How Russell Brunson Started and Grew ClickFunnels

What Robert Irvine Learned After Starting His First Business at 31

Some of the most valuable business lessons don’t come from success but from the companies that don’t survive. In this episode of How I Started, Connor Boyack sits down with chef, entrepreneur, and business builder Robert Irvine, who shares how a love for home economics and understanding unit costs became the foundation for his first companies. Robert walks through his early seasoning business, the lessons learned from failure, why knowing your numbers matters more than motivation, and how discipline, mentorship, and product differentiation shape long-term success. Listeners will learn how entrepreneurial thinking applies far beyond startups, and why progress, not perfection, is what truly compounds over time. Things You Will Learn * How understanding costs early can prevent common founder mistakes * Why product differentiation matters more than passion alone * How entrepreneurial thinking applies beyond running your own business Tools & Frameworks Covered * Unit Cost Analysis – helps founders price products sustainably * Market Differentiation Thinking – clarifies why your product exists * Early Market Testing (Fairs & Pop-Ups) – validates demand before scaling #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #BusinessLessons #StartupMindset #HowIStarted

How Completely Changing Her Product Saved Her Business: The Bead Borough

However, it soon became apparent she needed to make a significant change in order to continue to grow her business. Sawyer shares the stories of her very first sales and how she learned a whole new skill for the sake of her business, The Bead Borough. Guest Links: * https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091766717247 * https://www.instagram.com/p/DX4zQr_iefc/ Key topics: 1. Youth entrepreneurship 2. Crochet business 3. Learning new skills 4. Making the first sale #BeadBorough #YouthEntrepreneur #CrochetBusiness #MarketVendor

How Christina Tosi Started and Grew Milk Bar

Building something meaningful often begins with a small win, a lot of doubt, and the decision to keep going anyway. In this episode, Connor Boyack sits down with Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar and bestselling cookbook author, to talk honestly about how her love for baking slowly turned into a real business. Christina shares the early moments that shaped her confidence, the lessons she learned working for others before betting on herself, and the hard decisions that helped Milk Bar stand out in an industry crowded with look-alikes. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t about following a perfect path, it’s about paying attention, adjusting when things don’t work, and staying true to what makes your idea worth building. Things You Will Learn * How to differentiate in a crowded market without reinventing the category * Why early validation and competition can shape long-term entrepreneurial thinking * How goal setting creates clarity while still leaving room for flexibility Tools & Frameworks Covered * White Space Thinking – Helps founders adapt strategy without abandoning the vision * Goal-Post Method – Turning long-term dreams into achievable short-term targets * Differentiation Framework – Creating value in industries filled with similar products #FounderJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupStories #CreativeEntrepreneur #HowIStarted

Turning Passion and Perseverance into Profits: The Vintage Violet

Kenzleigh Reed-Wynn goes into depth about her journey with her small business, The Vintage Violet. Kenzleigh shares the heart and story behind her unique offerings, including build-your-own bouquets, homemade sugar scrubs, and simmer pots. Her challenges, accomplishments, and stories from the markets make for an excellent listen for entrepreneurs of all ages. Guest Links: https://www.instagram.com/kenz.thevintageviolet/ Key topics: * Selling make your own bouquets * Turning personal restrictions into product ideas * Young entrepreneurship * Facing weather challenges * Overcoming shy tendencies #youthentrepreneurship #kidsmarkets #flowerbusiness #youngentrepreneur #smallbusiness #handmadeproducts #marketchallenges #personalgrowth #adviceforkids #floralarrangements

The Career Journey of Mike Tannenbaum, Former NFL General Manager

Most people only see the highlight reel but every lasting career is built in the quiet, unseen moments. In this episode of How It Started, Connor Boyack speaks with Mike Tannenbaum, former NFL General Manager, ESPN analyst, and founder of The 33rd Team, about the long road behind his career in professional sports. Mike shares how working for free, saying yes to unglamorous roles, and focusing on service shaped his path from intern to executive. They talk about building trust, creating value in any role, and why progress comes from committing to the process rather than chasing quick wins. This conversation offers clear lessons for anyone starting out, especially those learning how small decisions add up over time. Things You Will Learn * How to make yourself useful before you have influence or authority * How to build relationships without making them transactional * Why focusing on process builds confidence, resilience, and momentum Tools & Framework * Value-First Approach – Serving before expecting results * Relationship-Building vs. Transactional Thinking – Creating trust instead of asking for favors * Listening as Leverage – Using attention and curiosity to stand out #Resilience #LeadershipLessons #HowItStarted #ValueCreation #PersonalGrowth