Episode #137: John Medina Buys Houses – John Medina
John Medina of John Medina Buys Houses: From Plumbing to Property Powerhouse Meet John Medina, founder of John Medina Buys Houses, a Los Angeles-based home-buying company that specializes in stress-free real estate transactions. A former plumbing contractor with over two decades of experience, John made a bold leap into real estate in 2013—and has since flipped more than 70 properties. On Episode 137 of Clicks & Bricks, John shares how persistence, smart marketing, and an unwavering entrepreneurial mindset helped him build a thriving business in one of the most competitive markets in the country. Whether you’re in real estate, small business, or just need some tough-love motivation, John’s story is a crash course in taking risks, adapting fast, and never giving up. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Career Pivot with Purpose: John transitioned from a 21-year plumbing career to full-time house flipping after buying his first rental in a down market. Pandemic Pivot Payoff: COVID-19 initially slowed business—but by adjusting his strategy, John ended up thriving in the 2020-2021 real estate boom. Marketing Mastery: He spends $5,000–$7,000 per contract using SEO, PPC, and Facebook ads, proving digital-first marketing works—even in real estate. Eyes on Market Corrections: John doesn’t gamble on rising prices—instead, he plans for the market to plateau and buys based on today’s comps. Ongoing Education Wins: A self-taught entrepreneur, John invests heavily in masterminds, daily team learning, and leadership development. Melissa’s story is a masterclass in mindset, visibility, and keeping it real through the hardest of times. Watch the full episode and learn how to navigate adversity and thrive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2H535pm6Yc Memorable Quote: If you want something, don’t stop until you get it. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with John Facebook Linkedin Instagram X-twitter
Episode #160: FranchiseVision – David Busker
David Busker of Franchise Vision: Helping Entrepreneurs Build Their Own Path David Busker is the founder of Franchise Vision and a seasoned franchise consultant who turned personal adversity into business opportunity. After being let go from multiple high-level corporate roles—including CEO and CFO positions—David found his true calling in franchise ownership. Now, through his consulting work, he helps aspiring business owners across North America find their ideal franchise fit and take control of their future. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 160 The Trigger to Change: Most franchise owners start with a trigger moment—some shift from the status quo that pushes them to finally act. Mindset Shift is Crucial: David stresses the importance of action over analysis when dealing with adversity: “You can’t let things get to you. Just start working the problem.” Don’t Make Your Hobby Your Business: Passion is key, but obsession with the industry isn’t necessary—what matters is loving business itself. Franchises Help You Leverage Time: You skip the guesswork with branding, systems, and operations—allowing more time to focus on growth. Corporate Experience = Franchise Fit: Former executives thrive as franchisees because they already understand leadership, structure, and execution. Watch David’s Full Story If you’re even thinking about opening a franchise, this episode is a must-watch. Hear David’s full journey and learn how you can follow in his footsteps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RQGWXNPWbs Memorable Quote: “If you don’t know where you want to go, then any path will take you there.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with David Linkedin Globe
Episode #161: Foundations First Marketing – Michelle
Guest Profile: Michelle Tresemer of Foundations First Marketing — Cutting the Fluff and Fixing Your Marketing Meet Michelle Tresemer, Founder of Foundations First MarketingMichelle Tresemer is on a mission to fix broken marketing strategies by asking one simple question: Why? Based in Seattle and dominating the West Coast alongside her San Diego-based partner, Michelle has helped over 120 companies across four continents build marketing strategies that are rooted in logic, intent, and measurable outcomes. Her honest, no-fluff approach challenges traditional marketing agencies and empowers business owners to stop wasting money on tactics that don’t align with their goals. Top 5 Takeaways from Michelle’s Episode: If your marketing feels “gross,” you’re doing it wrong. Marketing should energize you, not drain you — focus on methods that align with your strengths and target audience. Always ask why before starting a campaign. Spending money without a clear intent leads to poor results — Michelle proves that successful marketing starts with purpose. Stop posting just because a consultant told you to. Your marketing strategy should be custom to your business, not based on trends or peer pressure. Consistency across all platforms matters. Your invoice, homepage, and social profiles should all look and feel like the same brand — even your thank-you page! Marketing is evolving beyond “digital.” Michelle believes the future of marketing blends traditional, digital, and immersive (like AR/VR) — and she’s ready for it. Watch the full episode on YouTube and rethink how you market your business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zRysa-Pc5U Memorable Quote: “If deep down when someone says ‘marketing’ you feel like it’s a dirty word — you’re doing it wrong.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Michelle Linkedin Globe
Episode #140: John Medina Buys Houses – William Rothrock
Overcoming Silence to Success: William Rothrock of Rothrock Settlement Consulting William Rothrock’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From undergoing 18 surgeries just to hear, to now helping injured individuals and business owners manage life-changing financial decisions, Bill exemplifies grit, empathy, and entrepreneurial drive. As the founder of Rothrock Settlement Consulting, he brings both deep financial expertise and unmatched life experience to the table—making him a powerhouse advocate for clients navigating settlements and structured financial planning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VthDdEQmWKw Top Takeaways from Episode 140 with William Rothrock: Settlement Strategy Expert: Bill helps injured clients and their attorneys plan financially after receiving a legal settlement, ensuring they make their one-time payout last a lifetime. Adversity = Strength: Born profoundly deaf, Bill’s early struggles taught him resilience, empathy, and the mindset needed to thrive as an entrepreneur. Banking to Entrepreneurship: After years in banking, Bill left the corporate world to build his own client-focused business—trading job security for personal impact. Practical Tech Insight: Bill embraces technology, using it to reach and educate more people while warning others to be proactive as automation disrupts process-based careers. Power in Vulnerability: Whether it’s meeting new clients or sharing his personal story, Bill believes vulnerability is key to growth and building meaningful connections. Watch the full interview with William Rothrock on Clicks & Bricks Podcast to hear more about his entrepreneurial journey, client success stories, and how adversity can become your superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VthDdEQmWKw Memorable Quote: No one was going to give me the education I needed—I had to figure out how to adapt. The world wasn’t going to change for me, so I had to change myself. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with William Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #180: Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel – Gregg Cantor
Guest Profile: Gregg Cantor of Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel How Gregg Cantor Doubled a 4th-Gen Family Business Without Compromising Its Soul Gregg Cantor is the President and CEO of Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel, a fourth-generation family-owned construction business based in sunny San Diego. Taking over the company from his grandfather in 1990, Gregg defied the odds—and his grandfather’s early objections—to scale the business responsibly, doubling its size during the pandemic without sacrificing values, culture, or quality. In Episode 180 of Clicks & Bricks, Gregg shares the real story behind building a company that thrives by saying “no” to the wrong clients, empowering team-created company values, and passing the torch with intention. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qJ9GNzgpRo Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Create Values Together – Company values are built collaboratively with the team, leading to stronger buy-in and alignment. Design-Build Only – The company only takes on projects they own from start to finish; they don’t work with pre-existing plans. Smart Growth Over Fast Growth – Staff is capped at 25 to maintain culture, agility, and quality. No Sales Team, Just Trust Builders – Traditional sales roles are replaced with “project consultants” who prioritize education, transparency, and the right client fit. Generational Transitions Are Tough—But Worth It – Experience taking over from a previous generation informs a supportive and open approach to passing responsibility to the next generation. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qJ9GNzgpRo Memorable Quote: “Don’t have a sales pitch—educate.” —Gregg Cantor Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Gregg Linkedin Globe
Episode #179: Good Wave – Brad Harris
Brad Harris – Founder of Good Wave, Building a Family-Friendly Outdoor Brand Brad Harris is the founder and driving force behind Good Wave, a mission-driven outdoor brand dedicated to making water and outdoor sports more accessible and family-friendly. With a background in tech, marketing, and startups, Brad turned his passion for adventure into a company that caters to families who want to enjoy the outdoors without the intimidating edge often seen in extreme sports brands. His journey from solo founder to growing an international presence in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: Purpose as a North Star: Brad emphasizes that his company was built around a clear mission—creating family-friendly, approachable water sports products. The Solo Founder Challenge: He shares why launching a business alone is tough and why having a co-founder can make the highs and lows more manageable. Pandemic Pivot: Good Wave overcame severe supply chain disruptions by shifting from dropshipping to a warehouse-based model. Customer-Led Product Design: The upcoming “Fruities” surfboard line was created with direct input from hundreds of parents and kids. Start Small and Scale Smart: Brad stresses testing a minimal viable product and hiring experts for specialized roles like digital marketing to accelerate growth. Catch the full story of Brad Harris and his inspiring journey building Good Wave on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLqFFsTNh2s Memorable Quote: You’re going to be the number one believer in your product or business—if you’re not, you should drop tools now because no one else will be that for you. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Brad Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #178: Main Event Boxing – Mike Stegall
Mike Stegall of Main Event Boxing: Fighting for Fitness, Community & Entrepreneurial Dreams Mike Stegall is a professional boxer turned small business owner, who recently opened Main Event Boxing in High Ridge, Missouri. A proud local with over 100 amateur bouts and a pro record of 6-0-3, Mike shares how he transitioned from climbing cell towers and handyman work to launching a boutique boxing gym that’s already making a huge community impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bt4hX72m2A Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Boxing is more than fitness—it’s mindset training. Mike uses his fight experience to teach confidence, discipline, and resilience to everyone from youth to adults. Social media built his gym. Every member of Main Event joined because they saw Mike’s journey online—he hasn’t spent a dime on ads. Handyman hustle funded the dream. Mike saved money from his first business and invested it into building the gym with his own hands. He charges what the service is worth. Even in a low-income area, Mike doesn’t discount his services—he believes commitment drives results. No Plan B. Mike is all-in on Main Event and already envisions future locations and online training offerings. If starting a business is something you’re thinking about doing—just do it. It’s going to be hard. At least twice a week you’ll feel like a failure, but just keep going. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bt4hX72m2A Memorable Quote: If starting a business is something you’re thinking about doing—just do it. It’s going to be hard. At least twice a week you’ll feel like a failure, but just keep going. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Mike Globe Envelope
Episode #177: Time Doctor – Liam Martin
Liam Martin of Time Doctor: Optimizing Remote Work Through Data and Grit Liam Martin, co-founder of Time Doctor, joined Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share his raw, real, and inspiring entrepreneurial journey—from college dropout to building one of the world’s most powerful remote work platforms. Based in Montreal, Liam is a data-driven leader on a mission to transform how we work in the digital age—and he’s not afraid to question everything along the way. Here are five key takeaways from the episode: Entrepreneurship isn’t a choice—it’s a calling. Liam describes it as something you do because nothing else fits. After being fired from almost every job, he found his place creating his own systems instead of living in someone else’s. Time Doctor was born from solving his own problem. While running a virtual tutoring business, Liam couldn’t track how long tutors were actually working—so he built a tool to fix that. Today, that tool is used by teams in 43+ countries. Remote work has permanently changed the game. Before the pandemic, 4.5% of the U.S. workforce was remote. Now it’s over 30%—and Liam says the best talent expects that flexibility. AI isn’t coming—it’s here. Time Doctor uses machine learning to analyze thousands of work patterns and offer actionable productivity insights. The company boasts the world’s largest second-by-second work database. High performers deserve freedom. Liam urges leaders to give their top 10% the space to thrive—even if that means 10 smoke breaks a day. “Measure output, not process.” Ready to dive into the future of remote work, entrepreneurship, and AI? Watch the full episode now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzeIeE4p32w Memorable Quote: If you’re not passionate about solving the problem, you’ll probably quit before the breakthrough. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Liam Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #176: Utkarsh & Prateek
Tania Khazaal (Tanya the Herbalist), CEO of Your Life Tania Khazaal—better known as Tanya the Herbalist—is a coach, creator, and community builder helping people reclaim health, purpose, and agency. After witnessing her mother’s decline on pharmaceuticals, Tania dove into herbalism, rebuilt her own well-being, and transformed a tea side-hustle into a seven-figure, mission-driven brand. Today, through CEO of Your Life and her She’s Empowered community, she champions faith, emotional resilience, and practical daily habits that create lasting change. In this episode, Tania shares how she shifted from corporate life and basement tea packing to digital products, courses, and coaching—while keeping her compass set on faith, family, and service. Her framework centers on four pillars (inner world/spirituality, lifestyle & well-being, relationships, and vision/legacy) and a deceptively simple cadence: 18 minutes a day. Top Takeaways From crisis to calling: Her mother’s health battle sparked a deep dive into herbalism and holistic healing, leading to a purpose-led business. Product → platform: Moving from physical teas to ebooks, funnels, and courses unlocked scale and financial freedom. Four-pillar operating system: Inner world (faith), health, relationships, and vision—progress across all four creates durable happiness. Relationships matter: She spotlights estrangement as a “silent epidemic” and teaches emotional regulation over cut-off culture. 18 minutes a day: Small, daily commitments compound to ~100 hours/year—enough to change your health, business, and life. Ready to be the CEO of your life? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42QHMV4EYW0 (search: “Clicks and Bricks Tanya the Herbalist”) Memorable Quote: “You can literally change your entire life in 10 years with 18 minutes a day.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Tania Linkedin Instagram Facebook
Episode #174: Damen Jackson – Ron Fernum
Guest Profile: Ron Farnum of Damen Jackson | Branding from the Outside In Meet Ron Farnum, Founder of Damen Jackson – Branding Built on StrategyRon Farnum is the founder of Damen Jackson, a Chicago-based branding and design agency with over two decades of experience helping companies align their identity, messaging, and visual presence. With a process called Step Zero, Ron and his team bring clients into the branding conversation—making it faster, smarter, and more actionable for today’s fast-moving businesses. 5 Key Takeaways from Ron’s Episode: Start with strategy, not style. Damen Jackson’s Step Zero method puts collaboration at the core of branding so clients can take action, not just take notes. Think like your customer. Ron stresses the importance of seeing your business from the outside in—if your messaging doesn’t land with your audience, it’s just noise. Consistency beats perfection. Whether you post on social once a week or daily, staying consistent builds trust. A dead social feed is worse than no feed at all. Outsource what slows you down. Entrepreneurs need to delegate and trust their teams so they have space to think, pivot, and grow. Your brand is more than your logo. At Damen Jackson, branding is defined as your company’s DNA—how you think, act, communicate, and deliver value. Watch the full episode of Ron Farnum on Clicks & Bricks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJjZNfpUOaw Memorable Quote: “If you’re not willing to compete with the guy next to you, then I don’t know what you’re doing in business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Ron Linkedin Globe