In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.
From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim’s story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn’t always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.
If you’ve ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom.
🧠 Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Kasim: https://kasim.me
Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com
👉 Learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon.
From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn’t enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life.
If you’ve ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you’re simply curious about what makes a company truly valuable—this episode is packed with insights you can apply today.
🧠 Takeaways:
-Don’t marry products—marry the brand and data.
-Amazon is just one channel: leverage it, then expand beyond it.
-The biggest myth: e-commerce success requires a brand-new invention.
-Sales fix everything—but only if profit margins are real.
-Avoid the “hopium” mindset of chasing overnight success.
-Purpose and values create sustainable growth (profit follows).
-The Five F’s for entrepreneurs: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Freedom.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Neil: https://VoltageDM.com
Check out Voltage Digital Marketing: https://VoltageDM.com
👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com
to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter.
From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy’s path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life.
If you’ve ever struggled with focus, wondered when to quit versus push through, or dreamed of creating a company that runs without you—this conversation is packed with perspective.
🧠 Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Ozzy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozzygarner
Explore Advertis: https://advertis.com
👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com
to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who’s spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive.
From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands.
This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie also offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs about branding, building impact, and why moving slower may actually help you accomplish more.
🧠 Takeaways:
-Being good at something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it—follow what energizes you.
-Diversity, creativity, and authenticity create stronger businesses than profit-driven spreadsheets.
-Our culture often resists innovation—entrepreneurs must persist despite resistance.
-AI will disrupt every industry, but it also levels the playing field for entrepreneurs.
-Brands today aren’t built—they’re revealed. Authenticity is the new currency.
-Long-term planning and intentional focus allow you to move slower but do more.
-Success isn’t about accumulating marbles—it’s about creating meaningful impact.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn (search “Bernie Youngblood”)
Learn more about Hot Logic at https://hotlogic.com
Follow Bernie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube
👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes leadership expert and coach Jennifer DiMotta, founder of Uprisers. Jennifer has spent over two decades in corporate leadership, eventually serving as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of a $22 billion company before creating her own coaching practice.
Through her structured and results-driven approach, Jennifer has transformed the often “soft” concept of leadership into an actionable framework that helps middle managers and emerging leaders rise to the next level. She shares her personal journey—navigating single parenthood, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately launching her business—and introduces her six-step system for becoming your own leadership coach.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your leadership journey or wondered how to break through to the next level in your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and actionable steps you can take right now.
🧠 Takeaways:
-Leadership isn’t reserved for a certain personality type—anyone can develop into a strong leader.
-Self-awareness is the #1 trait of great leaders; start with honest self-assessment.
-Long-term vision paired with 90-day goals gives you a 95% better chance of success.
-Accountability partners and reward systems help sustain motivation.
-Coaching should be measurable and structured, not just “soft” conversations.
-Financial acumen and company-level thinking are key for advancing in corporate leadership.
-Sharing your learnings with others reinforces growth and builds stronger teams.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Jennifer at https://Uprisers.com
Reach out directly: jennifer@uprisers.com
Take the StrengthsFinder Assessment
Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn
👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bill Canady—CEO, author, and creator of the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS). Bill has managed billion-dollar businesses, led tens of thousands of employees, and written bestselling books like The 80/20 CEO. His newest book, From Panic to Profit, takes readers inside the process of turning struggling companies into thriving ones.
From humble beginnings in a double-wide trailer to leading global enterprises, Bill shares how he applied focus, discipline, and the 80/20 principle to rise to the top. He also breaks down the practical framework leaders can use to take command of their business in just 100 days.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a small business owner, or a seasoned executive, Bill’s wisdom will help you simplify priorities, inspire your team, and build long-term success.
🧠 Takeaways:
-The harder you work, the luckier you get—opportunity comes from momentum.
-Focus on the critical few: 80% of results come from 20% of effort.
-To grow, leaders must learn to move, adapt, and sometimes sacrifice comfort.
-True leadership means empowering your team to design and own the strategy.
-Great leaders support their people by clearing obstacles, providing resources, and holding them accountable.
-Change management is at the core of building a high-performing culture.
-Emerging leaders should start acting like CEOs before they get the title by leading themselves first, then others.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Bill at https://BillCanady.com
Grab his books: The 80/20 CEO and From Panic to Profit (available wherever books are sold)
Explore the new 80/20 Institute for courses and leadership training
👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com
to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steven Puri—film executive turned tech founder, productivity expert, and remote work evangelist. Steven’s career path has taken him from producing blockbuster hits like Die Hard and The Wolverine to raising millions in venture capital and building tools that help people focus better, work smarter, and reclaim their time.
Steven shares fascinating behind-the-scenes lessons from Hollywood—how storytelling principles apply to business—and the practical strategies he’s developed for managing dopamine, achieving flow states, and structuring your day for maximum productivity. Whether you’re a leader managing a remote team or an entrepreneur trying to get more done without burning out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.
🧠 Takeaways:
Great storytelling—on screen or in business—comes from understanding what’s really driving your characters (or customers).
Your environment matters: create a dedicated space that triggers focus and productivity.
Flow states require meaningful, challenging work matched to your skills, plus the right conditions (think music, timing, and feedback).
Time boxing and knowing your chronotype help you tackle the right work at the right time of day.
Limit distractions—just two hours of protected focus time can change your team’s output dramatically.
Sometimes the key to momentum is starting small, not tackling the biggest task first.
Decide if you’re serious—commitment comes before any productivity hack can work.
You can find Steven at:
Website: https://thesukha.co
Email: steven@thesukha.co
📥 Download The Friday Habit Guide at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to set aside one full day each week to work on your business instead of in it.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Leslie Venetz—founder of the Sales Led GTM Agency, LinkedIn Top Voice, and 2024 Sales Innovator of the Year—to talk about building a profit-generating pipeline without burning out.
Leslie shares her journey from the high-pressure world of corporate sales to designing a four-day workweek, practicing “deep work,” and creating a business rooted in integrity. She unpacks practical strategies for small business owners and solopreneurs to target the right customers, fix a messy pipeline, and scale sales without losing control—or sanity.
From niching down your outreach to replacing yourself in the sales process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow intentionally and sustainably.
🧠 Takeaways:
More activity isn’t a strategy—relevance wins over volume in sales outreach.
Use firmographic filters and buying signals to target the right accounts.
A healthy pipeline has mutually agreed next steps and active movement.
Treat your go-to-market approach as a deliberate strategy, even if you’re small.
Start replacing yourself in sales one part at a time—don’t disappear overnight.
Protect time to work on your business, not just in it.
📕 Order Leslie’s new book Profit Generating Pipeline: https://salesledgtm.com/book👉
Check her out on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslievenetz
👉Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?
Download our free guide to The Friday Habit System at https://www.thefridayhabit.com
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Patrick Thean—international speaker, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Patrick shares his journey from building a supply chain software company that landed on the Inc. 500 list to coaching CEOs on how to focus, execute, and scale with intention.
From his “7 Key Practices for CEO Success” to practical tips on narrowing your niche, Patrick breaks down the habits, mindset shifts, and leadership skills that separate thriving companies from the ones that stall. He reveals why the best leaders are always learning, how to build a culture that becomes your competitive edge, and why knowing your “core customer” changes everything.
🧠 Takeaways:
👋 Connect with Patrick:
Website: https://rhythmsystems.com
Book: The Journey to CEO Success — Available on Amazon
👉 Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?
Download our free guide to The Friday Habit System at https://www.thefridayhabit.com
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training—a nationwide franchise with over 20 locations and counting. Ryan shares his incredible journey from training dogs behind a Chick-fil-A in a beat-up van to running one of the top-ranked dog training brands in the U.S.
From scrappy beginnings to building a tightly run operation with a full call center, franchise model, and national reputation, Ryan breaks down the real lessons behind building a scalable service business. He also shares why sales training was one of his first investments, how he trains non-salesy people to sell, and what most business owners get wrong when trying to grow.
🧠 Takeaways:
👋 Connect with Ryan:
Website: https://www.tiptopk9.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwimpey
👉 Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?
Download our free guide to The Friday Habit system at https://www.thefridayhabit.com
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Emmy-nominated content creator, strategist, and international table tennis competitor Justin Bookey. As the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life, Justin shares how his lifelong passion for ping pong evolved into a leadership framework that blends sport, strategy, and self-awareness.
From practicing with Olympians to advising Fortune 100 CEOs, Justin distills decades of insights into memorable “Pong Principles” that can help anyone become a more agile, authentic, and aware leader. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up personally, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, unexpected metaphors, and even a few laughs.
🧠 Takeaways:
👋 Connect with Justin:
👉 Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?
Download our free guide to The Friday Habit system at thefridayhabit.com.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ellen Wood—CEO and co-founder of vcfo—to talk about the power of financial strategy, planning for exit, and how to build a more valuable business from day one. As a pioneer in the fractional CFO space, Ellen has helped hundreds of businesses scale, prepare for investment, and exit successfully. She shares practical advice for founders at every stage, from what entity structure to choose to how (and when) to think about your exit strategy.
This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights on cash flow, culture, and planning for the long game—even if you’re just getting started.
🧠 Takeaways:
🔧 Resources Mentioned:
🎯 For more insights like these, visit TheFridayHabit.com to download our free guide on how to spend one day a week working on your business instead of in it.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Benjamin Johnson, serial tech co-founder and founder of Particle 41. With over two decades in software development, DevOps, and startup building, Ben shares hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to lead successful tech initiatives—from bootstrapping SaaS platforms to advising CEOs on digital strategy.
They dig into the evolution of AI, the risk of overengineering, and how founders can use time-tested principles like quarterly planning, intentionality, and simplicity to build smarter—not harder. Plus, Ben explains how he turned 1,000+ unread LinkedIn messages into 10 real leads in 30 minutes using AI.
If you're an entrepreneur, CTO, or creative leader navigating the tech landscape, this episode will challenge you to rethink complexity, lead with clarity, and focus on what truly matters.
💡 Takeaways:
🔗 Connect with Ben:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjohnson/
📚 Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the free guide on working on your business—not just in it.
📩 Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business stories, practical strategies, and weekly inspiration for entrepreneurs and creators.
In this follow-up to Episode 200: How to Build a Sellable Business, Mark sits down with Ben Manley to unpack the next phase—what happens after you sell.
Ben opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons he learned from structuring the deal, and the surprising challenges that come with handing over your business. From choosing the right buyer to creating SOPs, setting expectations, and navigating post-sale training, this episode gives a full behind-the-scenes look at what selling a business really looks like.
Whether you're deep in the sales process or just dreaming about an exit someday, this is essential listening for any founder who wants to sell smart—and stay sane.
🧠 Takeaways:
📘 Action Step:
Ben’s top recommendation: Read Built to Sell by John Warrillow.
📌 Learn More Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business instead of in it.
📣 Stay Connected Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to help you build a business (and life) you love.
In this special 200th episode of The Friday Habit, Mark and Ben reunite to celebrate a huge milestone—and to share some big news. After nearly six years as co-hosts, Ben is officially stepping away from the mic (don’t worry, he’ll still pop in from time to time). But before he goes, he’s opening up about what it really took to build, systemize, and sell his business, Knapsack.
From Bro Mountain retreats and podcast dreams to building a business that runs without you, Ben walks through his journey of creating a sellable company—from first hire to final handoff. Whether you’re dreaming of an exit or just want more freedom in your business, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom only 200 episodes can deliver.
🧠 Takeaways:
📌 Learn More
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business instead of in it.
📣 Stay Connected
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to help you build a business (and life) you love.
👋 And yes—Ben will be back now and then. You can’t get rid of him that easily.
In this episode of the Friday Habit, Nick McEvily shares his journey from design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer interviews and the role of design in business success. He discusses his life in Mexico City, the challenges of the zero to one stage in startups, and the common pitfalls founders face in achieving product market fit. The discussion highlights the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the art of understanding customer needs through effective communication.
In this conversation, Nick McEvily shares insights on the importance of effective listening, crafting open-ended questions for interviews, and the significance of gathering honest feedback from clients. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas quickly and the changing landscape of venture capital, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to business development. The discussion also touches on the value of data in decision-making and the importance of humility in leadership.
Takeaways:
Nick McEvily emphasizes the importance of customer interviews.
Design plays a crucial role in building trust with users.
The zero to one stage is a critical phase for startups.
Delusion can be necessary for founders to succeed.
Many founders do not spend enough time understanding their customers.
Effective design must resonate with the target audience.
Data should back the intuition of CEOs and founders.
Customer feedback can be misleading if not approached correctly.
Surveys are just one tool among many for gathering insights.
Building a strong narrative is essential for fundraising. Good listening skills help decipher unspoken truths.
Facing the truth can lead to stronger confidence.
Crafting a script is essential for effective interviews.
Open-ended questions yield higher quality responses.
Limit the number of questions to maintain engagement.
Finding unbiased participants is crucial for research.
Statistical significance is important in decision-making.
Don't wait too long to present ideas to customers.
Exploration leads to new opportunities and ideas.
The venture capital landscape is evolving towards more validation.
Connect with Nick:
https://www.nickmcevily.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmcevily
Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Nicholas McEvily
01:04 Life in Mexico City and Family
04:00 Journey into Design and Entrepreneurship
07:00 The Importance of Design in Business
10:00 Navigating the Zero to One Stage
13:04 Common Pitfalls in Product Market Fit
16:00 Insights from Customer Interviews
19:11 The Art of Listening and Understanding
20:37 Crafting Effective Interview Questions
21:33 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions
23:14 Navigating Client Relationships
25:16 Finding Participants for Research
26:23 The Value of Data in Decision Making
28:23 The Balance of Confidence and Humility
30:33 Validating Ideas Quickly
33:05 Exploring New Ventures and Markets
35:42 Learning from Failure and Exploration
37:47 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital
39:22 Final Thoughts and Action Items
In this episode, Mark sits down with Russel Dubree, founder of Performance Faction and former agency owner who built and sold a multi-million dollar creative business. They talk turkey (literally), before diving into the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship—what it means to grind, the challenges of hiring and leading a team, the highs and lows of partnerships, and what ultimately led to Russel’s decision to sell his agency and pursue business coaching.
In this conversation, Russel shares the real story of growing a business from nothing—starting with a $500 credit card charge and a dream, all the way to a $5M agency with 16 employees. He opens up about poor hiring decisions, burnout, navigating family and business, and the wake-up call that helped him redefine success. Now, as a coach, he helps agency leaders find their purpose, build resilient teams, and grow with clarity and intention.
Takeaways:
Connect with Russel:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russeldubree
Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Welcome to The Friday Habit
01:14 Guest Introduction: Russel Dubree
01:48 Thanksgiving Turkey Talk
09:57 Balancing Business and Family
10:56 Entrepreneurial Beginnings
23:10 Starting a Web Development Company
29:34 Pricing and Early Challenges
33:15 Hiring and Growing the Business
36:58 Reflecting on Early Growth and Challenges
38:23 Learning from Industry Experts
41:20 Defining Moments and Major Projects
44:39 Improving Processes and Team Dynamics
49:18 Finding Passion and Purpose
54:40 Deciding to Sell the Business
58:53 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Plans
01:14:23 Final Advice and Closing Thoughts
In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth.
In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of data ownership and how leaders can simplify their approach to data management. He emphasizes that data is a company's most valuable asset and should be treated as such. The discussion also covers the evolution of data storage, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of being a data-driven leader. Gravy shares insights on leading remote teams effectively, the role of faith in leadership, and how personal relationships can enhance team dynamics. He concludes with practical advice for leaders to start integrating data into their decision-making processes.
Takeaways:
Data can drive growth and success for businesses.
Paul's journey into data was accidental but transformative.
The dot-com boom provided unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Learning from mistakes is crucial in business.
Data ownership is essential for companies to thrive.
Partnerships can complicate business dynamics.
Bootstrapping allows for greater control and vision.
AI is increasingly reliant on data for effectiveness.
Companies must integrate their scattered data for better insights.
Understanding data as an asset is vital for modern businesses. Who you are as a company is your data.
Data is incredibly simple: strings, dates, and numbers.
Leaders must take ownership of their data.
SaaS systems are proliferating and are here to stay.
AI is integral to the future of business.
Love your team to foster better leadership.
Success is defined by the love and respect of those who know you best.
Having a moral compass simplifies decision-making.
Challenges often indicate you're on the right path.
Start replacing assumptions with data-driven questions.
Connect with Paul:
https://www.thedatagroup.cloud/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgraeve
Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots.
He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep dive into the world of small business management and optimization.
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Chris:
Website: trainual.com
LinkedIn: Chris Ronzio
Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 Meet Chris Ronzio: Founder and CEO of Train
01:17 Fun Icebreaker: Unlimited Service for a Year
02:20 The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation
04:07 Chris Ronzio's Background and Early Life
07:08 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures
10:28 Transition to Consulting and New Challenges
18:06 The Birth of Train: From Consulting to SaaS
21:41 The Challenges of Starting a Podcast
22:38 From Consulting to Equity Projects
23:28 The Leap to SaaS
26:34 Adapting Team Roles for SaaS
30:22 The Importance of Clear Roles in a Company
33:44 Writing and Marketing 'The Business Playbook'
38:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
