He Started With $20 on eBay & Built Discount Vape Pen: Mark Pitts's Road to a Million Dollar Empire

How a Pandemic Pivot Sparked a Global Microdosing Movement with Kayse Gehret

In this episode, entrepreneur and founder Kayse Gehret shares her inspiring journey from running a successful brick-and-mortar wellness business with four locations and 84 employees to pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic into a thriving global online community centered on microdosing for healing. Kayse discusses the real challenges and creative decisions involved in keeping her business alive when lockdowns forced her to close her physical studios, and the strategic risk of shifting to an entirely new, controversial industry before it was widely recognized.You'll hear the behind-the-scenes story of building trust with clients, fostering a community that spreads by word of mouth, and using podcasting to grow reach and credibility even in a censored and regulated environment. Kayse dives into lessons learned about adaptability, investing in the right support at critical times, and the importance of following intuition alongside data, valuable insights for any founder looking to future-proof their business. The conversation also explores misconceptions about microdosing and how to effectively educate an audience in a new market.Whether you’re scaling a business, seeking innovative marketing ideas, or interested in health and wellness entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable stories and real-world business wisdom. Connect with Kayse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaysegehret/ Learn more about our episode sponsor: http://oceanstalent.com/dave #entrepreneurship #microdosing #wellness #healing #inspiration

He Started With $20 on eBay & Built Discount Vape Pen: Mark Pitts's Road to a Million Dollar Empire

In this episode, we dive into the real-world story of building a thriving business from scratch. Marc Pitts shares how he and his partner started Discount Vape Pen with nothing more than a side hustle on eBay and a $20 investment. Listeners will discover what it’s like to transition from selling products online to opening a brick-and-mortar shop, and how navigating regulations and shifting trends shaped the company’s growth. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or start-up founder eager for genuine strategies, like learning through trial and error, managing finances without outside funding, and building a devoted customer base, this conversation brings practical insights you can use. Hear firsthand how careful spending and adaptability helped keep the business afloat through industry upheavals, and why understanding your niche and product inside out is essential for long-term success. Marc also talks about the impact of government regulations on small businesses and how to adapt your business model to stay ahead. If you want to learn how to scale your idea, pivot in the face of challenges, and create more freedom for yourself as a founder, don’t miss this inspiring journey and actionable advice. Connect with Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-pitts-4a2957391/ Learn more about our episode sponsor EZDC 3PL: www.ezdc3pl.com #entrepreneurship #startups #ecommerce #businessgrowth

She Bet Everything on Puptique: Courtney Honda's Unlikely Pet Retail Empire

In this episode, Dave sits down with Courtney Honda, co-founder and president of Puptqe, to reveal the real stories behind launching and growing a thriving dog boutique business from scratch. Courtney shares her entrepreneurial journey, describing how a personal struggle with her dog’s health inspired a business honoring the special bond between pets and owners. Listen as she opens up about the raw challenges of running a brick-and-mortar store, navigating cash flow issues (including pawning her own wedding ring to meet payroll), and building a powerful community of devoted customers. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder looking for inspiration and practical strategies, this episode is packed with honest insights you can apply to your own business. Courtney Honda discusses grassroots marketing approaches, community-building, harnessing customer-generated content, and the bold move into franchising across the country. She also talks about winning Pet Retailer of the Year and scaling a local idea into a national brand. Whether you’re facing early setbacks or planning to expand, you’ll benefit from the real experiences, lessons learned, and the mindset it takes to keep going in tough times. Subscribe for more stories from entrepreneurs making a difference in their industries. Connect with Courtney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-honda/ #PetBiz #entrepreneurship #DogLovers #smallbusiness #startupstory

Surviving Startup Hell & Thriving: How Johnathan Grzybowski Built a Global Powerhouse with Penji.Surviving Startup Hell & Thriving: How Johnathan Gryzbowski Built a Global Powerhouse with Penji.

In this episode, serial entrepreneur, Johnathan Grzybowski, shares the unfiltered story behind building Penji, a creative subscription service trusted by brands and agencies worldwide. Explore the raw realities of entrepreneurship as Johnathan opens up about leaving a stable job at Apple, enduring years without a paycheck, and surviving on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, all to chase a dream bigger than just business. Discover how Penji went from a small digital marketing agency focused on local clients to becoming a powerhouse with 500+ global staff and a reputation as the most-reviewed creative service in the world. Listen as Johnathan breaks down practical growth strategies, from pricing early services at $79/month to using customer feedback for rapid product validation. You’ll hear honest reflections about battling loneliness, staying dedicated through tough years, and why a mission-driven mindset powers lasting growth. Subscribe for real conversations with founders who’ve been there, and take away actionable lessons to grow your own business today. Connect with Johnathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grzybowskij/ Learn more about our episode sponsor, Oceans Talent: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #startuplife #founderstory #entrepreneurship #creativeentrepreneur #marketingagency

Why We're Wrong About People: The Social Science Every Entrepreneur Needs with Nicholas Epley

In this episode, bestselling author and University of Chicago Booth professor Nicholas Epley joins Dave for a fascinating dive into the real science of building strong business relationships, social connections, and effective communication. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or founder seeking practical strategies for improving your leadership and team management, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how interpersonal skills drive business success. Nicholas shares stories from his early days as a reluctant student to his impactful research published in “Mindwise” and “A Little More Social.” You'll discover evidence-based tips entrepreneurs can use to understand what customers, partners, and employees are really thinking—plus why most people overestimate their ability to read minds at work. If you’re looking to foster company culture, pitch investors, or simply connect more deeply with your network, you’ll learn why direct communication, thoughtful questions, and genuine curiosity are powerful tools for business growth. Packed with insights on overcoming fear of rejection, networking without awkwardness, and creating a collaborative work environment, this episode is essential for anyone in the startup or small business world aiming to achieve lasting impact through authentic relationships and smarter social strategies. Connect with Nicholas Epley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-epley/ Find his books on @PenguinRandomHouse [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC4OnzY1OgwUE0XPAHpqlcvQ]: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671591/a-little-more-social-by-nicholas-epley/ Learn more about our episode sponsor, Oceans Talent: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #socialconnection #leadership #entrepreneurship #socialintelligence #Mindwise #psychology #networking