Life After College Works Podcast

Fernando Angelucci, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Fernando is the senior managing partner at Titan Wealth Group, a real-estate investing collective in the Chicago area. Fernando shares his journey from Fortune 50 employee to uber-successful real-estate investor. Listen as Jason and Fernando talk about how to build a business while living paycheck to paycheck, the three things you need to be successful in real estate, and what Fernando has learned while building multiple real-estate businesses!

Ryan Byrne, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Ryan is the CEO of The Buzz Lab, a video production company based in Los Angeles that helps brands tell their stories. Jason Reid and Ryan discuss the twists and turns that took Ryan's career from private equity, to startups, to film. Listen as Jason and Ryan talk about why you shouldn’t wait to follow your passions, and how Ryan became a critically acclaimed filmmaker!

Kyle Shaefer, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Kyle is the co-founder of Tidal Roots, a lifestyle company that makes artfully crafted, custom, wooden stand-up paddleboards.  Jason Reid and Kyle talk about the evolution of Tidal Roots, which started as nothing more than a passion project. Listen as Jason and Kyle talk about how Kyle built a business to support his ideal lifestyle, how to transition into your dream job, and how Kyle maintains balance in his life.

Ryan Coon, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Ryan is the CEO of Rentalutions, an online software company that helps landlords find and screen tenants, create leases and collect rent. Jason Reid and Ryan talk about Ryan’s path to entrepreneurship, which started buying and selling baseball cards as a kid. Listen as Jason and Ryan talk about how to deal with disappointment, why you should celebrate discomfort, and what Ryan enjoys most about being his own boss.

Scott Duffy, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Scott is the CEO and founder of Content.Market, and the author of the best-selling book Launch!: The Critical 90 Days From Idea to Market. Jason Reid and Scott reminisce about the good ole’ days, back when College Works Painting was known by another name. Scott talks about the business of people, why he spent the last $200 in his bank account on pizza, and how he and Richard Branson almost ended up buying the Amazon rainforest (seriously).

Alleah Friedrichs, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Alleah is the co-founder and chief wine drinker at Bliss Wine Imports. Jason Reid and Alleah talk about Alleah’s path to entrepreneurship, which included a 9-month “wine scouting” trip across Europe. Listen as Jason and Alleah discuss the importance of getting started, and why you don’t need to have every last detail figured out before you make the leap.

Jeff Long, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Jeff is the co-founder at Slippa, and and one of the top grossing College Works Painting interns of all-time. Jason Reid and Jeff have a great discussion about how Jeff ultimately became an entrepreneur, and how his success even inspired his own mother to quit her job and start a business!

Show Notes:

• Jeff and his brother have grown Slippa into an uber-successful business in just 10 months
• Jeff grew up around business owners, but wasn’t pushed to be an entrepreneur growing up
• Jeff produced $265,000 in revenue during his first year with College Works Painting
• Jeff says the most exciting thing about starting a business were the relationships he built
• How Jeff’s success has inspired his mother to quit her job and start her own business
• Jeff’s #1 piece of advice for young entrepreneurs: Don’t waste time, simply get started
• What a typical day might look like for Jeff:
• Out of bed before sunrise
• Usually eats a big breakfast
• Goes surfing early in the morning
• Visits clients a bit later
• Checks email around mid-morning
• Focuses on closing accounts in the afternoons
• Attends networking events in the evenings

Fast Five:

• Favorite quote: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Favorite app: Instagram
• Favorite TV show: It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
• Favorite book: The Creator’s Code, The 4-Hour Workweek
• Favorite technology: iPhone

Jason Bay, a College Works Alumnus, is on the show today! Jason is the founder at GenY Success and former marketing director at College Works Painting. The two Jason’s—Reid and Bay—have a great discussion about how to figure out whether or not entrepreneurship is right for you, and the importance of consistent action as an entrepreneur.

Show Notes:

• Jason wanted to be a forensic scientist (e.g. CSI) after his freshman year of college
• Jason ran a $100,000 business in his first year with College Works Painting
• How Jason’s experience with College Works Painting led him to entrepreneurship
• Why Jason started GenY Success (and how he helps other young entrepreneurs)
• How to figure out whether or not entrepreneurship is right for you
• How Jason’s podcast has helped him establish credibility and connect with potential clients
• The importance of building a platform (and how a platform can build your business)
• Why it’s critical that you find like-minded people who will support you
• Why it’s important to take action (even if you don’t really know what you’re doing)
• How Jason racked up $25,000 worth of credit card debt (then paid it all off)
• Jason also discusses the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship

Fast Five:

• Favorite quote: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” — John Wooden
• Favorite app: Way Of Life
• Favorite TV show: Sons of Anarchy
• Favorite book: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy (33:00 need to edit)
• Favorite technology: Macbook Pro

Dallas Imbimbo, a College Works Alumni, is on the show today! Dallas is co-founder at BigRentz and the founder of Kush Bottles. Jason Reid and Dallas have a great discussion about why Dallas became an entrepreneur and how his experience with College Works as an Intern has helped along the way.

Show Notes:

• Dallas is the founder and CEO of Big Rentz, the "Uber for construction equipment"
• Dallas has been an entrepreneur since he was 10 years-old
• Dallas' advice to young entrepreneurs, “Don’t let anyone ever outwork you."
• How timing plus product creates unique businesses
• How Dallas has cultivated a unique work environment for his employees
• Why Dallas starts each day before the sun comes up (and why he takes frequent breaks)
• Why it’s important to maintain your competitive edge (especially outside the office)
• Where Dallas sees himself (and his businesses) in 20 years

Fast Five:

• Favorite quote: “Do or do not there is no try.” — Yoda
• Favorite app: Postdates (on-demand delivery)
• Favorite TV show: Entourage, Silicon Valley
• Favorite book: The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
• Favorite technology: Nike Air Mag Marty McFlys (sneakers from Back To The Future II)