Made It with Connor Tomkies

Boris shares his journey from working at Atlassian to founding his own company Atlas Authority, navigating the challenges of being a solo founder, and eventually exiting the business. Dive into their discussion about unsexy business ideas, the importance of shared context in startups, and Boris's candid insights on his entrepreneurial experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and unique perspectives.Chapters[00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:30] The Unsexy Business[00:00:45] From Atlassian to Solo Founder[00:02:15] Starting the Company[00:03:28] Business Model and Services[00:04:30] Platform Risk and Emotional Fatigue[00:04:51] Remote Work and Team Structure[00:05:44] In-Person vs. Remote Work[00:06:15] The Importance of Communication[00:08:45] Accountability as a Solo Founder[00:09:00] Birthday Sale Ritual[00:10:04] Learning from the Sale Process[00:11:03] Valuation and Exit[00:12:15] Post-Exit Reflections[00:13:15] Unsexy Business Ideas[00:15:30] Spam Scoring for Outbound Emails[00:18:45] Sexy Goat Bath Product[00:21:00] Meatbags: A Unique Snack Idea[00:23:15] Property Tax Appeal Service[00:25:45] Weird Sports Network[00:28:30] RC Plane Venues[00:31:15] Public Library Publisher[00:36:00] Advocating for Libraries[00:36:38] Closing Thoughts[00:37:00] OutroBoris' StuffWebsite: https://www.nothingeasyaboutthis.comBoris' X: https://x.com/borisberenbergBoris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borisberenberg/My StuffPodcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

Eric Bahn, co-founder of Hustle Fund, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and investor. He shares insights on building genuine communities, identifying true "hustlers", and redefining wealth and success. Eric opens up about his family's story, working with his wife and sister, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He also discusses Hustle Fund's unique investment approach and their flagship event Camp Hustle which aims to build meaningful connections. This candid conversation touches on finding joy after an exit, building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, and growing together in the long-term.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro01:35 - Building Genuine Communities03:13 - Eric's Vulnerable Journey04:44 - Eric's Family's Sacrifices08:15 - Pivotal Life Moments10:43 - Minivan Enthusiasm & Branding13:13 - Beat the GMAT16:00 - 3 Pillars of an Excellent Community19:32 - Choosing the Right Acquirer21:58 - Post-Exit World Travel24:43 - Working with Your Sister26:47 - Genesis of Hustle Fund29:25 - Hustle Fund's Secret Weapon30:29 - Hustle Fund's Investment Approach32:30 - Hustle Fund's Inclusive Mission34:44 - The Loneliness of Success37:07 - Navigating Life After an Exit39:56 - Camp Hustle42:05 - Power of Shared Experiences44:17 - Hustle Fund Community45:46 - Eric's Ideal CollaboratorsEric's StuffHustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc/Eric's X: https://x.com/ericbahnEric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericbahn/My StuffPodcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

Andrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, returns to the pod to share his insights on the post-exit journey of entrepreneurs. The two discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose after selling a business, the value of shadowing successful entrepreneurs, and the potential of building a community for post-exit founders. With a focus on personal growth and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs after an exit, this podcast offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey. Discover the key to staying motivated, connected, and inspired in this thought-provoking conversation.Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:03:11 - Finding the Right Podcast Format00:06:48 - The Impact of the "My Second Million" Podcast Launch00:10:57 - Andrew's Outdoor "Anti-Office" Setup00:14:07 - The Potential of Video-First Podcast Content00:19:13 - Engaging Post-Exit Founders00:22:20 - The Anticlimactic Moment of Selling a Business00:24:28 - Building a Community for Post-Exit Entrepreneurs00:27:15 - Finding Motivation Beyond Fear After an Exit00:29:34 - Andrew's Search for Clarity00:32:17 - The Lost Art of Apprenticeship00:37:30 - Experience as an EOS Implementer00:39:39 - Building Relationships00:41:46 - ConclusionAndrew's StuffAndrew's Site: https://mixergy.com/Andrew's X: https://x.com/AndrewWarner?s=20Andrew's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Asking-Questions-High-Impact-Interviews/dp/1737676540My StuffPodcast: www.mysecondmillionpodcast.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Dan Reich shares his remarkable journey of building and exiting multiple companies across various industries. From his early ventures in high school to co-founding Spinback, which was acquired by Buddy Media and later Salesforce, Dan's experiences highlight valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the importance of pursuing passion projects. He also discusses his current approach to building companies and investing through his informal venture studio, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of the entrepreneurial lifestyle.Chapters:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:10] The Spinback Story[00:04:22] Early Entrepreneurial Ventures[00:09:46] Lessons from a Failed Partnership[00:11:05] Pursuing New Opportunities[00:16:31] The Birth of Tula Skincare[00:18:38] Dan's Involvement in Various Companies[00:22:21] Criteria for Pushing a Project Live[00:25:03] Thoughts on the Current SaaS Market[00:31:12] Simplicity in Building Companies[00:32:07] Balancing the Roles of Operator and Investor[00:35:18] Entrepreneurship as a Video Game[00:38:01] The Importance of Employee Equity[00:41:20] Dan's Immature Business Ideas[00:43:25] Conclusion and Where to Find Dan ReichDan's Stuff:Website: https://danreich.com/ X: https://x.com/DanReich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danreich/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

In this candid interview, Noah Abelson, founder of ShareRoot, shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting up in a garage to taking his company public. He discusses the challenges of pivoting, fundraising, and navigating co-founder relationships, as well as the emotional toll of life after a successful exit. Noah also shares his passion for making a positive impact and his personal mission to help others heal strained family relationships. Filled with valuable insights and lessons learned, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to find purpose and drive change in their post-startup life.00:00:00 - Intro00:01:21 - Noah's Founder Journey and Impact00:04:30 - Pivoting and Tough Team Conversations00:07:55 - Leadership During Challenging Times00:11:39 - Navigating a Co-Founder Partnership Split00:14:53 - Identifying a Niche in Privacy00:19:47 - Fundraising: Taking on Another Job00:22:30 - Life After Exit: Challenges Faced00:25:48 - Helping Post-Exit Founders Find Purpose00:29:29 - Noah's Personal Mission: Family Relationships00:35:38 - Importance of Community00:37:47 - Wrap-upNoah's Stuff:Website: https://foundersjourney.io/X: https://x.com/NoahAbelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahabelson/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

Alex Lieberman, co-founder of Morning Brew and host of the Founders Journal podcast, takes us on a whirlwind journey through his post-exit adventures. From getting a full-body MRI to launching a quirky backyard game, Alex candidly shares the highs and lows of life after a successful startup. He delves into Morning Brew's evolving content strategy, the future of marketing, and the challenges of finding product-market fit with his new venture, StoryArb. Filled with relatable stories and valuable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs at any stage looking to stay innovative and adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape.00:00:00 - Intro00:09:13 - Alex's Failed Plunger Game00:11:58 - Humanizing Brands00:14:52 - Expectations on public-facing CEOs00:17:06 - Hiring young, agile marketing talent00:21:12 - Zero to one: Alex's creative drive00:24:28 - StoryArb00:26:39 - Lessons learned from StoryArb00:30:18 - Morning Brew's evolving content strategy00:32:00 - Creator Economy00:40:10 - Challenges in the content market00:42:40 - Early-stage startups as challenging customers00:43:20 - Four points of value for CEOs00:44:00 - Outsourcing: From odd to essential00:45:22 - Wrap-upAlex's StuffWebsite: https://foundersjournalpod.morningbrew.com/X: https://x.com/businessbaristaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lieberman/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

Jason Kirby shares hard-earned wisdom with Connor, from exiting his company to Walmart, after a failed acquisition by Samsung. Jason explains key lessons for founders in the acquisition process, like getting your own legal counsel and maintaining multiple options. He also details his new venture Thunder, an investment bank aiming to provide founders with the M&A and fundraising guidance he wished he had.The two discuss the rise of eSports in schools, navigating the stresses of being an acquisition target while running a company, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right advisors.Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights on entrepreneurship and life after an exit. Check out the links to connect with Jason and access Thunder's free investor matching tool for founders.Chapters:00:00:00 - Introducing Jason Kirby00:02:30 - What Thunder Offers to Founders00:04:55 - The Challenges of Raising Capital00:07:56 - Building Thunder00:13:13 - Bringing eSports to Schools00:22:49 - The Rollercoaster of Selling Liquid Sky00:29:12 - Picking Up the Pieces00:32:07 - Maintaining Optionality00:34:53 - Hard Lessons Learned from M&A00:41:57 - The Rise of Solo GP00:45:32 - Wrapping UpJason Kirby's StuffWebsite: https://web.thunder.vc/X: https://x.com/JasonKirbyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Bonney, co-founder of Redox, a healthcare tech company that raised $95 million. Join us as Luke shares his journey from med school dropout to successful entrepreneur, discussing the challenges of building a startup, the importance of strong co-founder relationships, and the future of healthcare technology. Tune in for valuable insights and lessons learned from a founder who's been in the trenches.00:00:00 - Intro00:05:07 - The Power of a Big, Bold Purpose00:07:08 - Building a Distributed Company at Redox00:10:04 - Challenges of Handling Healthcare Data00:11:16 - Stepping Down as CEO00:15:07 - Adapting to Different Phases of Life00:18:12 - Maintaining Strong Co-Founder Relationships00:22:13 - Post-Exit Lifestyle00:24:22 - Leadership Principles00:29:17 - Working On the Company00:34:43 - AI in Healthcare00:36:01 - Start-Ups Changing Landscape00:37:12 - Better Support SystemsLuke's Stuff:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-bonney-he-him-965a135/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

From celebrity crashes to influencer insights, lessons from a marketing pioneer. Join Connor Tomkies as he sits down with Gil Eyal, a serial entrepreneur who's seen it all in the world of influencer marketing. Discover the ups and downs of Gil's journey, from working with A-listers like Lil Wayne and Leonardo DiCaprio to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media.Packed with valuable insights on leveraging celebrity partnerships, adapting to data restrictions, and the future of influencer marketing, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital world.[00:00:00] - Gil Eyal's Celebrity Crash Course[00:04:19] - Pivoting from Mobli to Hypr[00:06:55] - The Social Network Data Goldmine[00:09:05] - Cambridge Analytica: The Turning Point[00:11:13] - The Acquisition Roller Coaster[00:13:40] - Structuring Celebrity Equity Deals[00:18:25] - The Power of the Number Two Position[00:22:13] - The Jake Paul Effect: Influencer Boxing[00:24:29] - The Micro-Influencer Debate[00:28:48] - Soho House: Exclusivity vs. Scalability[00:32:31] - The Rise of Community-Focused Real Estate[00:37:17] - Finding Opportunities in Underutilized Assets[00:43:47] - The Game-Changing Potential of Medical Weight Loss[00:47:46] - Wrap-up and Contact InfoGil's Stuff:https://stardustventures.us/gil@stardustventures.usMy StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/

Entrepreneur Shane Neman shares his incredible journey from founding Junebug, a nightclub software and events company, to building EZ Texting, a pioneering mass texting platform. Discover how Shane spotted opportunities, pivoted when necessary, and bootstrapped his way to success. He also shares insights into his current ventures, including an investment in humanoid robotics and the acquisition of the iconic Santa Monica Pier.00:00:00 - Intro00:01:00 - Junebug's Origins00:04:05 - Launching Junebug00:07:20 - Hosting Events00:10:30 - Junebug's Success00:12:51 - The Texting Opportunity00:16:07 - Transitioning to EZ Texting00:19:50 - EZ Texting's Acquisition00:23:05 - Starting Neman Ventures00:25:10 - Investing in AI Robotics00:27:40 - Acquiring the Santa Monica Pier00:29:15 - ConclusionShane Neman Stuff:Website: https://www.shaneneman.com/X: https://twitter.com/shanenemanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanenemanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneneman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shanenemanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NemanVentures/My StuffPodcast: MadeItPod.comWebsite: https://www.connortomkies.com/X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/