Most people feel trapped by the traditional path—go to college, get a job, grind until retirement—only to find themselves overworked, underpaid, and financially insecure. Kris Krohn lived that life. A broke college student working 18-hour days, he hit rock bottom when he came home to find his wife crying because they couldn’t afford food. That moment pushed him to reject the system and take control of his financial destiny through real estate investing.

In this powerful episode, Kris reveals how he went from $3,000 in savings to $1.6 million in real estate by the time he graduated. Now with over $2 billion in real estate transactions, Kris shares how anyone—even with no experience—can build passive wealth through smart investing. Learn how to break free from the 9-to-5, avoid retirement traps, and build a life of purpose, profit, and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• From Slavery Day to Freedom Day: Kris shares how hitting rock bottom with his wife inspired his real estate journey—and led to financial independence by age 26.

• The 20-Home Strategy: Discover how Kris’s plan to earn $10K/month through real estate led to complete financial freedom—and how he helps others do the same.

• The ROI Mindset Shift: Forget interest rates—Kris explains why most people are financially illiterate and why ROI matters more than the media narrative.

• Real Estate Partnerships Made Simple: Kris outlines how his turnkey model allows people to invest using 401Ks, home equity, or IRAs—while he does all the work.

• Freedom ≠ Retirement: Learn why true wealth is not just financial, but emotional, spiritual, and aligned with your values—and how Kris is starting a “minimalist millionaire” movement.

About the Guest:

Kris Krohn’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in real estate investing is both inspiring and instructive. Growing up with limited resources, Kris discovered early on that financial independence wasn’t just a dream—it was a goal to be achieved through smart, persistent action. Over the years, he transformed his life by mastering real estate investment strategies, turning setbacks into valuable lessons, and ultimately building a multi-million-dollar portfolio that has allowed him to live on his own terms. Kris’s story is a powerful blend of grit, innovative thinking, and a passion for empowering others. He’s not only achieved personal financial freedom but has dedicated himself to helping others do the same through his engaging podcasts, seminars, and investment platforms.

His ability to simplify complex investment concepts and translate them into actionable advice makes him an ideal guest for any podcast focused on entrepreneurship, personal development, or wealth building.

Links:

https://www.kriskrohn.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-krohn-569479174/

https://www.youtube.com/@KrisKrohn

https://www.instagram.com/kriskrohn

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Use his knowledge and network to structure deals where others bring the capital—because reputation, not money, is the most valuable asset.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Acquiring a business for the wrong reason—he got the one asset he wanted but lost $3.2 million in the process.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Time Machine by Kris Krohn and Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Calendar and Phone”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having both time and money—but choosing to live with balance, purpose, and minimalism, not excess. True wealth is doing what you love, when you want, with who you love.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career

Most families approach college planning emotionally instead of strategically—leading to wasted time, unnecessary debt, and missed opportunities for aid. Annmarie Hatfield has spent over a decade guiding families through the complex and overwhelming college admissions process. From misunderstood financial aid forms to choosing the wrong schools based on sports teams or family tradition, she’s seen how misinformation costs students thousands—and parents their peace of mind.

In this episode, Annmarie shares how her company, College Inroads, helps students and families navigate college like a business decision—without sacrificing the dream. Whether your child is a freshman or a senior, you’ll learn how to reduce stress, increase options, and even negotiate tuition. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before writing that first college check.

Key Takeaways:

• College Planning is a Business Strategy: Annmarie teaches families to treat college like a business investment, not just an emotional decision.

• Start Early, Save Money: The ideal time to start college prep is 10th grade—but College Inroads now offers programs as early as 8th grade due to demand.

• Don’t Fall for FAFSA Myths: Even wealthy families should file the FAFSA. It opens doors to merit aid, government loans, and eligibility for tuition appeals.

• Tailored College Searches: There are 2,700+ four-year schools in the U.S.—most families only know 20. College Inroads finds the right schools for your child.

• Appeals Can Work: Annmarie and her team help families negotiate for more aid—even after acceptance. College pricing can be flexible if you know how to ask.

About the Guest:

Annmarie Hatfield is a seasoned business owner, speaker, and one of two Partners at College Inroads, an Independent Education Consultant firm based in Texas. With a strong background in sales and marketing, Annmarie has helped guide more than 1,300 students and families over the past 13 years through the complex and often overwhelming college admissions process.

At College Inroads, Annmarie focuses on making the journey to college less stressful and more affordable—from choosing a major and building a college list to applying strategically and reducing college costs. Their team has successfully supported students of all academic levels, helping them gain acceptance to Ivy League institutions, private universities, and public colleges across all 50 states.

Annmarie is also a Texas Ex, award-winning professional, board member, author, wife, stepmom, and proud cat momma. She actively networks in the business community and educates parents and students through webinars, school presentations, and partnerships with financial planners and family-focused organizations like the Young Men’s Service League, National Charity League, and high school PTOs.

Her mission is simple: save families time, stress, and money on the road to college—while making sure every student finds the right fit.

Links:

https://collegeinroads.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariehatfield/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Buy a website, tap her network, and use social media to announce the launch—visibility before perfection.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not spending enough money early on the right marketing. It took 14 years to hit $1M in revenue, but it could have happened faster with better...

Small businesses are losing time, customers, and profit by relying on outdated systems—especially when 60% of calls go unanswered. Ken Cox has seen this over and over. After decades in tech and entrepreneurship, he’s now helping small businesses automate their customer communication with “AI employees” that work 24/7, speak every language, and never forget your policies. The kicker? Most businesses don’t even realize how accessible this tech is—or how much it can increase their valuation and efficiency overnight.

In this episode, Ken breaks down how AI voice agents are revolutionizing service-based businesses, how to train your first AI receptionist, and what the future looks like when humans become orchestrators—not operators. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar owner or just exploring your next business idea, this is your roadmap to the next wave of work.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Employees for Small Business: Ken explains how voice AI can answer your phone, reply to reviews, and even schedule appointments—without hiring extra staff.

• Why You’re Losing 60% of Business Calls: Learn why most businesses miss opportunities daily and how automation can fix it instantly.

• Training AI Is Easier Than You Think: If your website has the right info, your AI agent can be trained in minutes to handle customer interactions.

• Automated = More Valuable: Businesses with AI systems are not only more efficient—they’re worth double at exit.

• The $100M Mistake: Ken shares a personal story about an overlooked contract clause that cost him a fortune—and what every entrepreneur should learn from it.

About the Guest:

Ken Cox is a dynamic and accomplished President of Hostirian and the host of the Clicks and Bricks podcast. As an entrepreneur, Ken has built a successful career creating safe and happy workplaces, providing critical IT services to companies of all sizes, from small businesses to the Global 500. His commitment to trading value for value and developing products that benefit everyone involved has earned him recognition as a leading figure in the business world.

Ken is also the author of Reclaim Sobriety: The 12 Rounds of Sobriety, a transformative guide for achieving lasting sobriety. Additionally, he co-authored a chapter in Kevin Harrington’s book, Many Paths to Profit. His expertise in navigating digital privacy, modern HR strategies, product marketing, and entrepreneurship, combined with his personal journey through adversity, makes him a perfect fit for podcasts with an audience of CEOs, CTOs, founders, IT directors, and CFOs.

Links:

https://www.jamesrobbins.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobbins97/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Start 3–5 service-based businesses using Inlink’s AI tools—test what works and double down.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Accepting a $1M buyout clause in a contract that ultimately cost $100M+ in missed revenue."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Phoenix Project — a must-read for understanding systems, operations, and how to document magic into SOPs.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT Pro — his go-to for creative writing, SOP development, and running every corner of the business.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to act...

Many high achievers build success externally but feel stuck, exhausted, or unfulfilled internally. Even leaders can lose their way, unsure what the next evolution of their purpose looks like. That’s exactly what happened to James Robbins. From the foothills of the Rockies to leading ministry teams and global business audiences, James was always seen as a leader. But behind the scenes, he wrestled with self-doubt, burnout, and a longing for deeper alignment. His experience navigating leadership, storytelling, and identity helped him build two businesses—and now, a powerful new message for those ready to reclaim their calling.

In this episode, James shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a speaking and leadership company, writing Nine Minutes on Monday, and his transformational new book, The Call to Climb. We explore how storytelling drives leadership, how to lead with empathy, and why your soul is calling you to something more.

Key Takeaways:

• From Ministry to Leadership Training: How James transitioned from church leadership to corporate consulting, and how his experience with volunteers became his “PhD in people.”

• The Power of Story: Why storytelling—not statistics—is the secret weapon for speakers, leaders, and educators who want to create lasting impact.

• Nine Minutes on Monday: James breaks down his simple weekly ritual to build engaged teams using just 9 questions—still used by leaders around the world.

• Burnout and Reinvention: His journey through midlife burnout inspired his new fable, The Call to Climb—a story for those feeling stuck, restless, or called to something greater.

• Designing a Business that Supports Your Life: James shares how he’s restructuring his work, choosing simplicity over scale, and planning for the next three years with purpose and intention.

About the Guest:

James is the founder of First Ascent Leadership. He is a rare mix of management consultant, behavior-change specialist, adventurer and inspirational speaker.

He helps organizations world wide reach higher levels of performance by transforming managers into inspirational leaders.

James was named one of the top leadership speakers by INC. Magazine and regularly shares the stage with other experts in business.

He is also the author of Nine Minutes on Monday; The Quick and Easy Way to Go From Manager to Leader which was named the 2012 Business Book of the Year by Canada’s Globe and Mail.

Links:

https://www.jamesrobbins.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobbins97/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Niche down and sell what you do best—James would teach speakers how to generate leads from stage, a skill that’s brought him 70–90% of the room.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Launching a SaaS platform without understanding its complexity. The result? Bankruptcy of a partner, personal financial loss, and losing his house.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis—a deep, reflective read for anyone evaluating the “why” behind their path.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT (daily use for ideation, writing, clarity), Upgraded Camera Setup (elevated his brand presence for remote work)”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Choosing your path—and owning...

Many creative professionals feel trapped in 9-to-5 careers that drain their energy—even when they love their craft. That was Matthieu Mehuys. A gifted landscape architect from Belgium, he found himself stuck in a corporate job, staring at a screen instead of designing nature. Burned out and unfulfilled, he packed a backpack and set off on a global journey that changed everything—from eco-resorts in the Amazon to creating edible gardens in Australia.

In this episode, Matthieu shares how he built a freedom-first business by offering high-end design services and scalable online courses to clients around the world. You’ll learn how he blends regenerative design with timeless principles of nature, and how he's helping everyday people build the gardens and the lives of their dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• From Burnout to Blueprint: Matthieu shares how hitting rock bottom while traveling the Amazon led to the birth of his international landscape architecture business.

• Teaching What You Love Can Scale: By launching an online masterclass called Garden of Your Dreams, Matthieu empowers clients to build regenerative gardens from anywhere—while creating passive income.

• The Power of Nature’s Laws: His award-winning book 12 Universal Laws of Nature teaches how working with—not against—nature drastically reduces maintenance and increases garden success.

• Balancing High-End Clients with Online Education: Matthieu explains how teaching others hasn’t hurt his luxury design business—instead, it’s created more demand and global opportunities.

• Designing for Freedom: Living in the Azores, Matthieu continues to work with clients globally while surfing, traveling, and teaching—on his own terms.

About the Guest:

Matthieu Mehuys is an award-winning author and passionate landscape architect whose journey from a family farm in Belgium to regenerative farming practices has led him to believe that landscape architects can indeed change the world. His fascination with plants since childhood drove him to become a landscape architect, a role he sees as instrumental in crafting environments that marry aesthetics with positive environmental impact. Through his work, he aims to empower individuals to transform their gardens into spaces that foster biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and reverse climate change.

Links:

https://www.paulownia-la.com/

linkedin.com/in/matthieu-mehuys-64b0b5111

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Use $10 for a calling plan, reach out to personal contacts, offer services for a low rate, and reinvest only in food to keep going.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Ignoring his coaches’ advice once success hit—thinking he “knew better” and abandoning proven strategies too early.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi and How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Calendly for scheduling, Google Calendar for managing his life and ChatGPT for creating offers and course content.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to live and travel anywhere, at any time, while doing meaningful work on my own terms.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had...

You pour years into building a business and finally reach the dream exit… but what happens when the money hits your bank and nothing actually feels different? That’s exactly what happened to John Makarewicz. After scaling a real estate business to a private equity exit and leading a 9-figure team, he was left asking, “Now what?” The transition exposed deeper truths—about leadership, burnout, and why financial freedom doesn’t always equal fulfillment.

In this episode, John unpacks what truly makes a business sellable, how to build a team that thrives without you, and how he rediscovered passion through real estate investing. If you’re building with an exit in mind—or recovering from one—this conversation will shift your perspective on what success really looks like.

Key Takeaways:

• The Exit Myth: John explains why reaching a business exit doesn’t magically deliver happiness—and how to prepare emotionally, not just financially.

• Building a Team That Runs Without You: Learn the systems and hiring strategies John used to make himself replaceable and boost business valuation.

• Burnout After Success: Discover why John’s first post-exit experience led to depression—and how daily hiking and deep reflection guided his next move.

• Leadership Lessons from the Trenches: Why empathy, feedback loops, and hiring for culture are more important than flashy résumés.

• Investing in Impact: At Ferris Capital Partners, John is now focused on multifamily real estate, value-add investing, and creating great experiences for residents and investors alike.

About the Guest:

John Makarewicz is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate investor, and Managing Partner at Faris Capital Partners, where he specializes in multifamily acquisitions, capital raising, and investor relations. Having grown up in Atlanta and lived across the United States, John’s diverse background has shaped his adaptable, people-first approach to business. His leadership style is heavily influenced by the teachings of coaching legends like John Wooden and Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), reflecting his personal mantra: “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” A passionate builder of businesses, John’s expertise extends well beyond deal-making. He previously scaled a company to a nine-figure private equity exit, focusing on strong culture, operational excellence, and outstanding client experience. Now, through Faris Capital Partners, he guides investors toward lucrative real estate opportunities while maintaining a relentless commitment to transparency and integrity.

Links:

https://www.fariscapitalpartners.com/

linkedin.com/in/john-makarewicz-23589a37

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Launch a webinar series on social media offering real estate education, followed by direct outreach to his personal network to secure listings.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Failing to inspect what he expected—assuming team members had the same motivation and missing red flags that nearly cost him his leadership role.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “John Wooden on Leadership and Vivid Vision”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Screen Time – For eliminating distractions and protecting focus and ChatGPT – For deal analysis, ideation, and dramatically reducing research hours.”

5. What is your definition of...

High achievers often push through stress, illness, and burnout—ignoring the warning signs—until life forces them to stop. Tino Dietrich was one of those people. A successful entrepreneur who oversaw billion-dollar deals, lived across continents, and helped build major online dating brands, Tino ended up in the ICU during COVID, fighting for his life. Only then did he realize something critical was missing: purpose.

In this episode, Tino shares his near-death experience and the transformation that followed. From launching a coaching business centered around the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, to introducing premium German-engineered golf balls to the U.S., Tino walks us through how adversity helped him build a life of meaning—and why now is the time to change what’s not working.

Key Takeaways:

• The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything: Tino’s experience in the ICU during COVID forced him to reevaluate his life, health, and business direction.

• Purpose Through Ikigai: How he rebuilt his life around the Japanese concept of Ikigai—finding purpose by aligning what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.

• Helping High Achievers Find Balance: Tino now coaches entrepreneurs, doctors, and executives struggling to manage work, life, and relationships.

• From Coaching to Golf Balls: How Tino’s weight-loss journey led him back to golf and into a business importing premium German golf balls into the U.S.

• Don’t Delay the Change: His biggest message? Stop waiting. Make the hard decisions now—your future depends on it.

About the Guest:

Tino Dietrich is a visionary entrepreneur, certified Mindvalley coach, and founder of The Dietrich Institute, a premier coaching and consulting organization dedicated to empowering high-achieving individuals and couples to thrive in their personal and professional lives. With over 30 years of leadership experience in global business, Tino brings unparalleled expertise and empathy to his work, helping clients master personal growth, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting legacies.

Links:

https://dietrichinstitute.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinodietrich/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Record a video sales letter (VSL), build a landing page with a clear offer, run ads, and save $40 to buy a dozen premium golf balls—his meditation on the course.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Delay—he compares it to high blood pressure: a silent killer you don’t feel until it’s too late.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz – a data-driven look into human behavior and surprising insights.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Superhuman – a high-speed email platform that helps him manage multiple accounts with ease.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Making choices that define the challenges you face—intentionally choosing your path, fully aware that every decision creates your reality.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure...

Companies invest heavily in sales and operations training, yet leadership is often overlooked—leading to disengaged employees, high turnover, and poor performance. Isabelle Fortin, a former member of the Canadian Air Force, transitioned into corporate leadership and was shocked by what she found—leaders with no real leadership training, companies promoting employees based on skill rather than leadership ability, and widespread dysfunction in management.

In this episode, Isabelle shares how military-style leadership training could transform corporate environments, why leadership is a skill that must be taught, and how companies can improve employee retention, engagement, and productivity with the right leadership strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The Military vs. Corporate Leadership Gap: Isabelle explains how leadership is trained and tested in the military—compared to how corporate America fails to prepare its leaders.

• Why Most Managers Aren’t Ready for Leadership: Many companies promote top performers into leadership roles without providing any actual leadership training—setting them up for failure.

• The Hidden Cost of Poor Leadership: Isabelle shares how turnover, disengagement, and lack of productivity are often direct results of ineffective leadership.

• How to Fix Leadership in Your Company: Learn why anonymous employee feedback, psychometric testing, and structured leadership training programs are critical to building a strong management team.

• The “Dinner Table Effect”: How great leadership at work creates happier employees, improves their home lives, and boosts overall morale and performance.

About the Guest:

Isabelle Fortin’s journey started in the Royal Canadian Air Force. For the next decade, she developed her communication skills and learned critical leadership skills by attending the prestigious Royal Canadian Leadership School Upon transitioning to civilian life, however, those same admirable traits were not recognized or valued by the company she worked for. She was shocked to notice how much of a “every person for themselves” mentality the corporate world was. She knew there was no way she, or anyone else, could reach their goals in this type of atmosphere. So, she decided to start her own business and create a better company culture that would put humans first.

Links:

https://www.againsttheordinary.org/

linkedin.com/in/isabellemfortin

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? • “Connect with as many people as possible—because success is about relationships and networking.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not listening closely enough to what people were really saying—every major mistake stemmed from misinterpreting or ignoring key signals.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss"

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “LinkedIn—because it provides access to high-level professionals and decision-makers without the noise of other social media platforms.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The “Five-30 Rule”—if something aggravates her for five minutes, she gives it 30 minutes notice before walking away.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that...