Don't Follow Your Passion: Alyssa Nolte on Why Obsession Wins

Don't Follow Your Passion: Alyssa Nolte on Why Obsession Wins

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Alyssa Nolte shares her real-life journey from turning down high-paying corporate offers to joining a pre-revenue startup on 100% commission. She breaks down what drove those early bets, how the failures that followed helped her land clients like Salesforce, and why self-belief is the skill founders overlook most. Alyssa talks through the self-doubt that followed an acquisition and what the return to entrepreneurship actually cost her. She also gets into what a real support network looks like, how to tell product obsession from passing interest, and what team culture actually has to do with customer outcomes. Alyssa reflects on growing ology, her company that helps businesses understand why buyers make decisions, and shares what she learned along the way. If you want advice about sales, business model validation, customer relationships, and building resilience as an entrepreneur, this conversation is for you.If you're building something, or trying to, this one's worth your time. Connect with Alyssa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Learn more about our episode sponsor EZDC 3PL: www.ezdc3pl.com #entrepreneurship #podcast #ecommerce #startups

Holding the Checks: Anna Covert on the Day She Took Her Agency Back

In this episode, Dave sits down with Anna Covert, founder of Hawaii’s largest digital marketing agency, bestselling author, and trailblazing entrepreneur. Discover how Anna went from launching lemonade stands and dog-walking businesses as a kid to scaling her own marketing agency, navigating challenges, business partnerships, and industry shifts along the way. She shares honest insights on surviving the ups and downs of running an agency, handling client turnover, evolving with digital trends, and the reality behind taking your business solo. Anna explains her experience growing during economic downturns, innovating in solar and tech, and the importance of being hands-on—whether it’s managing a marketing campaign or writing bestselling business books. Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking new ways to adapt, build value, and connect with their audience, don’t miss this candid journey through the highs and lows of real-world entrepreneurship. Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-covert/ Learn more about our episode sponsor: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #entrepreneurship #digitalmarketing #podcast #personalbranding #womeninbusiness

From Incurable to Unstoppable: Building a Global Qigong Empire with Master Mingtong Gu

In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Master Mingtong Gu, renowned Qigong teacher and founder of an international healing community. Discover how one of the world’s leading Qigong instructors turned a deeply personal health challenge into a thriving venture impacting thousands of lives across the globe. We explore real-life stories of building a unique wellness business from humble beginnings, practical lessons on scaling a service-based operation, and the realities of launching retreats, online memberships, and managing a dedicated team in uncertain times. You’ll hear firsthand about adapting to new markets, maintaining dedication through setbacks, and the importance of community in business growth. Mingtong’s perspective offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and start-up founders seeking authentic strategies to grow their ventures, especially those in the wellness, coaching, and education industries. If you’re searching for inspiration from entrepreneurs who built a values-driven business from the ground up, this episode is for you. Connect with Mingtong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingtong-gu-60125119/ Learn more about our episode sponsor EZDC 3PL: https://ezdc3pl.com/ #qigong #wellness #healing #community #transformation

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