people | Exit Plan - Part 4

By Alexa Tanen

Gino Wickman

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur- Author- Coach

Website

Social Media

Gino Wickman is an entrepreneur who’s been in the game since he was 21. His career has been about figuring out what makes businesses and entrepreneurs successful. At 25, he turned around his family’s struggling business, got it back on track, and sold it. After that success, Gino dedicated himself to helping other entrepreneurs and leaders reach their goals.

Gino is not just any entrepreneur; he’s the author of the super-popular book “Traction” and six other bestsellers. All his books together have sold over 2 million copies. He’s the brains behind the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) and helped start EOS Worldwide, a top global business coaching company. Hundreds of thousands of companies use EOS tools to run their businesses better, take control, balance work and life, and make real progress.

Gino has personally led more than 2,000 full-day sessions for over 135 companies, guiding them to implement EOS successfully. Now, his focus has shifted from just outer-world success to inner-world fulfillment. He wants to help entrepreneurs make a lasting impact while finding personal satisfaction.

Gino is big on sharing what he knows. He’s got passion projects like “Entrepreneurial Leap,” a guide for those dreaming of being entrepreneurs, and “Rocket Fuel,” which explores the powerful partnership between Visionaries and Integrators™ in a business. He’s a strong advocate for the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a set of ideas and tools used by over 200,000 companies worldwide to clear up their vision, simplify things, and make their dreams a reality.

But Gino isn’t just about business. He wants to help people create their ideal lives with “The EOS Life.” And he’s got practical advice on managing and maximizing energy with “The 10 Disciplines for Managing and Maximizing Your Energy.” Overall, Gino’s significant goal is to guide entrepreneurial leaders to succeed and find peace, fulfillment, and their proper way of being.

Famous Publications

  • Entrepreneurial Leap (2019)
  • Traction (2007)
  • Rocket Fuel (2015)
  • The EOS Life (2021)
  • Get a Grip (2022)
  • How To Be A Great Boss
  • What The Heck Is EOS 
  • 10 Disciplines For Managing and Maximizing Your Energy

Achievements

  • Created EOS, a widely adopted system for over 200,000 global companies.
  • Bestselling author with over 2 million copies sold, including the award-winning book”Traction.”
  • Co-founder of EOS Worldwide, a leading business coaching company.
  • Personally delivered 2,000+ sessions, actively impacting 135+ companies’ strategies and operations.

By Alexa Tanen

Jim Wang

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Personal Finance Blogger 

Website

Social Media 

Meet Jim Wang, a seasoned personal finance writer with a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years. Jim shares his financial insights on WalletHacks.com, simplifying complex financial concepts into practical steps for everyone. I interviewed him on Opt Out Life a while back. 

In 2003, Jim graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s in Software Engineering, laying the foundation for his analytical approach to navigating the financial world. Unlike traditional finance professionals, Jim is dedicated to demystifying personal finance and making it accessible to a broader audience. His expertise has earned him features in renowned publications such as the Forbes, New York Times and Baltimore Sun.

Jim’s learning journey wasn’t confined to a classroom; he gained valuable insights through real-world experiences. He firmly believes in the importance of action and results over certifications. His commitment revolves around taking tangible steps that positively impact financial well-being.

Rooted in a family-oriented upbringing, Jim’s academic pursuits include studies in Computer Science, Economics and a Masters in Information Technology. He embraces a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complexities into manageable steps, prioritising simplicity over unnecessary intricacies.

Family is unique in Jim’s life, with a supportive wife and four children. Through life’s significant events, Jim has documented his experiences, recognising the challenges created by gatekeepers at each milestone.

Jim’s mission is to simplify personal finance and facilitate meaningful actions to help individuals secure their financial future. Together with his readers, Jim aims to break down barriers and make wealth-building accessible to everyone. 

Jim Wang has rightfully earned a place in the Hall of Fame, and many> he has also shared his insights on the Opt Out Podcast. We must acknowledge the valuable lessons we have yet to learn from his experiences and wisdom.

Achievements

  • Featured in top-tier publications like Forbes, New York Times, and Baltimore Sun, solidifying Jim’s reputation as a respected figure in personal finance.

By Alexa Tanen

Joe Fier

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur- Marketing Consultant

Website

Social Media 

Joe Fier is a successful content marketer and podcast host known for helping entrepreneurs work smarter and live better. With over 500 podcast episodes, he has interviewed top business and personal development experts. Joe has worked with clients in AI, SaaS, gaming, public health, and wellness and is skilled in media creation, digital marketing, investing, public speaking, and writing.

Joe’s top priority is family, and he collaborates with his wife in their business ventures. A proud father, he believes in working smart and living fully. Joe’s achievements include contributing to high-reach podcasts, generating over $100 million in online revenue, raising $500k in investments, and advising on marketing strategies for six companies. His projects, like online video training platforms and mobile publishing companies, have generated over $50 million.

The Hustle & Flow Chart podcast, hosted by Joe Fier and his business partner Matt Wolfe, focuses on helping entrepreneurs build businesses that provide freedom and enjoyment. They discuss systems, mindset tweaks, and strategies for creating the ultimate lifestyle business, catering to those prioritizing a fulfilling work-life balance over chasing billion-dollar ventures.

Former chronic hustler Joe Fier has shared his experiences and insights from mentors on the Opt Out Podcast to help entrepreneurs be more effective. With a history in podcasting since 2010, Joe and Matt are seasoned internet marketers who’ve systematized their work efficiently. 

Their lifestyle empire, highlighted in the 4-Hour Workweek and the Opt Out Life concepts, allows them to enjoy Fridays and prioritize tasks that lead to personal profit.

Achievements

  • Hosted over 500 podcast episodes, interviewing top business and personal development experts.
  • Contributed to generating over $100 million in online revenue and raised over $500k in investments.
  • Co-created successful projects, including online video training platforms and mobile publishing companies, generating over $50 million.

By Alexa Tanen

Jon Acuff

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Best Selling Author – Leadership Speaker

Industry 

  • Self-Help/Motivation 

Website

Social Media

Jon Acuff is a well-known author, speaker, and podcast host. His books, like “Start,” “Finish,” and “Soundtracks,” have earned him a spot on the New York Times bestseller list and recognition as an INC Top 100 Leadership Speaker. 

In his podcast, “All It Takes Is a Goal,” he shares insights with over 90,000 listeners. He teaches his listeners how to achieve what they want from the stage they are in now. 

As a speaker, Jon is in high demand for corporate events, conferences, and universities. He’s addressed audiences at companies like Google, Microsoft, Nike, and Coca-Cola. Jon is also a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazines.

He started a blog named “Stuff Christians Like” and eventually merged it with his website. What sets Jon apart is his belief in the power of goals. He thinks setting and achieving goals is the quickest route to success and a great way to feel fantastic. 

Jon Acuff is dedicated to helping people reach their goals and unlock their full potential through his books, speaking engagements, and podcasts.

Famous Publications

  • All it Takes Is A Goal (2023)
  • Quitter (2011)
  • Soundtracks (2021)
  • Finish (2017)
  • Your New Playlist (2022)
  • Do Over (2015)
  • Start (2013)
  • Stuff Christians Like (2010)
  • Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things (2011)

Achievements

  • New York Times bestselling author of 8 books
  • INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speaker
  • Creator of “All It Takes Is A Goal.”

By Alexa Tanen

Jon Gordon

12 months ago · 3 minute read

Author – Keynote Speaker- Positive Leader

Website

Social Media

Education

Jon Gordon is among the world’s top leadership authors and speakers today. Jon is known for his inspirational teachings and has helped millions cultivate a positive mindset. He is a consultant to many top CEOs, NFL, NBA, and MLB coaches, championship teams, and other high performers, offering them guidance and support.

Jon’s journey into this influential role started early. At just 24, he opened a restaurant and bar in Buckhead, Atlanta. He then began a non-profit to raise money for youth-focused charities. By age 26, he even ran for the City Council of Atlanta, going door-to-door to 7,000 homes, although he didn’t win the election. His early career experiences and educational achievements laid a strong foundation for his future work.

Jon has authored 30 books, 17 of which are best sellers and 5 children’s books. Some of his most notable works include “The Energy Bus,” which has sold over 3 million copies, “The Carpenter,” “Training Camp,” “The Power of Positive Leadership,” and “The Power of a Positive Team.” His latest book, “The One Truth,” is hailed as profound and life-changing.

Numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and nonprofits have embraced Jon’s insights and principles. His client list includes high-profile names like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Campbell’s Soup, Dell, Publix, Southwest Airlines, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Rams, Snapchat, Truist Bank, Clemson Football, Northwestern Mutual, and West Point Academy.

Jon has also been a regular presence in the media, with features on The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, The Golf Channel, Fox and Friends, and various magazines and newspapers. His positive approach to leadership and teamwork has made him a favorite among diverse audiences.

In 2015, Jon launched “The Energy Bus Animated Training Program,” an interactive course based on his best-selling book, “The Energy Bus.” A year later, he introduced Positive University, an online program focused on overcoming everyday challenges and building a community of like-minded individuals.

Jon has remained passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations, and teams throughout his career. He believes that negative thoughts can divide and weaken us, and he encourages people to recognize these thoughts and watch them but not let them control their actions. Instead, Jon advocates for choosing positive thoughts to foster a healthier, more productive mindset.

Jon Gordon’s life and work are a testament to the power of positivity and its impact on individuals and organizations. His teachings continue to inspire and transform lives around the world.

Projects

Books

  1. Success Journal
  2. Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to Be Difficult
  3. Energy Bus for Schools
  4. The Energy Bus
  5. The One Truth
  6. The Power of Positive Leadership
  7. The Power of a Positive Team
  8. Training Camp
  9. The No Complaining Rule
  10. The Carpenter
  11. How To Be a Coffee Bean
  12. The Coffee Bean
  13. Stay Positive
  14. Row the Boat
  15. The Sale
  16. Box Set
  17. Relationship Grit
  18. Stick Together
  19. The Garden
  20. Soup
  21. The Positive Dog
  22. Locker Room
  23. The Shark and the Goldfish
  24. One Word
  25. Life Word
  26. The Seed
  27. Hard Hat
  28. One Word Journal
  29. The Energy Bus for Kids
  30. Coffee Bean for Kids
  31. One Word for Kids
  32. Thank You Goodnight
  33. Hard Hat for Kids

Achievements 

  • Jon authored 30 books, including 17 best sellers and 5 children’s books, with “The Energy Bus” selling over 3 million copies.
  • Consults for top CEOs, NFL, NBA, and MLB coaches, championship teams, and high performers.
  • His work has been featured on major media outlets like The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, and Fox and Friends.
  • Created “The Energy Bus Animated Training Program” and launched Positive University to promote positive leadership and teamwork.

By Alexa Tanen

Josh Landan

12 months ago · 3 minute read

Serial Brewing Entrepreneur – Founder @ Great Frontier Holdings 

Website 

https://www.greatfrontierholdings.com/

Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshlandan_/  

Josh Landan is a true entrepreneur at heart, and he’s always ready to embrace new challenges and create something exceptional.  In 2018, more than three years after selling his acclaimed San Diego craft brewery, Saint Archer, to MillerCoors, Josh reignited his passion for brewing with his venture, Harland Brewing Co.

Josh co-founded Saint Archer in 2013, and the brewery quickly gained a reputation for its innovative brews and strong community presence. The idea to create a beer brand came during a trip to Puerto Rico with friends on the pro surf tour. A tequila brand approached his friends for an endorsement, but Josh felt the beer was a better fit, as athletes and everyday people more commonly consumed it. The name “Saint Archer Brewing Company” was inspired by Josh’s desire to name his son Archer, with “Saint” added to give it a distinctive ring.

Growing up as an only child with working parents, Josh spent much time alone to boost his independence and resourcefulness. This environment contributed significantly to his entrepreneurial mindset. However, after the sale to MillerCoors, Josh found himself missing the independent spirit and the hands-on approach of running a craft brewery. “I really missed seeing my beer on draft, drinking it with our brewers, and connecting with people at beer festivals,” he once recalled. The entrepreneurial drive that fueled Saint Archer was something he longed to recapture.

In early 2017, Josh stepped away from Saint Archer to focus on Villager Goods, a non-alcoholic food and beverage company he co-launched with former Saint Archer VP, Jeff Hansson. But his love for craft beer brought him back to the industry. Teaming up with Hansson and ex-market manager Anthony Levas, Josh launched Harland Brewing Co., along with Scout Distribution and Claxton Cellars under Ocotillo Holdings LLC. With nearly $3.9 million raised from investors, Josh was once again at the forefront of the brewing world.

Reflecting on his journey, Josh shares his experiences on The Full Pint Podcast, discussing everything from the inception of Saint Archer to the emotional aftermath of its sale and his triumphant return to the craft beer scene with Harland Brewing. He also shared that the primary issue post-acquisition was aligning Saint Archer with MillerCoors’ distributor network. MillerCoors’ distributors were not as focused on bars and restaurants, which were crucial to Saint Archer’s success. This misalignment significantly hurt the business.

Josh Landan’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive him forward, building brands he loves with friends he trusts, and always on his own terms.

Projects

Josh is currently involved in multiple projects under Great Frontier Holdings. 

  1. Ashland Hard Seltzer 
  2. Ninkasi Brewing  
  3. Ecliptic Brewing
  4. VIllager Spirits
  5. Voyage Hard Iced Tea 
  6. Wings & Grow
  7. Mucho Aloha

Achievements 

  • Josh founded Saint Archer Brewing Company, a rapidly growing craft beer brand in California.
  • He successfully sold Saint Archer Brewing to a major beverage company, MillerCoors. 
  • Launched Ashland Hard Seltzer which shows his ongoing innovation and adaptability in the beverage market.
  • Created Villager Goods to expand business portfolio beyond alcoholic beverages.
  • Demonstrated expertise in branding and marketing through hands-on management of social media, particularly on Instagram.

By Alexa Tanen

Lynn Hutton

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Founder and CFO of Inspire Software

Website

Social Media

Lynn Hutton is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary in the realm of computer software and Software as a Service (SaaS) with a profound passion for fostering growth and success. With nearly 26 years of dedicated service, Lynn co-founded InnovaSystems, which has since become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cydecor, Inc.

Throughout her illustrious career, Lynn has played a pivotal role as a problem solver and a catalyst for business development. Her expertise lies in providing innovative strategies and tools that empower individuals and companies to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry.

In 2012, Lynn started focusing on Inspire, which she helped create and implement at InnovaSystems. It’s a tool that has become a proven solution for making and carrying out plans. It’s not just about goals; it also helps measure performance, encourages communication, and celebrates organizational success.

Lynn is not just about software; she’s committed to improving communication. The internal part of Inspire, built over 25 years, shows her dedication to creating a communication system that works for organizations.

Inspire is a public platform that partners with experts in coaching, leadership development, and more. Lynn believes in sharing what she’s learned to help other organizations succeed.

As a founder, Lynn wants to share the strategies and tools that made InnovaSystems successful. With Chris, her co-founder, she’s teaming up with expert partners to help other companies overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

This new chapter for Lynn is filled with her experience and the teamwork of her colleagues and expert partners. Together, they’re making Inspire a powerful tool for organizations’ future success and growth.

By Alexa Tanen

Mark Manson

12 months ago · 2 minute read

Author – Blogger – Influencer – Entrepreneur

Website

Industry

  • Self Help

Social Media 

Mark Manson breaks the mold of your typical self-help guru. He doesn’t preach about positive thinking or the power of visualization. Instead, he advises you to embrace your flaws, accept that struggles are part of life, and sometimes stop caring about certain things.

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1984, Manson’s journey to becoming a bestselling author was far from ordinary. Despite studying international relations and business at Boston University, he realized the corporate world wasn’t his fit. After a short stint as a failed musician and an even shorter one as an investment banker (he quit after three weeks because they thought he read too many books), Manson turned to the internet.

In 2008, he started a blog about dating advice, but it wasn’t the typical “pickup artist” stuff. Manson’s writing was honest, funny, and insightful, resonating with readers tired of the usual self-help clichés.

In 2010, he launched his blog “post masculine”(which no longer exists), offering broader life advice for men. This is where Manson’s unique voice took shape. He challenged traditional masculinity, argued that vulnerability is strength, and urged men to embrace their darker sides.

In 2015, Manson wrote a blog post titled “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” It went viral and became a bestselling book within a year, topping the New York Times list and selling over 14 million copies worldwide.

Manson’s success lies in his refreshingly honest approach. He talks openly about life’s messy, difficult parts, acknowledging that pain and struggle are inevitable. Yet, his message isn’t one of nihilism. Manson argues that you can live more fulfilling lives by accepting your limitations and flaws. He encourages you to focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.

Beyond being a self-help author, Manson is a cultural phenomenon, giving voice to a generation tired of unrealistic expectations and forced positivity. He shows you that it’s okay not to be perfect, not to have all the answers, and sometimes, just to let go.

Famous Publications

  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (2016)
  • Everything Is F*cked (2019)
  • Models: Attract Women Through Honesty (2011)
  • Love Is Not Enough – Audiobook (2023)

Achievements

  •  Three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author.
  • “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” has sold over 14 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 65 languages.
  • Over 500,000 subscribers to his monthly newsletter “Mindf*ck Monthly.
  •  Popularized a counterintuitive approach to self-help.”
  • Featured in Major Publications: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, The Guardian, and Time Magazine, among others.
  • Popular TED Talks: “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” and “How to Fail Big” have millions of views.
  • Appearances on Major Platforms: NBC, CNN, Fox News, the BBC, Larry King, Dr. Phil, various podcasts and TV shows

By Alexa Tanen

Michael Dash

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Author- Founder @ Activated LLC

Website

  • http://michaelgdash.com/

Social Media 

Michael Dash is a seasoned life entrepreneur with a story of highs and lows that shaped his unique journey. Michael’s entrepreneurial journey includes building and selling a company generating $5.5 million annually.

Best-Selling Author: He is the author of “Chasing the High,” an Amazon best-seller that delves into his experiences with addiction, entrepreneurship, legal battles, and the valuable lessons learned.

Advocate for Entrepreneur Well-being: Michael recognizes the challenges of entrepreneurship, having faced addiction for over 20 years. His path to recovery involved remarkable feats such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, running four marathons, raising over $100K for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and founding the non-profit “Activated.Life.” He also launched the interview series “F.A.T.E. – From Addict To Entrepreneur.”

Today, Michael Dash is on a mission to make a massive positive impact worldwide. He runs a coaching and mentoring practice to help entrepreneurs and business leaders reach new heights in business and personal growth. His approach involves looking at businesses holistically, diagnosing and treating root causes, and ensuring a healthy state of mind for sustainable development.

Michael has shared his expertise on the Opt Out Podcast. With a focus on revitalizing companies and individuals, he specializes in diagnosing and treating the deeper issues preventing growth, offering a unique perspective shaped by his journey of overcoming challenges. Reach out to him for a free consultation call, and let him guide your company toward health, growth, and prosperity.

Famous Publication 

  • Chasing the High

Achievements

  • Built and successfully sold a company generating $5.5 million annually.
  • Authored “Chasing the High,” an Amazon best-seller, sharing insights from his journey through addiction, entrepreneurship, and legal battles.
  • Established a coaching and mentoring practice focused on holistic business growth, drawing from personal experiences and triumphs over burnout and addiction.

By Alexa Tanen

Pat Flynn

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur – Start-up Advisor

Website

Social Media

Pat Flynn is a resilient entrepreneur who turned a layoff from his dream job as an architect during the 2008 Great Recession into a journey of success and inspiration. Less than a year after the layoff, Pat built a 6-figure online business, helping architects pass an exam and chronicling his process on his blog, Smart Passive Income (SPI).

SPI has evolved into a premier resource for entrepreneurship and online business, with the award-winning SPI Podcast amassing over 80 million downloads and being featured in the New York Times. Pat is also a prolific author, with publications like “Will It Fly” (2015) and “Superfans” (2019) translated into multiple languages worldwide.

Pat is not just an online business guru; he’s a serial entrepreneur who has started and successfully sold companies in diverse industries, including iPhone app development, software, and food trucks. As the co-founder and co-inventor of Switchpod, an innovative tripod for videographers and YouTubers launched on Kickstarter in 2019, he generated nearly half a million dollars in just 60 days.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Pat ventured into Pokemon card collecting in 2021, launching a YouTube channel (@DeepPocketMonster) that quickly gained over 700,000 subscribers and 200 million video views. He also hosts an annual live event for the Pokemon collector community called CardParty, drawing over 2,500 attendees in its inaugural year in 2023.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Pat is a strategic advisor to digital marketing and creator startups. His guiding principles reflect his down-to-earth approach to business, emphasizing the importance of learning from successes and failures, taking pride in one’s craft, and forging a unique path toward personal happiness.

Pat Flynn’s goals extend beyond material wealth, focusing on inspiring others through his actions, lessons, and the joy he shares with those around him. He believes in creating his luck, embracing the satisfaction of self-made success, and encouraging individuals to follow their unique paths to fulfillment. In a world where the unexpected can lead to challenges and opportunities, Pat Flynn exemplifies the resilience and creativity required to thrive in the ever-evolving online business landscape.

Famous Publications

  • Superfans
  • Will It Fly?
  • Let Go

Achievements

  • Pat Flynn turned a 2008 layoff into a 6-figure online business for architects, making Smart Passive Income (SPI) a top resource in entrepreneurship.
  • Pat excelled in varied industries, starting and selling companies in iPhone app development, software, and food trucks.
  • Co-founder of Switchpod, Pat’s 2019 Kickstarter for a videographer tripod raised nearly half a million dollars in 60 days.
  • Pat’s 2021 YouTube channel (@DeepPocketMonster) on Pokemon card collecting earned 700,000 subscribers, and CardParty drew 2,500 attendees in 2023, showcasing his community-building prowess.
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