The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan

He started in a basement with nothing but grit — and nearly lost everything. In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Anthony Amunategui, founder and president of CDO Group, a national commercial construction firm that now builds over one million square feet of retail space every year for some of the biggest brands in the world. Anthony opens up about the moments most entrepreneurs never talk about — bankruptcy, shame, ego, burnout, and rebuilding from the ground up. From letting go of his entire team two weeks before Christmas to transforming his company into a debt-free, people-first organization, this conversation goes far beyond business tactics. We talk about: • Why relentless behavior matters more than talent • The moment Anthony realized he was the bottleneck • How bankruptcy reshaped his leadership forever • Why process beats chaos in scaling a business • How AI is changing construction — and leadership • What real success looks like beyond money If you’re building a company, questioning your leadership, or trying to scale without losing yourself — this episode will hit home. 🎧 Watch or listen now 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations about business, leadership, and long-term success. Who is Anthony Amunategui? Anthony Amunategui is the founder of CDO Group, a national commercial construction firm he launched nearly 25 years ago from his basement. Today, CDO Group builds over a million square feet of retail space each year for some of the world’s largest brands. As host of The Future Factory Podcast, Anthony explores the technologies and ideas shaping the world’s future—from artificial intelligence to leadership, innovation, and human potential. His interviews blend curiosity with experience, revealing what drives success in business and in life. Raised in a humble household, Anthony turned early challenges into fuel for growth—transforming a modest dream into a $100 million construction enterprise and a platform for big conversations about the future. Whether building companies or connecting with thought leaders, his mission remains the same: to uncover how vision, resilience, and creativity build a better tomorrow. Anthony Amunategui’s Website Link:  https://www.futurefactorypodcast.com/ Anthony Amunategui’s  Social Media Link:  www.youtube.com/@FutureFactoryPodcast Instagram: @futurefactorypodcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He didn’t build a luxury brand by doing everything. He built it by doing one thing exceptionally well — consistently. In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Larry Walshe, founder of This Is Beyond, one of the world’s most respected luxury event and design houses. Larry’s journey began with £700 and a dining room table, and today his work spans Royal households, global luxury brands, and A-list clients. This conversation goes beyond aesthetics and into the real foundations of sustainable success. Larry shares: • Why focus is the true advantage in luxury and business • How consistency beats talent over the long term • The systems behind scaling a creative business without burnout • Why staying in your lane creates both freedom and profitability • What entrepreneurs misunderstand about “doing more” If you’re a founder, creative, or entrepreneur trying to scale without losing your edge — this episode will change how you think about growth, discipline, and freedom. 🎧 Watch or listen now 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, and building success that lasts. Who is Larry Walshe? Larry Walshe is the Founder and Creative Director of Larry Walshe Studios, an internationally recognised floral and event design house with studios in London, New York City, Lake Como and Cannes. Commissioned by Royal Households, private clients and some of the world’s most discerning luxury brands, Larry has built a global business known for delivering high-touch celebrations and large-scale scenic environments with exceptional precision. Under his leadership, the studio has evolved beyond floristry into immersive scenic and set design — shaping entire atmospheres through flowers, light, texture and architectural form. Larry leads a global team and a trusted network of specialist partners, overseeing complex projects across multiple markets while maintaining a clear creative vision and meticulous standards in execution. In addition to the studio, Larry also runs two further businesses: Bloom, a modern floristry brand, and Elite Furniture Hire, a design-led rental company supplying curated furniture and props for events, weddings and productions. Across each venture, his focus remains the same: to create distinctive experiences, scale with integrity, and set a benchmark for design excellence worldwide. Larry Walshe’s Website Link:  www.larrywalshe.com Larry Walshe’s  Social Media Link: Instagram: www.instagram.com/larrywalshe Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He sold his company to Coca-Cola for over $200 million — then did something almost no founder ever does. He bought it back. In this episode, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO Coconut Water, shares the real story behind creating an entirely new beverage category, selling to one of the biggest corporations in the world, and realizing that financial success doesn’t automatically equal freedom. From his early days in the Peace Corps to building a global brand, investing in companies like Beyond Meat, and redefining what success actually means, this conversation goes far deeper than business tactics. Mark opens up about: • Why exits don’t always bring freedom • The emotional trap entrepreneurs fall into after success • Building businesses with purpose, not just profit • What he learned buying his own company back • Why questioning your own beliefs may be the real key to success If you’re an entrepreneur chasing growth, exits, or impact — this episode will challenge how you define success. 🎧 Listen now and discover what happens after the big win. Who is Mark Rampolla? Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors, including Jesse Itzler and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Now, through GroundForce Capital, Mark manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry. Mark Rampolla’s Website Link:  https://zico.com/ https://www.groundforcecapital.com/ Mark Rampolla’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/ https://www.instagram.com/marksrampolla/ https://www.facebook.com/marksrampolla/ https://www.youtube.com/@markrampolla8844/featured https://x.com/TheMarkRampolla/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being great at what you do isn’t enough anymore. If people can’t find you… they can’t hire you. In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Kirsten Graham, visibility strategist and founder of The Six-Figure Standard, to talk about why so many talented entrepreneurs stay stuck as the best-kept secret in their industry—and what it actually takes to break through. Kirsten has helped countless business owners simplify their marketing, delegate the right way, and use video to create consistent visibility without burning out or trying to do everything themselves. In this conversation, we cover: Why talent and hard work don’t automatically lead to growth The real reason most entrepreneurs stay invisible (and don’t realize it) How video creates trust faster than any other marketing channel What to delegate first if you want to scale without chaos Why consistency beats complexity every time How to stop hiding behind “busy” and start building momentum If you’re running a solid business but struggling to grow your audience, your authority, or your income—this episode will give you clarity and a practical path forward. 🎧 Watch or listen now and stop being the best-kept secret in your space. 👉 Ready to simplify your finances and build a stronger business foundation? Visit lessmathmoremoney.com to access a free masterclass that shows you how to get your finances in order and outsource your bookkeeping—so you can stop stressing over the numbers and start building a solid financial foundation for long-term growth. Who is Kirsten Graham? Kirsten understands that time is the most valuable asset for business owners. That's why she helps them transition from being invisible to gaining visibility with the right audiences. Through strategic video marketing and podcast guesting, Kirsten empowers business owners to build authority and generate quality leads. Plus, with the support of a VA, business owners can free up their time to focus on growing their income. Kirsten Graham’s Website Link:  https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/ Kirsten Graham’s  Social Media Link:  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sixfigurebusinesscoachingWebsite: https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SixFigureBusinessCoachingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.graham.3517LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfbizcoaching/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the life you want didn’t require a college degree—just grit, vision, and the courage to bet on yourself? In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Ken Rusk, best-selling author of Blue Collar Cash, founder of Rusk Industries (a nine-figure construction company), and host of the Comfort, Peace, and Freedom podcast. Ken started digging ditches at just 15 years old—and never stopped designing a life on his own terms. We dive deep into: Why the belief “you must go to college to succeed” is one of the biggest lies we tell young people How blue-collar skills are creating the next generation of millionaires Why freedom, not money, is the real definition of success How empowering your people—not controlling them—unlocks massive growth Why AI will enhance, not replace, skilled trades How to design a life built around comfort, peace, and freedom (your version, not someone else’s) If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone questioning the traditional path to success, this conversation will challenge how you think about work, wealth, and fulfillment. 🎧 Watch or listen now and rethink what success really looks like. Who is Ken Rusk? Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker known for his book Blue-Collar Cash and his podcast Comfort, Peace & Freedom. As the founder of Rusk Industries, a nine-figure construction business, Ken champions workplace culture, life design, and entrepreneurship. His insights have been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox Business, and more, and he’s made multiple TV appearances. A passionate mentor, he supports organizations like Make-A-Wish and teaches at Boys & Girls Clubs. Ken’s next book will focus on building workplace cultures that attract and retain top talent while driving business success. Ken Rusk’s Website Link:  kenrusk.com Ken Rusk’s  Social Media Link:  www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel www.youtube.com/@geobreezetravel Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every dollar you’re already spending in your business could pay for first-class flights, five-star hotels, and luxury travel experiences—without opening dozens of credit cards? In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Julia Menez, founder of Geo Breeze Travel, a former actuary turned travel strategist who teaches entrepreneurs and high-income professionals how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences. Julia has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Money Magazine, and Business Insider, and her work has inspired over 400,000 followers to travel smarter—not harder. In this conversation, we cover: ✈️ The biggest myths about points & miles that cost entrepreneurs real money 💳 Why you don’t need 20 credit cards to travel in luxury 🧠 The simple strategy most business owners overlook when using credit cards 🏨 How to turn business expenses into first-class flights and five-star hotels 📈 When paying transaction fees actually makes financial sense 🌍 Why optimizing travel isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being strategic Julia also shares her journey from actuarial science to building a globally recognized brand—and why representation and accessibility matter in the world of travel hacking. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or high-income professional who travels—or wants to—this episode will completely change how you think about expenses. 🎧 Watch or listen now and learn how to stop leaving travel money on the table. Who is Julia Menez? Julia Menez is a travel strategist and points coach helping business owners and high-cashflow professionals turn everyday spending into luxury travel—without falling into debt or opening dozens of credit cards.  A former actuary turned founder of Geobreeze Travel, Julia built a proven system that transforms credit card rewards into first-class flights, hotel suites, and bucket-list experiences.   Her podcast, Geobreeze Travel, features top award travel experts and has inspired 325,000+ followers to design lives of freedom, joy, and smart spending. Named one of CNN Underscored’s Top Travel Coaches, she’s been quoted in outlets like Fodor's Travel, Money Magazine, Business Insider, and The New York Times. Julia’s tools don’t just optimize travel—they empower travelers to live boldly, travel freely, and master money with purpose. Julia Menez’s Website Link:  www.geobreezetravel.com Julia Menez’s  Social Media Link:  www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel www.youtube.com/@geobreezetravel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if losing your job became the moment that unlocked your greatest success? In this special episode, Jason Duncan sits down with Pat Flynn, legendary creator of Smart Passive Income, author, speaker, and one of the most influential online entrepreneurs of the past decade. Pat’s story is the definition of resilience — from getting laid off as an architect in 2008… to building multiple successful online businesses, inspiring millions, and becoming a true pioneer in digital entrepreneurship. Inside this conversation, Jason and Pat go deep on: 🔥 How Pat built his first online business after hitting rock bottom 🔥 The truth about “passive income” and why most people misunderstand it 🔥 How to validate ideas, find your niche, and turn your skills into income 🔥 Why transparency transformed his brand and built lifelong superfans 🔥 The exact mindset shifts that separate successful creators from everyone else 🔥 Affiliate marketing, content platforms, and how to build an audience that buys Pat also breaks down his books, his business philosophy, and what he wishes every aspiring entrepreneur understood before starting. If you want the real story behind online business — without the hype or shortcuts — this episode is a masterclass. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now. Hear how Pat Flynn built a career that changed millions of lives. Who is Pat Flynn? Pat Flynn is a father, husband, and entrepreneur who lives and works in San Diego, CA. He owns several successful online businesses and is a professional blogger, keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and host of the Smart Passive Income and AskPat podcasts, which have earned a combined total of over 80 million downloads, multiple awards, and features in publications such as The New York Times and Forbes. He is also an advisor to ConvertKit, Circle, and several other companies in the digital marketing arena. Pat Flynn’s Website Link:  www.patflynn.com and www.smartpassiveincome.com Pat Flynn’s  Social Media Link:  https://twitter.com/patflynn https://www.youtube.com/user/smartpassiveincome https://www.instagram.com/patflynn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could sell your business, roll your profits into real estate, and build generational wealth — faster than you ever thought possible? In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Brian Truman, a commercial real estate broker, investor, and entrepreneur who has helped hundreds of founders turn business exits into long-term wealth. With decades of experience in business brokerage, negotiations, and multifamily deals, Brian breaks down: How to design a Life by Design (instead of letting your business run you) Why most business owners FAIL at planning their exit How to turn fear into action when investing in commercial real estate The simple wealth-building strategy anyone can start TODAY What founders MUST understand before selling their business The key to building generational wealth for your family If you're a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur looking to transition from business operator to wealth creator… this episode is a masterclass. 🎧 Watch the full episode now and learn how to exit smarter, build wealth faster, and design the life you want. Who is Brian Truman? Brian Truman is a seasoned commercial real estate advisor at Accel Group, where he has specialized in multi-family and investment sales, as well as business brokerage, since 2016. With over 24 years of experience in consultative sales and change management, he has led and negotiated high-value deals across both public and private sectors, often working with C-level executives. A former City Councilman and Board of Zoning and Appeals member, Brian is deeply committed to community service and strategic growth. As head of the SVN | Accel commercial team, he has driven significant expansion using a forward-thinking, tech-enabled approach to help clients build and preserve generational wealth. He actively leads the Multifamily Focus Group for REIN, serves on the board of CCC Nashville, and is a frequent speaker and podcast guest. A Middle Tennessee resident since 2006, Brian balances professional success with a strong family life, living locally with his wife and four sons. Brian Truman’s Website Link:  https://accelcre.com/ Brian Truman’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-truman-1164418/ https://www.instagram.com/brian.truman.accelcre/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/brian.truman.12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the difference between getting funded—or getting ignored—came down to one sentence, one structure, or one mindset shift? In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Richard C. Wilson, founder & CEO of the Family Office Club, the largest community of ultra-wealthy investors on the planet. Richard has personally built relationships with more than 1,500 investors, interviewed 47 billionaires, and built an ecosystem that helps founders raise capital with precision. This conversation goes far deeper than money. Richard reveals what billionaires REALLY look for, how deal structures make or break fortunes, and why founders fail long before they enter the room. 🔥 HIGH-IMPACT TAKEAWAYS: Why investors choose founders—not ideas The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when raising capital How to structure deals so wealthy investors actually say yes The “brute force reciprocation” mindset Richard uses to win relationships The habits, books, and environments that shape billionaire thinking The truth about legacy, values, and raising children with purpose Plus, Jason and Richard talk about mindset, proximity, and the surprising truths billionaires share behind closed doors. 👉 Watch the full episode to learn how the ultra-wealthy think, act, and build—straight from the man who works with them daily. Who is Richard C. Wilson? Richard C. Wilson, an Eagle Scout based in Hawaii, has spent 18 years running one of the world’s largest investor clubs—Family Office Club (FamilyOffices.com). Leveraging proprietary data from 1,500 investors across 300 events, exclusive billionaire interviews on Billionaires.com, 17 million social followers, and 22,000 vetted investor profiles, he created Investor Super Intelligence—a platform of 30 AI tools that give founders, capital-raisers, and investors a decisive edge. Richard C. Wilson’s Website Link:  https://familyoffices.com/ Richard C. Wilson’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/singlefamilyofficehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/familyoffices/https://x.com/RichardCWilsonhttps://www.facebook.com/familyofficeclubhttps://www.instagram.com/familyofficeclub/https://www.tiktok.com/@familyofficeclub/https://www.youtube.com/user/familyofficesgroup Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine getting rejected by every bank in town… and then raising millions in private money directly from everyday people. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Jay Conner, did — and it completely transformed his real estate business. In this power-packed episode, Jay reveals how he raised over $50 million in private capital, built a thriving real estate empire, and taught thousands of investors how to close deals without ever relying on banks, credit scores, or traditional financing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Jay turned a financial crisis into a multimillion-dollar opportunity The exact script he uses to start private money conversations Why private lenders chase him — not the other way around How to build confidence and clarity when raising funds How to pivot your exit strategies when markets shift Why mindset, mentorship, and service are the core of his success If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or real estate beginner who’s tired of waiting on banks, this episode is your roadmap to building a business with unlimited funding. 🎧 Listen now and learn the strategy that changed Jay’s life — and can change yours. 🔗 Download Jay’s Curiosity Opener Script: www.jayconner.com Who is Jay Conner? Jay Conner is well-known in real estate investing as "The Private Money Authority," leveraging his expertise in coaching, mentoring, leadership, entrepreneurship, and real estate to bring success in this dynamic field to your audience. Jay embodies his teachings, utilizing his extensive experience and Christian grounding to close, on average, three deals a month. He has raised over $8 million in Private Money. Each transaction averages profits of $78,000. Jay's leadership shines through as he mentors aspiring investors, sharing what works for him today, not ten years ago. Additionally, Jay is also an author, and he has valuable insights to share from his book "Where To Get The Money Now.” Jay Conner’s Website Link:  https://www.jayconner.com/ Jay Conner’s  Social Media Link:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privatemoneyauthority/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raisingprivatemoneyrealestate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/privatemoneyauthority/ X: https://x.com/JayConner Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices