Building GROAS from Scratch | David Porquery on AI, Bootstrapping, and Escaping Corporate Life

Retire in 10 Years or Less | Ryan Lee on Passive Income, Freedom Day, and Taking Control of Your Money

Most people spend decades working hard, saving money, contributing to retirement accounts, and hoping that one day they'll finally have enough to retire. But hope is not a strategy. And many people discover too late that they've sacrificed their health, relationships, and time for a retirement plan that's still uncertain. Ryan Lee learned this lesson the hard way. After climbing the corporate ladder, sacrificing time with his family, and watching his net worth collapse during the 2008 financial crisis, he realized something shocking: The people he was modeling his financial life after were losing money too. They were following the traditional financial playbook—and it wasn't delivering the freedom they were promised. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Ryan D. Lee, author of Retire in 10 Years or Less, to discuss how he escaped the traditional retirement trap and built a life centered around cash flow, passive income, and freedom. Ryan shares: * The moment he realized the traditional retirement model was broken * How Rich Dad Poor Dad changed his financial future * Why cash flow matters more than net worth * How real estate and alternative assets accelerated his Freedom Day * Why financial freedom is only the beginning—not the destination If you're serious about achieving your own Freedom Day, this episode provides a practical roadmap to building financial independence faster than you thought possible. 👉 Subscribe and follow the Freedom Nation Podcast for more conversations about financial freedom, real estate, cash flow, and multiple streams of income. Episode Takeaways: • Why Ryan's first corporate paycheck was a wake-up call • How the 2008 financial crisis completely changed his view of money • Why net worth is a poor measurement of financial freedom • The impact of Rich Dad Poor Dad on Ryan's investing philosophy • How buying two rental properties per year transformed his future • The moment Ryan realized he could quit his corporate job • Why cash flow matters more than asset accumulation • The relationship between financial intelligence and freedom • How AI is accelerating wealth-building decisions today • Why financial freedom is the beginning of a purpose-driven life, not the end goal About the Guest: Ryan Lee is a leading voice in personal finance and the founder of Wealth Outside Wall Street, helping people break free from the traditional retirement model and build reliable passive income. After experiencing the 2008 financial collapse firsthand, Ryan developed his Passive Income Machine framework—combining real estate, tax strategy, and private capital systems to pursue financial freedom in under a decade. He has built a $250M real estate vault with over 3,000 deals completed, is the author of Retire in 10 Years or Less, hosts the Passive Income Machine Podcast, and has spoken on major stages including Funnel Hacking Live. Links: https://wealthoutsidewallstreet.com/ [https://wealthoutsidewallstreet.com/] https://www.facebook.com/ryan.d.lee.50 [https://www.facebook.com/ryan.d.lee.50] https://www.youtube.com/@WealthOutsideWallStreet [https://www.youtube.com/@WealthOutsideWallStreet] https://www.instagram.com/theryandlee/ [https://www.instagram.com/theryandlee/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-d-lee-31838b304/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-d-lee-31838b304/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'd go find the exact who, the person who's accomplished exactly what I want, and say, Man, how can I hang out with you for free? I will pick up your trash, I will get your coffee, I will hang out, I'll be your personal assistant, whatever. Let me hang out with you and let me absorb from you. And that's the fastest path to progression is find the who who's already done what you want to do and learn from them.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not going and finding the right who's fast enough. Trying to be the guy who does it all... I tried to do so much the hard way because I was unwilling to get good at hiring, training, and delegating.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Once I got laser-specific, clear, and engaged my emotional senses... everything started to make sense.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I'm gonna tell you it's Claude right now... We use Claude on a multi-daily basis for a myriad of things.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “Financial freedom is really simple. It's giving me the ability to have more control over my time and more options with what I do at that time.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Building GROAS from Scratch | David Porquery on AI, Bootstrapping, and Escaping Corporate Life

Many professionals spend years chasing prestigious careers, climbing the corporate ladder, and earning great money—only to discover they're trapped in a life they don't actually enjoy. The paychecks get bigger. The responsibilities grow. But freedom feels further away than ever. The longer you stay, the harder it becomes to leave. Golden handcuffs appear. Stock options vest. Lifestyle inflation creeps in. Before you know it, you've built a life that's difficult to escape—even when you know you're capable of something more. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Porquery, founder of GROAS, an AI-powered platform helping agencies and businesses optimize Google Ads campaigns through autonomous campaign management. David shares how he walked away from a successful private equity career to build GROAS from the ground up, why he chose to bootstrap instead of raising venture capital, and how AI is changing the future of marketing. David shares: * Why he knew he had to leave before it was too late * How he built a business while working demanding private equity jobs * The realities of bootstrapping versus venture capital * How AI is completely changing marketing and software development * Why freedom comes from choosing who you work with If you're building toward your own Freedom Day, this episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and creating a business that works for you—not the other way around. 👉 Subscribe and follow the Freedom Nation Podcast for more conversations about financial freedom, entrepreneurship, real estate, and multiple income streams. Episode Takeaways: • Why golden handcuffs become harder to escape every year • How David transitioned from private equity to entrepreneurship • The surprising lessons he learned from running e-commerce stores before launching GROAS • Why AI can outperform traditional campaign management in Google Ads • The advantages of bootstrapping versus raising venture capital • How venture capital incentives often conflict with founder goals • Why agencies became the ideal customer for GROAS • How AI is changing software development and programming forever • Why customer avatars are critical to business success • The future of AI-powered advertising and search marketing About the Guest: From a former Private Equity investor at HIG Capital who managed over $75 billion in assets to 7-figure e-commerce entrepreneur, David Pourquery is the founder of Groas AI ,creator of the world's first fully autonomous AI agents that outperform human Google Ads marketers. He has scaled groas to manage $35M+ monthly, zero VC funding and 100% ownership retained. Since launching, he has scaled the company fully bootstrapped whilst keeping 100% ownership of it. David's solution is not another "AI-powered tool." It is GROAS, fully autonomous AI agents that replace the need for human marketers entirely. They write ads, optimize campaigns, manage budgets, and drive conversions around the clock without supervision. David brings a unique perspective to the intersection of AI, advertising, and entrepreneurship, with hard-won lessons from both the operator's seat and the investor's chair. Links: https://www.groas.com/ [https://www.groas.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttttransformer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttttransformer] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Try land a first client doing the exact same thing I'm now.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Find your customer avatar and try service just them first.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “I think Richard Branson's autobiography is quite powerful.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Claude Code.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “I think for me, freedom is, are you working every day with the people you're gonna work with?” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

From Real Estate Agent to Investor | Corey Wayne Ogle on Smart Investing, Systems, and Building Freedom

A lot of people dream about financial freedom through real estate… but most never start. Why? Because they’re overwhelmed, afraid of making costly mistakes, or stuck believing they need millions to begin investing. The reality is… one bad property can destroy your momentum. Many first-time investors jump into deals too quickly, ignore warning signs, underestimate expenses, and end up underwater financially. And in expensive markets, it can feel impossible to even get started In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Corey Wayne Ogle, a New York real estate advisor who is now making the transition from helping investors… to becoming one himself. After more than a decade in real estate, Corey shares: What he learned from watching successful investors How to analyze deals conservatively Why due diligence matters more than hype The importance of systems and processes in building freedom How AI and social media are changing modern real estate business If you're serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode gives you a realistic look at how to start investing the smart way. 👉 Subscribe and follow the Freedom Nation Podcast for more conversations on financial freedom, real estate, cash flow, and multiple income streams. Episode Takeaways: • Why Corey believes every investment must be analyzed conservatively • The importance of due diligence before buying investment property • Why working with a local buyer’s agent can save you from expensive mistakes • How Corey backed out of a deal after discovering hidden risks • The strategy behind investing in familiar markets first • Why systems and processes create freedom in business • How social media has become a major lead-generation tool in real estate • The differences between short-term, mid-term, and traditional rentals • Why real estate success takes years of consistency—not overnight luck • How AI is helping entrepreneurs plan and scale faster About the Guest: Cory Wayne helps talented, heart-driven coaches turn inconsistent income into consistent $10K+ months—without sleazy tactics, gimmicks, or cookie-cutter strategies. Instead of telling coaches to “just post more,” they focus on what actually drives results: clear positioning, strong offers, and sales that feel aligned and ethical. They work with coaches who are stuck juggling a full-time job and a part-time coaching hustle that barely pays the bills, helping them identify the real problem—usually not their skills, but their strategy. Known for honest, constructive tough love, [Name] challenges coaches to stop hiding behind certifications and start building a business that supports the impact they want to make. Their philosophy is simple: sales is service, content needs a conversion path, and consistent action beats chasing every new marketing trend. Rather than chasing bigger audiences, they teach coaches how to attract the right clients and confidently make offers that transform lives—and businesses. Links: https://www.highline2hamptons.com/ [https://www.highline2hamptons.com/] https://www.instagram.com/coreywayne/ [https://www.instagram.com/coreywayne/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywayne/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywayne/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'm going to go to AI and I'm going to ask it the best ways to make a million bucks.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “My biggest business mistake… not starting a team of my own sooner.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “One of my favorite books that I read is The 12 Week Year.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Instagram… it’s annoying, but it’s a necessary evil.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to wake up in the morning and not feel like I am in a panic… as long as I execute X, Y, and Z and do what I need to do, I’m going to be fine.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

The Decade That Changes Everything | Albert Butler on Family, Leadership, and True Wealth

Most people spend their younger years chasing success without thinking deeply about legacy, leadership, or the impact they leave behind. Then life changes. Parents age. Children grow up. Responsibilities shift. And suddenly, success means something completely different. Many professionals hit midlife realizing they were prepared financially… but not emotionally or spiritually for the transition into leadership within their family and community. The loss of loved ones, changing responsibilities, and the pressure to become the example for others can feel overwhelming. And for many people, these years between 40 and 60 become the most defining years of their lives. In this deeply meaningful episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Albert Butler, CPA, MBA, and business leader, to discuss the lessons that transformed his perspective on success, leadership, and legacy. After losing both of his parents within a relatively short period of time, Albert experienced a major shift in identity and responsibility. That journey inspired him to think differently about family, purpose, and what it truly means to lead. In this conversation, you’ll learn: * Why “life happens between 40 and 60” * How adversity can create growth and maturity * The importance of generational leadership * Why failure and risk are necessary for success * How to think beyond money and focus on impact 👉 If you're serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will challenge you to think beyond wealth—and toward legacy. Episode Takeaways: • Why Albert believes “life happens between 40 and 60” • How losing both parents changed his identity and leadership role • The difference between financial success and generational impact • Why adversity often becomes the catalyst for growth • The responsibility of becoming the example others watch • Why risk and failure are necessary in entrepreneurship • The importance of stepping into leadership intentionally • How writing became a way to preserve legacy for his children • Why capitalism requires both winners and losers to function properly • How perspective shifts as you enter different seasons of life About the Guest: Albert Butler, CPA, MBA, is the Resident Partner-in-Charge of a national accounting firm, where he has led with integrity, strategy, and purpose for over 25 years. As a father of four, youth coach, and servant leader, Albert speaks from lived experience, transforming personal trials into lessons that fuel resilience, faith, and financial discipline. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: Accounting is the heartbeat of business and the key to personal finance success. Links: https://albertbutler.com/ [https://albertbutler.com/] https://www.facebook.com/people/Albertbutlercpa/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Albertbutlercpa/] https://www.youtube.com/@albertbutlercpa [https://www.youtube.com/@albertbutlercpa] https://www.instagram.com/albertbutlercpa/ [https://www.instagram.com/albertbutlercpa/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I actually take that 500 bucks… So again, it’s not about money. It’s not about money. Business is gone, I’m still smiling, I got my family. So that’s the… I will share this with the audience. I do not work for anybody. I have a career for my family.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I used to work for Halliburton in Houston. I left Houston… Yeah, I left too soon. I actually left some RSUs on the table.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Besides Life by Albert Butler, I would tell you… Ray Dalio’s Principles. It breaks down what’s really happening from a global perspective, understanding the money cycle. It’s a great, great, great read.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “The biggest tool that I recommend, honestly, is this one right here… Pen and pad, everybody.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “My definition of freedom is walking in your purpose, Jeff… write those things down in that circle. It doesn’t matter what it is… once you write it down, you start to walk toward that dream.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

From Money to Meaning | Jim Sabellico on Success, Fatherhood, and Showing Up for What Matters

You can be successful on paper… and still feel like your life is falling apart. Money is coming in. The business is growing. But your health, your relationships, your family—they’re quietly slipping away. That’s exactly where Jim Sabellico found himself. Working from 3AM to 9PM. Six days a week. Providing everything his family needed… Except himself. Until one moment changed everything— standing in front of a half-eaten birthday cake on his son’s birthday. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Jim Sabellico to unpack the moment that redefined success—and the journey that followed. You’ll learn: * Why traditional success can leave you empty * The hidden cost of “providing” without presence * How to redefine success across ALL areas of life * The 6 “slices” of a complete life * How to start showing up for what actually matters If you’re building wealth but losing yourself in the process… this episode is your wake-up call. 👉 Subscribe to the Freedom Nation Podcast and start building your own Freedom Day the right way. Episode Takeaways: • Success without presence leads to emptiness • The “half-eaten birthday cake” moment that changed everything • Why providing financially is not the same as being present • How burnout can destroy relationships and health • The importance of redefining success personally • The 6 “slices” of a full life: * Professional * Emotional * Relational * Financial * Spiritual * Physical • Why most people skip the step of feeling “seen and heard” before growth • How identity work is the foundation of transformation • Why relationships are the most powerful business tool • Freedom is when work and life feel the same About the Guest: Jim Sabellico is an entrepreneur, marketing expert, and host of the No Half Cakes podcast. After building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses, he realized success isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a life you won’t regret later. Now, he helps entrepreneurs redefine success, simplify their growth, and build businesses that align with their purpose. Through real stories and actionable insights, Jim empowers high achievers to take back control of their time, energy, and impact. Links: https://nohalfcakes.com/ [https://nohalfcakes.com/] https://www.facebook.com/jsabellico [https://www.facebook.com/jsabellico] https://www.youtube.com/@JimSabellico [https://www.youtube.com/@JimSabellico] https://www.instagram.com/jimsabellico [https://www.instagram.com/jimsabellico] https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsabellico/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsabellico/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Find someone to serve… when you actually help people genuinely, business will take care of itself.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking you have all the answers… thinking you know best.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit First… understanding how to properly allocate money was very helpful.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Analytics… and from a non-technical standpoint—relationships.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to live a life where people are gonna wonder if you're at work or at play.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.