Ever wonder why some businesses thrive during economic chaos while others collapse? Many believe success in the trades comes from luck or endless hustle, but the truth is discipline, systems, and culture determine survival.
In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Tim O’Brien, founder of Tim O’Brien Homes, who shares how launching a homebuilding company during the Great Recession became his greatest advantage. He unpacks how faith-based principles of stewardship, integrity, and servant leadership fueled his growth from zero to $138 million. From building long-term trade partnerships and defining company values to using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for sustainable scale, O’Brien shows how simplicity, trust, and vision create businesses that last.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Starting from Zero During a Recession
[07:00] Building Brand Awareness with No Budget
[11:00] Culture Before Scale
[16:00] Hiring and Delegation Lessons
[20:00] Communication Cadence and the EOS Revolution
[27:00] The Trade Council Blueprint
[33:00] Empowering Trades Through Shared Values
[43:00] How to Get the Attention of a $138M General Contractor
[48:00] Scaling from $25M to $138M
[54:00] Simplicity, Sustainability, and Freedom of Time
Key Quotes
“You can’t lead from the valley; you have to get up on the hill to see what’s really going on.”
“We’re in the people business. We just happen to build homes.”
“Culture isn’t a slogan—it’s a system that decides who stays and who leaves.”
“Your best trade partners aren’t your vendors, they’re your collaborators.”
“Freedom of time is the ultimate wealth.”
Key Takeaways
Links Mentioned
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh: https://www.deliveringhappiness.com/
Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction
Tim O’Brien Homes: https://www.timobrienhomes.com
Contact Tim: tobrien@tobhomes.com
Connect with The Better Than Rich
Website - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich
Ever feel like the more your business grows, the less peace you actually have? Many entrepreneurs chase revenue, automation, and scale—only to realize they’ve built a machine that runs their life instead of serving it. What if true success isn’t about doing more, but about becoming more human in a world obsessed with efficiency?
In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz interviews Ryan Levesque, best-selling author of Ask and Choose, creator of the Ask Method, and founder of The Digital Contrarian newsletter. Ryan shares his journey from building a $70 million digital business to leaving it behind for a simpler, faith-centered life on a farm in Vermont. He explains how to protect authenticity in the age of AI, craft a “Category of One” brand, and align your business with your family, faith, and values.
Timestamps
[00:00] Starting Over During the Great Recession
[07:00] Building Brand Awareness with No Budget
[11:00] Culture Before Scale
[16:00] Hiring and Delegation Lessons
[20:00] Communication Cadence and the EOS Revolution
[27:00] The Trade Council Blueprint
[33:00] Empowering Trades Through Shared Values
[43:00] How to Get the Attention of a $138M General Contractor
[48:00] Scaling from $25M to $138M
[54:00] Simplicity, Sustainability, and Freedom of Time
Key Quotes
“In a world of artificial everything, what if real is the only advantage left?”
“You can’t scale a hug with your five-year-old.”
“AI can automate words, but it can’t replicate presence.”
“The best things in life don’t scale—and that’s exactly what makes them sacred.”
“Your business should serve your life, not replace it.”
Key Takeaways
Connect with The Better Than Rich
Website - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich
Most business owners pour time and money into marketing, only to feel burned, confused, or frustrated by weak results. They’ve tried agencies that overpromise, ad spend that doesn’t convert, and websites that look great but don’t sell. What if your marketing could finally work—consistently, predictably, and profitably?
In this workshop-style episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with John Logan, founder of Greenlit Growth and creator of the Marketing Machine Playbook. A former cybersecurity specialist turned StoryBrand-certified strategist, John helped one client grow from $3 million to $25 million in under three years by simplifying marketing into a clear, repeatable system. He shares how to build a marketing “machine” powered by clarity, automation, and measurable strategy—so your marketing finally drives real growth instead of guesswork.
Timesatamp
[00:00] – The Truth About Marketing Accountability
[05:21] – How Marketing Really Works (The Car Analogy)
[10:11] – Step 1: Clarify Your Message with StoryBrand
[14:14] – Step 2: Build a Homepage That Converts in 5 Seconds
[18:24] – Picking the Right Call-to-Action
[22:34] – Step 3: Systems That Capture, Nurture, and Convert
[28:18] – How to Nurture Without Annoying People
[34:39] – Step 4: Build a Strategy with the G.R.O.W.T.H. Framework
[44:00] – Standing Out from the Competition
[51:49] – Step 5: Create Content That Compounds Over Time
Key Quotes
Key Takeaways
Links Mentioned
Free Marketing Playbook: GreenlitGrowth.com
StoryBrand AI Trial: StoryBrand.com
Most entrepreneurs claim they want freedom, but they often find themselves trapped in daily chaos. They complain about not finding good people, yet they hire the wrong ones. They say they want to scale, but never stop playing small. What if the problem isn’t the market—but how you think about talent, delegation, and money?
In this high-energy episode, Mike Abramowitz and Andrew Biggs welcome serial entrepreneur Kasim Aslam, founder of multiple successful companies, including Pareto Talent and AEO.co. Kasim breaks down how entrepreneurs can stop micromanaging, start delegating, and hire peak performers who actually think and lead. Known for his raw honesty and strategic depth, Kasim reveals why most business owners never reach the $100 million mark—and what he’s doing differently to achieve it.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and recap of Kasim’s viral first episode.
[02:00] Kasim shares his $100 million goal and how he’s cleaning his slate to get there.
[05:00] Discussion about Pareto Talent and its role in building bigger ventures.
[09:00] Exploring the opportunities and challenges in the home services industry.
[12:00] The critical mindset shift: delegate projects, not tasks.
[17:00] How to find top performers using Kasim’s seven-step hiring process.
[20:00] Why paying more leads to better hires and better results.
[27:00] Where to find the best tradespeople and how to recruit them.
[31:00] How to filter applicants and use paid trial projects effectively.
[40:00] How to onboard and lead without micromanaging.
[48:00] Why every business owner should hire an executive assistant.
[51:00] Modernizing blue-collar businesses for long-term growth.
[53:00] Kasim defines true wealth as freedom and time with family.
Key Quotes:
“If you’re delegating tasks, you’re not delegating—you’re micromanaging.”
“Every human is a miracle capable of incalculable value.”
“Winners want to win, and money is how we keep score.”
“Authorship creates ownership.”
“When I got money, I didn’t buy stuff—I bought time.”
Key Takeaways:
Mentioned Links:
TheHireBook.com
ParetoTalent.com
Connect with The Better Than Rich
Website - https://www.betterthanrich.com/
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/
Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_rich
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrich
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2A
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich
Most business owners start their companies for freedom, but end up becoming prisoners of their own success. They spend every day putting out fires, managing people, and juggling tasks that drain their energy. What if the secret to growth wasn’t working harder—but working less? In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Derek Fredrickson, founder of The COO Solution, who helps entrepreneurs scale by installing systems, empowering people, and freeing up owners to lead instead of do. Derek’s story of moving his family to France while building a thriving remote business is proof that operational excellence creates life freedom.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Meet Derek Fredrickson.
[02:00] The evolution of the show and audience focus.
[04:00] What a COO really does for business owners.
[07:00] From doer to operator to owner.
[12:00] Case study: The shed builder who scaled to $4M.
[19:00] The investment mindset shift.
[25:00] Fixing broken systems before hiring.
[29:00] Real-world operations audit.
[37:00] Building trust with your team.
[43:00] How to sustain accountability.
[46:00] The power of transparency and feedback.
[52:00] Defining “Better Than Rich.”
Key Quotes:
Key Takeaways:
Links Mentioned:
Connect with The Better Than Rich
Website - https://www.betterthanrich.com/
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/
Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_rich
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrich
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2A
Struggling to hire the right people in your home service business? In this episode of the Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Dan Mayville, founder of Top Built Teams, to dive into the power of psychometrics and how small business owners can use behavioral science to make smarter hiring decisions, improve team dynamics, and reduce costly mis-hires.
You'll learn how tools like Culture Index help business owners hire for compatibility, not just skillset — and how this one shift can save thousands in turnover costs and wasted time.
Whether you’re a solopreneur scaling your first team or leading a multimillion-dollar trade business, this conversation will help you attract, retain, and develop A-players who actually fit your culture and goals.
🔥 Topics Covered:
What are psychometrics & why they matter in hiring
The biggest hiring mistakes home service owners make
Case studies from the trades (plumber story)
Visionary vs integrator dynamics
How to structure job postings to attract the right people
Why gut instinct fails & data wins
Role evolution as your business scales
Tools like Culture Index & how they work
🎯 Key Takeaways:
Learn the cost of a bad hire (hint: it's more than you think)
Use psychometrics to avoid mismatched team members
Improve your hiring funnel from job ad to onboarding
Align your people strategy with your growth goals
Discover how to stop settling and build the right "band"
🔗 Resources & Links:
🎯 Learn more or take the free assessment: https://www.topbuiltteams.com
🎙️ Watch all podcast episodes: Better Than Rich YouTube
📈 Work with Better Than Rich: https://www.betterthanrich.com/
Ted Miller III, renowned business strategist and co-creator of Business Mastery TM3 with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes joins Mike Abramowitz on this episode of The Better Than Rich Show to share decades of wisdom from working with over 25,000 entrepreneurs. Ted is known for helping service-based business owners build scalable systems, create rockstar teams, and skyrocket revenue through expert sales strategies. Ted reveals how blue-collar business owners can scale into multi-million-dollar operations using better sales systems, smarter hiring processes, and powerful strategic marketing.
Whether you're stuck at 1–3 million or just getting your business off the ground, Ted delivers actionable frameworks around:
Turning technicians into sales experts
Building a sales process that sells itself
Hiring A-players using rejection psychology
Creating irresistible marketing using a 30-point copywriting formula
Shifting from “I have to” to “I get to” in your business
Perfect for the blue-collar entrepreneur ready to implement white-collar systems.
Key Takeaways:
How to design a sales process any technician can follow
The two traits every A-player hire must have
Why most marketing messages fail — and how to fix yours
How to create a business that thrives without you
The difference between confidence and compassion in leadership
Resources Mentioned:
In this power-packed episode, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Jonathan Whistman, author of The Sales Boss and CEO of WhoHire, to expose why most small businesses fail to attract top talent and how AI and emotionally intelligent leadership are changing the hiring game. From crafting job ads that convert, to implementing group interviews as theater, to using predictive AI to find the right cultural fit—this is a masterclass in recruiting for the trades. Whether you're a seven-figure contractor or just trying to fill a crew, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
Why most job ads fail and how to write ones that convert
How to leverage group interviews that feel like a stage play
Why AI isn't scary—it's a hiring superpower
Why contractors must shift from “craftsman” to “people leader”
The painful truth about poor leadership (and what to do if you're not a people person)
Using behavioral data and hiring patterns to future-proof your team
How to reclaim your time and scale your impact with the right systems
📚 Book Recommendations Mentioned:
"The Sales Boss" by Jonathan Whistman
Recommended by: Jonathan Whistman (author himself)
Context: Used as a framework by industry leaders like Tommy Mello and referenced multiple times as the foundation of Jonathan's hiring philosophy.
"Elevate: Build a Team Where Everyone Wins" by Tommy Mello
Referenced by: Jonathan Whistman
Context: Highlighted as a model of people-centric leadership. Tommy is described as someone who truly "sees" people and aligns their dreams with the business vision.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Not a book, but a psychological framework referenced)
Used by: Jonathan Whistman
Context: He explains how to craft job ads that speak to the emotional needs of candidates using this model.
In this high-energy session from Day 2 of the conference, Mike unpacks the exact framework for reclaiming your time, focusing on your zone of genius, and leveraging the perfect blend of AI + human support to scale your business. Learn how to stop doing $25/hour tasks, master the art of smart delegation, and create a predictable pipeline of opportunities without burning out.
Chapters:(00:00:00) Introduction: The "Zone of Genius" Concept(00:01:13) Workshop Overview: Smart Delegation with AI and Humans(00:02:10) A Personal Update: The Speaker's Son(00:03:52) The Core Problem: Wasted Time and Distraction(00:04:55) A Personal Story: Overcoming Phone Addiction(00:06:36) Case Study: A Skeptical Business Owner's Story(00:07:20) AI Isn't the Enemy: It's Your Advantage(00:08:15) Defining the "Zone of Genius"(00:11:03) Workshop Activity: What Do You Love vs. Hate?(00:12:58) The Key Philosophy: Eliminate, Delegate, Automate(00:14:11) The Hidden Cost of Doing Low-Value Tasks(00:16:29) Interactive Exercise: Calculating Your Time's Worth(00:19:00) Introducing the Delegation Planning Session Framework(00:21:21) Accessing the Time Audit Workbook(00:22:05) Part 1: Identifying High-Value Activities (Focus)(00:26:40) The Lead Domino Effect: Creating a Chain Reaction(00:28:03) Part 2: Defining Your Desired Outcomes(00:28:52) Origin Story: How the Speaker Connected with His Clients(00:34:04) Example: A Client's Specific Business Outcomes(00:34:57) Part 3: Identifying Tasks to Delegate (Needs)(00:36:43) Behind the Scenes: The "3-2-1" AI + Human Lead Gen Method(00:42:26) Discussion: Is This Method Disingenuous?(00:43:51) A Passionate Defense of Proactive Marketing(00:47:01) Why You Must Pair AI with Humans for Success(00:49:14) Real-World Results: Metrics and Success Stats(00:51:11) Client Case Study: A 3-Month Delegation Plan in Action(00:53:14) Book a 90-Day Delegation Plan Session
What You’ll Learn
How to identify your Zone of Genius to eliminate tasks that drain your energy and time
The simple formula to calculate your true hourly value and stop doing $25/hour tasks
A step-by-step framework for building a 90-day delegation plan to reclaim 10-20 hours per week
The secret to pairing AI with human assistants for maximum efficiency and growth
How to use the Focus-Outcomes-Needs framework for strategic growth without feeling overwhelmed
A proven marketing system, the 5 I's, to move prospects from being unaware of you to becoming invested clients
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this powerhouse episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Ryan Englin, author of Hire Better People Faster and founder of Core Matters, to unpack why contractors are struggling to hire and retain top talent. From discovering your company’s core values to actionable hiring tactics, cultural frameworks, and mindset shifts that will help you build a rock-solid team. Learn how to identify your Core, recruit effectively, onboard with purpose, and why your people are your product.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the labor “shortage” is really a retention problem
The CORE model for attracting and retaining talent
How to use purpose, vision, and values to drive hiring decisions
The #1 tactic for finding a qualified tech today (yes, poaching)
How to run behavior-based interviews that filter out the wrong people
Real roleplays you can use to recruit, onboard, and build trust
Resources & Mentions:
Ryan Englin on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin
Core Matters Website – www.corematters.com
In this action-packed episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike walks business owners through the exact process to find their “lead domino” — the one action that makes everything else easier or unnecessary. Recorded live with a home services audience, this workshop-style session blends strategic thinking, real-world examples, and interactive exercises to help you create predictable growth without burning out.
You’ll learn how to map out systems that actually get followed, delegate with precision using AI and assistants, and implement playbooks that free you from day-to-day firefighting. Mike also shares his deeply personal journey — including how a life-altering family crisis inspired him to reject hustle culture and design a business that works without him.
Whether you’re an overwhelmed operator or a scaling CEO, you’ll walk away with a crystal-clear plan to knock over your biggest domino, build momentum, and reclaim your time.🔑 Key Takeaways
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Why finding your lead domino changes everything
00:01:51 – The one thing that makes everything else easier or unnecessary
00:05:54 – From grind culture to sustainable success after a family crisis
00:06:52 – Understanding the real bottleneck in most businesses
00:07:14 – Which stage are you in right now?
00:20:00 – Documenting the “your way” method
00:23:12 – Smart systems to buy back your time
00:29:18 – Who to hire and when for predictable results
00:31:29 – Adopting tools and tech without overwhelm
00:42:28 – Turning installs into marketing events with referrals
00:50:33 – Moving from operator to owner step-by-step
00:59:19 – The case for building a business that works without you
00:59:55 – Practical examples for immediate use
00:58:19 – How to work 1-on-1 with Mike to build your systems
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Danielle Putnam, president of The New Flat Rate and Top 40 Under 40 leader in the trades. Danielle shares her journey from growing up in her family’s HVAC business to building one of the most powerful pricing and sales systems in the home service industry.
You’ll learn:
How to overcome the stigma of working in the trades.
Why in-house training programs are the key to recruiting and retaining young talent.
The psychology behind menu pricing and why giving five options increases sales.
How to apply Alex Hormozi’s Dream Outcome to home service businesses.
Why pricing like the company you want to become can transform your growth strategy.
Practical tips on simplifying operations, saying no to distractions, and scaling smarter.
Whether you run an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical company, this conversation will help you unlock new revenue, create predictable growth, and empower your technicians to sell without pressure.
00:00 – Introduction to Danielle Putnam
02:00 – Childhood in the trades and overcoming stigma
06:30 – Training and developing young talent in-house
08:20 – The origin of menu pricing and The New Flat Rate
12:00 – Why customers buy more when given choices
16:00 – Applying Alex Hormozi’s offer equation
18:30 – Pricing as the company you want to become
23:00 – Five-option psychology and decision fatigue
30:00 – Sales process: new clients vs. existing clients
33:00 – How maintenance visits can drive $1,400 average tickets
35:50 – Why payment options increase closing rates
36:50 – Simplifying business and life as an entrepreneur
38:10 – What it means to be Better Than Rich
39:40 – Learn more about The New Flat Rate & beta launch
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Connect with Danielle Putnam:
Email: danielle@thenewflatrate.com
LinkedIn: Danielle Putnam
The New Flat Rate Podcast
Connect with Better Than Rich:
In this powerful episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike and Andrew sit down with Geoff Woods — entrepreneur, podcast host, and the voice behind The ONE Thing — for a raw conversation about how to think bigger, act intentionally, and structure your life to support your goals.
Geoff shares how losing 40% of his income in one week led him to an unexpected opportunity that reshaped his life. He explains the habit-building framework behind The ONE Thing, the shift from consuming to producing, and how business owners can stop being the bottleneck in their own success.
This episode isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Chapters:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this powerful episode, Sara Hardwick joins Mike Abramowitz to share how service professionals, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs can grow their business by giving without expectations.
As a leader at GIFT·OLOGY, Sara walks us through the real strategy behind business gifting — and why it has nothing to do with promotional merchandise or thank-you baskets.
You’ll discover:
Whether you're a contractor, consultant, or relationship-based service provider, this episode is your new blueprint for growth through generosity.
Chapters:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
What’s your endgame?
In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Patrick Lange — a business broker who has helped over 140 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses exit successfully.
From cleaning pools to owning companies to becoming a trusted advisor, Patrick shares his 4-part framework for building a sellable business (even if you’re not planning to sell yet). If you’re running a business that depends on you, this episode will challenge you to think differently.
📈 What You’ll Learn:
Chapters:
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
Phil shares his framework for financial clarity, how he avoided lifestyle creep, and the unconventional mindset that helped him design a debt-free, purpose-driven life before age 25.
This is a must-listen for high earners who still feel financially stuck and for parents who want to raise money-wise kids.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
Chapters:
📚 Books Mentioned:
🌐 Resources:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this powerful coaching session, Fyfe Barraclough joins Mike Abramowitz and a group of impact-driven entrepreneurs to break down how to lead teams with clarity, scale businesses with systems, and train people to win without micromanagement.
You’ll learn how to:
Whether you’re leading a startup or an emerging team, this episode delivers tools you can implement today to create clarity and consistency in your leadership.
Chapters:
📚 Books Mentioned:
🌐 Resources:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this electrifying episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Chaz Wolfe—7-figure entrepreneur, investor, and host of Gathering The Kings—to unpack what it really means to go “all in.”
Chaz Wolfe shares his journey from uncertainty to decisive leadership, revealing the mindset and systems that helped him scale businesses, build legacy, and live with intention. From faith and family to finances and fitness, Chaz teaches how to lead every part of your life like a CEO.
Whether you’re growing your first six-figure business or running multiple ventures, this episode will challenge you to remove your safety nets and lead with conviction.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
📚 Books Mentioned:
🌐 Resources:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this gripping episode, Andrew Biggs interviews Lydia Knight, founder of The She Center, who shares her astonishing journey from being raised in a cult to helping thousands of women heal through neuroscience, emotional deprogramming, and radical truth-telling.
You’ll learn how Lydia overcame trauma, religious control, and a debilitating eating disorder—all by understanding how the brain works and how to intentionally rewire it.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
📚 Books Mentioned:
🌐 Resources:
Connect with The Better Than Rich:
In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Andrew Biggs talks with real estate investor and tech executive Nathan Murith, who has built a $5K/month rental income stream—all while keeping his full-time W-2 job and spending just 20 minutes a day on his portfolio.
Nathan debunks the myth that success demands burning the boats and going all-in. Instead, he shares how thoughtful automation, disciplined calendar use, and a long-term mindset can create powerful results over time.
This episode is essential listening for any high-performing professional looking to invest smartly, maximize time, and prioritize what matters most—without sacrificing family or personal wellbeing.
With a full-time job, two kids, and a wife who also works full-time, Nathan only has 20 minutes daily to work on his real estate side hustle. The secret? Systems, automation, and boundaries.
Before you buy property, build your ‘Core 4’ team: real estate agent, property manager, lender, and insurance broker.
Nathan's long-term approach has resulted in meaningful income and a legacy plan for his kids.
Chapters:
📚 Books Recommended by Nathan:
📬 More from Nathan:
Connect with The Better Than Rich: