Entrepreneur's Enigma

Scott Johnson began his computer services business as a side hustle back in 1999, and eventually went on to make his full time living from it. He started podcasting in 2012, and in 2018 began creating his current podcast, which is called What Was That Like. Each episode is a conversation with a regular person who has been through something extremely unusual. Past episodes include animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and game show appearances (over 160 episodes to binge). Scott lives in Safety Harbor, Florida with his wife Jeanne, and their two Yorkies, Lilly and Fenway. Key Moments [03:12] Office worker finds job opportunity in print shop. [08:02] Hosted Computer Tutor podcast to attract clients. [10:34] Unique name, crazy stories, available domain. [15:15] Seeking compassion and empathy in everyday interactions. [17:48] Podcasting to network and boost business growth. Find Scott Online https://WhatWasThatLike.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/what-was-that-like/id1409087641?mt=2&ls=1 https://open.spotify.com/show/1jXOb1zluY6dq0AOGS7duA?si=BNY30k3kTE29uKzuFwuf7g https://podchaser.com/whatwasthatlike https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatwasthatlike/ https://www.reddit.com/r/whatwasthatlike/ https://www.instagram.com/wwtl_podcast/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Brad Pedersen has seen every side of the journey. He has been both the founder and the fired. He has built both bootstrapped and venture-backed companies. He has shipped billions of toys around the world as the real-life Santa Claus. He even wrote a book on it. Now, as co-founder of Lomi and Pela, Brad has leveraged his battle scars with a passion for sustainability. Through all the trials, one lesson stands out: adversity isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity. Challenges can build character by shaping us, teaching us, and then fueling us to design and create a bold future better than originally imagined. Brad has used his own setbacks as a foundation to scale companies into 8 and 9-figure giants. But Brad's story isn’t just about business. It’s about living a full life—through people, passions, and tidal waves of impact. His mission is clear: to inspire and empower leaders to become exceptional by pursuing mastery in every aspect of life, so they can experience deeper freedom and meaning. And to help others thrive beyond financial success. Key Moments [04:14] Overcame adversity, faced multiple bankruptcies, sudden exit. [07:57] Profound business advice from an unexpected source. [10:07] Overcoming struggles led to newfound entrepreneurial freedom. [15:27] Hope is essential for a successful strategy. Find Brad Online https://www.bradpedersen.com https://www.fullspectrumlife.com https://www.startupsantabook.com https://www.lomi.com https://www.pelacase.com If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another great episode of Entrepreneur's Enigma! In today's journey, Seth Goldstein, our indomitable host, brings to the table a conversation steeped in valor, vision, and the trials of entrepreneurship. We meet Sam Alaimo, a former US Navy SEAL turned co-founder of Zero Eyes—an AI gun detection startup determined to take a stand against the mass shooting crisis in America. From the tough transition from military life to the academic rigor of an MBA at Columbia, Sam breaks down the skills that help SEALs become unstoppable entrepreneurs. With vivid tales of training for the SEALs as a teen, his tours to Afghanistan, and the tense energy shift to entrepreneurship, Sam offers a powerful narrative of resilience and strategic thinking. This episode peels back the tough exterior of military discipline to analyze the unrelenting pressure and constant innovation required in the business sphere. So buckle up, as we dive into the world of a hero who faces an entirely new kind of mission—arming organizations against threats, one algorithm at a time. Key Moments [06:05] Navy paid for bachelor's and MBA degrees. [07:22] Co-CEO of 0 Eyes with Michael A. Fries [10:44] Focusing on gun detection, not facial recognition. [15:10] Former military and law enforcement staff verify guns. [17:47] Seals experience pressure and calm, civilian world. [20:49] Focus on what you can control, accept. Find Sam Online https://zeroeyes.com/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orly Zeewy is an author, speaker, educator, and facilitator of lightbulb moments. Her superpower? She makes fuzzy clear. She helps startup founders and business leaders clarify and communicate their zone of genius so they can attract more of their ideal customers and scale fast. In addition to her consulting work, Orly is a popular speaker and has been a guest on more than thirty podcasts. Most recently, she was interviewed on Product for Product, Life School Master Class and One Knight In Product. She has lectured at Wharton and taught in The Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University, Jefferson University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Orly has been featured in Medium and her articles have been published in national publications such as The Marketing Journal, Smart Hustle and Lioness Magazine. Her book: Ready, Launch, Brand: The Lean Marketing Guide for Startups was published by Routledge in May 2021 and was the #1 new business book release on Amazon in April 2021. Key Moments [04:10] Passionate journey of female entrepreneur creating brand. [09:10] Considering traditional publisher for credibility was mistake. [11:22] Struggling to start writing book about entrepreneurs. [14:46] Joined networks to combat loneliness, exchange ideas. [15:55] Immigrated at 11, dad invented steel technology. [20:39] Mentor proud of students' success on LinkedIn. [25:01] Platform security issue leads to temporary suspension. Orly Online https://zeewybrands.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Lester is on a mission to transform limiting mindsets that hold back salespeople and small business owners. Having built his career helping companies big and small drive revenue through coaching and training, John knows that tech stacks, skills and product knowledge are ineffective without the right sales psychology. His goal is to help sellers and solopreneurs reframe sales as mutually beneficial versus oppositional through personal insights and practical coaching. Key Moments [05:21] Desire for simple, happy lifestyle in America. [07:44] An influential article shaped my perspective on businesses. [12:35] Questioning integrity in sales, relationship dynamics critical. [13:36] Concern about re-entering corporate America after layoffs. [19:13] Helping others sell, sharing expertise through video. [22:51] Teacher contacts for innovative aquarium project collaboration. [24:53] Self-assessment and clarity before seeking advice. [28:16] Reflect on actions and values, especially with children. Find John Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlester973/ https://attitudeselling.com If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Entrepreneur's Enigma, the podcast where we dive into the heart of entrepreneurship—the trials, triumphs, and the lessons learned from adversity. I'm your host, Seth, and in today's episode, we have the incredible journey of Zach Carlin. Once a small-town kid from rural Canada, Zach found his passion and discipline in the world of boxing, despite its taboo status in his community. This path of discipline led him to the bright lights of Las Vegas, the mecca for Ultimate Fighting Championship aspirants, where he trained among legends and learned some hard truths. But Zach's story doesn't end with the highs and lows of an MMA career cut short by injury and bureaucracy. He reinvented himself in the world of entrepreneurship, coaching, and fitness—eventually co-founding Summit Chasers Network. Zach brings to the table critical insights into the path from fitness facility owner to recognized business coach, helping giants like HP and Salesforce address underlying issues in sales and company growth. Stay with us as we unravel how a failed business due to COVID, a venture into online coaching, and an emphasis on hiring, SOPs, and consistent leadership have shaped Zach's approach to scaling businesses and impacting lives. Zach's story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of success—themes that any aspiring entrepreneur can relate to and learn from. So, buckle up for an inspirational ride from the rural rings of Canada to the entrepreneurial battlegrounds where the real fight happens. And remember—you can always reach out and connect with Zach through LinkedIn and soon through his revamped website. All links, as always, will be in the show notes. Let's get started. Key Moments [04:48] Struggled with homelessness, found motivation in MMA. [07:16] Accepting responsibility for failures accelerates personal growth. [10:23] Learned Muay Thai, traveled, got addicted, skilled. [14:07] CrossFit as a profitable fitness competition. [18:37] Expanded performance center, grew sales to 20M. [22:04] Starting a new business venture through partnership. [23:17] Started with hiring, expanded to online coaching. [27:58] Entrepreneurship allows solving important, passionate problems. Find Zach Online https://www.summitchasersnetwork.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-carlin-799955228/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Lamothe is a digital strategist with a knack for reviving the digital presence of various projects. His philosophy hinges on the power of first impressions, focusing on giving websites much-needed facelifts to enhance user engagement and conversion rates. Throughout his career, Joshua has witnessed numerous times where the simple act of redesigning a site led to a substantial increase in traffic and credibility. His attention to detail and user experience has also proven critical in fixing underperforming elements, such as dysfunctional contact forms. With his interventions, Joshua has turned countless unattractive and ineffective websites into lead-generating platforms, almost overnight, by making them appear more professional and trustworthy to visitors. Key Moments [05:36] Improving website appearance leads to increased conversions. [08:02] Started as customer, shifted to web design. [12:28] Unparalleled freedom and accountability in work. [16:07] Integrity is measurable and real, unlike spirituality. Find Joshua Online https://grassrootsconsult.com https://www.alignable.com/lake-worth-fl/grassroots-web-design-branding https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-lamothe/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Entrepreneur's Enigma, we sit down Don Samoil, who is a prominent figure in the Philly startup ecosystem. Don shares his journey from selling newsletters in 2nd grade to his current involvement in advising and organizing for the Founder Institute Incubator. They discuss his early foray into real estate, then pivoting back to technology and his work with startups. Don also reflects on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of values and execution. As an influential mentor, he sheds light on the impact and evolution of the startup landscape, leaving listeners with valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Moments [06:15] Cofounding is like marriage: communication and honesty. [08:38] Passion for chasing dreams and adding value. [10:44] Entrepreneurship is tough, filled with doubts. Find Don Online https://founderkeystone.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-samoil-ts/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise is the CEO of EK Editorial & Coaching and EKPR, two communication companies that offer a range of dynamic business and creative writing services, including book coaching, ghostwriting, and non-fiction writing. On the public relations side, she specializes in crafting compelling narratives to elevate businesses, covering executive bios, content creation, and crisis communications. With over 35 years of international entrepreneurial experience across various B2C industries and non-profits, her expertise in storytelling effectively resonates with diverse audiences, enhancing messaging and customer response. Her mission centers on empowering and transforming business leaders with a moral and social conscience, encouraging them to share their stories for lasting impact and legacy. As a book coach, ghostwriter, and editor, she leverages her emotional intelligence and domain knowledge to offer enthusiastic editorial guidance and tools for building personal and corporate brands. She is passionate about collaborating with individuals who have disruptive ideas, assisting them in crafting authentic and memorable narratives. Elise is also a bestselling author, known for her memoir "Under My Skin - Drama, Trauma, & Rock n Roll," the first in a trilogy series. She has ghostwritten numerous books and maintains an active presence as a blogger, reporter, and editorial expert. Key Moments [03:44] Established publishing agency promoting UK and US music. [08:07] Developed into developmental editor, created courses. [12:02] Carry determination, love of laughter, and humor. Find Elise Online https://elisekrentzel.com https://ekpublicrelations.com https://elisekrentzel.com/under-my-skin https://youtube.com/@elisekrentzel-rebelwriter https://facebook.com/OfficiallyElise https://instagram.com/elisekrentzel If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices