Intro: Entrepreneurship is not a "one size fits all" type of endeavor. I have always been fascinated why some people want to build companies and others are more comfortable operating alone. What characteristics make you more inclined one way or another? From Reynolds we learn that teamwork and a reliable network of partners is still vital whether you are a company builder or solopreneur. In either case, one can achieve balance and financial freedom. 1:29 -- Reynold's early career and drive to transition to entrepreneurship

8:02 -- Setting goals to achieve financial independence

11:39 -- From Corporate America to Real Estate, seeding the transition

20:52 -- Identifying a niche market - location, prop type, etc.

31:08 -- Solo Entrepreneur vs Team Dynamics; identifying what best suits you

44:23 -- Navigating set backs and failures in Real Estate Development

52:58 -- Developing a trustworthy financial model

100:02 -- Art of acquisition in business

105:14 -- Final thoughts and recommendations

Onward!

Intro: Nick was fortunate to cross paths early in his career and become a co-founder of a team where Mark Cuban participated in a large financing round. Having said that, Nick's experience taught him that raising the money isn't the goal, it's building a sustainable business. Further, my interview with Nick confirms that if a founder leans into their strength(s) (be it sales, operations, product, etc.) and, if one can find complimentary skill sets he/she can be successful across a multitude of industries. Finally, since he's now seeding his next company, and deciding to take a more measured approach to solving a big problem -- enjoy.

1:26 --- Nick's Entrep Journey

4:49 -- Redefining Failure

13:36 -- The challenge of raising money in today's environment versus 2015--2019.

15:26 -- Today's VCs are out of touch with their role in the market, in part because they are getting squeezed by LPs. It was interesting to get a seasoned founder's perspective on the topic.

24:19 -- Bringing canned water to Mexico City.

30:39 -- I challenge Nick's decision to leave software industry and go into consumer packaged goods (but I like his answer:)).

44:59 -- Why Nick takes a pen and paper to every meeting

58:12 -- Most important character trait Nick identifies with that has made him successful: people

Intro: It’s never too late to start a company, but in some ways it’s likely more difficult the longer one waits to take the proverbial jump, especially in the event you reach the “golden handcuff” stage as our guest, Dan O’Day, did when he became a VP at Thomson Reuters (TR), where he spent the better part of twelve years. TR, for those that aren’t as familiar with, is a company with a global presence and over 25,000 employees, and as of September 2024 was the 250th most valuable company in the world by market cap. However, those circumstance didn’t stop Dan from following his dreams, as he jumped both feet in (let’s just say after the age of 45) to start ECFX in 2019 and not only managed to navigate his start-up through Covid, but five years later the company is growing quickly, has ~35 employees and millions in annual revenues.

2:52 -- Dan's entrepreneurial origins

6:47 -- Leap from corporate world, taking advice from mentors

12:20 -- Intrapreneurship doesn't always work

15:06 -- Raising money and managing expectations:

"lighting a garbage can of money on fire"

21:16 -- Management style in today's employment market

30:13 -- Navigating the mid-stage cycle and journey now five (5) years in? What are the key aspects to balance now? What's the rule of 40?

51:12 -- What keeps you up at night, now that you are 5 (five) years in and have dodged the start-up cycle of death in first couple of years?

1:02 -- Perfect is the enemy of the good

1:05 -- Dan's top books for business owners