Scaling with Giveaway Marketing | Van Oakes of Goat Media

Van Oakes is the founder of Goat Media and one of the top voices in giveaway marketing and paid ad strategy. He’s helped brands like Diesel Brothers scale to 9 figures using giveaway-based customer acquisition, direct response funnels, and Shopify-first thinking.

In this episode, Van opens up about:

• The business model that made Diesel Brothers a $100M brand

• Why giveaways still outperform traditional ads in 2025

• How Goat Media scales brands using performance-first paid ads

• The numbers behind real ecom growth: CAC, LTV, and AOV benchmarks

• Transitioning from door-to-door sales to owning a top-tier agency

• What most ecom brands get wrong when trying to scale

• Balancing family, business, and personal trials without losing it all
  

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

1:20 – Van’s first big win in D2D

10:45 – Building Diesel Brothers with giveaways

18:50 – The Goat Media model explained

30:00 – How to price and position a giveaway

40:15 – Mistakes to avoid in paid ads

50:05 – Life after $100M: family, trauma, and truth

1:10:00 – Final thoughts on scaling sustainably

If you’re in e-commerce, digital marketing, brand building, or growth strategy, this episode is a masterclass in what works now. No fluff—just real frameworks, tested campaigns, and the story of a founder who’s led from the front, failed big, and still came back stronger.

💬 Connect with Van on IG: @itsyourboyvan

💼 Learn more: https://goat4media.com/

Binky Bro Founder Matt Fisler on Building a Kidswear Brand, Starting a Business, and Leaving Tech for E-Commerce

Matt Fisler, founder of the kidswear clothing brand Binky Bro, breaks down how he turned a side hustle into a multimillion-dollar children’s apparel company. In this podcast episode, Matt shares how he left his job at Qualtrics to start a profitable e-commerce business, what it’s like building a company with your spouse, and how Binky Bro became a leading surf-style kidswear brand. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, brand builders, e-commerce founders, and anyone in the kids fashion or DTC space.

Topics covered:

• How to start a kidswear brand

• Family-run business tips

• E-commerce business growth

• Startup branding strategies

• From Qualtrics to full-time founder

• Shopify, scaling, and organic marketing

• Building a lifestyle brand for parents

• Kids fashion trends and retail strategy
  

Perfect for: Listeners interested in entrepreneurship, kidswear fashion, DTC brands, Shopify startups, family business, and startup case studies.

Timestamps:

01:19 A Blast from the Past: Memories of Scotland

06:19 From Mission to Career: The Journey Begins

08:10 The Qualtrics Experience: Lessons and Growth

14:37 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Ideas to Action

29:38 The Birth of Binky Bro: From Concept to Reality

38:06 The Grind Behind the Success

40:46 Starting a Business with Your Spouse

42:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

49:06 Philosophy on Business Growth

01:00:00 Decade of Influence: Prioritizing Family

01:07:51 Exciting New Ventures and Collaborations

01:11:23 Giving Back: Legends are Born Every Day Foundation

Keywords: Binky Bro, Matt Fisler, kidswear brand founder, start a kids clothing line, Shopify brand, e-commerce success story, leave tech for business, surf kids clothes, family startup podcast

Bubba Page is an entrepreneur, investor, and father of eight—best known for building and selling LaunchLeads, then launching Influence VC to help fund early-stage startups. In this episode, he breaks down the principles that guided his journey to financial independence—without ever relying on debt.

We cover:

• How Bubba built a profitable B2B company and exited in 2020

• The mindset shift from operator to angel investor

• How Influence VC works as a syndicate model

• Why he paid off all his real estate assets—including a $3M cabin

• The dangers of over-leverage for founders

• What spiritual discipline and parenting strategy look like at scale

• Why lifestyle businesses often outperform the hype of venture-backed startups
  

This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, business owners, and creators looking to build sustainable wealth and live intentionally.

Search terms: Bubba Page podcast, entrepreneur investor dad, Influence VC, startup founder, business exits, building wealth without debt, how to invest early-stage, fatherhood and money, LaunchLeads founder, no debt philosophy, millionaire mindset, family-first entrepreneurship

Chapters:

00:00 Defining Bubba Paige

01:35 Pro Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

03:13 College Entrepreneurship and Early Ventures

05:33 The Impact of Failure and Rebirth

07:22 Investing Strategies and Principles

16:56 Diversification and Risk Management

30:05 Debt, Peace of Mind, and Financial Freedom

40:04 The Importance of Financial Security

41:20 Finding Financial Stability

49:07 The Father Operating System

54:47 Daily Habits for Success

56:00 The Value of Spiritual Connection

01:00:31 Creating a Balanced Life

01:06:23 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

The Dixxon Flannel: $180 to $100 Million-a-Year Brand

Danny Dreyer went from selling flannels out of his garage with just $180 to running The Dixxon Flannel Company, a $100 million-a-year brand with a loyal global following.

In this episode of A Million Ways to Make a Million Bucks, host James McCabe talks with Danny about:

• ​Spotting an opportunity in the market
• ​Marketing on a shoestring budget
• ​Surviving product disasters and coming back stronger
• ​Building a community-driven brand

A must-listen for anyone chasing their own business dream.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Starting a Clothing Brand

03:21 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

06:51 Scaling the Business

31:37 Balancing Work and Family

34:58 Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship

37:38 Overcoming Early Business Challenges

40:40 Building a Resilient Brand

50:49 Struggles with ADHD and Work Efficiency

01:02:44 Debt-Free Business Philosophy

01:06:45 Personal Transformation and Surrender

01:22:25 Giving Back and Community Involvement

01:27:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Keywords: Dixxon Flannel, Danny Dreyer, entrepreneur story, small business growth, side hustle success, clothing brand

Ricky Gutierrez shares how he turned a side hustle into a full-time career trading blue-chip stocks—without hype, options, or risky leverage. In this episode, Ricky breaks down how he built a $2M portfolio through consistent habits, real-time decision-making, and a disciplined mindset. If you're curious about stock trading, managing risk, or building financial freedom without the noise, this one's for you.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Ricky's Best Trading Day

01:05 Political Opinions and Market Influence

03:26 Ricky's Trading Journey

03:52 Starting with Penny Stocks

06:55 Transition to Full-Time Trading

12:09 Trading Strategies and Risk Management

28:44 Case Study: Shorting Robinhood

30:19 Market Sentiment and Trading Strategy

33:40 Trading Account Insights

34:33 Profit Locking Strategy

37:13 Advice for Beginners

Keywords: stock trading, Ricky Gutierrez, day trading, blue-chip stocks, investing, financial freedom, trading habits, LPP

Johnjay Van Es: How a Morning Radio Show Became a Syndicated Success. From local radio shifts to national syndication, Johnjay Van Es has built one of the most recognized morning shows in the country. In this episode, he breaks down how it happened—without following anyone else's playbook. James McCabe sits down with the Johnjay & Rich host to talk about starting from behind the scenes, what syndication really looks like, and why staying authentic matters more than ever.

They get into his early career in promotions and sales, what it’s like to carry a show with national reach, and how he’s kept going without burning out. Johnjay also shares why partnership and personal growth have mattered just as much as content and audience, and how being consistent—for 20+ years—has been his real edge.

If you’re trying to build something meaningful, this is what the long game sounds like.

Chapters:

00:00 Authenticity in Social Media

02:36 Journey into Radio and Early Career

08:32 Johnjay’s Partnership with Rich

13:42 Navigating Social Media and Personal Life

19:46 The Evolution of Radio and Podcasting

41:04 Personal Experiences with Stem Cell Treatments

42:27 Hyperbaric Chambers and Peptides

50:55 Balancing a Radio Show and Family

54:53 Endorsements and Authenticity

01:01:24 Health and Fitness Journey

01:06:45 Financial Advice and Life Experiences

Austin Zaback went from launching a pool cleaning business at age 7 to building one of the most dominant real estate operations in the country—completely self-funded. In this episode, he breaks down how he built a $1 billion-per-year real estate business that includes daily wholesale transactions, the top-ranked retail real estate team in the U.S., and a network of vertically integrated companies spanning mortgage, title, insurance, and media.

You’ll hear how Austin scaled without outside investors or debt, why most people aren’t built for real entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to lead 500+ team members across multiple real estate verticals. If you’re serious about real estate, scaling a business, or staying profitable while growing fast, this conversation is your playbook.

Chapters:

00:00 Building Multiple Companies

03:13 Growing Up with Grandparents

04:26 First Real Estate Deal

11:08 Explaining Wholesaling

16:32 Scaling the Business

23:19 The Ecosystem of Companies

33:40 Challenges of Scaling a Company

37:49 The Realities of Building Companies

40:54 Creative Financing vs. Wholesaling

43:00 Finding Alignment in Your Career

49:09 The Importance of Authenticity and Giving

55:12 Dealing with Social Media Trolls

57:47 Building a Strong Company Culture

01:02:03 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

About: Austin Zaback is a nationally recognized real estate leader and business builder focused on scale, strategy, and omnipresence. He is President of SPACE, the nation's fastest-growing real estate team with more than 300 agents across Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California. Austin leads with a growth-first mindset and a long-term vision for building industry-defining companies.
He is also the founder of OneRoof, the top wholesale and real estate investment company in the country. They are responsible for over 3,000 + wholesale deals and 200+ flips.

Austin is also the Owner of Zaback Media, his vertically integrated content and media company that exists to expand reach, increase brand equity, and attract opportunity across platforms for both SPACE and OneRoof. Zaback Media handles production of The Austin Zaback Show, a podcast focused on interviewing world-renowned industry leaders.

With over $3 billion in real estate sold, 12 companies founded, and hundreds of employees across his ventures, Austin has become a standout figure in the real estate and entrepreneurial space. All before the age of 30 years old.
His work spans real estate sales, investing, education, content, and scalable systems built for acquisition.
Austin's brand is built on clarity, conviction, and connection. His focus now is expanding his businesses nationally, acquiring and scaling companies through equity, and building a media presence that drives massive awareness and trust.
Everything he builds is designed to create growth and opportunity. For clients, partners, agents, and the people who follow his journey.

Learn more about Austin Zaback's podcast at https://www.theaustinzabackshow.com/

Trailer for a podcast featuring Austin Zaback. New episode Monday June 30th at 6:00 AM Pacific Time or 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

From a last-minute dinner at Carbone to closing deals with strangers-turned-allies, this solocast unpacks how belief in the unlikely can shift reality. It’s not about the table—it’s about the mindset. Through personal stories and reflections on past guests, you’ll hear how unwavering optimism becomes a serious tool for building success, even when the odds say no.

This episode is about the thing that always comes up—time. The kind of time that’s quiet, consistent, and easy to overlook. I talk about what my dad gave me growing up, what I’m trying to pass on to my kids now, and why some of our most memorable moments cost almost nothing. You’ll also hear from guests like Garrett Larson and Garrett White about what they’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—about keeping family first, even while building big things.

Sue Bryce knows the pattern—gifted creatives doing meaningful work and barely getting by. For years, she was one of them. In this episode, she unpacks the personal and professional shifts that took her from charging $400 a week to building a business that generates millions. She breaks down the emotional block that stops most creatives from asking for money, the mindset shift that finally changed everything, and the simple revenue calculator that reframed her goals.

She also shares how a single sale rewired her beliefs—and why creatives are better at business than they think. If you’ve ever struggled to price your work, ask for your value, or believe you can earn a living doing what you love, this one’s for you.

Chapters: 

00:00 Resilience and Market Saturation

03:14 Sue Bryce's Journey from New Zealand to International Success

05:55 The Struggle of Valuing and Selling Creative Work

10:36 Breaking Through Financial Barriers and Asking for Value

16:42 The Power of Digital Products and Online Education

28:59 Building a Successful Subscription-Based Platform

36:24 The Creative and Business Mindset

41:47 Creativity in Business

43:01 The Power of Creation Energy & Overcoming Stereotypes

45:56 The Role of Sales in Creativity

47:28 Creating and Selling Products

50:17 Understanding Value and Wealth

53:47 The Law of No More, No Less

56:07 Manifestation and Self-Worth

01:03:49 Balancing Wealth and Life

01:09:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Brian Luebben breaks down how he walked away from a top-tier corporate role, built real freedom by 30, and now runs a $12M portfolio of small businesses—all while traveling the world.

He lays out the exact steps he took to shift from high-income employee to full-time entrepreneur, including the moment he realized his boss’s lifestyle wasn’t worth chasing. From underwriting his first deal to leveraging SBA loans and capital partners, Brian shares his strategy for acquiring cash-flowing businesses with minimal upfront investment. This episode is packed with tactical advice for anyone looking to build wealth on their terms, plus a mindset shift that could completely change your trajectory.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction

02:06 The Turning Point:Corporate Climb to Leaving Corporate

03:30 Starting the Podcast and New Ventures

05:55 Building Wealth and Mentorship

08:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life

30:43 The Power of Extra Hours

31:43 Survive, Arrive, Thrive: Cash Flow Levels

34:03 The Art of Expense Bucketing

36:02 Business Acquisitions: A Path to Wealth

43:23 Finding the Right Business and Raising Capital

When you say it—mean it.

When you commit—show up.

Be the man who is his word.

Trevor Waters unpacks how he left a stable role in corporate medical sales and created a consulting company during what he calls the “new medical gold rush.” He walks through the real structure behind his business—from sourcing cutting-edge skin grafts to managing inventory, risk, and a growing 1099 team. We talk lifestyle decisions, staying frugal with intention, and why delayed gratification might be the most valuable move of all.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro
Childhood & Early Life
03:40 – Work-Life Balance
08:57 – Education
13:10 – Starting the Entrepreneur Journey
16:23 – Consulting & Strategy
19:16 – Skin Grafting Expertise
27:26 – Client Relationships
29:25 – New Opportunities in Skin Grafting
31:53 – Building a Lean Team
33:37 – Entrepreneurial Challenges
39:35 – Financial Discipline & Vision
48:54 – Wisdom & Mentorship

Braven Grant, founder of Gains (formerly Gains in Bulk), shares his journey from a fitness-obsessed teenager to building a multi-million dollar supplement brand. He opens up about early struggles, selling out of product without making a profit, scaling challenges, and how he learned the hard way that you can’t scale uncertainty. Braven talks about the power of mentorship, making bold business moves, and why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders—it’s for anyone looking to optimize performance in life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a passion into a thriving business, this episode is packed with real-world insights on marketing, growth, and resilience. Plus, hear Braven’s take on social media, personal brand authenticity, and what’s next for Gains.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:06 Braven's Company and Vision

05:02 Early Influences and Fitness Background

08:08 Starting Gains in Bulk

12:21 Challenges and Growth

17:07 Scaling and Marketing Strategies

43:23 Navigating Social Media Controversies

45:22 Lessons from Social Media Backlash

49:05 Authenticity in Business and Social Media

52:34 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

59:38 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship

01:08:04 Creatine: The Ultimate Performance Enhancer

What does it take to turn a so-called "unglamorous" industry into a thriving business? Garret Larson shares his journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to running and eventually selling his waste management company to a corporate giant. He opens up about stepping into the family business, proving himself as a leader, and navigating the pressures of legacy and growth. Garret also offers valuable insights on leadership, learning from failure, and why hard work will always be a competitive advantage. Don’t miss this conversation on turning unexpected opportunities into long-term success!

At just 27, Rob Beardsley has built a $700M real estate empire, raising millions and acquiring institutional-grade multifamily assets. In this episode, he shares how he went from a Silicon Valley college student to a self-made investor, the power of betting big on yourself, and why relationships—not deals—unlock capital. We talk about the challenges of raising money, making bold business moves (like signing a lease at One World Trade Center), and the mindset shifts that separate successful investors from the rest. Whether you’re looking to scale your business or get your first deal done, this conversation is packed with insight.

Craig Breinholt, founder of Breinholt Insurance Group, joins the show to share his journey from a curious young professional to a thriving business owner in commercial insurance. Craig reflects on lessons from his entrepreneurial father, the leap of faith to start his own agency, and the challenges of navigating industry litigation. Discover his philosophy on hard work, the importance of mentorship, and the value of building long-term client relationships. Craig’s insights reveal the grit and strategy required to create a lasting legacy in any field

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:18 Early Life and Career Aspirations

03:42 High School and College Experiences

11:15 Entering the Insurance Industry

15:24 University of Phoenix and Sales Strategies

24:34 Building a Career in Insurance

41:43 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

43:28 Challenges with USI Merger

44:44 Deciding to Start Fresh

47:07 Building from Scratch

47:37 Legal Battles and Resilience

54:01 Passion for Insurance and Future Goals

Join James McCabe with guest Tyler McAllister, founder of Fusion Power, as he shares his journey from door-to-door sales to building one of Arizona’s most trusted solar energy companies. Tyler reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the lessons learned in scaling operations, and the strategies that have fueled Fusion Power’s growth.

In this episode, Tyler discusses the evolution of solar energy, why transparency and trust are crucial in the industry, and how he’s staying ahead in a competitive market. He also shares his perspective on creating value for customers, managing partnerships, and leading with purpose.

Chapters:

00:00 - 00:49 Introduction to Solar and Guest Speaker

00:49 - 04:53 Tyler McAllister's Early Life and Education

04:53 - 18:42 Discovering a Passion for Sales

18:42 - 22:12 Transitioning to Solar Energy

22:12 - 27:33 Starting a Solar Business

27:33 - 28:30 Navigating Business Partnerships

28:30 - 31:29 Operational Excellence in Solar

31:29 - 32:54 Forming Partnerships and Initial Investments

32:54 - 33:39 Navigating Business Expenses and Priorities

33:39 - 36:17 Aligning Business Partnerships

36:17 - 38:55 Overcoming Early Business Challenges

38:55 - 45:02 Solar Industry Insights and Company Strategies

45:02 - 48:54 Expanding to New Markets

48:54 - End Future of Solar and Final Thoughts