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In this episode of "Maker Manager Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Howard, a credit card loyalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight to the Points (STTP). Spencer's journey into the world of travel rewards began after a career in politics, where he honed his skills in research and communication. He shared how his background in political science from Notre Dame and his experiences running political campaigns prepared him for the entrepreneurial path he eventually took.

Spencer's passion for travel and deal hunting led him to create STTP in 2017. He aims to help business owners and everyday travelers demystify credit card points and maximize their travel experiences without breaking the bank. His award-alert newsletters curate the best deals on premium cabin flights, making it easier for subscribers to book luxury travel.

During our conversation, we explored Spencer's transition from politics to travel writing, his unique approach to building a newsletter, and the importance of engaging with his audience. He emphasized the value of personalized consulting and how he helps clients optimize their points strategies. We also discussed the various credit card strategies he recommends for small business owners, highlighting the benefits of using business credit cards to earn more points.

Spencer shared insights into the growth of his newsletter, which started as a hobby and has now grown to around 10,000 subscribers. He explained the different subscription options, including a premium tier offering more in-depth travel insights. We also touched on the challenges of navigating the complex world of travel rewards and how Spencer aims to simplify that process for his readers.

As we delved deeper into Spencer's personal life, he opened up about his experiences with mental health, the impact of his parents on his life, and his passion for travel. He shared some of his favorite travel destinations, including Taiwan, and has on his bucket list to attend the Monaco Formula One race.

Spencer's enthusiasm for travel and helping others experience the luxury of flying business class was evident throughout the episode. He also discussed the tools he uses to manage his business, including MailChimp and Simple Texting, and how he balances work with family life, especially as a new father.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in travel rewards, entrepreneurship, and turning a passion into a successful business. Join us as we uncover Spencer's story and learn how to use credit card points to create unforgettable travel experiences.

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In this episode of "Make or Manage Your Money," Kyle Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Roger Einstoss, the CEO and co-founder of Braintly. This company connects U.S. businesses with top-tier software engineering talent in Latin America. Roger's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, from his childhood days of selling burned CDs to leading a successful international business.

Roger shared insights into his educational background, highlighting his decision to pursue a technical school specializing in informatics, ultimately leading him to a software engineering degree. He recounted his early professional experiences, including his first job as a junior developer and his transition into management, where he learned the complexities of leading a team and navigating interpersonal dynamics.

As we delved deeper into his story, Roger explained how he and his co-founders identified a significant opportunity in the nearshore outsourcing market. They founded Braintly in 2012, and within a year, they secured their first client in Silicon Valley. Roger emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration, mainly through his involvement with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), which has provided him invaluable support and connections throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

We discussed Braintly's services, including staff augmentation and complete project teams, and how they cater to the needs of U.S. companies looking to build engineering teams in Latin America. Roger elaborated on their projects, often working with technology-driven companies that rely on software for their operations.

Much of our conversation focused on artificial intelligence's impact on the software development landscape. Roger shared his thoughts on the future of work for developers, the importance of maintaining foundational knowledge despite the rise of AI tools, and how Braintly is leveraging AI to enhance its recruitment processes.

As we wrapped up the episode, Roger reflected on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. He candidly discussed the difficulties of making tough decisions regarding team members and his company's profound impact on the lives of talented individuals in Argentina, providing them with opportunities to work for U.S. companies and improve their quality of life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. Roger's story is inspiring and offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate their journeys in the business world.

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In this episode of the Maker-Manager Money Podcast with Kyle Knowles, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Jeanette Oku, a marketing pioneer and influencer marketing expert, who joined me from Berlin. Our conversation delved into her journey from journalism to establishing a global agency called BeyondInfluence, as well as her insights into the evolving landscape of the creator economy.

We kicked off the episode by discussing Jeanette's recent experiences at various marketing conferences in Paris and Dresden. She highlighted a particularly impactful influencer marketing conference in Paris, which focused on the intersection of creators and marketers. Jeanette shared her excitement about the event and the valuable connections she made, including a reunion with a friend from California.

As we transitioned into the core of our discussion, I revisited a topic we touched on in our previous conversation: the shift from the term "influencer" to "content creator." Jeanette elaborated on her predictions for influencer marketing in 2025, noting that the market is becoming increasingly saturated, which may lead to a decrease in influencer fees. She emphasized the need for influencer marketing to be recognized as a legitimate discipline within marketing strategies, rather than just an add-on.

Authenticity emerged as a key theme in our conversation. Jeanette argued that genuine content is more important than ever, especially in a world flooded with polished marketing materials. She pointed out that audiences are drawn to real, relatable content, and that brands must allow influencers the freedom to express their authentic voices.

We also explored the potential for older generations, such as Gen X and baby boomers, to thrive as influencers. Jeanette shared a fascinating anecdote about a campaign she worked on featuring retirees on TikTok, demonstrating that there is indeed a market for diverse age groups in the influencer space.

As the conversation progressed, we shifted our focus to the role of artificial intelligence in marketing. Jeanette explained how AI tools can streamline content creation and enhance marketing strategies, but she cautioned against relying on AI without a clear understanding of the problems one aims to solve. We discussed the importance of using AI to complement human creativity rather than replace it.

Towards the end of our chat, we touched on Jeanette's personal life, including her beloved cat and her daughter's transition to university. We also discussed her artistic pursuits, such as knitting, and the balance between work and personal creativity.

Finally, I asked Jeanette for book recommendations, and while she admitted she hadn't read much recently, she suggested the classic "Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov, emphasizing its timeless relevance.

This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketers, offering a fresh perspective on the future of influencer marketing, the importance of authenticity, and the transformative potential of AI in the creative space. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to navigate the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship and marketing.

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In this podcast episode, Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Hoffmann, an inspiring entrepreneur who has transitioned from a corporate career to building a successful vending business. Mike's journey began in rural Iowa, where his father's entrepreneurial spirit influenced him, and he even ran a lemonade stand as a child. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in exercise science, he entered the world of collegiate strength conditioning, working long hours and realizing the need for financial freedom.

Mike's first taste of entrepreneurship came when he purchased a rental property as a strength conditioning coach in St. Louis. This experience sparked his interest in real estate investing. Still, it wasn't until he moved to Silicon Valley to work for Sparta Science that he truly immersed himself in the startup culture. During his time there, he learned valuable lessons about accountability, transparency, and the importance of having a clear vision for success.

The conversation took an interesting turn when Mike shared how his experiences traveling for work during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to discover the potential of the vending machine business. After witnessing the high margins on vending machine products in airports, he decided to take the plunge and install his first combo vending machine at an apartment complex near the University of Oregon. With minimal investment and a commitment to learning, Mike quickly saw success, generating significant profits from his initial machine.

As we delved deeper into his entrepreneurial journey, Mike discussed the importance of having a solid support system, including a good CPA and legal counsel, to navigate the complexities of running a business. He also emphasized the value of understanding tax advantages as an entrepreneur, which can significantly impact one's take-home pay.

Throughout the episode, Mike shared insights on scaling his vending business, the importance of community among fellow entrepreneurs, and his passion for helping others start their vending routes through his website, Vendingpreneurs.com. He also touched on his broader vision of creating passive income streams, which he believes is essential for achieving financial freedom and spending more time with family.

Listeners will find this episode not only informative but also motivational, as Mike's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're considering starting your own business or looking for ways to create passive income, Mike's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone on the entrepreneurial path.

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SUMMARY

In this episode of the Maker Manager Money podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jill Wright, the founder of Executive Shine, a company that has transformed the art of shoeshining into a meaningful service experience. With over 38 years of experience, Jill operates locations in both the Denver and Charlotte International Airports, but her story goes far beyond just shining shoes.

Jill's approach to business is deeply rooted in love and connection. She emphasizes the importance of asking, "What does love look like here for the person in front of me right now?" This guiding principle has shaped her leadership style and the culture at Executive Shine. From her ranch in Colorado, where she raises horses and chickens, Jill has developed an innovative training program called the Shine Experience, which focuses on creating high-functioning teams through a service-oriented culture.

During our conversation, Jill shared her personal journey, including her early experiences with horses and how they taught her about energy and connection. She recounted a pivotal moment with her trainer, who advised her to be mindful of how her energy impacts those around her. This lesson has been instrumental in her approach to leadership and service.

We delved into the concept of HeartMath, a practice that emphasizes heart-brain coherence and the importance of connecting with others from a place of love rather than fear. Jill explained how this practice has influenced her interactions, both personally and professionally, and how it can help individuals navigate stress and build authentic connections.

The episode took a poignant turn as I opened up about my own journey of grief following the loss of my son, Jake. Jill offered insights on how to channel grief into love and connection, emphasizing that unexpressed love is often what we carry in our hearts after a loss. Her perspective on using personal experiences to foster deeper connections with others resonated deeply with me.

Jill also shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her rebellious spirit and desire to create something meaningful. She discussed the importance of hiring individuals who align with her core values and the significance of developing a diverse team that can bring unique perspectives to the table.

Throughout our conversation, Jill's passion for serving others and creating a culture of love and connection was evident. She reminded me that true leadership involves vulnerability and the willingness to honor the unique gifts of each team member.

TIME STAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:01:53 - Jill's Life on the Ranch
00:02:23 - Jill's Passion for Horses and Dressage
00:03:11 - The Connection Between Humans and Horses
00:05:22 - Energy Awareness and Its Impact
00:09:00 - Channeling Energy Through the Heart
00:10:53 - Understanding HeartMath
00:14:02 - The Importance of Heart-Brain Coherence
00:19:04 - Navigating Grief and Loss
00:20:55 - Finding Purpose Through Pain
00:31:05 - Jill's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
00:33:05 - The Birth of Executive Shine
00:39:00 - Building a Team and Delegation
00:43:07 - The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
00:55:02 - The Power of Connection Over Perfection
00:58:18 - Hiring for Love and Impact
01:00:07 - Expansion of Executive Shine Locations
01:01:45 - The Journey to Washington, D.C.

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In this captivating Maker Manager Money podcast episode, Kyle Knowles sits down with Glen Calvert, co-founder of Kaizan AI. This innovative startup leverages artificial intelligence to enhance client satisfaction and retention. Glen shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days in traditional publishing and online advertising to his groundbreaking work in the e-sports industry. 🚀

What Listeners Will Learn:

🎯 Passion and Persistence: Glenn's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. From starting multiple startups to venturing into AI, Glenn's story highlights the importance of staying committed to your vision and continuously learning and adapting along the way.
🎯 Embracing AI for Business Growth: Glenn's journey with Kaizan AI showcases the potential of AI in enhancing client relationships and driving business growth. By leveraging AI models for client priorities and pain points, Glenn demonstrates how technology can revolutionize traditional business practices and improve customer satisfaction.
🎯 Startup vs. Corporate Mentality: Glenn's insights on the differences between working in startups versus corporate environments shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities each setting presents. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs emphasizes the need for resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace chaos in the startup world.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or fascinated by the transformative power of AI, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

🔥 #ArtificialIntelligence
🌟 #Entrepreneurship
💡 #Innovation
🤝 #ClientService
💻 #Startups

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In this episode of Maker-Manager Money with Kyle Knowles, Kyle dives deep into the world of AI-powered content marketing with guest Cody Schneider, a trailblazer in the AI-first company landscape. The conversation is lively and engaging, with the host and guest discussing strategies and tools for successful podcasting and content marketing.

Cody Schneider, the CEO and co-founder of Swell AI plus co-founder of Drafthorse AI, shares his expertise in blending technology with marketing to create innovative solutions. From his early days selling sneakers to his strategic role in influencer marketing and SEO, Cody's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and strategic thinking in today's digital age.

The discussion focuses on the two common paths in podcasting: building a business to sell advertisements or using a podcast as a go-to-market mechanism for a business. Cody emphasizes the importance of leveraging podcasts to build relationships and generate revenue through high-ticket services.

The conversation also delves into the practical applications of AI in content marketing, with Cody sharing insights on how AI can automate content creation, distribution, and optimization. The episode highlights the potential of AI tools like Swell AI in streamlining content workflows and maximizing organic traffic growth.

The episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to leverage AI in their content marketing strategies. The engaging and informative discussion between the host and guest creates a dynamic listening experience for listeners interested in the intersection of AI and content marketing.

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Russ Warner, a seasoned sales, marketing, and operations expert, shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey on the Maker Manager Money podcast with Kyle Knowles. From his early days selling candy door-to-door to co-founding Ghost Boards, a venture he propelled to over 10 million in sales, Russ's story is one of relentless dedication, creativity, and business acumen. His expertise spans traditional and digital platforms, offering invaluable insights into mortgage trends and business best practices. His visionary approach has scaled his company and cultivated a culture of trust, collaboration, and opportunity within his team.

What Listeners Will Learn:

🎯 No Excuses: Russ's journey from selling candy door-to-door to co-founding a successful business teaches the importance of relentless dedication and a no-excuses mindset in entrepreneurship.

🎯 Balancing Act: Russ's experience of managing a day job with a mortgage company while running Ghost Boards as a side hustle highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple commitments.

🎯 Building Trust: Russ emphasizes the importance of cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and opportunity within a team, sharing insights on success by delivering unmatched value and innovation to customers and partners.

🎸 #entrepreneurship
🎹 #sidehustle
🥁 #businessacumen
💪 #noexcuses
🎧 #digitalmarketing

Tune in to the Maker Manager Money podcast to hear Russ Warner's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, balancing multiple commitments, and building a culture of trust within a team.

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