Master the art of business with the UpFlip Podcast

The podcast where we uncover how great businesses are built. How they're run behind the scenes. And how you can replicate their success.

Meet the hosts behind our podcast

Get to know two of the best hosts that are behind the UpFlip podcast.

John Palumbo

John is the founder of BigHeads Network, a full-service podcast production company that helps companies and leaders leverage podcasts in unique (even unexpected) ways to reach key audiences, including consumers, customers, employees, candidates and more. He founded BigHeads in 2006 and just like any entrepreneurial venture, he's made some pivots along the way.

Ryan Atkinson

Ryan Atkinson, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Iowa, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Spacebar Visuals. After graduating from The University of Iowa and a brief stint at HubSpot in Boston, Ryan moved to Austin, TX to delve into HealthTech marketing. In November 2022, he launched Spacebar Visuals, quickly achieving over $100K in revenue and collaborating with notable brands like AWS and Vanta. By November 2023, he dedicated himself full-time to his venture. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys working out, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Business Growth, Service & Consulting, Myron Golden, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Business Mindset

196. How to Sell $10,000+ Offers with Myron Golden

Myron Golden once earned just $6.25/hour as a garbage collector. Today, he’s an eight-figure business owner who has built a media empire with over 1.1 million YouTube subscribers and has taught thousands of entrepreneurs his secrets to business growth. Making him highly regarded as one of the best business coach in the world. 

In this deep-dive interview with Ryan Atkinson, Myron unpacks how applying biblical principles to his business propelled him to the top. He also explains how to build unshakable trust with your customers,  how to structure irresistible offers, the business mindset required to confidently command high fees, and the sales psychology that makes clients eager to invest in your services. 

This is a blueprint for becoming the go-to expert in your field and scaling your business far beyond just dollars and cents. His journey is a masterclass in leadership and building massive influence, proving that you don't need a perfect start to achieve incredible success.

Takeaways:

  • Reframe "high-ticket sales" to "premium value offers." This shifts your focus from the price you get to the transformational outcome the client receives.
  • To confidently charge a premium price, ensure your offer delivers at least 10 times its cost in value to the client, either by making them or saving them that amount.
  • The most profitable clients are those with big problems and deep pockets. Many highly skilled professionals (like lawyers or doctors) were never taught how to get clients and are a prime market.
  • Build trust and authority by creating "community service content." By giving away immense value on platforms like YouTube, you overcome sales objections before a prospect even knows you have something to sell.
  • High-paying clients are the most committed clients. When people invest a significant amount of money, they are far more likely to do the work required to get results.
  • Price creates its own perception of value. It is often easier to sell a high-priced solution than a mid-market one because premium buyers are seeking the best possible result, not the cheapest option.
  • The "Be, Do, Have" principle dictates that success is a sequence. You must first be the person capable of success, then do the necessary work, before you can have the desired results.
  • Massively increase the appeal of your offers with unique bonuses that are difficult to put a price on, such as exclusive access or one-of-a-kind experiences.
  • Success is not defined by age. Myron didn't make his first million until he was 45.

Resources:

Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/3ICf71E 

Connect with Myron: https://www.instagram.com/myrongolden/?hl=en 

Host - UpFlip July 21, 2025 35:10

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35:10

Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Business Mindset, Lawn Care, Side Hustle, Business Scaling

193. How He Turned $500 Into a $100K Business Before 19

Zech Osburn decided the traditional college path wasn't for him and instead, chose the path of entrepreneurship to build something of his own. At just 18 years old, he turned a simple lawn care and power washing side hustle into a thriving six-figure business in only eight months. It’s a story that proves with a clear vision and a strong business mindset, you don’t need a huge budget to achieve incredible business growth.

So, how did he accomplish this so quickly? This amazing journey wasn't just luck; it was fueled by a smart strategy for business scaling. In this conversation with Ryan Atkinson and Zech shares the playbook behind his success, from his clever, low-cost marketing techniques to his simple philosophy of consistently reinvesting profits. If you're looking for an inspiring and practical guide to starting and scaling your own home service business, you'll love hearing Zech's story!


Resources:

Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/45NZT3e 

Connect with Zech : https://www.instagram.com/zechshustle/?hl=en 

Host - UpFlip June 30, 2025 25:30

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25:30

Franchise, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Painting, Product Development, Spray-Net

178. This Business Innovation Brought in $3M in 5 Months (HOW?!)

Carmelo Marsala joins the UpFlip Podcast to unpack how he transformed Spray-Net from an average home service company into a franchise powerhouse. With 4 industry-shaping patents, Carmelo managed to scale his company to over 120 territories across North America. Earning him coverage from several mainstream media such as Forbes, Dragons' Den, Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, HGTV, and NetFlix.

He explained a couple of strategies that he used for his business growth, mastering franchising challenges, managing product development, and leveraging technology to outpace his competitors. For entrepreneurs craving actionable insights on innovation and expansion, this episode delivers a no-nonsense roadmap to success.

Takeaways

  • Carmelo Marsala is an innovator in the home services industry.
  • He started his journey in home services at 18 years old.
  • Carmelo's initial motivation was to run his own business, not specifically to paint.
  • He realized the need for value creation in the painting industry.
  • The patented paint technology was developed to address common issues with conventional paints.
  • Carmelo emphasizes the importance of specialization in business.
  • He grew his revenue from 150K to 3 million in 5 months.
  • Marketing strategies included various channels like Facebook ads and home shows.
  • Franchising was a key strategy for scaling the business.
  • Carmelo's experience on Dragons Den helped attract more franchisees. We broke the internet with 1,200 franchise requests.
  • Rapid growth can be messy but is a learning experience.
  • Winning the Franchisees Choice Award was a significant milestone.
  • Creating a franchise support team was essential for scaling. 
  • Using AI technology has improved franchisee support.
  • Training programs have evolved significantly over the years.
  • Expanding into the U.S. market presented unique challenges.
  • Franchising allows individuals to build a business without needing a unique idea.
  • Cultural fit is crucial when selecting a franchise opportunity.
  • Persistence and resilience are key to entrepreneurial success.

Resources: 

Host - UpFlip March 17, 2025 28:08

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28:08

Digital Marketing, Tech Ventures, Side Hustle, Lead Generation, Business scaling, Google Ads

177. Marketing Strategies to Get you to $4M/year

Tyler Link started his concrete company as a side hustle, and in just a few years, he transformed it into a $4M/year business. In this episode of the UpFlip Podcast, Ryan sits down with Tyler to uncover the strategies and mindset that fueled his incredible journey.  From his roots in digital marketing to partnering with his father-in-law in the concrete industry.

Tyler reveals how he built a strong foundation for business scaling by focusing on SEO, lead generation, Google Ads, and innovative digital marketing strategies. He also emphasizes the value of consistent follow-ups, building trust with customers,  referral partnerships, and financial management as key drivers of success. 

Tyler’s story is not just about growing a business—it’s about personal transformation, overcoming challenges, and finding freedom through entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

  • Tyler Link scaled a concrete side hustle to $700,000 in one year.
  • Understanding marketing and sales is crucial for business growth.
  • Lead generation is key; Google Ads and networking were essential.
  • Pricing projects accurately is vital to avoid losses.
  • Competition can indicate a healthy market for your business.
  • Building trust is more important than hiring for skill initially.
  • Action and speed are more important than perfection when starting out.
  • Referral partnerships can generate significant revenue without cost.
  • Effective marketing requires a solid foundation of branding and reviews.
  • You don't need to capture the entire market to succeed. Building relationships is key to successful sales.
  • Follow-ups should be simple and consistent.
  • SEO can drive significant traffic but needs to be targeted.
  • Paid ads should focus on visibility, clickability, and convertibility.
  • Understanding financials is crucial for business sustainability.
  • Leads and sales should be the primary focus for new businesses.
  • Control over one's business leads to personal freedom.
  • Avoiding weaknesses can hinder business growth.
  • Investing in coaching can yield high returns.
  • Stress can be a catalyst for personal growth.

Resources: 

Host - UpFlip March 10, 2025 41:27

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41:27

Digital Marketing, Tech Ventures, Debt-free Business, Content Creation, Entrepreneurship

176. From His Parent's Basement to $105K/Month Business with Zero Debt

Phil Risher started his digital marketing company while living in his dad’s basement & $30,000 deep in student debt. Now, Phlash Consulting has grown into a thriving seven-figure company and earned Phil features in major publications such as Forbes, CNBC, and Business Insider for his debt-free business approach.

In this interview, Phil shares his battle-tested blueprint for starting a digital marketing agency with a $0 upfront cost. Including how to land your first client, leverage free marketing strategies like niche content creation and networking, and master cash flow discipline to ensure profitability. His story proves you don’t need deep pockets to succeed—just grit and resourcefulness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starting a business debt-free is possible with the right approach.
  • Focus on acquiring clients before investing in marketing.
  • Service-based businesses are ideal for debt-free startups.
  • Content creation can be a low-cost way to generate leads.
  • Managing cash flow is crucial for profitability.
  • Utilizing a budgeting framework helps in financial planning.
  • Networking is key to finding your first customers.
  • Building a productized service can help scale your business.
  • Invest in good team members to grow your business.
  • Set clear financial goals and stick to them. 

Resources:

Host - UpFlip March 03, 2025 24:21

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24:21

Business growth, entrepreneurship, AI, branding, web design

175. Build Your Brand Using Free AI Tools (Here's How!)

Veronica Shelton and Hannah Ryu, the co-founders of Oak Theory, shared their inspiring journey in entrepreneurship, building a multi-million dollar design studio that specializes in branding, web design, and UX/UI. As women of color in the tech industry, they turned their shared experiences into a mission to level the playing field for smaller businesses, helping them create impactful and memorable brands.

By integrating AI tools into their workflows, Oak Theory has revolutionized how businesses approach branding and design, ensuring a user-centric focus that resonates with target audiences. Veronica and Hannah highlighted the importance of understanding customer behavior and conducting in-depth research to craft strategies that drive business growth. They also emphasized balancing AI efficiency with a human touch, ensuring that every design decision aligns with the client’s vision and audience needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and learning opportunities.
  • AI tools can significantly enhance branding and design processes.
  • Understanding customer behavior is crucial for effective branding.
  • Startups should focus on cost-effective strategies to build their brand identity.
  • Daily gratitude and communication are key to a successful partnership.
  • It's important to hire experts who know more than you in specific areas.
  • Investing in your team and their growth is essential for business success.
  • Building a brand identity requires deep understanding of your audience.
  • Utilizing design tools like Figma and Canva can streamline the design process.
  • Partnerships can provide support and diverse perspectives in business. 

Resources:

Host - UpFlip February 24, 2025 30:35

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30:35

passive income, entrepreneurship, lead generation, website rental, local seo

174. The Exact Playbook To Make $10K+ Month as a Side Hustle

Luke Van Der Veer reveals how he built a lucrative empire renting websites to local service companies. After leaving his six-figure corporate job at 29, Luke discovered an innovative approach to generating passive income through website rentals and lead generation, eventually building a portfolio of over 200 revenue-producing websites.

Luke shares his proven blueprint for identifying profitable niches in the local service industry, particularly in the blue-collar sector, and explains how he generates substantial monthly income with minimal overhead costs. His journey from corporate America to digital entrepreneurship demonstrates how anyone can build a location-independent business with truly passive income potential.

Key Takeaways:

  • The step-by-step process of building and renting websites to generate passive income
  • How to identify profitable niches in cities with 100,000-300,000 population
  • Why targeting businesses already paying for leads creates easier conversion opportunities
  • The importance of templating websites and content strategy for scaling
  • A proven approach to pricing: starting with 15% commission and transitioning to flat fees
  • How to start with minimal investment (under $150/month in tools and software)
  • The value of focusing solely on SEO rather than paid advertising
  • Why maintaining ownership of websites is crucial for long-term passive income

Resources:

Host - UpFlip February 17, 2025 34:03

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34:03

vending machine, retail goods, customer acquisition, business scaling, entrepreneurship, passive income

173. Passive Profits with Vending Machines - Local Market Domination Strategy

Joshua Tuggle-Miller shares his journey from the entertainment industry to establishing a successful vending machine business. He breaks down the key steps to getting started, scaling operations, and maintaining long-term profitability.

Learn about location sourcing, customer acquisition strategies, and the critical financial aspects of the business. This episode offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the vending machine industry, from initial investments to daily operations and long-term growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starting Small – Begin with 1-2 machines and reinvest profits for steady growth.
  • Finding the Right Locations – Build relationships with property owners and offer incentives for prime spots.
  • Financial Planning – Understand startup costs, operating expenses, and the importance of an emergency fund.
  • Effective Outreach – Use professional business packets and cold outreach strategies to secure locations.
  • Operational Efficiency – Stay on top of inventory, maintenance, and daily sales tracking.
  • Scaling Strategically – Maintain steady employment while gradually expanding the business.
  • Risk Management – Learn the industry before making significant investments and prepare for challenges.
  • Maximizing Revenue – Optimize product selection and location strategy for higher returns.

This episode provides practical insights for anyone interested in the vending machine industry or looking to build a profitable small business.

Resources:

Host - UpFlip February 10, 2025 26:19

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26:19

ecommerce, tech ventures, retail arbitrage, business growth, online sales, make money online, entrepreneurship

172. His $15 Million Guide to Ecommerce Success - Retail Arbitrage 101

Chris Koerner took $3,000 and turned it into $15 million across multiple businesses, including his retail arbitrage giant, Texas Snax. In this episode, he breaks down how he leveraged retail arbitrage, mastered logistics, and built strong supplier relationships to scale his e-commerce empire. 

From launching a business with minimal cash to negotiating deals and identifying winning products, Chris shares practical strategies that anyone can use to start or grow a business.

Key Takeaways:

  • How Chris turned $3K into $15M through smart business strategies
  • Why retail arbitrage (like Facebook Marketplace) is a great starting point
  • The importance of customer validation—even if it’s your mom
  • The power of negotiation and relationship-building in business
  • Smart strategies for logistics, fulfillment, and hiring employees
  • Innovative business ideas for 2025

If you're looking for real-world business strategies and e-commerce hacks, this episode is a must-listen!

Resources

Host - UpFlip February 03, 2025 33:46

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33:46

franchise, entrepreneurship, window tinting, Tint World, buying a business

172. His $100M Success Story: Mastering the Franchise Game

Discover the story behind Tint World, one of the leading franchises in the window tinting and automotive accessory industry, with CEO Charles Bonfiglio. From his Brooklyn roots to building a successful franchise empire, Charles shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the value of franchising, systems, and automation in business growth.

Key takeaways:

  • How his passion for cars and customization fueled his career.
  • Lessons learned from failures and successes in entrepreneurship.
  • The power of mentorship, networking, and financial planning.
  • Why building systems, a strong team, and workplace culture are essential for scaling a business.
  • How Charles created a 900-page operations manual to empower franchisees.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in franchises, entrepreneurship, and growing a business in the automotive industry!

Resources:

  • Become a Tint World Franchisee: https://bit.ly/4hvqp42
  • Join UpFlip Academy for Free: https://bit.ly/3PNQtLU


Host - UpFlip January 27, 2025 20:31

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20:31

real estate investing, retail goods, entrepreneurship, invest, goal setting, other peoples money, OPM

171. How to Build Your Real Estate Portfolio with Other People’s Money

How do you build a $75,000 per month real estate business without having money of your own? In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Eric Moeller, founder of Freewyld, who proves that you don’t need money to get started in real estate. 

Eric shares how he leveraged other people’s money (OPM) and strategic borrowing to acquire properties and scale his unique cabin rental business. From flipping his first house at 18 to redefining the hospitality industry, Eric reveals his secrets to using storytelling, intentional design, and a strong company culture to build a thriving brand. 

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to fuel your entrepreneurial growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad inspired Eric to start using other people’s money (OPM) to invest.
  • The story of buying and flipping his first house at 18, showing that you don’t have to have money to get started.
  • Why borrowing money and working with investors is critical for scaling a real estate business.
  • Why unreasonable hospitality has built his brand.
  • How Airbnb serves as a key channel for driving bookings and profitability.
  • Why authenticity on social media helps build deeper connections with your audience.
  • The value of surrounding yourself with positive, growth-oriented people.
  • A step-by-step guide to setting measurable goals and staying accountable.
  • How success should push you to keep learning, growing, and aiming higher.

Resources:

Host - UpFlip January 20, 2025 28:34

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28:34

business mindset, service & consulting, business growth, entrepreneur, pricing strategies

170. Think Bigger: The Mindset Shift to Unlimited Business Growth

Feeling stuck, like your business is running in circles? Frustrated with trading your time for money but not seeing the growth you deserve? It’s time for a mindset shift.

Joining us is Robin Waite, bestselling author, speaker, and business coach, here to break down the mental barriers holding you back. Discover the game-changing strategies and actionable steps you can start using right now to finally unlock your path to financial freedom. Don’t miss this!

Key Takeaways

  • Overcoming mental barriers is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
  • Fulfillment in business is more important than just making money.
  • Planning is essential; many entrepreneurs lack a solid business plan.
  • Pricing should reflect the value you provide, not just market standards.
  • Confidence in pricing can lead to better client relationships and profitability.
  • Raising prices can lead to fewer clients but higher revenue.
  • Setting clear goals can help guide your entrepreneurial journey.

Resources:

Host - UpFlip January 13, 2025 35:46

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35:46

cleaning business, retail goods, entrepreneurship, local SEO, marketing strategies, digital marketing

169. How to Make $2M/Year with Local Lead Generation - No Experience Needed!

Cleaning homes can be a lucrative business, even if you never plan to do the work yourself. Our guest today never cleaned a client's home but he’s running a business generating $2 million annually. How is that possible? And what does it take to get started today?

Ryan Knoll is an expert at local SEO, generating leads for his business without having to lift a finger to do the actual cleaning. He shares in-depth techniques to drive more traffic to your local business as well as his story for how he got started in what may seem like a saturated market.

In this episode, Ryan dives into the marketing tactics that have worked extremely well for him and the ones that haven’t worked in the past. He shares the biggest reasons most local businesses aren’t successful with local lead generation and how you can turn your website into a lead generating tool unlike anything you’ve ever tried.
 
Resources:

Key Takeaways

  • Hiring others is essential to scale a business.
  • Local SEO can significantly impact business visibility.
  • Tracking marketing expenses and returns is vital.
  • Building a strong online presence is key to attracting customers.
  • Customer testimonials can drive business growth.
  • Having a clear and user-friendly website is essential.
  • Networking and asking for reviews can boost credibility.
  • Understanding your market and competition is crucial for success. Make customer interactions as simple as possible.
  • Regularly use your own service to identify friction points.
Host - UpFlip January 06, 2025 29:18

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29:18

junk removal, retail goods, google ads, marketing, local seo, entrepreneurship

168. This One Marketing Hack Earns Him $1.1 Million a Year

Andrew Thompson discovered the lucrative business of junk removal on Youtube and using the power of Google Ads has been able to generate over $1.1 million per year in revenue. 

In this episode Andrew shares how he’s been able to break through the 7-figure ceiling in this $10 billion industry. How he was able to go from side hustle to full time, and the secrets to scaling in this booming market.

Resources:

Host - UpFlip December 30, 2024 30:02

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30:02

home services, retail goods, entrepreneurship, exterior cleaning, reviews, local business

167. His Secret Weapon to Building a Home Services Empire to $810K a Year!

David Moerman of Revive Services started with nothing but a used mini van, a pressure washer, and some basic window cleaning equipment. Today he’s a leader in the exterior cleaning industry, going from $0 to $80K in monthly revenue.

David is here to share his insights on hiring the right people, maintaining growth during slow seasons, and the innovative approaches that set Revive Services apart.

Resources:

Host - UpFlip December 23, 2024 33:41

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33:41

Interested in being a guest on the show?

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