The Necessary Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Russell Breuer, CEO and founder of Spot & Tango, to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a direct-to-consumer brand in a competitive market. Russell shares the entrepreneurial mindset behind launching a premium pet food company and the realities of navigating the complex world of DTC growth, customer acquisition costs, retention metrics, and operational challenges. He explains why successful founders must operate with a "no other option" mentality, how first-principles thinking helps solve business problems at the root, and why relationships, both with customers and teams, are critical to long-term success. Mark and Russell dive into the daily realities of entrepreneurship, including constant problem solving, decision-making under uncertainty, and maintaining a "day one" mentality even as a company scales. Russell also discusses product differentiation, customer feedback loops, marketing strategy, and the evolving future of the pet food industry. This episode provides valuable insights for founders, operators, and leaders building brands in today's competitive environment, especially those navigating direct-to-consumer business models. In this episode, you'll learn: How to build and scale a direct-to-consumer brand The importance of metrics, retention, and customer lifetime value Why first-principles problem solving drives better decisions How differentiation creates competitive advantage The role of relationships and team dynamics in business success Why maintaining a "day one" mindset matters as you grow Lessons learned from building a fast-growing pet food company Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a consumer brand, or leading a growing organization, this conversation offers practical insights into the realities of entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Russell Breuer & Spot & Tango:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-breuer-0b3b57/ https://www.instagram.com/spotandtango/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1000066503949814 https://www.tiktok.com/@spotandtago

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Karen Ann Canham, founder of Karen Ann Wellness, to explore a topic most entrepreneurs ignore until it becomes unavoidable: mental and emotional capacity. Karen shares how nervous system regulation, trauma awareness, and body-based healing directly impact leadership, decision-making, and business growth. This conversation goes beyond traditional mindset talk and dives into the physiological realities behind stress, burnout, and performance, and why strategy alone isn't enough if your internal capacity can't support the pressure of entrepreneurship. Mark and Karen discuss the limitations of conventional therapy models, the role of stored emotional patterns in business behavior, and how self-leadership requires taking ownership of both your internal state and external results. Karen explains how entrepreneurs often unknowingly operate from past experiences that shape risk tolerance, relationships, and leadership style, and how addressing those patterns can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. If you're building a business while managing stress, uncertainty, or personal growth challenges, this episode offers a perspective that connects emotional wellness with practical entrepreneurial performance. In this episode, you'll learn: Why mental wellness is foundational to sustainable business success How your nervous system affects decision-making, leadership, and growth The difference between strategy problems and capacity problems How trauma and past experiences influence entrepreneurial behavior What self-leadership really means in business and life Why emotional awareness can accelerate personal and professional progress This conversation is essential for founders, leaders, and high performers who want to grow without burning out, and who understand that the most important asset in business is the person running it. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Karen Canham & Karen Ann Wellness:https://www.karenannwellness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/karenann_wellness/ https://www.facebook.com/karenannwellness1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannwellness/

What does it really take to build a business that lasts, especially in a highly competitive, high-stakes industry? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Michael McCready, Founder and Principal of McCready Law, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and leadership required to grow a successful firm while staying grounded in purpose and client care. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey of building a personal injury law firm from the ground up, emphasizing why passion for the work, genuine relationships, and long-term thinking matter more than shortcuts or hype. He explains how hiring the right people, not just the most technically skilled, has been critical to sustainable growth, and how leaders must evolve as their organization scales. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are reshaping the legal profession, what business owners should understand about competitive pressure, and why defining success on your own terms is essential as your responsibilities grow. Mark and Michael discuss: How to build a values-driven business in a competitive industry The leadership mistakes founders make as they scale Why relationships and reputation are long-term advantages How AI and technology are changing the future of law and business Defining success beyond revenue and titles Thinking about legacy while still actively building This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, professional service firm owners, and founders who want to grow with integrity, clarity, and intention, without losing sight of why they started. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Michael McCready & McCready Law: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccready/ https://mccreadylaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccready-law/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIZfwXk7RGYx_Ju_VGhNt_Q https://www.facebook.com/McCreadyLaw/#

What if the business you worked so hard to build is the very thing stealing your time, energy, and joy? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Michael Walsh, President of the Walsh Business Growth Institute and author of the 2025 book Freedom By Design: The Established Business Owner's Guide to Grow, Make an Impact, and Find Joy Again. Michael has spent decades helping established entrepreneurs break free from chaos, overwork, and stagnation by installing the leadership, systems, and accountability required for real growth. In this conversation, he explains why many successful founders feel trapped by their own companies, and what must change to reclaim control, clarity, and purpose. You'll hear Mark and Michael discuss: Why hard-working entrepreneurs often feel burned out and stuck How founders unknowingly become the bottleneck as their business grows The leadership shift required to scale without sacrificing freedom Why systems and structure unlock both growth and joy The core ideas behind Freedom By Design and why established owners, not startups, need it most This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs who want more than revenue, who want a business that works for them, not the other way around. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Michael Walsh & Walsh Business Growth Institute:https://walshbusinessgrowth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walsh/

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Walter Green, founder of the Say It Now Movement and author of the new book The Gratitude Express, for a deep and reflective conversation on human connection, leadership, and the power of asking better questions. Rather than focusing on tactics or traditional business frameworks, this episode explores what actually shapes meaningful lives and organizations. Walter shares why questions, not answers, are often the most powerful contribution we can make, and how unspoken gratitude quietly erodes relationships, culture, and leadership over time. The conversation centers on the philosophy behind the Say It Now Movement, which challenges people to express appreciation while it still matters, not after it's too late. Walter and Mark discuss why gratitude is often delayed, avoided, or intellectualized, and how that hesitation shows up in families, teams, and entrepreneurial environments. Walter also introduces the ideas behind The Gratitude Express, a book that reframes gratitude as an active, lived practice rather than a passive feeling. Together, they examine how awareness, presence, and intentional communication can transform how leaders show up for others and for themselves. This episode is a thoughtful listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone interested in personal growth, human nature, and building cultures rooted in meaning rather than performance alone. In this episode, you'll hear about: The philosophy behind the Say It Now Movement Why questions are often more powerful than answers Gratitude as a leadership practice, not a platitude What holds people back from expressing appreciation Insights from Walter Green's new book The Gratitude Express Human connection, presence, and emotional honesty in leadership If you're drawn to conversations about purpose, self-awareness, and the deeper layers of entrepreneurship, this episode offers a grounded and memorable perspective. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Walter Green & Say It Now Movement https://justsayitnow.org/ https://www.instagram.com/sayitnowmovement/ https://www.facebook.com/sayitnowmovement https://youtu.be/mogvN4IVAdQ?si=eVx2Od9fRPyu6nja https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Express-Walter-Green/dp/B0FV228NTD

Dinakara Nagalla, technologist, Human-Centered AI Architect, and author of Becoming Human: Embracing Imperfection and Finding Purpose, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a thoughtful conversation about technology, humanity, and what gets lost when progress moves faster than understanding. Dinakara breaks down what human-centered AI really means, and why intelligence without context, empathy, and responsibility often creates more problems than it solves. Drawing on ideas from Becoming Human, he and Mark explore how modern systems push people toward optimization and perfection, while ignoring imperfection as a source of meaning, growth, and purpose. The conversation moves beyond AI hype to focus on systems thinking, human judgment, and the importance of keeping people meaningfully involved in decision-making. Dinakara shares why embracing imperfection is essential, not just in technology design, but in leadership, creativity, and personal development. This episode offers a grounded perspective for entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders who want to understand how AI shapes behavior, trust, and identity, and how staying human in the process matters more than chasing efficiency. Topics include: What human-centered AI actually looks like in practice Insights from Becoming Human: Embracing Imperfection and Finding Purpose Why imperfection plays a critical role in growth and meaning Systems thinking and responsible technology design Keeping human judgment in the loop as AI advances 🎧 A reflective, clarity-driven conversation for anyone thinking deeply about technology, purpose, and what it means to build systems that serve humans, not replace them. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Dinakara Nagalla: https://dinakaranagalla.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinakaranagalla/ https://www.instagram.com/dlnagalla/ https://www.facebook.com/dlnagalla/

Udo Erasmus, founder of Udo's Choice and a longtime thinker on health and human nature, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a reflective conversation about pain, purpose, and understanding how we're wired as human beings. Udo explains why pain often forces change, but why pursuing a clear vision is far more powerful and sustainable. Drawing from decades of observation and experience, he outlines his framework for understanding the six parts of human nature and why most people struggle without a clear understanding of their internal makeup. Throughout the conversation, Udo emphasizes self-discovery over external validation, explaining how greater internal awareness can lead to clarity, confidence, and more intentional decision-making. Mark and Udo explore why so many people feel disconnected from themselves and how understanding human nature can create a stronger foundation for health, leadership, and life. This episode is a thoughtful discussion for listeners interested in personal growth, long-term well-being, and deeper self-understanding, without hype or shortcuts. Topics include: Pain vs. vision as a driver of change The six parts of human nature Self-discovery and internal awareness Why external validation falls short Building clarity and confidence from within 🎧 A grounded, perspective-driven episode for anyone seeking depth, understanding, and a clearer view of what drives human behavior. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Udo Erasmus & Udo's Choice: https://udoerasmus.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theudoerasmus/ https://www.instagram.com/udoerasmus/

Rebecca Matchett, co-founder of the Synchrony App, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a real-world conversation about building a startup before you fully know what you're getting into, and why that can actually work in your favor. Rebecca shares what she learned launching her first company, the mistakes founders only recognize in hindsight, and the hard-earned lessons that now shape how she builds. They dig into early product decisions, marketing and branding at the startup stage, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a functioning, growing app. This episode cuts through startup mythology and focuses on execution, awareness, and learning fast, making it a must-listen for founders, operators, and entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of building something real. Topics include: Building your first startup (and surviving the learning curve) Co-founding and early product decisions Marketing and branding at the startup stage Scaling a new app and business from scratch Real-world lessons from the founder journey 🎧 If you're building, scaling, or thinking about your next move as an entrepreneur, this episode delivers the kind of perspective you only get from someone actively in the arena. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Rebecca Matchett & Synchrony: https://joinsynchrony.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/ https://www.facebook.com/joinsynchrony https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winn-matchett-6356481/

*Quick Note: Audio quality varies in parts of this episode. We chose to share it anyway because the conversation was too valuable to hold back. Thanks for listening. Mike and Kass Lazerow return to The Necessary Entrepreneur for their second appearance with host Mark Perkins, delivering another candid, no-BS conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and long-term success. As serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Buddy Media, acquired by Salesforce, Mike and Kass bring hard-earned perspective from decades of building, scaling, and enduring inside high-stakes businesses. In this episode, they expand on the themes from their book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, digging deeper into why entrepreneurship is often uncomfortable, emotionally demanding, and misunderstood by those who only see the upside. The conversation revisits lessons from helping grow Golf.com, navigating major exits, and the identity shifts that come after "winning." Mark, Mike, and Kass explore why resilience, self-awareness, and emotional durability matter more than raw intelligence, and why most people underestimate the personal cost of building something meaningful, especially when you're doing it alongside a spouse or long-term partner. This return episode goes further than their first appearance, tackling what happens after success: reinvention, burnout, ego management, and how founders recalibrate their definition of achievement once the scoreboard resets. It's an honest look at entrepreneurship without hype, shortcuts, or motivational fluff. Essential listening for founders, CEOs, operators, and entrepreneurs who want substance over soundbites, and the truth about what it really takes to last. Topics covered include: Why Mike & Kass returned to The Necessary Entrepreneur Lessons since their first appearance on the show Building Buddy Media and selling to Salesforce Early growth insights from Golf.com Inside Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story Founder resilience, identity, and reinvention Marriage, partnership, and entrepreneurship Redefining success after an exit 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur is hosted by Mark Perkins and features in-depth conversations with experienced founders and operators focused on long-term value, not hype. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Kass and Mike:https://kassandmike.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike/ https://www.facebook.com/kassandmike https://www.tiktok.com/@kassandmikeofficial www.youtube.com/@KassandMike 📘 Order Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story Here

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Patrick Rogers, Partner at Elkridge Advisors, for an in-depth conversation on wealth management for entrepreneurs, financial decision-making, and building long-term financial clarity as a business owner. Patrick advises founders, executives, and high-earning entrepreneurs on financial planning, investing, and capital strategy, especially during periods of growth, liquidity events, and business transitions. In this episode, he breaks down the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, why complexity often creates more risk than value, and how incentives quietly shape long-term outcomes. Mark and Patrick explore what financial independence really means for entrepreneurs, how mindset influences money decisions, and why many successful founders still feel uncertainty around wealth despite strong income or exits. The conversation focuses on practical thinking around money, not shortcuts, hype, or financial guru tactics. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs who want their business success and personal finances aligned, whether they're scaling, preparing for an exit, or building a sustainable long-term plan. Topics covered include: Wealth management strategies for entrepreneurs and founders Common financial planning mistakes business owners make How to think about investing as income grows The role of mindset in financial decision-making Aligning personal wealth goals with business strategy 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Patrick Rogers & ElkridgeAdvisors:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickvrogers/ https://elkridgeadvisors.com/