In this episode of Built to Sell | Built to Buy, host Sam Penny sits down with entrepreneur, author, and mentor John Solleder, whose 40-year career has been dedicated to one thing: helping people unlock their potential. From humble beginnings in New Jersey to building international, people-driven enterprises, John has spent decades proving that leadership, discipline, and personal growth are the foundations of lasting business value.
Together, Sam and John unpack how to:
- Build equity by developing people first.
- Balance personal discipline with business agility.
- Use technology and AI without losing the human touch.
- Attract the right people and culture to scale beyond yourself.
- Stay relevant across decades of change in marketing, mindset, and media.
🧠Key Topics Covered
- The defining moment that launched John’s lifelong focus on mentorship and growth — inspired by Ronald Reagan’s 1983 commencement speech.
- Success habits that compound: getting up early, staying consistent, and making each hour count.
- How to pivot and stay agile, from cassette tapes and flyers to podcasts and AI.
- The power of brand values and why personal integrity outlasts any tool or platform.
- Leadership for the next decade — blending human empathy with technological fluency.
- Equity as more than money: how to build reputation, culture, and enterprise value that endures.
- Personal discipline & health — how John lost 40 kilos, redefined his diet, and turned lifelong habits into business fuel.
đź’ˇ Key Quotes
“Success isn’t luck — it’s design.” – John Solleder
 “For things to change, you have to change. For things to get better, you have to get better.”
 “Don’t let people rent space in your head unless they’re paying rent in positivity.”
 “Exercise is king, nutrition is queen — put them together and you build a kingdom.”
 “Businesses don’t scale — people do.” – Sam Penny
🔑 Actionable Takeaways
- Discipline beats motivation. Go to bed early, get up early, and work like the future is now.
- Become a student of your craft. Read, listen, and learn constantly — success leaves clues.
- Build equity through people. Invest in culture and leadership, not just systems.
- Embrace change with agility. New tools don’t replace you; they multiply your reach if used right.
- Protect your mental bandwidth. Remove negativity and surround yourself with growth-minded people.
đź“š Mentioned in the Episode
- Leaving Nothing to Chance and Equity by John Solleder
- The Seasons of Life – Jim Rohn
- Good to Great – Jim Collins
- Influences: Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale, Mary Kay Ash
đź”— Connect with John Solleder
