25:45 Personal brand as a long-term asset 27:38 AI, original thought, and better financial planning 32:27 Why AI rewards people who understand the full problem 35:02 Wealth, kids, and not imposing your system 38:50 The financial independence car pick 39:05 Common early-career money mistake 39:21 Underrated career skills 39:37 Content formats he is bullish on 40:19 Book recommendations 40:59 House hack, index funds, or business equity 41:17 AI use cases he is excited about 42:08 A day with no responsibilities 42:33 Current workout split 42:56 Final wisdom: what strategy really means 44:02 Where to find Scott

#31: Joe Simonds - Why Niches Still Win in the AI Age

Joe Simonds is an author and co-founder of Salt Strong, a fishing education, content, membership, tackle, and community business he started with his brother Luke after leaving financial services. In this episode, we talk about walking away from a successful but unfulfilling career, building Salt Strong from scratch, working with family, growing through content and community, and what changed after the company’s recent sale. We also get into AI, why “riches are made in niches,” protecting community standards, the fishing theme park idea, and why writing down your mission, vision, and core beliefs can change how you build. Subscribe for more conversations like this on Pieces of Impact. Join the newsletter: https://substack.com/@steveseger [https://substack.com/@steveseger] Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@steve_seger2?si=NcXPNK00GHANUmpR [https://youtube.com/@steve_seger2?si=NcXPNK00GHANUmpR] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-impact/id1851467002] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=fa8d2e2a653f491b [https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGYfTSYNvsD96UjUqqCJt?si=fa8d2e2a653f491b] Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger [http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveseger] Guest links: Website: SaltStrong.com [http://SaltStrong.com], Joe’s book link: https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Happiness-Ultimate-Achieving-Fulfillment/dp/0692733051 [https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Happiness-Ultimate-Achieving-Fulfillment/dp/0692733051] Salt Strong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Saltstrong [https://www.youtube.com/@Saltstrong] Salt Strong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltstrong/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesaltstrong/] 00:00 Why I Wanted to Have Joe On 02:19 Leaving Financial Services for Something More Fulfilling 09:06 The First Sale That Made Salt Strong Possible 10:25 Seven Months Before Taking a Day Off 11:36 What Works and Doesn’t When Building With Family 14:45 Free Content, Memberships, and the First Signs of Momentum 18:31 Community First, App Second 24:10 Core Beliefs, No Cursing, and Protecting the Culture 25:54 Riches Are Made in Niches, Even in the AI Age 31:06 Selling Salt Strong Without Losing the Mission 37:59 The Funniest Part of Selling the Company 41:27 The Fishing Theme Park Vision 51:00 The Grandfather Story and Creating Memories That Matter 55:58 Final Wisdom: Write Down the Mission