The Necessary Entrepreneur

Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.

#184 - How to Unlock Your Story Advantage | Bill Blankschaen on Storytelling, Leadership, and Building a Message That Moves People 03/19/2026

#184 - How to Unlock Your Story Advantage | Bill Blankschaen on Storytelling, Leadership, and Building a Message That Moves People What if the most valuable asset in your business isn’t your product, your network, or your strategy… but your story? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder of StoryBuilders and author of Your Story Advantage, to break down how entrepreneurs can turn their lived experiences into a powerful leadership and business tool. Bill shares why most entrepreneurs are sitting on untapped influence, how to overcome the internal barriers that keep you from telling your story, and the exact framework for crafting a message that resonates, converts, and scales. This isn’t about becoming a better storyteller. It’s about becoming a more effective leader, communicator, and entrepreneur. Key Takeaways Why your story is your greatest competitive advantage in business The 3 biggest “story traps” (and how they silently hold entrepreneurs back) How to turn “ordinary” experiences into extraordinary influence The 5-part storytelling framework to clarify your message What a “story ecosystem” is, and how it can grow your brand and revenue How to use storytelling to build trust, authority, and connection at scale The role of authenticity in leadership and why it’s non-negotiable How books, speaking, and content can multiply your message Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs struggling to clearly communicate what they do Founders looking to build a stronger personal brand Leaders who want to inspire, not just instruct Anyone who feels like their story “isn’t that special” 🔥 Memorable Quote “Your breakthrough begins when you start with your story.” 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever struggled to explain your value, connect with your audience, or stand out in a crowded market. This episode will show you how to leverage the one thing no one else can replicate: your story. 📚 About the Guest Bill Blankschaen is the founder and Chief Story Architect at StoryBuilders, where he helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams clarify, craft, and communicate their message through intentional storytelling. He is the author of Your Story Advantage, a guide to turning your experiences into impact. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Bill Blankschaen: Order A Copy of Your Story Advantage /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40529430

#183 - Turning Creativity Into a Business with Tim Packer 03/16/2026

#183 - Turning Creativity Into a Business with Tim Packer In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with artist, entrepreneur, and author Tim Packer to explore what it really takes to turn creativity into a profitable business. After leaving a career in law enforcement, Tim built a globally recognized art brand and has helped thousands of artists learn how to market, price, and sell their work. Tim shares the mindset shifts that separate hobbyists from entrepreneurs and explains why talent alone is rarely enough to build a sustainable business. The conversation dives into discipline, confidence, marketing, and the systems required to turn creative ability into real revenue. Mark and Tim also discuss the parallels between artists and traditional entrepreneurs, the importance of learning to sell your work, and why many talented people struggle financially despite having world-class skills. If you are building a business around your craft, creativity, or expertise, this episode offers practical insights on turning passion into a scalable and profitable venture. Takeaways • Why talent alone is not enough to build a successful creative business • The mindset shift that turns artists and creatives into real entrepreneurs • How pricing, positioning, and marketing determine success more than skill • Why many talented creators struggle financially despite strong work • The importance of discipline and consistency when building a brand • Lessons from transitioning from a traditional career into entrepreneurship • How to overcome the fear of selling and confidently price your work • Why building systems and processes is critical for scaling a creative business • The parallels between creative entrepreneurs and traditional business builders • Practical advice for anyone trying to turn passion into a profitable company About The Guest:Tim Packer is an internationally recognized artist, entrepreneur, and mentor who helps creatives build profitable art businesses. Through his training programs and his book You Can Sell Your Art, Tim has helped thousands of artists learn how to market, price, and sell their work while building sustainable careers. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Tim Packer: Order A Copy of You Can Sell Your Art /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40446640

#182 - Why Most Leaders Misunderstand Human Performance | Curtis Sprouse 03/09/2026

#182 - Why Most Leaders Misunderstand Human Performance | Curtis Sprouse What actually drives high performance in business and leadership? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Curtis Sprouse, Founder & CEO of EurekaConnect, LLC, to explore the science behind how humans perform, make decisions, and lead effectively. Drawing from behavioral science, neuroscience, and decades of leadership experience, Curtis explains why self-awareness, environment, and genetics all play a role in shaping how individuals and organizations perform. The conversation dives into how leaders can better understand human behavior, define the right problems inside organizations, and create conditions where people actually perform at a higher level. Mark and Curtis also discuss how cultural narratives influence how people perceive difficulty, why many organizations misdiagnose their real problems, and how leaders can build stronger teams through trust, clarity, and intentional communication. Curtis shares practical frameworks for improving decision-making, developing leadership capability across an organization, and helping individuals better understand their own behavioral patterns. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • What modern science reveals about human performance and decision-making • How genetics and environment influence behavior and leadership ability • Why defining the right problem is the key to solving organizational challenges • The role of self-awareness and self-regulation in high performance • How communication and societal narratives shape mindset and leadership • Strategies for improving team performance and organizational effectiveness • Why pursuing truth and staying open-minded is essential for growth Curtis also discusses his broader mission through Institute for Biomedical Entrepreneurship and how behavioral science and biomedical innovation can work together to create meaningful societal impact. For entrepreneurs, leaders, and operators looking to build stronger teams and make better decisions, this episode offers a deeper look at the science behind how people think, act, and perform. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Curtis Sprouse: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40343220

#181 - The Opportunity Train: Skye Blanks on Global Entrepreneurship, Small Business Growth & AI 03/05/2026

#181 - The Opportunity Train: Skye Blanks on Global Entrepreneurship, Small Business Growth & AI What if entrepreneurship is simply about getting on the right train, and staying on long enough to reach the next opportunity? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Skye Blanks, COO of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), for a global conversation about small business, leadership, and what he calls the “Opportunity Train.” Operating in more than 80 countries, ICSB connects policymakers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen small businesses worldwide. Skye shares how his entrepreneurial mindset, fueled by curiosity and pattern recognition, led him to international leadership, the cannabis industry, and front-row exposure to how entrepreneurs operate across cultures. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the “Opportunity Train” really means for entrepreneurs How global markets view risk, failure, and innovation differently Why small businesses are the backbone of economic development worldwide How ICSB funds and sustains a global, mission-driven organization Lessons from the cannabis industry and navigating regulatory complexity Growth strategies rooted in reinvestment, collaboration, and long-term thinking Why consistency and authenticity define strong leadership How AI is reshaping small business strategy and competitive advantage Skye makes it clear: opportunities don’t always look obvious when they arrive. The key is positioning yourself, building community, and staying consistent long enough to capitalize when the train pulls into the station. For founders, small business owners, operators, and growth-minded entrepreneurs who want a broader perspective beyond their local market, this conversation delivers global insight with practical application. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Skye Blanks: International Council for Small Business: Premo Cannabis: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40300140

#180 - How an Australian Café Founder Is Scaling a U.S. Brand Without Losing Culture | Justin Giuffrida 03/02/2026

#179 - The Investing Mistakes That Quietly Destroy Your Wealth: Robert Rolih 02/26/2026

#178 - Building a Premium Pet Food Brand in a Crowded Market | Russell Breuer 02/23/2026

#178 - Building a Premium Pet Food Brand in a Crowded Market | Russell Breuer In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Russell Breuer, CEO and founder of Spot & Tango, to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a direct-to-consumer brand in a competitive market. Russell shares the entrepreneurial mindset behind launching a premium pet food company and the realities of navigating the complex world of DTC growth, customer acquisition costs, retention metrics, and operational challenges. He explains why successful founders must operate with a “no other option” mentality, how first-principles thinking helps solve business problems at the root, and why relationships, both with customers and teams, are critical to long-term success. Mark and Russell dive into the daily realities of entrepreneurship, including constant problem solving, decision-making under uncertainty, and maintaining a “day one” mentality even as a company scales. Russell also discusses product differentiation, customer feedback loops, marketing strategy, and the evolving future of the pet food industry. This episode provides valuable insights for founders, operators, and leaders building brands in today’s competitive environment, especially those navigating direct-to-consumer business models. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to build and scale a direct-to-consumer brand The importance of metrics, retention, and customer lifetime value Why first-principles problem solving drives better decisions How differentiation creates competitive advantage The role of relationships and team dynamics in business success Why maintaining a “day one” mindset matters as you grow Lessons learned from building a fast-growing pet food company Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a consumer brand, or leading a growing organization, this conversation offers practical insights into the realities of entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Russell Breuer & Spot & Tango: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40130015

#177 - Why You’re Capable of More Success Than You’re Experiencing Right Now: Karen Canham 02/19/2026

#177 - Why You’re Capable of More Success Than You’re Experiencing Right Now: Karen Canham In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Karen Ann Canham, founder of Karen Ann Wellness, to explore a topic most entrepreneurs ignore until it becomes unavoidable: mental and emotional capacity. Karen shares how nervous system regulation, trauma awareness, and body-based healing directly impact leadership, decision-making, and business growth. This conversation goes beyond traditional mindset talk and dives into the physiological realities behind stress, burnout, and performance, and why strategy alone isn’t enough if your internal capacity can’t support the pressure of entrepreneurship. Mark and Karen discuss the limitations of conventional therapy models, the role of stored emotional patterns in business behavior, and how self-leadership requires taking ownership of both your internal state and external results. Karen explains how entrepreneurs often unknowingly operate from past experiences that shape risk tolerance, relationships, and leadership style, and how addressing those patterns can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. If you’re building a business while managing stress, uncertainty, or personal growth challenges, this episode offers a perspective that connects emotional wellness with practical entrepreneurial performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mental wellness is foundational to sustainable business success How your nervous system affects decision-making, leadership, and growth The difference between strategy problems and capacity problems How trauma and past experiences influence entrepreneurial behavior What self-leadership really means in business and life Why emotional awareness can accelerate personal and professional progress This conversation is essential for founders, leaders, and high performers who want to grow without burning out, and who understand that the most important asset in business is the person running it. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Karen Canham & Karen Ann Wellness: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40127860

#176 - How to Build a Successful Business in a Hyper-Competitive Industry with Michael McCready 02/16/2026

#176 - How to Build a Successful Business in a Hyper-Competitive Industry with Michael McCready What does it really take to build a business that lasts, especially in a highly competitive, high-stakes industry? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Michael McCready, Founder and Principal of McCready Law, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and leadership required to grow a successful firm while staying grounded in purpose and client care. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey of building a personal injury law firm from the ground up, emphasizing why passion for the work, genuine relationships, and long-term thinking matter more than shortcuts or hype. He explains how hiring the right people, not just the most technically skilled, has been critical to sustainable growth, and how leaders must evolve as their organization scales. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are reshaping the legal profession, what business owners should understand about competitive pressure, and why defining success on your own terms is essential as your responsibilities grow. Mark and Michael discuss: How to build a values-driven business in a competitive industry The leadership mistakes founders make as they scale Why relationships and reputation are long-term advantages How AI and technology are changing the future of law and business Defining success beyond revenue and titles Thinking about legacy while still actively building This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, professional service firm owners, and founders who want to grow with integrity, clarity, and intention, without losing sight of why they started. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Michael McCready & McCready Law: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/40062685

#175 - Why Hard-Working Entrepreneurs Still Struggle to Scale: Michael Walsh 02/12/2026

#174 - Why We Wait Too Long to Say What Matters Most | Walter Green 02/09/2026

#174 - Why We Wait Too Long to Say What Matters Most | Walter Green In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Walter Green, founder of the Say It Now Movement and author of the new book The Gratitude Express, for a deep and reflective conversation on human connection, leadership, and the power of asking better questions. Rather than focusing on tactics or traditional business frameworks, this episode explores what actually shapes meaningful lives and organizations. Walter shares why questions, not answers, are often the most powerful contribution we can make, and how unspoken gratitude quietly erodes relationships, culture, and leadership over time. The conversation centers on the philosophy behind the Say It Now Movement, which challenges people to express appreciation while it still matters, not after it’s too late. Walter and Mark discuss why gratitude is often delayed, avoided, or intellectualized, and how that hesitation shows up in families, teams, and entrepreneurial environments. Walter also introduces the ideas behind The Gratitude Express, a book that reframes gratitude as an active, lived practice rather than a passive feeling. Together, they examine how awareness, presence, and intentional communication can transform how leaders show up for others and for themselves. This episode is a thoughtful listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone interested in personal growth, human nature, and building cultures rooted in meaning rather than performance alone. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The philosophy behind the Say It Now Movement Why questions are often more powerful than answers Gratitude as a leadership practice, not a platitude What holds people back from expressing appreciation Insights from Walter Green’s new book The Gratitude Express Human connection, presence, and emotional honesty in leadership If you’re drawn to conversations about purpose, self-awareness, and the deeper layers of entrepreneurship, this episode offers a grounded and memorable perspective. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Walter Green & Say It Now Movement /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39985845

#173 - Why Becoming More Human Matters in an Age of AI: Dinakara Nagalla 02/05/2026

#173 - Why Becoming More Human Matters in an Age of AI: Dinakara Nagalla Dinakara Nagalla, technologist, Human-Centered AI Architect, and author of Becoming Human: Embracing Imperfection and Finding Purpose, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a thoughtful conversation about technology, humanity, and what gets lost when progress moves faster than understanding. Dinakara breaks down what human-centered AI really means, and why intelligence without context, empathy, and responsibility often creates more problems than it solves. Drawing on ideas from Becoming Human, he and Mark explore how modern systems push people toward optimization and perfection, while ignoring imperfection as a source of meaning, growth, and purpose. The conversation moves beyond AI hype to focus on systems thinking, human judgment, and the importance of keeping people meaningfully involved in decision-making. Dinakara shares why embracing imperfection is essential, not just in technology design, but in leadership, creativity, and personal development. This episode offers a grounded perspective for entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders who want to understand how AI shapes behavior, trust, and identity, and how staying human in the process matters more than chasing efficiency. Topics include: What human-centered AI actually looks like in practice Insights from Becoming Human: Embracing Imperfection and Finding Purpose Why imperfection plays a critical role in growth and meaning Systems thinking and responsible technology design Keeping human judgment in the loop as AI advances 🎧 A reflective, clarity-driven conversation for anyone thinking deeply about technology, purpose, and what it means to build systems that serve humans, not replace them. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Dinakara Nagalla: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39982710

#172 - Why Pain Changes Us and Why Vision Changes Us More | Udo Erasmus 02/02/2026

#171 - How Synchrony Is Redefining Social Connection for Neurodivergent Adults: Rebecca Matchett 01/29/2026

#170 - Mike & Kass Lazerow Return — “Shoveling Sh*t” and the Truth About Building Companies Together 01/26/2026

#170 - Mike & Kass Lazerow Return — “Shoveling Sh*t” and the Truth About Building Companies Together *Quick Note: Audio quality varies in parts of this episode. We chose to share it anyway because the conversation was too valuable to hold back. Thanks for listening. Mike and Kass Lazerow return to The Necessary Entrepreneur for their second appearance with host Mark Perkins, delivering another candid, no-BS conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and long-term success. As serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Buddy Media, acquired by Salesforce, Mike and Kass bring hard-earned perspective from decades of building, scaling, and enduring inside high-stakes businesses. In this episode, they expand on the themes from their book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, digging deeper into why entrepreneurship is often uncomfortable, emotionally demanding, and misunderstood by those who only see the upside. The conversation revisits lessons from helping grow Golf.com, navigating major exits, and the identity shifts that come after “winning.” Mark, Mike, and Kass explore why resilience, self-awareness, and emotional durability matter more than raw intelligence, and why most people underestimate the personal cost of building something meaningful, especially when you’re doing it alongside a spouse or long-term partner. This return episode goes further than their first appearance, tackling what happens after success: reinvention, burnout, ego management, and how founders recalibrate their definition of achievement once the scoreboard resets. It’s an honest look at entrepreneurship without hype, shortcuts, or motivational fluff. Essential listening for founders, CEOs, operators, and entrepreneurs who want substance over soundbites, and the truth about what it really takes to last. Topics covered include: Why Mike & Kass returned to The Necessary Entrepreneur Lessons since their first appearance on the show Building Buddy Media and selling to Salesforce Early growth insights from Golf.com Inside Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story Founder resilience, identity, and reinvention Marriage, partnership, and entrepreneurship Redefining success after an exit 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur is hosted by Mark Perkins and features in-depth conversations with experienced founders and operators focused on long-term value, not hype. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Kass and Mike: 📘 Order Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39854545

#169 - How Entrepreneurs Should Actually Think About Money | Patrick Rogers (Elkridge Advisors) 01/22/2026

#169 - How Entrepreneurs Should Actually Think About Money | Patrick Rogers (Elkridge Advisors) In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Patrick Rogers, Partner at Elkridge Advisors, for an in-depth conversation on wealth management for entrepreneurs, financial decision-making, and building long-term financial clarity as a business owner. Patrick advises founders, executives, and high-earning entrepreneurs on financial planning, investing, and capital strategy, especially during periods of growth, liquidity events, and business transitions. In this episode, he breaks down the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, why complexity often creates more risk than value, and how incentives quietly shape long-term outcomes. Mark and Patrick explore what financial independence really means for entrepreneurs, how mindset influences money decisions, and why many successful founders still feel uncertainty around wealth despite strong income or exits. The conversation focuses on practical thinking around money, not shortcuts, hype, or financial guru tactics. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs who want their business success and personal finances aligned, whether they’re scaling, preparing for an exit, or building a sustainable long-term plan. Topics covered include: Wealth management strategies for entrepreneurs and founders Common financial planning mistakes business owners make How to think about investing as income grows The role of mindset in financial decision-making Aligning personal wealth goals with business strategy 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Patrick Rogers & ElkridgeAdvisors: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39790655

#168 - Why Execution Beats Hype in Business — Tyler Dunagin on Scaling Turnserv 01/19/2026

#168 - Why Execution Beats Hype in Business — Tyler Dunagin on Scaling Turnserv What does it really take to build a scalable company in an unglamorous, operationally intense industry? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Tyler Dunagin, Founder and CEO of Turnserv, to unpack what it actually looks like to build a high-growth business in the vacation rental and hospitality space, where execution, reliability, and trust matter more than hype. Tyler shares the real story behind founding Turnserv, a platform built to solve one of the biggest pain points in short-term rentals: coordinating cleanings, inspections, and turnovers at scale. The conversation goes far beyond software, diving into what Tyler learned about leadership, hiring, cash flow, customer trust, and staying resilient while building in a demanding, operations-heavy business. Mark and Tyler explore the emotional and practical realities of entrepreneurship, including how to keep going when growth isn’t linear, why founders must get close to the work early on, and how systems, not hustle, create durable companies. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Turnserv was built to solve real operational problems in vacation rentals Why unsexy businesses often produce the strongest companies What founders misunderstand about scaling service-based and ops-heavy businesses How to earn and protect trust with customers in high-stakes environments The role of discipline, patience, and execution in sustainable growth Why founders must balance optimism with realism as companies mature This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, and leaders building businesses where execution matters, margins are earned, and growth depends on getting the details right, every single time. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Tyler Dunagin & Turnserv: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39759795

#167 - Why Most Businesses Collapse Under Their Own Systems with Val Coin (VIA Technology) 01/15/2026

#167 - Why Most Businesses Collapse Under Their Own Systems with Val Coin (VIA Technology) What does it really take to bring order to chaos inside a growing business? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Val Coin, Founder and CEO of VIA Technology, to unpack how systems, process, and operational clarity become the hidden advantage for scaling companies, especially in manufacturing and complex organizations. Born in Italy and now based in Australia, Val shares his unconventional entrepreneurial journey, from early exposure to disciplined European manufacturing to building a global ERP and technology consultancy that helps companies regain control of their operations. This is a candid conversation about why most businesses struggle not because of strategy, but because of execution, data, and disconnected systems. Mark and Val dig into why founders often resist structure, how chaos creeps in as companies grow, and what leaders must do to design businesses that actually work without burning out the people inside them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why operational chaos is often self-inflicted by founders The real role of ERP systems in scaling manufacturing and operations How process discipline creates freedom, not bureaucracy Common mistakes companies make when implementing technology Why clarity, ownership, and data visibility matter more than hustle How leaders can think like system designers, not firefighters If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or executive struggling with growth pains, broken processes, or decision-making without clean data, this episode will change how you think about scaling your business. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Val Coin & Via Technology /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39720150

#166 - William Spengler on Building a Scalable Recruiting Firm, Incentives, and Leading with Accountability 01/12/2026

#166 - William Spengler on Building a Scalable Recruiting Firm, Incentives, and Leading with Accountability How do you build a people-first business that actually scales, without bloated bureaucracy, misaligned incentives, or empty culture talk? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with William Spengler, founder and principal of Frederick Fox, a high-growth, equity-driven recruiting firm redefining how staffing agencies operate. William shares the real-world lessons he’s learned scaling Frederick Fox to nearly $10 million in revenue, growing a national team of recruiters, and building a model centered on ownership, accountability, and operational discipline. William explains why small companies win by having a clear and confident vision, how incentives directly drive performance, and why “revenue cures all” is one of the most dangerous myths in business. Drawing from his background in accounting, finance, and sales, he breaks down what entrepreneurs often misunderstand about cash flow, leadership development, and the hidden operational complexity of growing a service-based business. This conversation also explores: Why incentive structures determine culture and outcomes The difference between revenue growth and healthy scale How accountability unlocks performance in teams Why leadership and learning were his most underestimated challenges The role of recruiting in building bench strength and execution How small companies attract top talent without competing on size This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, operators, and executives building service businesses, scaling teams, or navigating the transition from individual contributor to true business leader. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About William Spengler & Frederick Fox: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39633015

#165 - Thais Saenz on Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performing Teams as You Scale 01/05/2026

#165 - Thais Saenz on Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performing Teams as You Scale Why do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams while others struggle despite strong strategy and experience? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Thais Saenz, founder and CEO of Saenz Global, a leadership and organizational development firm that helps companies scale through stronger culture, clarity, and execution. Thais brings a global perspective on leadership, performance, and human behavior, drawing from years of experience working with executives, founders, and teams navigating growth, change, and complexity. She explains why leadership problems are rarely about skill alone, and why mindset, communication, and cultural alignment ultimately determine results. In this conversation, Mark and Thais discuss: Why leadership breaks down as companies scale The hidden gaps between strategy and execution How leaders unintentionally limit team performance The role of self-awareness in effective leadership Why culture is built through behavior, not slogans How entrepreneurs can lead with clarity during uncertainty Thais also shares practical insights on how leaders can move beyond reactive management and create environments where people take ownership, perform at a high level, and grow alongside the business. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, and people leaders who want to build strong teams, lead with intention, and scale without losing alignment or momentum. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Thais & Saenz Global /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39512765

#164 - John Mitchell Reveals the Hidden Pattern Holding Entrepreneurs Back 12/29/2025

#164 - John Mitchell Reveals the Hidden Pattern Holding Entrepreneurs Back Why do smart, capable people still feel stuck, despite working hard and doing “all the right things”? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with John Mitchell, founder of TheMissingSecret.org, to explore the unseen forces that shape success, fulfillment, and decision-making for entrepreneurs and business leaders. John challenges the idea that success is simply about effort, strategy, or motivation. Instead, he introduces the concept of the “missing secret”, the internal patterns, beliefs, and mental frameworks that quietly determine how people show up in business and life. Through practical examples and deep insight, John explains why most people repeat the same cycles, even when they know better, and how real change begins at the identity level. In this conversation, Mark and John discuss: Why logic and willpower alone don’t create lasting change The hidden mental patterns that keep entrepreneurs stuck How subconscious beliefs shape performance and outcomes Why awareness is the first step to personal and professional breakthroughs The difference between surface-level improvement and real transformation How leaders can operate with greater clarity, confidence, and alignment John also shares how entrepreneurs can recognize when they’re operating on autopilot, and what it takes to break free from internal limits that no longer serve them. This episode is a powerful listen for founders, executives, and business owners who want clarity, self-mastery, and sustainable success, not hustle culture or empty motivation. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About John Mitchell: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39508570

#163 - Ben Lytle on Leadership, AI, and Thriving Through Rapid Change 12/22/2025

#162 - James Orsini on Leadership, Innovation, VaynerX, vYve & the Future of Entrepreneurship 12/15/2025

#162 - James Orsini on Leadership, Innovation, VaynerX, vYve & the Future of Entrepreneurship On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with James Orsini, President of Startup Operations at VaynerX, longtime partner to Gary Vaynerchuk, former public company CEO, and one of the most respected operators in modern marketing, leadership, and business growth. With over 40 years in corporate America and more than a decade inside the high-speed entrepreneurial engine of Vayner, James shares hard-earned insights most founders never hear. From helping scale VaynerX from 400 to 2,000+ employees to launching vYve, a transformational program for Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs, James breaks down what it truly takes to build profitable, enduring companies today. In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, Mark and James unpack: Why “perfection is the death of creativity” and how it cripples entrepreneurs The difference between an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur How Vayner scales rapidly while staying grounded in fundamentals The real state of AI in business and why growth planning is being ignored Why so many companies stall at $5M–$10M and how to break through What leaders misunderstand about brand, marketing, and company culture The unexpected power of humor, animation, and mascots in modern advertising How to attract top-tier executive talent, even as a small business The mindset shift founders need to avoid burnout and lead sustainably Why AI-driven workforce disruption will create more entrepreneurs What James means when he says: “Right is right. Doing the right thing is always the right thing.” James also offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into the Vayner ecosystem, today’s fast-changing business landscape, and how leaders can innovate without abandoning core fundamentals. Whether you're a solo founder, a growing CEO, or navigating the crossroads between corporate and entrepreneurial life, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom you can use immediately. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 More About James Orsini, VaynerX & vYve: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39360485

#161 -Amy Gregory Weber: Building High-Performing Sales Teams & Scaling Revenue Through People Alignment 12/08/2025

#160 - Natalia Zacharin: Master Your Numbers, Fix Your Books & Build a Profitable, Scalable Business 12/01/2025

#160 - Natalia Zacharin: Master Your Numbers, Fix Your Books & Build a Profitable, Scalable Business Unlocking Financial Clarity: How Natalia Zacharin Built a Multimillion-Dollar Firm by Mastering Numbers, Strategy & Courage In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Natalia Zacharin, CEO of Zacharin Consulting and one of the most respected financial strategists advising today’s business owners. Despite beginning with zero accounting experience, Natalia transformed a small side gig into a multimillion-dollar firm, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000, by helping entrepreneurs turn confusing financial data into confident, strategic decision-making. Natalia opens up about hitting rock bottom in her late 40s as a struggling single mom, and the bold decision to quit her job, bet on herself, and rebuild her life by helping founders understand the numbers that truly drive growth. Today, she’s a go-to advisor on cash flow, profitability, hiring strategy, margins, and building a financially healthy, scalable company. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ The most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make ✔️ How to interpret your books like a CEO, not a bookkeeper ✔️ Revenue metrics that actually matter in any business ✔️ Why different industries require different financial strategies ✔️ How to build a sellable business (even if you never plan to sell) ✔️ When to hire, who to hire, and the power of “hiring for today” ✔️ The mindset shift that helped Natalia triple her client base in 90 days ✔️ Why 95% of new clients have messy books, and how to fix yours fast ✔️ How to stop struggling and finally build a profitable, thriving business If you want a clearer, smarter, more confident relationship with your finances, this episode gives you the tools and perspective to finally take control. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features real conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Natalia & Zacharin Consulting: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39172150

#159 - Effortless Style Meets AI: Taelor’s Founder Anya Cheng on Men’s Fashion, Tech, and Entrepreneurship 11/24/2025

#159 - Effortless Style Meets AI: Taelor’s Founder Anya Cheng on Men’s Fashion, Tech, and Entrepreneurship What if getting dressed could be effortless, stylish, and sustainable? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor, a Silicon Valley startup transforming men’s fashion through AI-powered styling, subscription rentals, and expert human guidance. Anya shares her journey from leading product and marketing teams at Meta, eBay, and Target to founding Taelor, a company designed to help busy men look their best without the hassle of shopping, laundry, or outfit planning. Learn how she combines technology, machine learning, and human styling insights to create personalized fashion experiences that boost confidence, career success, and sustainability. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Taelor AI is revolutionizing men’s fashion with subscription rentals and data-driven styling Lessons from Anya’s career journey and founding a startup from zero to one Using AI to combine human intuition with machine learning for perfectly matched outfits The intersection of sustainability, fashion, and business innovation Insights on fundraising, investor selection, and scaling a high-impact startup If you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of fashion tech and personal styling, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About TaelorTaelor: Taelor Linkedin: Taelor IG: @taelor.style Taelor Facebook: Taelor X (Twitter): @TaelorStyle Anya Linkedin: Anya X (Twitter): @ Anya Facebook: Anya IG: @anyacheng_siliconvalley Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services: Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription. Use code: PODCAST25 Sign up at: Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription. Use code: ArmoirexTaelor Sign up at: Give the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style: Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFF Use code: PODCASTGIFT Purchase at: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39084620

#158 – How to Turn Your Expertise into an Eight-Figure Online Business w/ Justin Allan Montgomery 11/20/2025

#158 – How to Turn Your Expertise into an Eight-Figure Online Business w/ Justin Allan Montgomery Want to turn your expertise into a business that earns while you sleep? Former ER nurse Justin Allan Montgomery left a capped-income career to build an eight-figure online education empire, and now he’s helping professionals transform their knowledge into profitable continuing-education businesses. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Justin to explore how he escaped the traditional career trap, replaced his income within 12 months, and built multiple multi-million-dollar businesses from tiny market shares. Justin shares why fear stops so many smart professionals from taking action, how to identify saturated versus high-opportunity markets, and the exact steps to create scalable online education revenue. If you’re a nurse, doctor, attorney, engineer, therapist, or any credentialed professional ready to stop trading time for money, this episode is your roadmap. Topics covered: • Escaping capped-income careers • Overcoming fear and analysis paralysis • Building an eight-figure online education business • Turning professional expertise into continuing-education revenue • Identifying saturated and overlooked markets • Creating passive, scalable income • The psychology of people who actually follow through • Building a business from launch → scale → exit • Why only 2% of professionals take action • Finding passion beyond financial success Perfect for listeners interested in entrepreneurship, online education, business building, productivity, and creating financial freedom. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 🚀 Learn More About ProCourseStart Turn your knowledge into a scalable online course business: /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39080895

#157 – Evan Unger: Scaling Elite Leadership, Virtual Training Systems & Building High-Output Teams 11/17/2025

#157 – Evan Unger: Scaling Elite Leadership, Virtual Training Systems & Building High-Output Teams What does it take to turn real-world leadership training into a scalable, high-performance system used by executives, entrepreneurs, and fast-growth companies around the world? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with performance strategist Evan Unger for a deep conversation on building leaders, eliminating operational drag, and unlocking elite execution inside any organization. Evan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from his early days learning under mentors trained in the Jack Welch GE era, to reinventing his entire business model virtually during the pandemic, to building frameworks that help leaders multiply output without burnout. He breaks down the mindset, systems, and habits that separate average operators from exceptional ones, including: The #1 leadership mistake that slows companies down How to streamline decision-making and remove structural “drag” Why most teams fail to communicate effectively, and how to fix it Evan’s process for training leaders to think clearer, act faster, and execute better The shift from in-person to fully virtual consulting (and why it improved results) The real reason strategy dies inside organizations How to build a culture where people own problems instead of escalate them Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur, scaling founder, or established executive, this conversation delivers practical, usable tools for strengthening leadership muscles, simplifying complexity, and driving growth with consistency. If you want to build a high-performance organization, one that moves faster, communicates cleaner, and operates with clarity, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Evan Unger & Schwartz & Associates /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39039675

#156: Derek Gwaltney — From Lottery Marketing to Luxury Brand Experiences | Building Atlas Experiences & the Power of Emotional Branding 11/13/2025

#156: Derek Gwaltney — From Lottery Marketing to Luxury Brand Experiences | Building Atlas Experiences & the Power of Emotional Branding From Lotteries to Luxury Experiences: How Derek Gwaltney Built Atlas Experiences into a Top-Tier Brand Experience Company 🎯 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Derek Gwaltney, founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, to explore the art of creating unforgettable brand moments that spark emotion, connection, and loyalty. Derek shares his remarkable journey from the lottery and gaming industry to leading one of the fastest-growing experiential marketing companies in America, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list (#33 overall). Today, Atlas Experiences is known for producing world-class destination events, incentive trips, and brand activations that blend entertainment with purpose. In this powerful conversation, Derek and Mark dive into: 🔥 How to design once-in-a-lifetime experiences that elevate brands 💡 Lessons from the lottery world that shaped Atlas’ creative strategy 🚀 Building a resilient business through major industry disruption (COVID & beyond) 🎯 Why human emotion is the most valuable currency in marketing 💼 What it takes to scale a service-based company with authenticity and vision Derek also opens up about leadership, creative risk-taking, and what it means to “be first” in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode will challenge how you think about connection, creativity, and the power of unforgettable brand experiences. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: TikTok: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: 📌 Find Out More About Derek & Atlas Experiences /episode/index/show/thenecessaryentrepreneur/id/39000655

#155 - Finding Your Internal Edge: Mandy Morris on Mental Wellness, Stress, and Leadership 💡 11/10/2025

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