Summary

In this classic episode of EGGS: The Podcast, co-founder and CEO of Leadferno, Aaron Weiche, shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his transition from agency life to the SaaS industry. He emphasizes the importance of text messaging as a tool for customer engagement and conversion, highlighting its effectiveness in modern business communication. Aaron also reflects on the challenges of career pivots, the acquisition of his previous company GatherUp, and the vision behind Leadferno. The conversation delves into the significance of customer communication and how businesses can leverage text messaging to enhance their operations and customer relationships.

Takeaways

• Aaron Weiche is the co-founder and CEO of Leadferno.
• He transitioned from agency life to SaaS, emphasizing the importance of text messaging.
• Text messaging has a 98% open rate, making it a powerful tool for conversion.
• Businesses can handle multiple text conversations simultaneously, improving efficiency.
• Customer communication is crucial for building trust and relationships.
• Leadferno integrates with CRMs to streamline business operations.
• The acquisition of GatherUp provided valuable insights for building Leadferno.
• Text messaging allows for personalized interactions with customers.
• A two-week free trial is available for businesses to test Leadferno.
• Understanding customer needs is key to successful marketing strategies.

Chapters

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey of Aaron Wyke

12:52 Transitioning from Agency Life to SaaS

20:02 Navigating the Acquisition Process

27:08 Leveraging Text Messaging for Business Success

34:22 The Power of Inbound Communication

39:44 Enhancing Customer Experience through Texting

44:43 Lead Capture and Nurturing Strategies

49:42 Driving Traffic and Engagement

54:41 The Importance of Customer Connection

01:01:20 Navigating Marketing and Communication Strategies

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this episode of EGGS: The Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike discuss a variety of topics, including the cancellation of the Eggy's Awards, Mike's extensive home renovation project, Ryan's recent career changes after leaving a tech startup, and the financial adjustments their families are making. They also share their experiences with car shopping and a recent trip to New York, where they encountered issues with ticketing and parking. The conversation is light-hearted yet reflective, touching on personal growth and the challenges of balancing work and family life.

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of customer service in the ticketing industry, exploring the challenges faced by consumers when dealing with ticketing companies. They discuss the broader implications of customer experience, the monopolistic nature of ticket sales, and the impact of fees on both artists and consumers. The conversation also touches on the evolution of ticket purchasing, the shift in personal interactions due to technology, and the deterioration of unique products in a commoditized market. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of quality, experience, and genuine relationships in business.

Takeaways

• The Eggy's Awards were missed this year due to busy schedules.
• Mike is undergoing a significant home renovation as he prepares to sell his house.
• Ryan reflects on his experience working at a tech startup and the challenges faced.
• Family dynamics are shifting as children grow and financial responsibilities change.
• Car shopping has become increasingly complicated and expensive.
• The hosts share humorous anecdotes about their children's spending habits.
• Ryan's New York trip highlights the challenges of purchasing tickets and parking.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication in professional settings.
• The episode showcases the balance of personal and professional life challenges. Customer service in ticketing is often frustrating and inefficient.
• Many consumers are willing to overlook poor service for the sake of attending events.
• The ticketing industry is plagued by monopolies that limit competition.
• High fees in ticket sales negatively impact both artists and consumers.
• The experience of purchasing tickets has become increasingly impersonal.
• Personal branding can lead to inauthentic interactions online.
• Unique products are becoming harder to find in a commoditized market.
• Quality and customer experience should be prioritized in business.
• Relationships are key to success in both personal and professional contexts.
• The current state of capitalism often prioritizes profit over quality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:09 Reflections on the Eggies Awards

03:16 Memorable Guests and Highlights from Last Year

06:14 Mike's Home Renovation Journey

11:21 Career Changes and Startup Experiences

17:03 Family Dynamics and Financial Adjustments

24:11 New Car Adventures and Financial Ironies

26:06 Car Shopping Insights

34:20 Ticketing Woes and Customer Service Challenges

50:18 The Bizarre World of Ticket Scalping

54:54 The Impact of Personal Branding on Interactions

01:00:44 Consumerism and the Value of Quality Products

01:06:46 The Importance of Human Relationships in Success

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Scott Schober, a cybersecurity expert, shares his extensive knowledge on the evolution of hacking, the intersection of cybersecurity and wireless technology, and the various threats individuals and organizations face today. He discusses the importance of education in cybersecurity, especially for different age groups, and the role of technology in enhancing security measures. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of hacking, exploring the fine line between hacking for good and hacking for malicious purposes. Scott emphasizes the need for proactive measures and continuous learning to stay safe in an increasingly digital world.

Takeaways

• Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern technology.
• Hacking has evolved from innocent mischief to serious threats.
• Botnets and DDoS attacks are prevalent and can be devastating.
• Education is key to improving cybersecurity awareness.
• Different age groups face unique cybersecurity challenges.
• Apple devices are generally more secure but not infallible.
• Common practices like password reuse increase vulnerability.
• Cyber hygiene is essential for personal and organizational security.
• Hacking can be used for good, but it raises ethical questions.
• Proactive measures and continuous learning are vital for cybersecurity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Scott Schober's Background

01:27 Understanding Hacking: Definitions and Perspectives

04:20 The Reality of Cyber Attacks: DDoS and Botnets

07:04 Common Cyber Threats: Keyloggers and Password Security

10:22 Cyber Hygiene: Best Practices for Individuals

13:10 Cybersecurity for Different Generations: Seniors vs. Youth

31:47 The Importance of Cybersecurity Education

39:14 Mobile Technology and Security Concerns

48:14 Hacking: Good vs. Evil

55:15 Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Ryan and Mike speak with Avi Kumar, CEO of Kuware and Invisible PPC, about the evolving landscape of digital marketing, particularly in the context of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and the impact of AI. They discuss the importance of adapting to new technologies, ethical concerns surrounding AI, and strategies for effective lead generation. Avi shares insights on building a marketing agency without technical expertise and emphasizes the significance of quality over quantity in email marketing. The conversation concludes with thoughts on leveraging newsletters for lead generation and the future of marketing in a rapidly changing environment.

Takeaways

• Avi Kumar has a background in technology and marketing.
• Digital marketing is evolving rapidly, especially with AI.
• PPC strategies must adapt to changes in search behavior.
• Quality content is essential for SEO and AI optimization.
• Building a sustainable lead generation system is crucial.
• Agencies can leverage white label services to grow without technical skills.
• Quality over quantity is key in email marketing.
• Newsletters should focus on retaining subscribers.
• AI can enhance ad performance through data analysis.
• Understanding audience behavior is vital for effective marketing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Avi Kumar and His Background

03:20 The Evolution of Digital Marketing and PPC in 2025

06:16 AI's Impact on Search and SEO Strategies

09:19 The Future of Advertising in an AI-Driven World

12:09 Navigating Ethical Concerns in AI and Advertising

15:08 Effective Ad Strategies for Businesses in 2025

18:14 Leveraging AI for Creative Marketing Solutions

21:00 Building a Competitive Edge with AI Technology

24:09 The Future of Design and Marketing in an AI Landscape

28:15 Navigating the Future of AI in Business

35:35 Lead Generation Strategies for Sustainable Growth

54:45 Building an Agency Without Technical Expertise

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show

eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this episode of EGGS! The Podcast, Alejandro Szita, a mortgage broker and president of Prosperity Lending, shares his insights on the complexities of lending, particularly for self-employed individuals. He discusses his journey from Chile to the U.S., his experiences in the real estate and lending industries, and the challenges faced by self-employed borrowers. Alejandro emphasizes the importance of understanding the mortgage landscape, focusing on goals rather than just interest rates, and exploring various lending options for investment properties. He provides practical advice for navigating the current economic conditions and making informed decisions about property ownership.

Takeaways

• Alejandro Cita specializes in lending for self-employed individuals.
• Understanding money and lending is often complex and filled with conflicting information.
• Self-employed borrowers face unique challenges in securing loans.
• It's crucial to focus on your financial goals rather than just interest rates.
• The volume of interest paid over the life of a loan is more important than the interest rate itself.
• There are various lending options available for self-employed individuals, including bank statements and asset-based loans.
• Investing in properties that are already rented can simplify the lending process.
• Partnerships can mitigate risks when investing in real estate.
• The mortgage landscape has changed significantly since the 2008 financial crisis.
• Navigating the lending process requires clear communication of financial goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alejandro Cita and His Journey

01:58 Alejandro's Background and Early Experiences with Money

04:20 Transitioning into Lending and Real Estate

07:12 Understanding Self-Employed Borrowers

14:53 Challenges for Self-Employed Individuals in Securing Loans

22:32 Is It a Good Time to Own Property?

26:20 The Importance of Goals Over Rates in Mortgages

36:41 Lending Options for Investment Properties

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show

eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Ryan and Mike interview Marshall Darr, co-founder and CEO of Stretch Dollar, about the challenges small businesses face in providing affordable health benefits. They discuss the complexities of the healthcare system, the innovative solutions offered by Stretch Dollar, and the importance of making health insurance more accessible and understandable for employees. Marshall shares his journey in the startup world, the process of raising funds, and the future aspirations for Stretch Dollar as they aim to improve the lives of small business employees.

Takeaways

• Health insurance is complicated and expensive.
• Small businesses struggle to provide affordable health benefits.
• Stretch Dollar offers a fintech alternative to traditional health plans.
• The healthcare system in the US is a leading cause of bankruptcy.
• Navigating health insurance requires support and guidance.
• Raising funds for a startup involves facing many rejections.
• The goal is to make small businesses the best place to work.
• Innovative solutions are needed to address healthcare challenges.
• Employees should have the freedom to choose their health plans.
• The future of healthcare may involve more modular and flexible options.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:15 Overview of Stretch Dollar

04:16 Challenges of the US Healthcare System

06:43 Personal Frustrations with Healthcare

09:14 The Cost and Coverage of Stretch Dollar

14:59 The Limitations of Employer-Based Coverage

19:36 The Incentives of Health Insurance Companies

22:25 The History of Health Insurance in the US

25:23 The Future of Healthcare in the US

30:06 Building Stretch Dollar

32:21 The Mission of Stretch Dollar

36:55 Raising Money and the Decision to Seek Funding

40:54 How Stretched Off Works

43:34 Future Ambitions of Stretched Off

50:15 The Evolution of Medical Care and Insurance

56:29 The Importance of Offering Health Benefits for Small Businesses

01:02:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show

eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this episode, Mike Smith and Ryan Roghaar interview Jon Morris, CEO and founder of Fiscal Advocate, discussing his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of a CEO, the importance of mentorship, and the decision-making process in business.

Jon shares insights on goal setting, differentiation in a crowded market, and the significance of sales and marketing budgets. He emphasizes the need for constant innovation and the importance of tracking success through metrics and KPIs.

Takeaways

• Surrounding yourself with mentors is crucial for growth.
• The role of a CEO evolves as the company grows.
• Execution is often more challenging than generating ideas.
• Setting clear goals and budgets is essential for success.
• Differentiation in a crowded market requires unique value propositions.
• Decision-making is a blend of data and instinct.
• Investing in innovation is key to staying competitive.
• Sales and marketing budgets should be prioritized for growth.
• Tracking metrics helps in understanding business performance.
• Building a product requires constant feedback and iteration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Morris and His Journey

03:22 The Evolution of a CEO: Stages of Growth

06:06 Learning from Experience: Mentorship and Growth

09:02 Deciding to Exit: The Sale of Rise Interactive

12:14 Executing Ideas: The Challenge of Implementation

14:59 Goal Setting and Accountability in Business

18:05 Differentiation in a Crowded Market: Rise Interactive's Strategy

28:15 Recruiting for Success: The Finance Advantage

29:42 Data-Driven Marketing: The Analytics Revolution

31:53 Differentiation: The Two Question Test

35:51 Decision Making: Balancing Data and Instinct

42:22 R&D: Innovation in Service-Based Businesses

52:35 Sales and Marketing: Finding the Right Spend

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show

eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Torkil Færø discusses the importance of heart rate variability (HRV) as a key indicator of health and wellness. He emphasizes the role of technology, particularly wearables, in monitoring health metrics and how lifestyle choices, such as sleep and alcohol consumption, significantly impact overall health. The discussion also touches on the shift towards preventative care and the need for individuals to take charge of their health through informed choices and self-monitoring.

Takeaways

• Heart rate variability is a crucial health indicator.
• Modern diseases often stem from stress and inflammation.
• Sleep quality directly affects health outcomes.
• Wearables provide valuable insights into personal health.
• Alcohol consumption can severely impact recovery and health.
• Lifestyle changes can reverse negative health trends.
• Preventative care is essential for long-term health.
• Understanding your body metrics empowers better health decisions.
• The healthcare system often focuses on treatment rather than prevention.
• Self-monitoring can lead to significant health improvements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Health and Longevity

03:03 Heart Rate Variability: A Key Indicator

06:10 Understanding Stress and Health

09:10 The Role of Sleep in Health

12:01 The Impact of Alcohol on Health

15:08 Wearable Technology and Health Tracking

18:14 Personal Health Data and Trends

21:04 Night Shift Work and Health Risks

24:04 Reversibility of Health Issues

27:13 Conclusion and Actionable Insights

33:09 Gamification of Health: Personal Experiments

34:02 Transformative Health Changes: Diet and Sleep Apnea

36:43 Breathing Techniques: The Science Behind Nose Breathing

38:46 Inflammation and Heart Rate Variability: Understanding the Connection

41:01 Monitoring Health: When to Seek Medical Attention

42:52 Self-Diagnosis: Analyzing Health Metrics

44:40 The Role of Wearables in Preventative Health

46:40 The Shift in Healthcare: From Treatment to Prevention

50:07 Empowering Personal Health: Taking Control

52:25 The Future of Healthcare: You as Your Own Doctor

55:21 Navigating Health Data: Understanding Your Metrics

58:11 Comparing Health Trackers: Which is Best for You?

Credits:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now!

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show

eggscast.com

@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠http://rogha.ar⁠⁠⁠⁠