The Necessary Entrepreneur
Mark Perkins
Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 19, 2025 • 1h 26min
#130 - Win Your Next Hour with Danny Lehr
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins welcomes Danny Lehr — co-founder of Caffeine & Kilos, gym owner, and now author of the powerful new book, Win the Next Hour. Danny shares real-world insights on what it takes to do the hard things, make meaningful progress, and build momentum through consistent, mindful execution. Drawing from years of entrepreneurial experience, he breaks down the exact mental frameworks that have helped him grow multiple businesses, balance priorities, and enjoy the process — without burning out. 🧠 Topics Covered: 80% proficiency with 2 year commitment The secret to prioritizing by importance, not urgency How to simplify your path to success by focusing on the next hour Developing mindfulness as a business advantage Taking advantage of unexpected opportunities Building a life and business you actually enjoy Whether you're building a business, writing your first book, or just trying to get unstuck, this conversation will change how you approach time, goals, and growth. 📌Find Out More About Danny Lehr:https://dannylehr.com/ https://www.facebook.com/danny.lehr.9 https://www.instagram.com/danny_lehr/ https://shop.caffeineandkilos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/caffeineandkilos/ https://www.facebook.com/CaffeineAndKilos https://www.youtube.com/@CaffeineAndKilos 📚 Danny's new book, Win the Next Hour, is out now. 🛒 Get it here: Win Your Next Hour 📈 Perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and high-performers. 📌 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
May 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
#129 - Rich Diviney — Masters of Uncertainty & The Irony of Leadership
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, former Navy SEAL Commander and best-selling author Rich Diviney joins host Mark Perkins to talk about the mental edge required to lead, perform, and thrive when the stakes are high and the path isn't clear. Drawing from his new book, Masters of Uncertainty, Rich explores what it takes to stay calm, adaptable, and effective when everything around you is unpredictable. He breaks down the irony of leadership, the difference between finding talent vs developing talent, and how to recognize when you're simply burning through dopamine without creating anything meaningful. Topics covered include: Why the best leaders focus on the "how" instead of the "why" Building meaningful horizons instead of chasing success for its own sake How to pick your next mountain when you've already climbed a few Navigating uncertainty in both combat and entrepreneurship What real peak performance looks like outside of the highlight reel This conversation is for anyone looking to sharpen their mental game, upgrade their leadership, and thrive in the chaos of business and life. 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe for more high-performance conversations with real-world entrepreneurs and leaders. #RichDiviney #MastersOfUncertainty #TheNecessaryEntrepreneur #Leadership #PeakPerformance #DopamineCrash #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #DevelopingTalent #Uncertainty #MeaningfulGoals Find out more about Rich Diviney & The Attributes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richdiviney/ https://www.instagram.com/rich_diviney/ https://www.facebook.com/r.diviney https://theattributes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theattributes/ https://www.youtube.com/theattributes Purchase Rich's Books: https://theattributes.com/buy 📌 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
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
#128 - Unlocking Peak Performance with Todd Herman
In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark sits down with world-renowned performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman—the mind behind The 90 Day Year and The Alter Ego Effect. Todd has helped Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and elite entrepreneurs achieve peak performance, and today he shares his wisdom with our audience of driven creators and leaders. We dive deep into game-changing strategies around: ✅ How to seek out the best mentors and know who to listen to ✅ Discovering the greatest leverage points in business and life ✅ Unlocking creativity and becoming a world-class problem solver ✅ Why solution finding is the most important skill in today's world ✅ The origin and power of the 90 Day Year system ✅ Building elite habits through identity and intentional action This episode is a masterclass in clarity, focus, and execution for anyone serious about taking their game to the next level. 🎯 Whether you're building a business, scaling a brand, or leveling up personally, Todd's insights will help you take massive action with precision. 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow Todd Herman:Websites: https://toddherman.me/ https://www.90dayyear.com/ https://alteregoeffect.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@todd_herman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd_herman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toddhermanconnect X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/todd_herman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddherman1/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@todd_herman?lang=en 📌 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
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
#127 - John Hussey - Purchasing With A Purpose
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with John Hussey, longtime NFL referee turned CEO of CUDDLY, the leading fundraising platform for animal rescues. John shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports to building a mission-driven business that's transforming pet adoption and rescue support. We cover key topics, including: ✅ The Midas Touch – Turning passion into profit and long-term success ✅ Going All In – The mindset shift needed to fully commit and scale a business ✅ Affiliate Growth Strategies – Leveraging partnerships to expand brand reach ✅ Purchasing with Purpose – How CUDDLY connects pet lovers with rescues to drive meaningful change This episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, leadership wisdom, and business strategies that can help you build a brand that makes a difference. If you're interested in scaling a purpose-driven company, leveraging strategic partnerships, and creating impact, you won't want to miss this conversation! 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow CUDDLY:Website: https://cuddly.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAGvVfcMcQ2m_mK6ivzytg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welovecuddly Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welovecuddly X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/welovecuddly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuddly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@welovecuddly 📌 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
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 18min
#126 - Breaking Through The Competition with Dylan Jahraus
What does it take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from the ground up? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dylan Jahraus—entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist—to talk about her journey from the corporate environment to launching and scaling her own ventures. Dylan shares how her early career shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, why she intentionally hires athletes for their grit and mental toughness, and how taking action—rather than waiting for the perfect plan—creates clarity and momentum. 🔹 Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship 🔹 Why athletes make some of the best employees 🔹 How action leads to clarity and success 🔹 Smart financial and business growth strategies 🔹 Overcoming fear and building resilience This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to take control of their career, embrace uncertainty, and build something extraordinary. 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow Dylan Jahraus: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanjahraus https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/dylanjahrausofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanjahraus https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-jahraus-1467a020/ https://dylanjahraus.com #DylanJahraus #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Mindset #Grit #Success #TheNecessaryEntrepreneur #ActionCreatesClarity 📌 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
14 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
#125 - Bill Canady on Business Growth, Leadership, and the Power of the 80/20 Rule
Bill Canady, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership expert, shares invaluable insights on business growth and effective leadership. He dives into the 80/20 rule, illustrating how prioritizing the right efforts can yield significant results. Bill discusses wartime leadership, the art of acquiring and scaling businesses, and the importance of confidence in taking risks. Emphasizing the mantra that progress beats perfection, he offers strategies for fostering accountability and navigating change in business. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs!
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
#124 - Big Dave Unplugged: Radio, Life, and Laughs with Dave Chandler
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dave Chandler, better known as Big Dave from The Big Dave Show on B105. With years of experience as a top morning radio host, Dave shares his journey through the world of broadcasting, from losing his accent to navigating the ever-changing media landscape. He serves up some Tennessee cocktail wisdom, offers his best advice for students in broadcast, and delivers a dose of his signature humor with the challenge to "tell the audience something they don't know—and make it fun!" We also dive into the surprising philosophy behind "always taking the first exit," the "dead air" dreams that still haunt radio pros, and what it takes to stay relevant in an industry where every second counts. Whether you're an aspiring broadcaster, an entrepreneur, or just a fan of great storytelling, this conversation is packed with laughs, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at radio's biggest personality. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔ The art of losing an accent and finding your radio voice ✔ Tennessee cocktails and the stories behind them ✔ The best advice for students looking to break into broadcasting ✔ The secret to telling the audience something they don't know—while making it fun ✔ Why Dave believes in always taking the first exit ✔ "Dead air" dreams and the nightmares of live radio ✔ Lessons in longevity, reinvention, and staying fresh in media Don't miss this high-energy, entertaining conversation with Big Dave—subscribe, listen, and laugh along with us! 🎙️😂🚀 Find out more about Dave Chandler and The Big Dave Show: https://www.facebook.com/BigDaveShowB105 https://www.instagram.com/bigdaveshowb105 https://b105.com/shows/the-big-dave-show#p-the-big-dave-show-blog https://www.facebook.com/dave.chandler.73/ 📌 Subscribe & Follow The Necessary Entrepreneur for More: 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
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
#123 - Countering Negative Self-Talk - Kristen Butler
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Kristen Butler, bestselling author, founder of Power of Positivity, and mindset expert, to discuss her latest book, Instant Positivity: 365 Ways to Become 1% Better Every Day. Kristen reveals practical strategies to cultivate a positive mindset, prioritize wellness, and navigate life's challenges with resilience. We explore why "what you resist persists," the dangers of the comparison trap, and how to counter negative self-talk through gratitude and self-empowerment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply striving for personal growth, Kristen's insights will equip you with actionable tools to shift your mindset and unlock instant positivity. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔ "Instant Positivity" – practical steps to transform your mindset ✔ Prioritizing wellness for sustainable success ✔ Why we can't avoid hard times—and how to grow from them ✔ How to make positive thinking a lifestyle ✔ Understanding "what you resist persists" and shifting your focus ✔ Breaking free from the comparison trap ✔ Harnessing the power of gratitude for lasting change ✔ How to counter negative self-talk and rewire your mindset Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Kristen Butler—subscribe, listen, and start embracing instant positivity today! 🚀✨ Find out more about Kristen Butler: https://positivekristen.com/ https://www.facebook.com/positivekristen/ https://www.instagram.com/positivekristen/?hl=en https://x.com/positiveKristen? https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivekristen/ Find out more about Power of Positivity: https://www.powerofpositivity.com/ https://www.facebook.com/powerofpositivity https://www.instagram.com/powerofpositivity https://x.com/livepositivity https://www.youtube.com/powerofpositivity Order a copy of Instant Positivity: 365 Ways to Become 1% Better Every Day:https://a.co/d/ew3nti6 📌 Subscribe & Follow The Necessary Entrepreneur for More: 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
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
#122 - Extreme Ownership Mindset - Jeff Galletly
What does it take to truly own your journey—both in business and in life? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Jeff Galletly, CEO of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience. Jeff shares his experience of leaving the family business to carve his own path, what it means to truly feel like an entrepreneur, and how he applies the principle of extreme ownership to every aspect of his work. We also dive into his battle with bone cancer, how he kept moving forward by simply putting one foot in front of the other, and the hard things about hard things that every entrepreneur must face. Key Topics: ✅ Stepping away from the family business & forging his own path ✅ How to build the best team for success ✅ The extreme ownership mindset for entrepreneurs ✅ Facing life's biggest challenges with resilience ✅ The leadership philosophy: "If you act like an owner, I'll make you one" If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or business owner looking for insights on growth, leadership, and perseverance, this episode is for you! Find out more about Jeff Galletly & Brooklyn Dumpling Shop: https://www.brooklyndumplingshop.com https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndumplingshop/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/brooklyndumplingshop/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-galletly-792b523/ 📌 Subscribe & Follow The Necessary Entrepreneur for More: 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
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 46min
#121 - The Mystery of Films - Johnny Catalano
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with filmmaker and creative visionary Johnny Catalano to explore the intersection of passion, persistence, and the art of storytelling. From the power of blind optimism in chasing big dreams to the mystery of films that captivate audiences, Johnny shares his unique perspective on what makes cinema truly magical. We also dive into the gold standard for a great James Bond film, breaking down the key elements that separate the classics from the forgettable. Plus, Johnny gives us an exclusive look at the upcoming Catalano Film Festival, a celebration of bold storytelling and emerging talent in the industry. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to embrace creativity, take risks, and push forward with unstoppable optimism. Find out more about Johnny Catalano & The Catalano Film Festival: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13100827/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-catalano-358b12257/ https://www.instagram.com/johnnycatalanofilm/ https://www.instagram.com/catalanofilmco/ https://www.instagram.com/catalanofilmfestival/ https://www.facebook.com/johnny.catalano.391/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094342643097 📌 Subscribe & Follow The Necessary Entrepreneur for More: 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


