The Entrepreneur Experiment

<p>Today's guest runs a famous family business that is 121 years old! </p> <p>In this episode, I find out how Louis creates an environment of high performance within a family business that has sustained throughout generations.</p> <p>Louis also reveals how they rapidly pivoted their offering from retail to ecommerce within weeks of the first lockdown. They are now one of the pioneers of innovative online shopping in Ireland with virtual wedding fairs & virtual personal shoppers.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The time for messing around is over. The world that we knew is never coming back. The time to process that is now and begin moving towards a new future. </p> <p>We kick off this season of pod looking back at what has happened since season 5 ended and our plans for season 6.</p>

<p>Welcome to season 6 of The Entrepreneur Experiment.</p> <p>This is going to be our biggest season yet & we are starting with an incredible entrepreneur, Cillian Barry, co -founder of SportCaller. <br /> <br /> In January 2021, SportCaller was sold to US company Ballys for €40 million. We breakdown how they built the company and what is feels like to sell a company for that amount. <br /> <br /> This is a refreshing and surprising story full of honesty and incredible insights. </p>

<p>This week on The Idea Lab, I talk about closing a major chapter in my life.</p> <p>We look ahead to my new business and what this means for the podcast.<br /> <br /> I also reveal that we are now looking for a sponsor for season 6 which launches on April 8th. </p>

<p>My guest this week, Suzie is a force of nature who has built an award winning cosmetics business from the ground up. </p> <p>In a very honest and open chat, she reveals exactly how she did it. We delve into the moments in her life that transformed her outlook and the event that sparked her to give everything she had to build Ayu.</p>

<p>Raw & honest. The two words I was sent most after last week's podcast. This week, I reveal how I really felt about releasing last week's podcast and the reaction/result of releasing such a revealing chat.</p> <p>I talk about strategies I'm using to move forward and briefly discuss the start of a new chapter. </p>

<p>Today's guest has packed two careers into his life already. Andy served his country for 21 years in the Irish Navy before launching his second career as an entrepreneur.</p> <p>He now runs the Mackin Group, a global company, turning over $16 million per year with 150 employed. He has done all this in just over 6 years.</p> <p>Find out how he did it on today's episode. </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The last 12 months have been the worst of my entire life, professionally and personally. This is the story of that but also how I am learning to live with that, and rebuild.</p> <p class="">I’ve detailed my struggles, my experience with counselling and what I am doing to try come through it a better person and entrepreneur.</p>

<p>From sitting in a coffee shop in Los Angeles hatching the plan for The Fat Fox to selling their cars to make that dream a reality, Rob & Claire's story is truly unique.</p> <p>This week's episode combines a gritty reality of business with two remarkable people who share their adventures with me in a captivating story. </p> <p>A special story about a special business. </p>

<p>This week, I reveal the new direction for the podcast.</p> <p>Are you someone that makes things happen or are you someone that things happen to?</p> <p>I’m bringing back the essence of why I started the podcast. Do cool things, see what the results are and share them with other people who may find it useful or interesting.</p> <p>Each week, I'll share the results of experiments I'm running to make myself a better entrepreneur and human. </p>

<p>Today, I sit down with Larry Doyle and Kate Kelly, the brains behind Larry Doyle Coaching.</p> <p>They have pioneered an elite system of online coaching which has become the benchmark in Ireland. </p> <p>Learn how they:</p> <p>- Gained first mover advantage by moving online long before it became industry standard.</p> <p>- Their unique approach to work/life balance of living and working tother.</p> <p>- Kate's advice for any business seeking to transition into the online world.</p>

<p>Learn how one critical mistake almost cost me access to my bank accounts, email and online investments. </p> <p>I also reveal how you can join my private community and also take part in our March Momentum Challenge.</p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Noreen & her husband John created Irish Biltong with nothing more than an idea and the will to make it happen.</p> <p class="">Noreen shares her story of how grit, determination and being willing to go further than anyone else would be able to is the key to their explosive success.</p> <p class="">She shares:<br /> - Their early experiments in making Biltong</p> <p class="">- How saying yes to every opportunity has transformed their business</p> <p class="">- The story behind how they got their first big break after an unplanned pitch competition victory.</p> <p class="">- How they rapidly shifted focus to online retail after Covid impacted their normal outlets. </p>

<p>In this week's Idea Lab we break down the Clubhouse app. What is it, how does it work and do you need to be on it?<br /> <br /> Clubhouse is the most talked about app of 2021. Valued at over $1 billon, the voice only app is popular among celebrities & business moguls.</p> <p><br /> I give you the pros, cons and overall verdict. </p>

<p>Imagine being minutes away from receiving 1 billion dollars for your company only to see all vanish in a heartbeat.</p> <p>This is a extraordinary story in anyones life but in Norman's, it's merely one in a long line of incredible adventures in business. </p> <p>We talk multiple million euro exits, a complete change in lifestyle and how he's building a global company that is aiming to solve climate change.</p> <p>Strap in for this story as it's a wild one. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Ryan & his co-founders built DropChef from a small local operation into a company delivering fresh meal ingredients all across Ireland.</p> <p>Hear how they launched without even having a product before scaling their business using the best financing of all, customer sales! </p> <p>If you are passionate about building a bootstrapped business or launching your own food brand, this episode is for you.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Today on the pod, we reveal how the launch of The Entrepreneur Experiment Community went and how you can get involved.</p> <p>I also share 4 ways you can generate business ideas using visualization exercises such as your dream day plan and the lotto win scenario.</p>

<p>Trevor is fulfiling every child's dream of working in the professional sports arena. He manages and helps elite level athletes all across the globe.</p> <p>Hear how Trevor made his dreams a reality when he became a sports agent to the world's most interesting athletes on this week's episode. </p> <p>His company, Sport Endorse have also just launched a marketplace that allows athletes to find companies and brands to work with, on their terms. <br /> <br /> Brands also get access to 1000's of elite athletes who otherwise, they would have no way of connecting with.</p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Today, I am going to share 6 businesses you can start working on & making money from immediately.<br /> <br /> I shared my big trends for 2021 back in December, and today we look at very specific businesses you can start during Covid.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p>

<p>Sometimes I meet a business owner whose business seems to have been born for exactly the times we live in.</p> <p>Jack Crotty set up NeighbourFood to bring local and farmers markets online & make the whole process digital. </p> <p>Covid, Brexit and a move towards sustainability in all aspects of our lives mean this business is set to explore.</p> <p>Hear how Jack is building the 2021 version of the farmers market. </p> <p> </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">I had planned to do the hottest ideas of 2021 but after speaking to so many people over the last few weeks who are struggling, I have switched things up.<br /> <br /> Just like everyone else, I’ve been massively impacted by Covid and have found the start of 2021 tougher than expected. So in this week’s pod, I’ve shared the 5 things that have helped me move into a positive headspace and get my momentum back.</p> <p> </p>

<p>We're back for another season & kicking off season 5 with one of the biggest success stories in Ireland of 2020.</p> <p>Rónán's company went from a 20% market share to 86% in less than 12 months. Thriftify helps charity stores get their products online and handles everything from advertising to distribution. </p> <p>This episode will fire your brain with hundreds of ideas. <br /> <br /> Starting off 2021 with an early candidate for episode of the year!</p>

<p>Our last big interview of the year and it's with 2 of the biggest breakthrough entrepreneurs of 2020. <br /> <br /> Thomas & Jake are behind the social media sensation, The Go House, Ireland's first-ever content creation/TikTok House.</p> <p>More people watch their content per day than watch a Premier League game on TV. These two lads are creating a media company that is taking over the Irish media scene.</p> <p>We're ending the year on a massive high. Enjoy the episode and your Christmas. </p>

<p>Joining me on the pod today is Hannah Moore, founder of L.A. Pacific.</p> <p>Hannah has moved with the speed of light since 2019, founding L.A. Pacific and securing distribution with some of the world's leading brands such as Amazon and Boots. </p> <p>We talk about how a chronic illness diagnosis changed her entire life and how this led to her becoming an entrepreneur. Hannah also reveals how she's managed to move so fast and achieve so much in just over 18 months. Prepare to be inspired. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, I reveal the 5 trends that I believe are set to explode in 2021 and break down the opportunities in each sector. <br /> <br /> If you subscribe to my newsletter at <a href= "http://www.mrgaryfox.com">www.mrgaryfox.com</a> you get access to a 6th bonus trend. </p>

<p>Ahead of the Airbnb IPO today, I reveal all the secrets I've learned over the last 7 years about Airbnb.</p> <p>I've hosted over 200,000 people on Airbnb, this is my insider view on what makes it a fantastic business and what makes it an awful business. </p> <p>I also reveal if I believe the stock price is a good value and if I will be buying it. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, we hear about the 17-year-old making £20k per week selling trainers. </p> <p>We deep dive into the world of collectibles & souvenirs. I explore ways you can invest in whiskey, sports memorabilia, and toys.<br /> <br /> I also look at the various businesses you can start to take advantage of the huge rise in memorabilia & collectibles. </p>

<p>On the pod today, I chat with the founder of Spark Crowdfunding, Chris Burge.</p> <p>Chris is the man powering the crowdfunding efforts of so many Irish startups.</p> <p>Chris breaks down the secrets behind a successful crowdfunding campaign, including how Moby raised €795,091 on the platform. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, I reveal how you can become a property mogul for less than €25k.</p> <p>There is also a chance to win tickets to the Web Summit and I chat about what the Momentum Challenge meant to me. </p>

<p>Imagine getting your dream job on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Now picture that dream quickly becoming a nightmare as recession sweeps the globe and your company goes out of business with no warning. </p> <p>What do you do?</p> <p>If you are David Campion, you set out on a journey to become one of the Caribbean's most successful entrepreneurs. </p> <p>In just 7 years, David has built ARGO Development Studio into 5 offices in 5 different countries with world-famous clients such as Virgin, Mercedes, Suzuki, Marriott, Radisson, and Digicel.</p> <p>This truly is a story of one man's mission not to accept defeat when faced with near-impossible odds. The perfect story for us to learn from in 2020. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, I talk about entrepreneurs taking action and my momentum challenge ending.</p> <p>I reveal the best books that you can read in 2021 to set yourself up for success as an entrepreneur.</p>

<p>As the head of PR at Paddy Power, Féilim has been behind some of the most talked-about marketing campaigns in Irish history.</p> <p>He made his first viral sensation when marketing himself as Jobless Paddy, a campaign that landed him his dream job at Paddy Power. </p> <p>He now runs his own agency, Splanc PR where he is the creative brains behind campaigns like the recent Now TV, Hurley versus Hurl debate. </p> <p>As a bonus, Féilim unleashes his creative brilliance by giving us a masterclass in PR & marketing that you can apply to your own business. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, I find out if you have a 10-year plan and reveal how I'm tackling my own planning.</p> <p>I reveal my tip for the hottest company of 2021 and introduce you to the people becoming millionaires by teaching online.</p>

<p>Former Irish & Leinster captain, Jamie Heaslip lived an action-packed life even before his second career began as a business owner, investor & high-performance coach.</p> <p>His investment portfolio includes companies such as Kitman Labs & Pointy along with his ownership stakes in bars such as The Bridge. </p> <p>Now I reveal Jamie's life as an entrepreneur, owner and investor. </p> <p>Hear how he selects his investments, why he plans in 10-year cycles, and just what a day in the life of Jamie Heaslip looks like.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>This week in the Lab, we're revealing the launch of the EE community. Coming in Jan 2021, you can become part of a group of entrepreneurs coming together to build fantastic businesses. </p> <p>We also discuss the value of documenting your journey, riches in niches and my new favourite YouTube channel.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Food trailers are one of my tips for the biggest opportunities in 2021. I'm joined this week by an entrepreneur who is a veteran of the food trailer game & now teaches people how to set up their own business.</p> <p>Seany was inspired by his travels across the globe to bring the idea of street food back to Ireland & make it accessible to all.</p> <p>We hear how he started selling tacos at country music festivals to becoming one of the biggest suppliers of food trailers in Ireland.</p>

<p>In a special edition of the Idea Lab, we are joined by Kymann Power, the new resident of Daly's Bar in Ennistymon, Co Clare.</p> <p>Kymann has captured many people's imagination with his decision to leave Dublin and set up home in a pub in the West of Ireland. <br /> <br /> We discover where the idea came from, his plans for the project, and what it's really like to live in a pub. </p>

<p>This week's guest left behind a lucrative career in technology with one of the world's most promising companies, to start her own brewery in Waterford. </p> <p>With just an idea & a rough plan, Grainne set out on an adventure to brew her own beer.</p> <p>She shares how it all started with a few kegs in a single Dublin pub to building her own craft brewery on the south coast of Ireland. </p>

<p>In this week's Lab, we discuss how one person got so sick of buying €9 meals to have a pint that he has moved into his own pub in County Clare.</p> <p>This sparks a search for Ireland's most interesting properties that you can turn into a business opportunity. All for under €300k.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Former professional footballer Mark O'Reilly takes me on his journey from sports star to entrepreneur.</p> <p>Mark's company, FitVision, is the go-to coaching resource for Ireland's leading CEO's, entrepreneurs, and elite performers. </p> <p>We chat about developing a winning mindset, how he completely pivoted his business during Covid and his fitness routine during lockdown.</p> <p>If you are seeking motivation, this is the episode you need to hear. </p>

<p>In the Lab this week, I find out how many companies have been started in Ireland in the last 30 days.</p> <p>We also look at companies attending to solve the problem of attending live events and global travel restrictions in a Covid world. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Evelyn & Luke from Simply Fit Food are back this week to announce a major milestone & share a good news story.</p> <p>One of my earliest guests in 2020, they return to tell their story of thriving despite the global pandemic and how they managed to sell their business, Simply Fit Food in the toughest market in history.<br /> <br /></p> <p>They share the tips and tricks that have helped them in the last 6 months and explain how to negotiate selling your business. </p> <p> </p>

<p>This week on the Idea Lab, we breakdown two new ideas in detail.</p> <p>In the aviation world, Qantas launched their flight to nowhere which sold out in 10 minutes. </p> <p>We do a deep dive into the business of vending machines. How much they make and how you can get started. (hint - 30-80% margin levels) </p>

<p>Special edition of the Idea Lab where I deep dive into pivot ideas that you can apply to your business.</p> <p>I'm in the middle of pivoting my business so I share parts of my journey. </p> <p>I share the ideas listeners to the podcast have shared with me and we discuss ideas for bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and targeting the home worker. </p>

<p>This week on the Idea Lab, we examine two very different but excellent marketing campaigns.</p> <p>First, we look at Burger King's sponsorship of a tiny football team in England and how they leverage that for viral success via Fifa.</p> <p>We also look at Love Island's Molly Mae and how she created one of the most viral giveaways in 2020 that delivered her nearly 1 million followers for £8k. </p>

<p>In under 6 years, Jo Davey has gone from making homemade healthy snacks for her friends at the gym to having a national brand stocked on shelves all across Ireland. </p> <p>On this week's episode, hear Jo's story of being a first-time entrepreneur in the ultra-competitive food business.</p> <p> </p>

<p>In the lab today, I reveal the strategy you can use to reveal your true passions in life. <br /> <br /> I also reveal a new customer acquisition strategy that is taking the financial sector by storm in America.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Before I started this podcast 18 months ago, I made a list of 10 dream guests.</p> <p>Today, I am delighted to be able to host one of the 10 from that list, Pat Divilly.</p> <p>Pat is an entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author, and an all-around fascinating guy.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Coder. Pharmacist. Disruptor. Shane O'Sullivan is a man that defies labels and refuses to accept the status quo.</p> <p>This is his story of how he quit pharmacy to become a computer coder only to discover a way to combine both passions.</p> <p>In 2013, Shane founded Healthwave, a membership-based pharmacy that shattered the traditional model of pharmacies in Ireland. By utilizing technology and a customer-first model, Shane slashed the cost of healthcare in Ireland. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">If you are taking part in the September Idea challenge you should now realize how ideas are relatively easy to generate.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The real trick is deciding which ones are worth pursuing.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In today's episode, I share my formula to stress test the ideas and see if they are worth pursuing in more detail.</p>