Phil Risher started his digital marketing company while living in his dad’s basement & $30,000 deep in student debt. Now, Phlash Consulting has grown into a thriving seven-figure company and earned Phil features in major publications such as Forbes, CNBC, and Business Insider for his debt-free business approach.

In this interview, Phil shares his battle-tested blueprint for starting a digital marketing agency with a $0 upfront cost. Including how to land your first client, leverage free marketing strategies like niche content creation and networking, and master cash flow discipline to ensure profitability. His story proves you don’t need deep pockets to succeed—just grit and resourcefulness.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a business debt-free is possible with the right approach.
• Focus on acquiring clients before investing in marketing.
• Service-based businesses are ideal for debt-free startups.
• Content creation can be a low-cost way to generate leads.
• Managing cash flow is crucial for profitability.
• Utilizing a budgeting framework helps in financial planning.
• Networking is key to finding your first customers.
• Building a productized service can help scale your business.
• Invest in good team members to grow your business.
• Set clear financial goals and stick to them.

Resources:

• Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/41CvEcO
• Connect with Phil: https://phlashconsulting.com/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Veronica Shelton and Hannah Ryu, the co-founders of Oak Theory, shared their inspiring journey in entrepreneurship, building a multi-million dollar design studio that specializes in branding, web design, and UX/UI. As women of color in the tech industry, they turned their shared experiences into a mission to level the playing field for smaller businesses, helping them create impactful and memorable brands.

By integrating AI tools into their workflows, Oak Theory has revolutionized how businesses approach branding and design, ensuring a user-centric focus that resonates with target audiences. Veronica and Hannah highlighted the importance of understanding customer behavior and conducting in-depth research to craft strategies that drive business growth. They also emphasized balancing AI efficiency with a human touch, ensuring that every design decision aligns with the client’s vision and audience needs.

Key Takeaways

• The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and learning opportunities.
• AI tools can significantly enhance branding and design processes.
• Understanding customer behavior is crucial for effective branding.
• Startups should focus on cost-effective strategies to build their brand identity.
• Daily gratitude and communication are key to a successful partnership.
• It's important to hire experts who know more than you in specific areas.
• Investing in your team and their growth is essential for business success.
• Building a brand identity requires deep understanding of your audience.
• Utilizing design tools like Figma and Canva can streamline the design process.
• Partnerships can provide support and diverse perspectives in business.

Resources:

• Start Your Business Today: https://bit.ly/4bdud7U
• Connect with Veronica & Hannah: https://oaktheory.co/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Luke Van Der Veer reveals how he built a lucrative empire renting websites to local service companies. After leaving his six-figure corporate job at 29, Luke discovered an innovative approach to generating passive income through website rentals and lead generation, eventually building a portfolio of over 200 revenue-producing websites.

Luke shares his proven blueprint for identifying profitable niches in the local service industry, particularly in the blue-collar sector, and explains how he generates substantial monthly income with minimal overhead costs. His journey from corporate America to digital entrepreneurship demonstrates how anyone can build a location-independent business with truly passive income potential.

Key Takeaways:

• The step-by-step process of building and renting websites to generate passive income
• How to identify profitable niches in cities with 100,000-300,000 population
• Why targeting businesses already paying for leads creates easier conversion opportunities
• The importance of templating websites and content strategy for scaling
• A proven approach to pricing: starting with 15% commission and transitioning to flat fees
• How to start with minimal investment (under $150/month in tools and software)
• The value of focusing solely on SEO rather than paid advertising
• Why maintaining ownership of websites is crucial for long-term passive income

Resources:

• Start Your Business Today: https://bit.ly/411aGDd
• Connect with Luke: https://www.instagram.com/lukevanderveer/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Joshua Tuggle-Miller shares his journey from the entertainment industry to establishing a successful vending machine business. He breaks down the key steps to getting started, scaling operations, and maintaining long-term profitability.

Learn about location sourcing, customer acquisition strategies, and the critical financial aspects of the business. This episode offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the vending machine industry, from initial investments to daily operations and long-term growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting Small – Begin with 1-2 machines and reinvest profits for steady growth.
• Finding the Right Locations – Build relationships with property owners and offer incentives for prime spots.
• Financial Planning – Understand startup costs, operating expenses, and the importance of an emergency fund.
• Effective Outreach – Use professional business packets and cold outreach strategies to secure locations.
• Operational Efficiency – Stay on top of inventory, maintenance, and daily sales tracking.
• Scaling Strategically – Maintain steady employment while gradually expanding the business.
• Risk Management – Learn the industry before making significant investments and prepare for challenges.
• Maximizing Revenue – Optimize product selection and location strategy for higher returns.

This episode provides practical insights for anyone interested in the vending machine industry or looking to build a profitable small business.

Resources:

• Join Joshua in the Academy: https://bit.ly/3Q9i6Px

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Chris Koerner took $3,000 and turned it into $15 million across multiple businesses, including his retail arbitrage giant, Texas Snax. In this episode, he breaks down how he leveraged retail arbitrage, mastered logistics, and built strong supplier relationships to scale his e-commerce empire.

From launching a business with minimal cash to negotiating deals and identifying winning products, Chris shares practical strategies that anyone can use to start or grow a business.

Key Takeaways:

• How Chris turned $3K into $15M through smart business strategies
• Why retail arbitrage (like Facebook Marketplace) is a great starting point
• The importance of customer validation—even if it’s your mom
• The power of negotiation and relationship-building in business
• Smart strategies for logistics, fulfillment, and hiring employees
• Innovative business ideas for 2025

If you're looking for real-world business strategies and e-commerce hacks, this episode is a must-listen!

Resources

• Try PodPitch for Free: https://bit.ly/3WEO1Lq
• Academy: https://bit.ly/40VD6PU
• Connect with Chris: https://tkopod.com/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

How do you build a $75,000 per month real estate business without having money of your own? In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Eric Moeller, founder of Freewyld, who proves that you don’t need money to get started in real estate.

Eric shares how he leveraged other people’s money (OPM) and strategic borrowing to acquire properties and scale his unique cabin rental business. From flipping his first house at 18 to redefining the hospitality industry, Eric reveals his secrets to using storytelling, intentional design, and a strong company culture to build a thriving brand.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to fuel your entrepreneurial growth.

Key Takeaways:

• How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad inspired Eric to start using other people’s money (OPM) to invest.
• The story of buying and flipping his first house at 18, showing that you don’t have to have money to get started.
• Why borrowing money and working with investors is critical for scaling a real estate business.
• Why unreasonable hospitality has built his brand.
• How Airbnb serves as a key channel for driving bookings and profitability.
• Why authenticity on social media helps build deeper connections with your audience.
• The value of surrounding yourself with positive, growth-oriented people.
• A step-by-step guide to setting measurable goals and staying accountable.
• How success should push you to keep learning, growing, and aiming higher.

Resources:

• Launch Your Business in 10-Days Guaranteed: https://bit.ly/40GOkYJ
• Connect with Eric: https://www.instagram.com/stayfreewyld/

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Feeling stuck, like your business is running in circles? Frustrated with trading your time for money but not seeing the growth you deserve? It’s time for a mindset shift.

Joining us is Robin Waite, bestselling author, speaker, and business coach, here to break down the mental barriers holding you back. Discover the game-changing strategies and actionable steps you can start using right now to finally unlock your path to financial freedom. Don’t miss this!

Key Takeaways

• Overcoming mental barriers is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• Fulfillment in business is more important than just making money.
• Planning is essential; many entrepreneurs lack a solid business plan.
• Pricing should reflect the value you provide, not just market standards.
• Confidence in pricing can lead to better client relationships and profitability.
• Raising prices can lead to fewer clients but higher revenue.
• Setting clear goals can help guide your entrepreneurial journey.

Resources:

• 10 Day Free Trial of UpFlip Academy: https://bit.ly/4hchkwF
• Follow Robin on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/RobinMWaite

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!

Cleaning homes can be a lucrative business, even if you never plan to do the work yourself. Our guest today never cleaned a client's home but he’s running a business generating $2 million annually. How is that possible? And what does it take to get started today?

Ryan Knoll is an expert at local SEO, generating leads for his business without having to lift a finger to do the actual cleaning. He shares in-depth techniques to drive more traffic to your local business as well as his story for how he got started in what may seem like a saturated market.

In this episode, Ryan dives into the marketing tactics that have worked extremely well for him and the ones that haven’t worked in the past. He shares the biggest reasons most local businesses aren’t successful with local lead generation and how you can turn your website into a lead generating tool unlike anything you’ve ever tried.

Resources:

• Start a cleaning business today: https://bit.ly/40pnW5y
• Connect with Ryan: https://tidycasa.com/

Key Takeaways

• Hiring others is essential to scale a business.
• Local SEO can significantly impact business visibility.
• Tracking marketing expenses and returns is vital.
• Building a strong online presence is key to attracting customers.
• Customer testimonials can drive business growth.
• Having a clear and user-friendly website is essential.
• Networking and asking for reviews can boost credibility.
• Understanding your market and competition is crucial for success. Make customer interactions as simple as possible.
• Regularly use your own service to identify friction points.

Ready to be your own boss without starting from scratch? Grab our FREE Franchise Guide and unlock the secrets of proven business models that have already created thousands of success stories.

Connect with UpFlip:

• On Facebook
• On Instagram
• On Youtube
• @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!