In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Mark Perkins sits down with email marketing powerhouse Jay Schwedelson to unpack the mindset and strategies behind today’s most effective marketing. Jay shares why your email database is your company’s most valuable asset , how to craft subject lines that demand attention, and why perfectionism kills momentum in business. He dives into the psychology driving consumer behavior and explains how authenticity and consistency build lasting relationships...
Jul 07, 2025•39 min•Ep. 138
In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , host Mark Perkins sits down with Jon Giganti , keynote speaker, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention , for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation on intentional living , leadership , mental health , and resilience . Jon shares his journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, emphasizing how starting your day with intention , embracing struggle, and leading with a service mindset can r...
Jun 30, 2025•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 137
In this high-impact conversation, Scaling Up author and Entrepreneurs’ Organization founder Verne Harnish sits down with Mark Perkins to unpack the real mechanics behind scaling a business that lasts. Verne shares powerful insights on why sustainable growth requires more than just execution—it demands the right mindset, strategy, people, and purpose . From unlocking bottlenecks to leveraging advisory boards, Verne reveals the most overlooked growth levers and explains why understanding the soul ...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 136
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Mark Perkins sits down with dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist Dr. Karim R. Ellis to unpack what true success really looks like. Together, they dive deep into the power of mentorship, the role of character development, and the value of serving others on the path to purpose. Dr. Ellis shares powerful personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about rising through adversity, mastering your message, and building influence through s...
Jun 16, 2025•2 hr 11 min•Ep. 135
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , bestselling author Craig Johnson joins host Mark Perkins to discuss the creation and evolution of the Longmire series—one of the most iconic modern Western literary franchises. Craig shares the real-life inspiration behind Sheriff Walt Longmire, the role of Wyoming's rugged landscape in shaping his storytelling, and how life experiences continue to fuel his creativity. The conversation dives into the entrepreneurial side of being a full-time author...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 134
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Amanda Goetz joins Mark Perkins for a candid conversation about ambition, self-worth, and the evolving definition of success. Amanda unpacks the concept of "toxic grit" —the relentless pursuit of achievement without intention—and why it's time to replace blind hustle with aligned, purpose-driven action. They explore Amanda’s transition from chasing titles and ego to building meaningful, mission-led ventures. She shares lessons learned through hards...
Jun 02, 2025•55 min•Ep. 133
In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author and mindset coach Tommy Breedlove joins Mark Perkins to explore what it truly means to live and lead with intention. Tommy unpacks the journey from pain to purpose, sharing how self-awareness, vulnerability, and clarity are the keys to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. They dive into the real cost of success, the dangers of ego, and why intentional living beats chasing wealth every time. Tommy shares hard...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 132
In this conversation, Tim Castle shares his insights on negotiation, self-regulation, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of negotiation as a meta skill that can influence various aspects of life, including leadership and communication. Tim recounts his journey of overcoming challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his belief in the possibility of success. The discussion also touches on the role of effective communication in negotiations ...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 131
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Mark Perkins welcomes Danny Lehr — co-founder of Caffeine & Kilos, gym owner, and now author of the powerful new book, Win the Next Hour . Danny shares real-world insights on what it takes to do the hard things , make meaningful progress, and build momentum through consistent, mindful execution. Drawing from years of entrepreneurial experience, he breaks down the exact mental frameworks that have helped him grow multiple businesses, balance pri...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 130
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , former Navy SEAL Commander and best-selling author Rich Diviney joins host Mark Perkins to talk about the mental edge required to lead, perform, and thrive when the stakes are high and the path isn’t clear. Drawing from his new book, Masters of Uncertainty , Rich explores what it takes to stay calm, adaptable, and effective when everything around you is unpredictable. He breaks down the irony of leadership , the difference between finding talent vs...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 129
In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark sits down with world-renowned performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman—the mind behind The 90 Day Year and The Alter Ego Effect. Todd has helped Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and elite entrepreneurs achieve peak performance, and today he shares his wisdom with our audience of driven creators and leaders. We dive deep into game-changing strategies around: ✅ How to seek out the best mentors and know who to listen to ...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 128
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with John Hussey , longtime NFL referee turned CEO of CUDDLY , the leading fundraising platform for animal rescues. John shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports to building a mission-driven business that’s transforming pet adoption and rescue support . We cover key topics, including: ✅ The Midas Touch – Turning passion into profit and long-term success ✅ Going All In – The mindset shift needed to fully com...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 127
What does it take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from the ground up? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with Dylan Jahraus—entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist—to talk about her journey from the corporate environment to launching and scaling her own ventures. Dylan shares how her early career shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, why she intentionally hires athletes for their grit and mental toughness, and how taking action—rat...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 126
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with Bill Canady , a serial entrepreneur, business leader, and expert in leadership and acquisitions , to break down the key principles of business growth, high-stakes decision-making, and entrepreneurial success . Bill shares how the 80/20 rule applies to business—why focusing on the right 20% of efforts can drive 80% of results . We explore the mindset of wartime leaders , those who thrive under pressure, make bold decisions, and lead...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 125
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with Dave Chandler , better known as Big Dave from The Big Dave Show on B105. With years of experience as a top morning radio host, Dave shares his journey through the world of broadcasting, from losing his accent to navigating the ever-changing media landscape. He serves up some Tennessee cocktail wisdom, offers his best advice for students in broadcast , and delivers a dose of his signature humor with the challenge to "tell the audien...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 124
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we welcome Kristen Butler, bestselling author, founder of Power of Positivity , and mindset expert, to discuss her latest book, Instant Positivity: 365 Ways to Become 1% Better Every Day . Kristen reveals practical strategies to cultivate a positive mindset, prioritize wellness, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. We explore why "what you resist persists," the dangers of the comparison trap, and how to counter negative self-talk through...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 123
What does it take to truly own your journey—both in business and in life? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with Jeff Galletly, CEO of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience. Jeff shares his experience of leaving the family business to carve his own path, what it means to truly feel like an entrepreneur, and how he applies the principle of extreme ownership to every aspect of his work. We also dive into his battle with bone ca...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 122
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we sit down with filmmaker and creative visionary Johnny Catalano to explore the intersection of passion, persistence, and the art of storytelling. From the power of blind optimism in chasing big dreams to the mystery of films that captivate audiences, Johnny shares his unique perspective on what makes cinema truly magical. We also dive into the gold standard for a great James Bond film, breaking down the key elements that separate the classics fro...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 121
In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we welcome Ryan Hanley, founder of Rogue Risk Insurance, marketing expert, and business strategist. Ryan has built a career on challenging the status quo, embracing new perspectives, and leading with truth and courage—principles that every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Join us as we dive into: ✅ The story behind Rogue Risk Insurance and disrupting a traditional industry ✅ Why not living in absolutes opens the door to innovation and growth ✅ The po...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 120
💼 Want to build a thriving business and avoid hidden pitfalls? In this power-packed episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , we welcome Ken Wentworth (aka Mr. Biz) —a renowned o n-demand CFO, business strategist, cash flow pro, radio host, and bestselling author —to share his insights on what makes or breaks a business. Ken dives deep into the Three Pillars of Success , the Silent Business Killers that could be draining your profits, and why accounting is the foundation of every successful compa...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 119
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Greg S. Reid , an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and filmmaker known for his expertise in personal development, entrepreneurship, and success principles. As the bestselling author of Think and Grow Rich: Three Feet from Gold and Wealth Made Easy , Greg has dedicated his life to helping others unlock their full potential through perseverance, networking, and actionable wisdom. Beyond his books, Greg is a sought-after speaker and the founder of Secret Kn...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 118
We’re thrilled to host James Beard-nominated chef and renowned restaurateur Jose Salazar on The Necessary Entrepreneur! Known for his innovative fusion of Latin American and modern American cuisine, Chef Salazar has transformed the culinary scene with his award-winning restaurants Salazar, Mita’s, and Goose & Elder. Born in Colombia and raised in Queens, Jose’s journey began at Donatella Arpaia’s Bellini before working alongside culinary legends like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Geoffrey Zakar...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 117
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Gregory Vetter, the inspiring CEO and co-founder of Tessemae’s, a family-owned company that has revolutionized the way we think about clean eating. Gregory’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple family salad dressing recipe, created by his mom, Tesse, and grew into a nationally recognized brand carried by major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Costco. Gregory’s story is one of grit, determination, and a deep commitment to health and authenticity....
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 116
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Tom Turcich, the extraordinary adventurer who walked around the world over the course of seven years, covering six continents and over 28,000 miles—all with his loyal dog, Savannah, by his side. Tom shares the inspiration behind his journey, the life-changing lessons he learned on the road, and how he managed the mental and physical challenges of such a monumental feat. We dive into how this incredible journey parallels the entrepreneurial spirit, exploring re...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 115
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Cincinnati photographer Michael Wilson. Michael has built a reputation for creating visually stunning and iconic album covers for artists across multiple genres, including Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Jason Isbell, and Jeremy Pinnell. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of music and its culture, Michael’s work turns an artist’s vision into a visual masterpiece that resonates with fans and stands the test of time. Michael shares the story of how he...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 114
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Paula Blankenship- CEO & founder of Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Paint, a game-changing product that has revolutionized the world of furniture painting and DIY projects. With a passion for quality craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the needs of her customers, Paula has built Heirloom Traditions into a trusted name in the industry. Her innovative approach to all-in-one paint solutions has made it easier than ever for DIY enthusiasts and professiona...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 113
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Shawn Harper, an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and leader who has turned his passion into a thriving empire. With a background in business development and a deep commitment to personal growth, Shawn is not only a successful entrepreneur in cybersecurity but also a mentor who helps others unlock their full potential. Shawn is known for his innovative approach to problem-solving and his ability to build sustainable businesses from the ground up. Over the years,...
Dec 02, 2024•2 hr 25 min•Ep. 112
The Necessary Entrepreneur is thrilled to have two incredible guests who are both making waves in the music industry & entrepreneurial space. First up, we have Jeremy Pinnell , an immensely talented singer-songwriter who’s known for his heartfelt, Americana-infused sound. With a career that spans years of crafting deeply personal and powerful music, Jeremy has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. His journey is a testament to the perseverance and creativity it takes to carve out...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 111
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes the multi-talented Darian Sanders- a dynamic performer, singer, songwriter, speaker, and recent author from Kentucky. Darian has captivated audiences on some of the world’s most iconic stages, with standout performances in major Broadway productions, including playing the iconic role of Simba, in Disney's The Lion King. He also leads worship across the country. Beyond the stage, he's an advocate for personal growth & creativity. He's currently on a book to...
Nov 18, 2024•52 min•Ep. 110
The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Evan "X" Johnson, the CEO and founder of Timeless Recording Studio, one of the premier creative hubs for artists, producers, and musicians who are shaping the future of sound. With a reputation for delivering world-class recording experiences, Timeless has become a staple in the industry, working with top-tier talent while staying at the cutting edge of music production. During the conversation, Evan talks about working with some of the elite names in hip hop,...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 109
