Austin Armstrong — 270,000 AI video SaaS Signups, 5M Followers | Austin Armstrong Well, I have uh Austin Armstrong. Did I Well, I have uh Austin Armstrong. Did I get that right? It sounds like a get that right? It sounds like a get that right? It sounds like a superhero character. superhero character. superhero character. I appreciate it. Good to see you, I appreciate it. Good to see you, I appreciate it. Good to see you, brother. brother. brother. Yeah, good to see you as well. And uh Yeah, good to see you as well. And uh Yeah, good to see you as well. And uh you know, we were just chatting prior to you know, we were just chatting prior to you know, we were just chatting prior to the show. You're from the Triangle area the show. You're from the Triangle area the show. You're from the Triangle area and uh you know, I spent some time and uh you know, I spent some time and uh you know, I spent some time there. Um what a beautiful area it is. there. Um what a beautiful area it is. there. Um what a beautiful area it is. Uh how do you like Uh how do you like Uh how do you like It really is. It really is. It really is. Yeah, it really is. We just moved back. Yeah, it really is. We just moved back. Yeah, it really is. We just moved back. We uh to Durham, North Carolina in We uh to Durham, North Carolina in We uh to Durham, North Carolina in particular. We This is our third time particular. We This is our third time particular. We This is our third time moving back in the last seven years. And moving back in the last seven years. And moving back in the last seven years. And it's just become our home. It's where we it's just become our home. It's where we it's just become our home. It's where we love. It's our community. It's where love. It's our community. It's where love. It's our community. It's where we've really planted our seeds. then we've really planted our seeds. then we've really planted our seeds. then this is where we'll be uh for a long this is where we'll be uh for a long this is where we'll be uh for a long time just helping our community grow and time just helping our community grow and time just helping our community grow and we we love it here man. It's beautiful. we we love it here man. It's beautiful. we we love it here man. It's beautiful. Is that like feeling coming back home Is that like feeling coming back home Is that like feeling coming back home and and you've you've probably traveled and and you've you've probably traveled and and you've you've probably traveled enough to know like this is where I I enough to know like this is where I I enough to know like this is where I I belong type of thing. Like I I totally belong type of thing. Like I I totally belong type of thing. Like I I totally get you by the way. get you by the way. get you by the way. Yeah, we've lived all over. I mean I I Yeah, we've lived all over. I mean I I Yeah, we've lived all over. I mean I I was born in uh Pennsylvania. I grew up was born in uh Pennsylvania. I grew up was born in uh Pennsylvania. I grew up in New Jersey. I moved across country to in New Jersey. I moved across country to in New Jersey. I moved across country to California. lived out there for about 8 California. lived out there for about 8 California. lived out there for about 8 years. It's where I met my wife and then years. It's where I met my wife and then years. It's where I met my wife and then we moved across country to uh Durham and we moved across country to uh Durham and we moved across country to uh Durham and uh and then we were here for two years uh and then we were here for two years uh and then we were here for two years and we moved away to Virginia. So I and we moved away to Virginia. So I and we moved away to Virginia. So I lived in the Washington DC area and then lived in the Washington DC area and then lived in the Washington DC area and then we moved back here and then we lived in we moved back here and then we lived in we moved back here and then we lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee for uh last year Chattanooga, Tennessee for uh last year Chattanooga, Tennessee for uh last year and we moved back here again. And so and we moved back here again. And so and we moved back here again. And so I've lived all over the country, man. I've lived all over the country, man. I've lived all over the country, man. I've been to almost every state. have I've been to almost every state. have I've been to almost every state. have been around the world and uh it very been around the world and uh it very been around the world and uh it very much is where we want to be much is where we want to be much is where we want to be and I I totally get it. I I we've lived and I I totally get it. I I we've lived and I I totally get it. I I we've lived there. We've been to Wilmington, the there. We've been to Wilmington, the there. We've been to Wilmington, the beaches, um Outer Banks, and then you beaches, um Outer Banks, and then you beaches, um Outer Banks, and then you can go to the west a little bit and go can go to the west a little bit and go can go to the west a little bit and go into the mountains. So, you're just kind into the mountains. So, you're just kind into the mountains. So, you're just kind of like in the middle there. Uh perfect of like in the middle there. Uh perfect of like in the middle there. Uh perfect for for whatever you choose, right? And for for whatever you choose, right? And for for whatever you choose, right? And um I I the community is great. like my um I I the community is great. like my um I I the community is great. like my partners basically said like it's the partners basically said like it's the partners basically said like it's the people are so nice over there. So people are so nice over there. So people are so nice over there. So yeah, it's a great startup ecosystem yeah, it's a great startup ecosystem yeah, it's a great startup ecosystem here. That's a big part of why we're here. That's a big part of why we're here. That's a big part of why we're here as well. I'm a startup founder. My here as well. I'm a startup founder. My here as well. I'm a startup founder. My wife's a startup founder. We just wife's a startup founder. We just wife's a startup founder. We just created this new kind of startup created this new kind of startup created this new kind of startup incubator inerson uh thing here. And uh incubator inerson uh thing here. And uh incubator inerson uh thing here. And uh it's it's great, man. There's there's a it's it's great, man. There's there's a it's it's great, man. There's there's a there's venture capital here. There's there's venture capital here. There's there's venture capital here. There's amazing startups doing amazing things. amazing startups doing amazing things. amazing startups doing amazing things. And uh there there are people and And uh there there are people and And uh there there are people and everything that she that she wants here. everything that she that she wants here. everything that she that she wants here. The people are so kind. Everyone wants The people are so kind. Everyone wants The people are so kind. Everyone wants to help support each other. The food is to help support each other. The food is to help support each other. The food is fantastic. fantastic. fantastic. The crab situation's great. The crab situation's great. The crab situation's great. What's that? What's that? What's that? Do you like blue crab? Do you like blue crab? Do you like blue crab? Oh, who doesn't? That's the best. If Oh, who doesn't? That's the best. If Oh, who doesn't? That's the best. If you're able to eat it, you're able to eat it, you're able to eat it, one one thing I remember from over one one thing I remember from over one one thing I remember from over there. there. there. That's so good, man. Yeah, there's a lot That's so good, man. Yeah, there's a lot That's so good, man. Yeah, there's a lot of that up in uh the If you like that, of that up in uh the If you like that, of that up in uh the If you like that, you go to Washington DC, Maryland area. you go to Washington DC, Maryland area. you go to Washington DC, Maryland area. You get the Maryland blue crab up there. You get the Maryland blue crab up there. You get the Maryland blue crab up there. Jeff's kiss. But it's it's great down Jeff's kiss. But it's it's great down Jeff's kiss. But it's it's great down here. Yep. here. Yep. here. Yep. Yeah. And you know, sorry I cut you off, Yeah. And you know, sorry I cut you off, Yeah. And you know, sorry I cut you off, but you were talking about like airports but you were talking about like airports but you were talking about like airports and and infrastructure. I like IBM was and and infrastructure. I like IBM was and and infrastructure. I like IBM was based out of there. That's where I was based out of there. That's where I was based out of there. That's where I was at the time. So, at the time. So, at the time. So, yeah. I mean, it just all of the modern yeah. I mean, it just all of the modern yeah. I mean, it just all of the modern luxuries. I RDU airport is fantastic. I luxuries. I RDU airport is fantastic. I luxuries. I RDU airport is fantastic. I mean, you can go direct to London right mean, you can go direct to London right mean, you can go direct to London right from here. You can go direct to from here. You can go direct to from here. You can go direct to basically any city in the United States. basically any city in the United States. basically any city in the United States. We can get threehour Amazon deliveries. We can get threehour Amazon deliveries. We can get threehour Amazon deliveries. Same day Amazon deliveries. What else Same day Amazon deliveries. What else Same day Amazon deliveries. What else would you want in a place to live? would you want in a place to live? would you want in a place to live? Yeah, it it it it really is a nice area. Yeah, it it it it really is a nice area. Yeah, it it it it really is a nice area. Um Um Um I just have so many good memories of I just have so many good memories of I just have so many good memories of there. So anyways, tell us about the there. So anyways, tell us about the there. So anyways, tell us about the startup community. Like I I seen what startup community. Like I I seen what startup community. Like I I seen what you've been doing. It's called a Bull you've been doing. It's called a Bull you've been doing. It's called a Bull House, right? Uh it is in Durham or is House, right? Uh it is in Durham or is House, right? Uh it is in Durham or is it in in Raleigh? it in in Raleigh? it in in Raleigh? It is in Durham, North Carolina. Yeah. It is in Durham, North Carolina. Yeah. It is in Durham, North Carolina. Yeah. Uh it's it's amazing man. Yeah, we um Uh it's it's amazing man. Yeah, we um Uh it's it's amazing man. Yeah, we um the transparent answer is why we started the transparent answer is why we started the transparent answer is why we started Bullhouse was that both my wife and I Bullhouse was that both my wife and I Bullhouse was that both my wife and I are startup founders. We both have are startup founders. We both have are startup founders. We both have raised um some money and the startup raised um some money and the startup raised um some money and the startup ecosystem here was was great, but it was ecosystem here was was great, but it was ecosystem here was was great, but it was really difficult to raise a a a really difficult to raise a a a really difficult to raise a a a significant round. And when it came time significant round. And when it came time significant round. And when it came time for my wife to actually raise her round for my wife to actually raise her round for my wife to actually raise her round and get her lead investor, we had to and get her lead investor, we had to and get her lead investor, we had to leave the state. We had to go out to leave the state. We had to go out to leave the state. We had to go out to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and we had a Chattanooga, Tennessee, and we had a Chattanooga, Tennessee, and we had a great we had a great time there, and we great we had a great time there, and we great we had a great time there, and we were really inspired by where we were. were really inspired by where we were. were really inspired by where we were. Shout out to Brickyard, uh, Matt and Shout out to Brickyard, uh, Matt and Shout out to Brickyard, uh, Matt and Cam, uh, amazing ecosystem that they've Cam, uh, amazing ecosystem that they've Cam, uh, amazing ecosystem that they've built out in Chattanooga, Tennessee. And built out in Chattanooga, Tennessee. And built out in Chattanooga, Tennessee. And it's just startup founders it's just startup founders it's just startup founders um working in this um working in this um working in this kind of collaborative space, co-working kind of collaborative space, co-working kind of collaborative space, co-working environment, but it's just for the environment, but it's just for the environment, but it's just for the companies that they invest in. It's it's companies that they invest in. It's it's companies that they invest in. It's it's it's full-time founders that are there it's full-time founders that are there it's full-time founders that are there 24/7 just building and being around 24/7 just building and being around 24/7 just building and being around people. And we wanted to bring some of people. And we wanted to bring some of people. And we wanted to bring some of that that magic in our own way back here that that magic in our own way back here that that magic in our own way back here to Durham. And so it's kind of a to Durham. And so it's kind of a to Durham. And so it's kind of a combination of uh of that. Um I'm combination of uh of that. Um I'm combination of uh of that. Um I'm writing small checks uh to startup writing small checks uh to startup writing small checks uh to startup founders that have an unfair advantage founders that have an unfair advantage founders that have an unfair advantage of being headquartered here in the of being headquartered here in the of being headquartered here in the triangle. We have a small event space. triangle. We have a small event space. triangle. We have a small event space. So, we're doing educational programming So, we're doing educational programming So, we're doing educational programming and hosting dinners uh uh kind of and hosting dinners uh uh kind of and hosting dinners uh uh kind of startup focused dinners to network and startup focused dinners to network and startup focused dinners to network and whatnot and giving free co-working space whatnot and giving free co-working space whatnot and giving free co-working space to the companies that we invest in, free to the companies that we invest in, free to the companies that we invest in, free PO boxes, dedicated podcast room that PO boxes, dedicated podcast room that PO boxes, dedicated podcast room that I'm recording out of right now, and I'm recording out of right now, and I'm recording out of right now, and mentorship to to help them and just mentorship to to help them and just mentorship to to help them and just celebrate startups. So, it's it's an celebrate startups. So, it's it's an celebrate startups. So, it's it's an amazing thing that that we created. We amazing thing that that we created. We amazing thing that that we created. We just launched it uh had our grand just launched it uh had our grand just launched it uh had our grand opening last month. It's been amazing. opening last month. It's been amazing. opening last month. It's been amazing. Over 100 people came. That shows you the Over 100 people came. That shows you the Over 100 people came. That shows you the power of the startup community. We power of the startup community. We power of the startup community. We launched it during Raleigh Durham launched it during Raleigh Durham launched it during Raleigh Durham Startup Week, which is an amazing event Startup Week, which is an amazing event Startup Week, which is an amazing event where about 3,000 where about 3,000 where about 3,000 local startup founders or aspiring local startup founders or aspiring local startup founders or aspiring founders and venture capitalists and founders and venture capitalists and founders and venture capitalists and investors all come together to just investors all come together to just investors all come together to just celebrate the startup ecosystem, talk celebrate the startup ecosystem, talk celebrate the startup ecosystem, talk about what they're working on, the about what they're working on, the about what they're working on, the changes in the landscape, how to raise, changes in the landscape, how to raise, changes in the landscape, how to raise, how to go to market, how to hire the how to go to market, how to hire the how to go to market, how to hire the right people. And it's it's amazing. right people. And it's it's amazing. right people. And it's it's amazing. We've been so blessed so far with the We've been so blessed so far with the We've been so blessed so far with the opportunities that it's that it's opportunities that it's that it's opportunities that it's that it's created. How I I in the last 48 hours created. How I I in the last 48 hours created. How I I in the last 48 hours I've met with about five people here in I've met with about five people here in I've met with about five people here in in person uh that are just interested in in person uh that are just interested in in person uh that are just interested in in what we're doing and seeing how we in what we're doing and seeing how we in what we're doing and seeing how we can collaborate together doing uh joint can collaborate together doing uh joint can collaborate together doing uh joint events together because all of us here events together because all of us here events together because all of us here believe in the startup ecosystem so believe in the startup ecosystem so believe in the startup ecosystem so heavily. We I honestly believe that uh heavily. We I honestly believe that uh heavily. We I honestly believe that uh the triangle is one of if not the most the triangle is one of if not the most the triangle is one of if not the most underpriced undertapped startup underpriced undertapped startup underpriced undertapped startup ecosystems in the entire country. And ecosystems in the entire country. And ecosystems in the entire country. And the biggest problem that we've been the biggest problem that we've been the biggest problem that we've been facing here is that there's so much facing here is that there's so much facing here is that there's so much talent here that comes in from from talent here that comes in from from talent here that comes in from from schools from Duke and and UNCC uh and schools from Duke and and UNCC uh and schools from Duke and and UNCC uh and and uh uh NC State or that they come out and uh uh NC State or that they come out and uh uh NC State or that they come out of the pipeline of uh corporate from of the pipeline of uh corporate from of the pipeline of uh corporate from companies like IBM or Red Hat or uh companies like IBM or Red Hat or uh companies like IBM or Red Hat or uh there's large startups now like Pendo there's large startups now like Pendo there's large startups now like Pendo and there's there's amazing people here and there's there's amazing people here and there's there's amazing people here and they think that they need to leave. and they think that they need to leave. and they think that they need to leave. They don't even recognize that they can They don't even recognize that they can They don't even recognize that they can stay here to start their uh startup and stay here to start their uh startup and stay here to start their uh startup and and grow and and have their HQ here in and grow and and have their HQ here in and grow and and have their HQ here in the triangle. It's not even in the mind. the triangle. It's not even in the mind. the triangle. It's not even in the mind. I've been I was been talking to a couple I've been I was been talking to a couple I've been I was been talking to a couple people about this and that's what exact people about this and that's what exact people about this and that's what exact that's exactly what we wanted to change that's exactly what we wanted to change that's exactly what we wanted to change with this is just show them that you can with this is just show them that you can with this is just show them that you can headquarters here. We will help you get headquarters here. We will help you get headquarters here. We will help you get those coastal VC investments and go to those coastal VC investments and go to those coastal VC investments and go to market so that you can be here in in market so that you can be here in in market so that you can be here in in such an amazing ecosystem and community such an amazing ecosystem and community such an amazing ecosystem and community that has every benefit plus the cost of that has every benefit plus the cost of that has every benefit plus the cost of living is great here. So I'll I'll end living is great here. So I'll I'll end living is great here. So I'll I'll end my rant there, but that's that's what my rant there, but that's that's what my rant there, but that's that's what we're doing. That's what we started and we're doing. That's what we started and we're doing. That's what we started and that's kind of my passion behind Bull that's kind of my passion behind Bull that's kind of my passion behind Bull House. House. House. Oh, I just love it. It's like Well, what Oh, I just love it. It's like Well, what Oh, I just love it. It's like Well, what what made you want to dive into the what made you want to dive into the what made you want to dive into the local scene like that? because it it it local scene like that? because it it it local scene like that? because it it it felt like all this stuff was happening felt like all this stuff was happening felt like all this stuff was happening with AI and I was following your journey with AI and I was following your journey with AI and I was following your journey on the timeline. uh you're you're a big on the timeline. uh you're you're a big on the timeline. uh you're you're a big poster and uh you share things I think poster and uh you share things I think poster and uh you share things I think on LinkedIn, Twitter uh as as far as I on LinkedIn, Twitter uh as as far as I on LinkedIn, Twitter uh as as far as I know and um it felt like other places know and um it felt like other places know and um it felt like other places other other cities around the world one other other cities around the world one other other cities around the world one that I'm familiar with like the water that I'm familiar with like the water that I'm familiar with like the water Toronto area um they're all going local Toronto area um they're all going local Toronto area um they're all going local and there's that big trend of local and and there's that big trend of local and and there's that big trend of local and you were right on it like I you know you were right on it like I you know you were right on it like I you know right on it like right on it like right on it like enough so that you're like I'm investing enough so that you're like I'm investing enough so that you're like I'm investing in this. I'm I'm I'm I'm delivering a in this. I'm I'm I'm I'm delivering a in this. I'm I'm I'm I'm delivering a place where people can go and uh here's place where people can go and uh here's place where people can go and uh here's a here's a real physical place. What a here's a real physical place. What a here's a real physical place. What made you want to do that with such made you want to do that with such made you want to do that with such conviction? conviction? conviction? Yeah. So that I think you hit the the Yeah. So that I think you hit the the Yeah. So that I think you hit the the nail on the head there. I'm pretty good nail on the head there. I'm pretty good nail on the head there. I'm pretty good historically at noticing emerging trends historically at noticing emerging trends historically at noticing emerging trends and trying to get on them pretty early. and trying to get on them pretty early. and trying to get on them pretty early. And I I think what's happened in a And I I think what's happened in a And I I think what's happened in a couple capacities. So we went all remote couple capacities. So we went all remote couple capacities. So we went all remote and distanced and and uh and work remote and distanced and and uh and work remote and distanced and and uh and work remote during co for like four or five years during co for like four or five years during co for like four or five years how six years however long it was right how six years however long it was right how six years however long it was right and it worked while it worked. And then and it worked while it worked. And then and it worked while it worked. And then now in this AI era where there's a lot now in this AI era where there's a lot now in this AI era where there's a lot of job displacement, of job displacement, of job displacement, people I think are seeking in-person people I think are seeking in-person people I think are seeking in-person experiences, in-person connection again. experiences, in-person connection again. experiences, in-person connection again. Because when you're able to automate Because when you're able to automate Because when you're able to automate everything online, you end up freeing up everything online, you end up freeing up everything online, you end up freeing up a lot of your time. What do you do with a lot of your time. What do you do with a lot of your time. What do you do with that time? A lot of us want to do more that time? A lot of us want to do more that time? A lot of us want to do more things in in person, be around other things in in person, be around other things in in person, be around other people, build connection and people, build connection and people, build connection and relationships and have memorable uh e relationships and have memorable uh e relationships and have memorable uh e experiences. experiences. experiences. And so I've been doing this now the last And so I've been doing this now the last And so I've been doing this now the last two years. So uh I have my own two years. So uh I have my own two years. So uh I have my own conference as well. So I have a a conference as well. So I have a a conference as well. So I have a a conference in Dallas, Texas called AI conference in Dallas, Texas called AI conference in Dallas, Texas called AI Marketing World. Uh we'll have about uh Marketing World. Uh we'll have about uh Marketing World. Uh we'll have about uh 750 to a,000 people there uh this year. 750 to a,000 people there uh this year. 750 to a,000 people there uh this year. Uh this is our second year doing it. Uh, Uh this is our second year doing it. Uh, Uh this is our second year doing it. Uh, so I'm growing that side of things for so I'm growing that side of things for so I'm growing that side of things for in-person experience. And then we have in-person experience. And then we have in-person experience. And then we have this uh bull house here um in uh Durham, this uh bull house here um in uh Durham, this uh bull house here um in uh Durham, North Carolina as an in-person North Carolina as an in-person North Carolina as an in-person experience because I just think that experience because I just think that experience because I just think that that's where the market is going. I also that's where the market is going. I also that's where the market is going. I also think that because jobs are freeing up think that because jobs are freeing up think that because jobs are freeing up more time, I think the traditional more time, I think the traditional more time, I think the traditional 40hour work week is kind of BS and 40hour work week is kind of BS and 40hour work week is kind of BS and that's not going to be a thing. And I that's not going to be a thing. And I that's not going to be a thing. And I think what that's going to create is think what that's going to create is think what that's going to create is more people that want to do gig work or more people that want to do gig work or more people that want to do gig work or start a part-time startup and then start a part-time startup and then start a part-time startup and then eventually transition into a full-time eventually transition into a full-time eventually transition into a full-time startup. And that's just the direction I startup. And that's just the direction I startup. And that's just the direction I personally see everything in in tech personally see everything in in tech personally see everything in in tech going. And I think people are going to going. And I think people are going to going. And I think people are going to like have their their job and then like have their their job and then like have their their job and then they're going to want a space to work on they're going to want a space to work on they're going to want a space to work on their startup around other startup their startup around other startup their startup around other startup founders. founders. founders. Interesting. Yeah. So, what's in it for Interesting. Yeah. So, what's in it for Interesting. Yeah. So, what's in it for you? Like, uh, you're building the you? Like, uh, you're building the you? Like, uh, you're building the community and I I feel like that's the community and I I feel like that's the community and I I feel like that's the main goal really. A lot of stuff can main goal really. A lot of stuff can main goal really. A lot of stuff can come out of that. It doesn't always have come out of that. It doesn't always have come out of that. It doesn't always have to be businessoriented, but it um, it to be businessoriented, but it um, it to be businessoriented, but it um, it sort of is too, right? sort of is too, right? sort of is too, right? Yeah. Uh, of course. So, part of it is Yeah. Uh, of course. So, part of it is Yeah. Uh, of course. So, part of it is just that my wife and I are are just that my wife and I are are just that my wife and I are are full-time startup founders. We want to full-time startup founders. We want to full-time startup founders. We want to be surrounded by other startup founders. be surrounded by other startup founders. be surrounded by other startup founders. It's just a a motivational thing for us. It's just a a motivational thing for us. It's just a a motivational thing for us. We want to build our own community. We We want to build our own community. We We want to build our own community. We didn't have like there there there's didn't have like there there there's didn't have like there there there's there's great co-working spaces here, there's great co-working spaces here, there's great co-working spaces here, but they're a little broad. So, they but they're a little broad. So, they but they're a little broad. So, they will let like a tailor in or like, you will let like a tailor in or like, you will let like a tailor in or like, you know, any any type of business uh can know, any any type of business uh can know, any any type of business uh can have their office space there. And and have their office space there. And and have their office space there. And and to be frank, we didn't want that. We to be frank, we didn't want that. We to be frank, we didn't want that. We just want to be around startup founders just want to be around startup founders just want to be around startup founders that are going through the same that are going through the same that are going through the same experiences that can share the same experiences that can share the same experiences that can share the same struggles and the same wins with one struggles and the same wins with one struggles and the same wins with one another. And so that's like we're just another. And so that's like we're just another. And so that's like we're just being the change that we want to see. Uh being the change that we want to see. Uh being the change that we want to see. Uh so we create, you know, why wait for so we create, you know, why wait for so we create, you know, why wait for somebody else to create the idea when somebody else to create the idea when somebody else to create the idea when we're like, "No, let's just do it. Let's we're like, "No, let's just do it. Let's we're like, "No, let's just do it. Let's just let's just lead the charge here and just let's just lead the charge here and just let's just lead the charge here and create the space that we wish existed create the space that we wish existed create the space that we wish existed for us. " So that's that's a big part of for us. " So that's that's a big part of for us. " So that's that's a big part of it. And then yeah, on the business side it. And then yeah, on the business side it. And then yeah, on the business side of things, uh um we're making of things, uh um we're making of things, uh um we're making investments. So the the goal like a investments. So the the goal like a investments. So the the goal like a venture capital uh oriented business venture capital uh oriented business venture capital uh oriented business model is that you know we'll we'll place model is that you know we'll we'll place model is that you know we'll we'll place a lot of small bets maybe one of them is a lot of small bets maybe one of them is a lot of small bets maybe one of them is the next Uber the next uh billion dollar the next Uber the next uh billion dollar the next Uber the next uh billion dollar company that you know pays us off and company that you know pays us off and company that you know pays us off and um you know that's that's kind of the um you know that's that's kind of the um you know that's that's kind of the goal. We have this podcast room so we're goal. We have this podcast room so we're goal. We have this podcast room so we're going to be renting this out but it's going to be renting this out but it's going to be renting this out but it's not really about that. Um it's just to not really about that. Um it's just to not really about that. Um it's just to get on the cap table provide some get on the cap table provide some get on the cap table provide some mentorship uh help with go to market mentorship uh help with go to market mentorship uh help with go to market strategy. Uh that's my unfair advantage. strategy. Uh that's my unfair advantage. strategy. Uh that's my unfair advantage. which I can put them in a conference. I which I can put them in a conference. I which I can put them in a conference. I have millions of followers on social have millions of followers on social have millions of followers on social media. I know how to sell SAS as an media. I know how to sell SAS as an media. I know how to sell SAS as an affiliate marketer. Um, we have direct affiliate marketer. Um, we have direct affiliate marketer. Um, we have direct connections here to Duke University and connections here to Duke University and connections here to Duke University and and uh venture capitalists around. So, and uh venture capitalists around. So, and uh venture capitalists around. So, it's just about elevating and helping it's just about elevating and helping it's just about elevating and helping startups and uh we're going to invest in startups and uh we're going to invest in startups and uh we're going to invest in companies that that I think that uh and companies that that I think that uh and companies that that I think that uh and my wife think that we could really help my wife think that we could really help my wife think that we could really help and and blow them up. and and blow them up. and and blow them up. I love that. It's like you you're you're I love that. It's like you you're you're I love that. It's like you you're you're at the point where you're it's it's a at the point where you're it's it's a at the point where you're it's it's a vocation. It's like a it's a career. vocation. It's like a it's a career. vocation. It's like a it's a career. It's a a passion. It's giving back. It's It's a a passion. It's giving back. It's It's a a passion. It's giving back. It's it's all of it. And uh you're doing that it's all of it. And uh you're doing that it's all of it. And uh you're doing that in a place that you love and with uh in a place that you love and with uh in a place that you love and with uh with your partner. It's beautiful. with your partner. It's beautiful. with your partner. It's beautiful. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's my first business with my Yeah. It's my first business with my Yeah. It's my first business with my wife. And it's also like a really fun wife. And it's also like a really fun wife. And it's also like a really fun challenge personally. So it this is the challenge personally. So it this is the challenge personally. So it this is the first brickandmortar business that I've first brickandmortar business that I've first brickandmortar business that I've ever been an owner of and it's fun as a ever been an owner of and it's fun as a ever been an owner of and it's fun as a marketing challenge for me to do it for marketing challenge for me to do it for marketing challenge for me to do it for myself. So I ran a marketing agency and myself. So I ran a marketing agency and myself. So I ran a marketing agency and I was a part of a marketing agency for I was a part of a marketing agency for I was a part of a marketing agency for many years. That's my background before many years. That's my background before many years. That's my background before I got into uh into tech and SAS uh I got into uh into tech and SAS uh I got into uh into tech and SAS uh software. Uh and so I did local software. Uh and so I did local software. Uh and so I did local marketing for so many businesses uh but marketing for so many businesses uh but marketing for so many businesses uh but never for myself. And so it's been so never for myself. And so it's been so never for myself. And so it's been so fun to just combine what I know about fun to just combine what I know about fun to just combine what I know about digital and uh and and apply some like digital and uh and and apply some like digital and uh and and apply some like boots on the ground type marketing uh boots on the ground type marketing uh boots on the ground type marketing uh flyers and stuff like that. flyers and stuff like that. flyers and stuff like that. Yeah, just hosting hosting events um Yeah, just hosting hosting events um Yeah, just hosting hosting events um meeting with community advocates, uh meeting with community advocates, uh meeting with community advocates, uh going to other uh networking events and going to other uh networking events and going to other uh networking events and and spreading the word and just, you and spreading the word and just, you and spreading the word and just, you know, we'll probably end up sponsoring know, we'll probably end up sponsoring know, we'll probably end up sponsoring some things locally here. just being an some things locally here. just being an some things locally here. just being an active part of our community and uh it's active part of our community and uh it's active part of our community and uh it's just been fun, man. It it's it's a just been fun, man. It it's it's a just been fun, man. It it's it's a blast. We're only three months in, but blast. We're only three months in, but blast. We're only three months in, but like I'm so excited about everything like I'm so excited about everything like I'm so excited about everything that we're doing here. It's just like that we're doing here. It's just like that we're doing here. It's just like such a fun challenge for me. such a fun challenge for me. such a fun challenge for me. And the thing about having your own And the thing about having your own And the thing about having your own space is like you can you can have this space is like you can you can have this space is like you can you can have this space for special events. You can do space for special events. You can do space for special events. You can do events marketing. You can do all sorts events marketing. You can do all sorts events marketing. You can do all sorts of stuff now. So, of stuff now. So, of stuff now. So, yeah. I'll tell you another like benefit yeah. I'll tell you another like benefit yeah. I'll tell you another like benefit too which is cool is I've worked remote too which is cool is I've worked remote too which is cool is I've worked remote from a home office for like eight years. from a home office for like eight years. from a home office for like eight years. I went remote pre- pandemic and so this I went remote pre- pandemic and so this I went remote pre- pandemic and so this is a really cool separation of work and is a really cool separation of work and is a really cool separation of work and personal that I haven't had in a in a personal that I haven't had in a in a personal that I haven't had in a in a long time. So, I love now being able to long time. So, I love now being able to long time. So, I love now being able to go home and just like, yeah, I'll still go home and just like, yeah, I'll still go home and just like, yeah, I'll still do some work, whatever, and I can work do some work, whatever, and I can work do some work, whatever, and I can work on my phone. But, um, most these last on my phone. But, um, most these last on my phone. But, um, most these last three months at least, like I've left three months at least, like I've left three months at least, like I've left work here, and it's kind of it's it's work here, and it's kind of it's it's work here, and it's kind of it's it's kind of refreshing. It's kind of nice. kind of refreshing. It's kind of nice. kind of refreshing. It's kind of nice. It's it's funny you said that because I It's it's funny you said that because I It's it's funny you said that because I was coming back from my co-working was coming back from my co-working was coming back from my co-working environment and and it was great. um environment and and it was great. um environment and and it was great. um up in water where there's all these tech up in water where there's all these tech up in water where there's all these tech students come and they there's a scene students come and they there's a scene students come and they there's a scene over there where a lot of them just go over there where a lot of them just go over there where a lot of them just go down to to San Francisco because and down to to San Francisco because and down to to San Francisco because and they start companies out there. they start companies out there. they start companies out there. Um but um I left there and I was like, Um but um I left there and I was like, Um but um I left there and I was like, "Oh, I'm going home listening to music "Oh, I'm going home listening to music "Oh, I'm going home listening to music on the way home and uh when I get there on the way home and uh when I get there on the way home and uh when I get there I'll turn off for a little while. " But I I'll turn off for a little while. " But I I'll turn off for a little while. " But I get your whole thing about being around get your whole thing about being around get your whole thing about being around other startup founders because I was other startup founders because I was other startup founders because I was hanging out there and somebody had left hanging out there and somebody had left hanging out there and somebody had left a device or a few of them on a on a on a a device or a few of them on a on a on a a device or a few of them on a on a on a central table and it was a device that central table and it was a device that central table and it was a device that you for kids uh that they push a button you for kids uh that they push a button you for kids uh that they push a button and they can say something like text and they can say something like text and they can say something like text grandma and it would AI would sort of grandma and it would AI would sort of grandma and it would AI would sort of like being in built and it would ask like being in built and it would ask like being in built and it would ask them what message they wanted to send them what message they wanted to send them what message they wanted to send and then press the button to let it go. and then press the button to let it go. and then press the button to let it go. It it was and you they had devices right It it was and you they had devices right It it was and you they had devices right there that you can try it out. So only there that you can try it out. So only there that you can try it out. So only only with other founders, right? only with other founders, right? only with other founders, right? Yeah. Yeah. That's a that's a cool Yeah. Yeah. That's a that's a cool Yeah. Yeah. That's a that's a cool space, man. That's awesome. space, man. That's awesome. space, man. That's awesome. So I want to ask you about and we'll get So I want to ask you about and we'll get So I want to ask you about and we'll get to AI marketing world, but I want to ask to AI marketing world, but I want to ask to AI marketing world, but I want to ask you about syllabi. Tell us about you about syllabi. Tell us about you about syllabi. Tell us about syllabi. syllabi. syllabi. Um what your vision is for it. Uh your Um what your vision is for it. Uh your Um what your vision is for it. Uh your traction and um traction and um traction and um yeah, why why that matters to you. yeah, why why that matters to you. yeah, why why that matters to you. Yeah, absolutely. So that was really my Yeah, absolutely. So that was really my Yeah, absolutely. So that was really my first startup. Um we've been around for first startup. Um we've been around for first startup. Um we've been around for about three and a half years now uh about three and a half years now uh about three and a half years now uh going on four which is a which is really going on four which is a which is really going on four which is a which is really fun. And what I wanted to do with it is fun. And what I wanted to do with it is fun. And what I wanted to do with it is so like I mentioned I came from the so like I mentioned I came from the so like I mentioned I came from the marketing agency background. I ran my marketing agency background. I ran my marketing agency background. I ran my own marketing agency that was organic own marketing agency that was organic own marketing agency that was organic social media focused with a heavy social media focused with a heavy social media focused with a heavy emphasis on video marketing. Video emphasis on video marketing. Video emphasis on video marketing. Video marketing has changed my life on on marketing has changed my life on on marketing has changed my life on on social media. And I looked at all of the social media. And I looked at all of the social media. And I looked at all of the pain points and reasons why a business pain points and reasons why a business pain points and reasons why a business owner was struggling online and why they owner was struggling online and why they owner was struggling online and why they hired our marketing agency in the first hired our marketing agency in the first hired our marketing agency in the first place as well as what prevented them place as well as what prevented them place as well as what prevented them from hiring us in the first place. Kind from hiring us in the first place. Kind from hiring us in the first place. Kind of the core problems that I came to is of the core problems that I came to is of the core problems that I came to is business owners, entrepreneurs know they business owners, entrepreneurs know they business owners, entrepreneurs know they need to be on social media. They know need to be on social media. They know need to be on social media. They know they need to create content, but they they need to create content, but they they need to create content, but they don't know what topics to create. They don't know what topics to create. They don't know what topics to create. They don't know what to say on camera. They don't know what to say on camera. They don't know what to say on camera. They need help staying consistent and need help staying consistent and need help staying consistent and accountable. accountable. accountable. They don't know how to do video editing They don't know how to do video editing They don't know how to do video editing or don't want to. They don't have the or don't want to. They don't have the or don't want to. They don't have the time to create, schedule, publish time to create, schedule, publish time to create, schedule, publish everywhere. And they even knowing all of everywhere. And they even knowing all of everywhere. And they even knowing all of this, they might not have the budget to this, they might not have the budget to this, they might not have the budget to hire an agency to do all of this for hire an agency to do all of this for hire an agency to do all of this for them. And so I got to a point where I them. And so I got to a point where I them. And so I got to a point where I was like, I'm doing very well selling was like, I'm doing very well selling was like, I'm doing very well selling software as an affiliate marketer, which software as an affiliate marketer, which software as an affiliate marketer, which was kind of my top offunnel strategy to was kind of my top offunnel strategy to was kind of my top offunnel strategy to help me grow my agency. help me grow my agency. help me grow my agency. And I was looking at software And I was looking at software And I was looking at software as a way to automate the vast majority as a way to automate the vast majority as a way to automate the vast majority of what I was doing at my agency. And I of what I was doing at my agency. And I of what I was doing at my agency. And I got to this aha moment epiphany of well got to this aha moment epiphany of well got to this aha moment epiphany of well why don't we and plus this is when early why don't we and plus this is when early why don't we and plus this is when early AI was starting to go as as well like AI AI was starting to go as as well like AI AI was starting to go as as well like AI models were starting to come out and I models were starting to come out and I models were starting to come out and I kind of saw the the writing on the wall kind of saw the the writing on the wall kind of saw the the writing on the wall like I mentioned earlier like I'm pretty like I mentioned earlier like I'm pretty like I mentioned earlier like I'm pretty good at noticing trends early on and so good at noticing trends early on and so good at noticing trends early on and so all of this comes together that I said I all of this comes together that I said I all of this comes together that I said I can wait and see if AI starts to come can wait and see if AI starts to come can wait and see if AI starts to come and automate what I'm doing at my and automate what I'm doing at my and automate what I'm doing at my agency. agency. agency. or I can place a really early bet or I can place a really early bet or I can place a really early bet and try and get into the software space and try and get into the software space and try and get into the software space early on, help address and solve all of early on, help address and solve all of early on, help address and solve all of these problems that are preventing these problems that are preventing these problems that are preventing businesses from creating more content businesses from creating more content businesses from creating more content and be an early adopter in this AI wave and be an early adopter in this AI wave and be an early adopter in this AI wave that I really think is happening. And so that I really think is happening. And so that I really think is happening. And so we launched January of 2022 we launched January of 2022 we launched January of 2022 and what Syllivi does is pretty much and what Syllivi does is pretty much and what Syllivi does is pretty much exactly that. So, it shows you the exactly that. So, it shows you the exactly that. So, it shows you the topics that your customers are searching topics that your customers are searching topics that your customers are searching for online, keyword research with data for online, keyword research with data for online, keyword research with data to back it up. It writes video scripts to back it up. It writes video scripts to back it up. It writes video scripts for you. It will create the entire for you. It will create the entire for you. It will create the entire videos for you using AI video. We also videos for you using AI video. We also videos for you using AI video. We also have a video editor in there so you can have a video editor in there so you can have a video editor in there so you can upload your own content and edit it if upload your own content and edit it if upload your own content and edit it if you want to. And then we're directly you want to. And then we're directly you want to. And then we're directly integrated with every social media integrated with every social media integrated with every social media platform. And so you can create, platform. And so you can create, platform. And so you can create, schedule, and publish videos on any schedule, and publish videos on any schedule, and publish videos on any topic in any industry, topic in any industry, topic in any industry, an entire month of them in just a couple an entire month of them in just a couple an entire month of them in just a couple of minutes if you want with call to of minutes if you want with call to of minutes if you want with call to actions, optimized descriptions, actions, optimized descriptions, actions, optimized descriptions, everything that you need to generate everything that you need to generate everything that you need to generate leads for your business and attention. leads for your business and attention. leads for your business and attention. We've had over 270,000 We've had over 270,000 We've had over 270,000 people sign up for syllabi. We have people sign up for syllabi. We have people sign up for syllabi. We have about a team of 21 people right now and about a team of 21 people right now and about a team of 21 people right now and we're just continuing to grow and and we're just continuing to grow and and we're just continuing to grow and and double down. We just launched our mobile double down. We just launched our mobile double down. We just launched our mobile app uh two weeks ago. We have an API app uh two weeks ago. We have an API app uh two weeks ago. We have an API coming out in a couple months which will coming out in a couple months which will coming out in a couple months which will also be an MCP cuz that's also where I also be an MCP cuz that's also where I also be an MCP cuz that's also where I think the next evolution is going is uh think the next evolution is going is uh think the next evolution is going is uh I that's a rabbit hole I won't go down I that's a rabbit hole I won't go down I that's a rabbit hole I won't go down just yet. But just yet. But just yet. But you you are just making me kick myself you you are just making me kick myself you you are just making me kick myself for not taking your $800 lifetime deal for not taking your $800 lifetime deal for not taking your $800 lifetime deal that uh [laughter] you remember that. that uh [laughter] you remember that. that uh [laughter] you remember that. Yeah, of course a lot of people did it. Yeah, of course a lot of people did it. Yeah, of course a lot of people did it. But um yeah. Yeah. So that's what But um yeah. Yeah. So that's what But um yeah. Yeah. So that's what syllabi does. My whole mission with it syllabi does. My whole mission with it syllabi does. My whole mission with it to just summarize. I don't care how you to just summarize. I don't care how you to just summarize. I don't care how you create videos. I just want to help you create videos. I just want to help you create videos. I just want to help you create more videos that actually make an create more videos that actually make an create more videos that actually make an impact in your life and your business. impact in your life and your business. impact in your life and your business. That's why I created syllabi. And it's That's why I created syllabi. And it's That's why I created syllabi. And it's been an honor to help many many been an honor to help many many been an honor to help many many thousands of people create videos. thousands of people create videos. thousands of people create videos. It It's just refreshing seeing somebody It It's just refreshing seeing somebody It It's just refreshing seeing somebody with um who should be creating a tool with um who should be creating a tool with um who should be creating a tool creating a tool, right? Like I see a lot creating a tool, right? Like I see a lot creating a tool, right? Like I see a lot of people, oh, I've got AI now. I'm I'm of people, oh, I've got AI now. I'm I'm of people, oh, I've got AI now. I'm I'm going to just make um some software for going to just make um some software for going to just make um some software for a domain I had no idea about, which is a domain I had no idea about, which is a domain I had no idea about, which is um um um which is what you're seeing sometimes. which is what you're seeing sometimes. which is what you're seeing sometimes. So, So, So, yeah. yeah. yeah. Tell me about like the business part of Tell me about like the business part of Tell me about like the business part of of syllabi. um how is it doing? Is it of syllabi. um how is it doing? Is it of syllabi. um how is it doing? Is it making money? Um what what is uh the AR making money? Um what what is uh the AR making money? Um what what is uh the AR or anything like that to help some of or anything like that to help some of or anything like that to help some of the other entrepreneurs and web builders the other entrepreneurs and web builders the other entrepreneurs and web builders and app builders out there? and app builders out there? and app builders out there? Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So, we have Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So, we have Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So, we have about 4,000 active customers right now. about 4,000 active customers right now. about 4,000 active customers right now. We're about 2 million ARR uh and and We're about 2 million ARR uh and and We're about 2 million ARR uh and and growing. Yeah. Um and that's all been growing. Yeah. Um and that's all been growing. Yeah. Um and that's all been web web-based app. Uh the mobile app web web-based app. Uh the mobile app web web-based app. Uh the mobile app should help scale that quite a lot. And should help scale that quite a lot. And should help scale that quite a lot. And uh when the a uh API MCP comes out, uh when the a uh API MCP comes out, uh when the a uh API MCP comes out, that's another uh market that we're that's another uh market that we're that's another uh market that we're going to get into. Uh and that's going going to get into. Uh and that's going going to get into. Uh and that's going to allow us to go up market into to allow us to go up market into to allow us to go up market into enterprise sales as well. But we're very enterprise sales as well. But we're very enterprise sales as well. But we're very uh consumer and and small business uh consumer and and small business uh consumer and and small business focused and our prices reflect that. You focused and our prices reflect that. You focused and our prices reflect that. You know, we're a very affordable tool know, we're a very affordable tool know, we're a very affordable tool starting at $29 a month because again, starting at $29 a month because again, starting at $29 a month because again, I'm I'm not doing this to get uh super I'm I'm not doing this to get uh super I'm I'm not doing this to get uh super rich. I'm just doing this to help peak rich. I'm just doing this to help peak rich. I'm just doing this to help peak videos change my life and I just want to videos change my life and I just want to videos change my life and I just want to eliminate every excuse to not have it eliminate every excuse to not have it eliminate every excuse to not have it change your life too. change your life too. change your life too. And and what's your like the next number And and what's your like the next number And and what's your like the next number that's going to matter to you? Is it that's going to matter to you? Is it that's going to matter to you? Is it like uh um are you going to just try and like uh um are you going to just try and like uh um are you going to just try and double 3x your ARR maybe 10x or or are double 3x your ARR maybe 10x or or are double 3x your ARR maybe 10x or or are you just like happy with selling this you just like happy with selling this you just like happy with selling this off and maybe getting a super amazing off and maybe getting a super amazing off and maybe getting a super amazing exit valuation? exit valuation? exit valuation? If an exit comes and the number's good, If an exit comes and the number's good, If an exit comes and the number's good, that'd be great. Uh, I'm not super that'd be great. Uh, I'm not super that'd be great. Uh, I'm not super focused on the ARR perhaps. I I'm more focused on the ARR perhaps. I I'm more focused on the ARR perhaps. I I'm more looking at how many people that we can looking at how many people that we can looking at how many people that we can help. So, the big milestone that I'd help. So, the big milestone that I'd help. So, the big milestone that I'd love to see us at is 10,000 active users love to see us at is 10,000 active users love to see us at is 10,000 active users per month. per month. per month. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. That's uh in this economy with the Okay. That's uh in this economy with the Okay. That's uh in this economy with the type of need I I don't see that as a as type of need I I don't see that as a as type of need I I don't see that as a as something that you couldn't reach, something that you couldn't reach, something that you couldn't reach, especially knowing you. Um, let's get especially knowing you. Um, let's get especially knowing you. Um, let's get personal for a little bit. Tell us like personal for a little bit. Tell us like personal for a little bit. Tell us like what what do you like to do for hobbies what what do you like to do for hobbies what what do you like to do for hobbies and uh how do you ground yourself? uh and uh how do you ground yourself? uh and uh how do you ground yourself? uh things like that. things like that. things like that. Yeah. Yeah. So, my favorite hobby that Yeah. Yeah. So, my favorite hobby that Yeah. Yeah. So, my favorite hobby that I'm obsessed with is skiing. Uh I I'm obsessed with is skiing. Uh I I'm obsessed with is skiing. Uh I started skiing with my wife about five started skiing with my wife about five started skiing with my wife about five years ago. I wish I started younger, but years ago. I wish I started younger, but years ago. I wish I started younger, but I am obsessed with it. And every season, I am obsessed with it. And every season, I am obsessed with it. And every season, uh I I just can't wait until the next uh I I just can't wait until the next uh I I just can't wait until the next season. And so, like I I wish it was a season. And so, like I I wish it was a season. And so, like I I wish it was a sport that I could do year round. If we, sport that I could do year round. If we, sport that I could do year round. If we, you know, really chased uh traveled you know, really chased uh traveled you know, really chased uh traveled around the world, we we probably could. around the world, we we probably could. around the world, we we probably could. But yeah, these these the last three But yeah, these these the last three But yeah, these these the last three years we have gone really heavy into it. years we have gone really heavy into it. years we have gone really heavy into it. So we've been tra we we do like three or So we've been tra we we do like three or So we've been tra we we do like three or four trips per year. Uh I try to get four trips per year. Uh I try to get four trips per year. Uh I try to get about 20 or so days on the mountain uh about 20 or so days on the mountain uh about 20 or so days on the mountain uh per year. We've done Epic and Icon per year. We've done Epic and Icon per year. We've done Epic and Icon passes. We've skied all around the passes. We've skied all around the passes. We've skied all around the world. This year we did uh um world. This year we did uh um world. This year we did uh um Switzerland and uh Austria. And then uh Switzerland and uh Austria. And then uh Switzerland and uh Austria. And then uh we did a couple uh places in um uh the we did a couple uh places in um uh the we did a couple uh places in um uh the United States as well. So we did Mammoth United States as well. So we did Mammoth United States as well. So we did Mammoth Mountain out in California. We did uh Mountain out in California. We did uh Mountain out in California. We did uh Snowbird and couple mountains in Utah. Snowbird and couple mountains in Utah. Snowbird and couple mountains in Utah. And uh that's it's just great, man. But And uh that's it's just great, man. But And uh that's it's just great, man. But uh that's my that's my favorite hobby. uh that's my that's my favorite hobby. uh that's my that's my favorite hobby. I've also trained Muay Thai for about 16 I've also trained Muay Thai for about 16 I've also trained Muay Thai for about 16 years. So uh I I do a little bit of Muay years. So uh I I do a little bit of Muay years. So uh I I do a little bit of Muay Thai still. And uh outside of that to Thai still. And uh outside of that to Thai still. And uh outside of that to wind down, I'm a big anime fan. So, I wind down, I'm a big anime fan. So, I wind down, I'm a big anime fan. So, I just watch anime uh at night to to wind just watch anime uh at night to to wind just watch anime uh at night to to wind down and and that's my little nerd out. down and and that's my little nerd out. down and and that's my little nerd out. Yeah, my daughter loves uh anime stuff. Yeah, my daughter loves uh anime stuff. Yeah, my daughter loves uh anime stuff. Um I think one of her favorites was Um I think one of her favorites was Um I think one of her favorites was Hunter X Hunter. Uh Hunter X Hunter. Uh Hunter X Hunter. Uh Oh, yeah. That's great. Hunter Hunter is Oh, yeah. That's great. Hunter Hunter is Oh, yeah. That's great. Hunter Hunter is a great show. a great show. a great show. Yeah. And uh I I I know One Piece is Yeah. And uh I I I know One Piece is Yeah. And uh I I I know One Piece is doing well. Is that an anime? doing well. Is that an anime? doing well. Is that an anime? Yep. Yep. Yep. They're like Oh my gosh. Yep. Yep. Yep. They're like Oh my gosh. Yep. Yep. Yep. They're like Oh my gosh. That's one that I procrastinated for a That's one that I procrastinated for a That's one that I procrastinated for a long time. I just actually started long time. I just actually started long time. I just actually started watching One Piece uh like two months watching One Piece uh like two months watching One Piece uh like two months ago. So, I'm I'm only like 40 episodes ago. So, I'm I'm only like 40 episodes ago. So, I'm I'm only like 40 episodes in, but there's like 2,000 episodes or in, but there's like 2,000 episodes or in, but there's like 2,000 episodes or something like that. It's just going something like that. It's just going something like that. It's just going forever. It's been around like since I forever. It's been around like since I forever. It's been around like since I was born, basically. was born, basically. was born, basically. Oh my gosh. Um, have you been to Canada Oh my gosh. Um, have you been to Canada Oh my gosh. Um, have you been to Canada skiing? skiing? skiing? I have. In fact, the first place that I I have. In fact, the first place that I I have. In fact, the first place that I ever skied was in B, ever skied was in B, ever skied was in B, right, right, right, which is which is beautiful and not a which is which is beautiful and not a which is which is beautiful and not a beginner friendly mountain. So, that was beginner friendly mountain. So, that was beginner friendly mountain. So, that was very difficult. But it was fun. very difficult. But it was fun. very difficult. But it was fun. Yeah. Um, a lot of those things you got Yeah. Um, a lot of those things you got Yeah. Um, a lot of those things you got to stay active, especially with the tech to stay active, especially with the tech to stay active, especially with the tech these days. Get out there. Uh, you might these days. Get out there. Uh, you might these days. Get out there. Uh, you might get hurt, but uh, you know, it uh, it's get hurt, but uh, you know, it uh, it's get hurt, but uh, you know, it uh, it's real. real. real. Life's too short, man. I'm I I love Life's too short, man. I'm I I love Life's too short, man. I'm I I love adrenaline and uh, it's just a blast adrenaline and uh, it's just a blast adrenaline and uh, it's just a blast when I'm in the mountain. It's it's so when I'm in the mountain. It's it's so when I'm in the mountain. It's it's so much fun, man. It's so free. What about much fun, man. It's so free. What about much fun, man. It's so free. What about you? Do you What are what are some of you? Do you What are what are some of you? Do you What are what are some of your favorite hobbies? your favorite hobbies? your favorite hobbies? Well, I used to mountain bike a lot. Um, Well, I used to mountain bike a lot. Um, Well, I used to mountain bike a lot. Um, but now I'm weirdly into gardening and but now I'm weirdly into gardening and but now I'm weirdly into gardening and walking. I feel like [laughter] Yeah. walking. I feel like [laughter] Yeah. walking. I feel like [laughter] Yeah. So, just that So, just that So, just that Oh, I love plants and flowers. Just I my Oh, I love plants and flowers. Just I my Oh, I love plants and flowers. Just I my garden. I like soil. Making sure my garden. I like soil. Making sure my garden. I like soil. Making sure my soils uh not clay. Uh, it's got all the soils uh not clay. Uh, it's got all the soils uh not clay. Uh, it's got all the vitamins. Got everything it needs to to vitamins. Got everything it needs to to vitamins. Got everything it needs to to just like create like amazing plants just like create like amazing plants just like create like amazing plants that grow out of it. that grow out of it. that grow out of it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, and yeah, just plants and flowers. Um, and yeah, just plants and flowers. Um, and yeah, just plants and flowers. That's awesome. That's awesome. That's awesome. Love it. Um, I wanted to talk about AI Love it. Um, I wanted to talk about AI Love it. Um, I wanted to talk about AI Marketing World a little bit. Marketing World a little bit. Marketing World a little bit. Uh, tell us about that now that's in its Uh, tell us about that now that's in its Uh, tell us about that now that's in its second year where it's hosted and what's second year where it's hosted and what's second year where it's hosted and what's been happening there. I I looked at a been happening there. I I looked at a been happening there. I I looked at a video and video and video and it's it looks really cool, man. It uh it it's it looks really cool, man. It uh it it's it looks really cool, man. It uh it does look like a nice small community does look like a nice small community does look like a nice small community that's growing. Like you said, what 750 that's growing. Like you said, what 750 that's growing. Like you said, what 750 attendees? It could easily double, attendees? It could easily double, attendees? It could easily double, right? And uh take off from there. But right? And uh take off from there. But right? And uh take off from there. But tell tell us about that. tell tell us about that. tell tell us about that. Yeah, it's it's been super fun. So, I'll Yeah, it's it's been super fun. So, I'll Yeah, it's it's been super fun. So, I'll give you kind of the the backstory. So, give you kind of the the backstory. So, give you kind of the the backstory. So, it's a rebrand of a conference called it's a rebrand of a conference called it's a rebrand of a conference called Video Marketing World, and I have just Video Marketing World, and I have just Video Marketing World, and I have just the coolest come-up story with this this the coolest come-up story with this this the coolest come-up story with this this conference. It's in Dallas, Texas, by conference. It's in Dallas, Texas, by conference. It's in Dallas, Texas, by the way. It's uh October 21st through the way. It's uh October 21st through the way. It's uh October 21st through 24th uh this year. And uh so in 2019 24th uh this year. And uh so in 2019 24th uh this year. And uh so in 2019 when I I just was uh starting my agency when I I just was uh starting my agency when I I just was uh starting my agency and pivoting from being an employee to and pivoting from being an employee to and pivoting from being an employee to being a full-time entrepreneur. I had I being a full-time entrepreneur. I had I being a full-time entrepreneur. I had I had gone to this conference and learned had gone to this conference and learned had gone to this conference and learned a lot, a lot, a lot, applied a lot and started to grow my applied a lot and started to grow my applied a lot and started to grow my personal brand particularly on Tik Tok personal brand particularly on Tik Tok personal brand particularly on Tik Tok in early 2020 in early 2020 in early 2020 and uh the conference uh went virtual. I and uh the conference uh went virtual. I and uh the conference uh went virtual. I didn't attend it in 2020 co didn't attend it in 2020 co didn't attend it in 2020 co um and then they brought it back 2021 um and then they brought it back 2021 um and then they brought it back 2021 and I cold DM'd cold messaged the and I cold DM'd cold messaged the and I cold DM'd cold messaged the founder of the conference and said hey founder of the conference and said hey founder of the conference and said hey I love this conference I attended in I love this conference I attended in I love this conference I attended in 2019 I learned a lot I applied 2019 I learned a lot I applied 2019 I learned a lot I applied everything I noticed that you don't have everything I noticed that you don't have everything I noticed that you don't have a Tik Tok for business speaker on the a Tik Tok for business speaker on the a Tik Tok for business speaker on the conference it's a dream of mine trying conference it's a dream of mine trying conference it's a dream of mine trying to become a professional speaker. to become a professional speaker. to become a professional speaker. If you are interested, If you are interested, If you are interested, uh I would love to have my shot. Long uh I would love to have my shot. Long uh I would love to have my shot. Long story short, he invited me to uh lead a story short, he invited me to uh lead a story short, he invited me to uh lead a a Tik Tok for business panel that year a Tik Tok for business panel that year a Tik Tok for business panel that year of 2021. of 2021. of 2021. I took it very seriously and then I was I took it very seriously and then I was I took it very seriously and then I was invited back to be a keynote speaker on invited back to be a keynote speaker on invited back to be a keynote speaker on Tik Tok for business in 2022. Tik Tok for business in 2022. Tik Tok for business in 2022. It was amazing. It was amazing. It was amazing. I got awards and just just continued to I got awards and just just continued to I got awards and just just continued to grow. My personal brand continued to grow. My personal brand continued to grow. My personal brand continued to grow across the board. 2023, another grow across the board. 2023, another grow across the board. 2023, another conference that's a competitor moved in conference that's a competitor moved in conference that's a competitor moved in same weekend and crushed it and shut it same weekend and crushed it and shut it same weekend and crushed it and shut it down. And so 2023 and 2024, the down. And so 2023 and 2024, the down. And so 2023 and 2024, the conference uh video marketing world conference uh video marketing world conference uh video marketing world didn't happen. didn't happen. didn't happen. Mhm. It was just on hiatus. Mhm. It was just on hiatus. Mhm. It was just on hiatus. My personal brand continues to grow. My personal brand continues to grow. My personal brand continues to grow. Over the years, I had pivoted to AI, Over the years, I had pivoted to AI, Over the years, I had pivoted to AI, grew massive following. I now have about grew massive following. I now have about grew massive following. I now have about 5 million followers across social media 5 million followers across social media 5 million followers across social media largely in the AI space. And in 2025, largely in the AI space. And in 2025, largely in the AI space. And in 2025, actually kind of the end of 2024, actually kind of the end of 2024, actually kind of the end of 2024, December into January 2025, I said, um, December into January 2025, I said, um, December into January 2025, I said, um, Scott, Scott, Scott, what do you think if we become business what do you think if we become business what do you think if we become business partners and we turn this thing into AI partners and we turn this thing into AI partners and we turn this thing into AI marketing world? And he said, I love it. marketing world? And he said, I love it. marketing world? And he said, I love it. Let's do it. And so I went from being Let's do it. And so I went from being Let's do it. And so I went from being the person in the back of the room to the person in the back of the room to the person in the back of the room to the person that spoke at that conference the person that spoke at that conference the person that spoke at that conference to business owner and owner of the to business owner and owner of the to business owner and owner of the conference in a matter of years. conference in a matter of years. conference in a matter of years. And last year we had we sold about 450 And last year we had we sold about 450 And last year we had we sold about 450 tickets. tickets. tickets. This year we're on track to do about 750 This year we're on track to do about 750 This year we're on track to do about 750 to a,000 tickets. to a,000 tickets. to a,000 tickets. And we're just scaling this thing. So my And we're just scaling this thing. So my And we're just scaling this thing. So my vision for it, it's a combination of the vision for it, it's a combination of the vision for it, it's a combination of the it's kind of a blend of the traditional it's kind of a blend of the traditional it's kind of a blend of the traditional marketing kind of conference that's marketing kind of conference that's marketing kind of conference that's existed and the tech startup trade show existed and the tech startup trade show existed and the tech startup trade show side of things. Heavy emphasis on pitch side of things. Heavy emphasis on pitch side of things. Heavy emphasis on pitch competitions and competitions and competitions and uh physical products and so we actually uh physical products and so we actually uh physical products and so we actually own five robots that are part of the own five robots that are part of the own five robots that are part of the conference as well. So, we own three conference as well. So, we own three conference as well. So, we own three humanoid robots and two robot dogs. And humanoid robots and two robot dogs. And humanoid robots and two robot dogs. And uh so last year we had a an amazing uh so last year we had a an amazing uh so last year we had a an amazing startup pitch competition. We're doing startup pitch competition. We're doing startup pitch competition. We're doing that again. And it's just this hybrid of that again. And it's just this hybrid of that again. And it's just this hybrid of an amazing marketing conference with an amazing marketing conference with an amazing marketing conference with sessions that are deep. So you go to sessions that are deep. So you go to sessions that are deep. So you go to like a tech trade show conference, like a tech trade show conference, like a tech trade show conference, they're like sometimes 20 minute talks they're like sometimes 20 minute talks they're like sometimes 20 minute talks that are just surface level. You really that are just surface level. You really that are just surface level. You really don't get much value out of them to be don't get much value out of them to be don't get much value out of them to be honest. marketing conferences, you get a honest. marketing conferences, you get a honest. marketing conferences, you get a lot of tangible, actionable value. But lot of tangible, actionable value. But lot of tangible, actionable value. But then in the vice versa, that's really then in the vice versa, that's really then in the vice versa, that's really all marketing conferences I've ever had. all marketing conferences I've ever had. all marketing conferences I've ever had. And I have being uh been in the startup And I have being uh been in the startup And I have being uh been in the startup space for a long time now. I love the space for a long time now. I love the space for a long time now. I love the the startups that have booths and are the startups that have booths and are the startups that have booths and are demoing their products and, you know, demoing their products and, you know, demoing their products and, you know, showcasing what they're actually working showcasing what they're actually working showcasing what they're actually working on and being able to like, you know, on and being able to like, you know, on and being able to like, you know, walk around a trade show floor and test walk around a trade show floor and test walk around a trade show floor and test the latest technology and and physical the latest technology and and physical the latest technology and and physical wear a a VR headset, you know, play with wear a a VR headset, you know, play with wear a a VR headset, you know, play with the uh cutting edge robots. And so the uh cutting edge robots. And so the uh cutting edge robots. And so that's what that's ultimately what we're that's what that's ultimately what we're that's what that's ultimately what we're doing. So um it's uh aimarketingworld. co doing. So um it's uh aimarketingworld. co doing. So um it's uh aimarketingworld. co is the website. amarketingworld. co. It's is the website. amarketingworld. co. It's is the website. amarketingworld. co. It's in Dallas, Texas October 21st through in Dallas, Texas October 21st through in Dallas, Texas October 21st through 24th. Uh tickets are on sale now. 24th. Uh tickets are on sale now. 24th. Uh tickets are on sale now. They're discounted right now and uh it's They're discounted right now and uh it's They're discounted right now and uh it's it's going to be a blast. So, we it's going to be a blast. So, we it's going to be a blast. So, we continue to just grow and scale this continue to just grow and scale this continue to just grow and scale this thing. I want it to be the uh web summit thing. I want it to be the uh web summit thing. I want it to be the uh web summit uh for the United States. That's my my uh for the United States. That's my my uh for the United States. That's my my big ambition is golf. big ambition is golf. big ambition is golf. And and if it's if it does get that big, And and if it's if it does get that big, And and if it's if it does get that big, would you consider moving it out of the would you consider moving it out of the would you consider moving it out of the city or is Dallas like your anchor? city or is Dallas like your anchor? city or is Dallas like your anchor? Yeah, I mean Dallas is a is a great Yeah, I mean Dallas is a is a great Yeah, I mean Dallas is a is a great center place for center place for center place for the United States because, you know, the United States because, you know, the United States because, you know, center country. It's a great travel hub. center country. It's a great travel hub. center country. It's a great travel hub. Uh I'm not opposed to it. I'd love to Uh I'm not opposed to it. I'd love to Uh I'm not opposed to it. I'd love to bring either the entire thing or a bring either the entire thing or a bring either the entire thing or a satellite satellite satellite uh version of it to North Carolina uh version of it to North Carolina uh version of it to North Carolina in particular. in particular. in particular. So, uh we we'll see. Um, it'll be in So, uh we we'll see. Um, it'll be in So, uh we we'll see. Um, it'll be in Dallas for at least the next two years Dallas for at least the next two years Dallas for at least the next two years because we're locked in with the hotel because we're locked in with the hotel because we're locked in with the hotel uh and and venue to get the best deal uh and and venue to get the best deal uh and and venue to get the best deal there. So, uh, but we're just going to there. So, uh, but we're just going to there. So, uh, but we're just going to continue to to grow it. I mean, next continue to to grow it. I mean, next continue to to grow it. I mean, next year I I'd love to hit, you know, 1500 year I I'd love to hit, you know, 1500 year I I'd love to hit, you know, 1500 2,000 people, just continue to to 2,000 people, just continue to to 2,000 people, just continue to to snowball it and continue to grow and um, snowball it and continue to grow and um, snowball it and continue to grow and um, yeah, we'll we'll see. Well, you've got yeah, we'll we'll see. Well, you've got yeah, we'll we'll see. Well, you've got syllabi, you've got AI Marketing World, syllabi, you've got AI Marketing World, syllabi, you've got AI Marketing World, and you've got your own personal sort of and you've got your own personal sort of and you've got your own personal sort of stuff going on. What partnerships? Like stuff going on. What partnerships? Like stuff going on. What partnerships? Like if somebody walked in the door and it if somebody walked in the door and it if somebody walked in the door and it was your dream partner, what would that was your dream partner, what would that was your dream partner, what would that what would that kind of look like? And what would that kind of look like? And what would that kind of look like? And and who would that be? and who would that be? and who would that be? Man, I've got so much going on right Man, I've got so much going on right Man, I've got so much going on right now. I don't I don't even know. I I it's now. I don't I don't even know. I I it's now. I don't I don't even know. I I it's there's honestly a capacity issue. I I I there's honestly a capacity issue. I I I there's honestly a capacity issue. I I I wouldn't I probably wouldn't say yes. wouldn't I probably wouldn't say yes. wouldn't I probably wouldn't say yes. there probably wouldn't until I, you there probably wouldn't until I, you there probably wouldn't until I, you know, exit out of syllabi perhaps or, know, exit out of syllabi perhaps or, know, exit out of syllabi perhaps or, you know, maybe somebody that comes in a you know, maybe somebody that comes in a you know, maybe somebody that comes in a big investor and they're like, I believe big investor and they're like, I believe big investor and they're like, I believe in the bull house mission. Here's, you in the bull house mission. Here's, you in the bull house mission. Here's, you know, a lot of money to either make know, a lot of money to either make know, a lot of money to either make bigger check sizes and investments or bigger check sizes and investments or bigger check sizes and investments or something that's been mentioned a couple something that's been mentioned a couple something that's been mentioned a couple times is a franchise model. I'm just times is a franchise model. I'm just times is a franchise model. I'm just like thinking and permeating that like thinking and permeating that like thinking and permeating that thought a little bit cuz I've as I've thought a little bit cuz I've as I've thought a little bit cuz I've as I've been building Bull House in public, a been building Bull House in public, a been building Bull House in public, a lot of people have said, "Oh my gosh, I lot of people have said, "Oh my gosh, I lot of people have said, "Oh my gosh, I wish this existed in my city. " wish this existed in my city. " wish this existed in my city. Right. Right. Right. And so that's interesting. It's still so And so that's interesting. It's still so And so that's interesting. It's still so it's way too early to be thinking about it's way too early to be thinking about it's way too early to be thinking about anything like that. But um that would be anything like that. But um that would be anything like that. But um that would be the only type of uh partner that I would the only type of uh partner that I would the only type of uh partner that I would probably explore at this point. probably explore at this point. probably explore at this point. Interesting. that is uh I I I've seen Interesting. that is uh I I I've seen Interesting. that is uh I I I've seen more and more people doing that sort of more and more people doing that sort of more and more people doing that sort of model where they're I believe dinner is model where they're I believe dinner is model where they're I believe dinner is one of them where they they they kind of one of them where they they they kind of one of them where they they they kind of set up a dinner. So, um it's a it's a set up a dinner. So, um it's a it's a set up a dinner. So, um it's a it's a it's a problem that needs solving. And I it's a problem that needs solving. And I it's a problem that needs solving. And I think like um on that note, like is think like um on that note, like is think like um on that note, like is there a is there a problem that you're there a is there a problem that you're there a is there a problem that you're not actively trying to solve for, but not actively trying to solve for, but not actively trying to solve for, but you're you know, you wish somebody else you're you know, you wish somebody else you're you know, you wish somebody else would. You know, what comes to mind is uh again You know, what comes to mind is uh again back to local and in-person experiences. back to local and in-person experiences. back to local and in-person experiences. So, a couple of the places that my wife So, a couple of the places that my wife So, a couple of the places that my wife and I have lived, so we have a dog uh and I have lived, so we have a dog uh and I have lived, so we have a dog uh we're dog parents. Uh there are we're dog parents. Uh there are we're dog parents. Uh there are uh basically private membership uh basically private membership uh basically private membership dog parks that are like a third space dog parks that are like a third space dog parks that are like a third space with bar and sometimes food enclosed with bar and sometimes food enclosed with bar and sometimes food enclosed area enclosed uh like fenced in area area enclosed uh like fenced in area area enclosed uh like fenced in area membership fee. membership fee. membership fee. Uh we've been members of multiple and Uh we've been members of multiple and Uh we've been members of multiple and they're fantastic. It's a fantastic way they're fantastic. It's a fantastic way they're fantastic. It's a fantastic way to meet people. It's a fantastic way, to meet people. It's a fantastic way, to meet people. It's a fantastic way, you know, after work, just take your you know, after work, just take your you know, after work, just take your dog, grab a beer, hang out with people dog, grab a beer, hang out with people dog, grab a beer, hang out with people for an hour or two, let your dog get the for an hour or two, let your dog get the for an hour or two, let your dog get the energy out, maybe get a snack or a bite energy out, maybe get a snack or a bite energy out, maybe get a snack or a bite to eat. But nothing exists here in to eat. But nothing exists here in to eat. But nothing exists here in Durham. And so that's another like down Durham. And so that's another like down Durham. And so that's another like down the road business idea that I don't the road business idea that I don't the road business idea that I don't like, it's a very dog friendly community like, it's a very dog friendly community like, it's a very dog friendly community here. And there's either a reason why it here. And there's either a reason why it here. And there's either a reason why it doesn't exist, maybe the city's blocking doesn't exist, maybe the city's blocking doesn't exist, maybe the city's blocking it, or maybe just nobody has it, or maybe just nobody has it, or maybe just nobody has come up with the idea here yet. Like, we come up with the idea here yet. Like, we come up with the idea here yet. Like, we see them spreading, but maybe that's a a see them spreading, but maybe that's a a see them spreading, but maybe that's a a a novel idea that just hasn't opened up a novel idea that just hasn't opened up a novel idea that just hasn't opened up here yet. And here yet. And here yet. And that's a real problem that I I wish that's a real problem that I I wish that's a real problem that I I wish existed, just going back into the existed, just going back into the existed, just going back into the physical world a little bit. physical world a little bit. physical world a little bit. So, when Houndhouse? So, when Houndhouse? So, when Houndhouse? Yeah, Houndhouse. That's a great That's Yeah, Houndhouse. That's a great That's Yeah, Houndhouse. That's a great That's a great name. a great name. a great name. Yeah. So, if somebody wants to come in Yeah. So, if somebody wants to come in Yeah. So, if somebody wants to come in and and uh and uh uh help us fund and and and uh and uh uh help us fund and and and uh and uh uh help us fund and operate uh Houndhouse, uh I would be all operate uh Houndhouse, uh I would be all operate uh Houndhouse, uh I would be all over that, too. over that, too. over that, too. Yeah. I I owned a dog for probably about Yeah. I I owned a dog for probably about Yeah. I I owned a dog for probably about 15 years or 14. He died during CO and I 15 years or 14. He died during CO and I 15 years or 14. He died during CO and I was like, was like, was like, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. No, it's okay. It's it we've had him for No, it's okay. It's it we've had him for No, it's okay. It's it we've had him for a while. uh once you've had a dog till a while. uh once you've had a dog till a while. uh once you've had a dog till the end and you see him go and it's like the end and you see him go and it's like the end and you see him go and it's like you're at peace with it because you know you're at peace with it because you know you're at peace with it because you know he had a long life, right? So he had a long life, right? So he had a long life, right? So yeah. yeah. yeah. Um at 15 and 14 that's what it is. Um at 15 and 14 that's what it is. Um at 15 and 14 that's what it is. But I I I'm kind of like But I I I'm kind of like But I I I'm kind of like not really wanting to have another dog. not really wanting to have another dog. not really wanting to have another dog. It's like I'm enjoying my freedom, you It's like I'm enjoying my freedom, you It's like I'm enjoying my freedom, you know, type of thing. know, type of thing. know, type of thing. Well, that's how it is. One last thing Well, that's how it is. One last thing Well, that's how it is. One last thing before we go. Um, I I I was really before we go. Um, I I I was really before we go. Um, I I I was really interested about the the pivot between interested about the the pivot between interested about the the pivot between your agency and to the SAS. Like what your agency and to the SAS. Like what your agency and to the SAS. Like what what sort of like looking back talk talk what sort of like looking back talk talk what sort of like looking back talk talk about that and and what kind of what did about that and and what kind of what did about that and and what kind of what did you glean from that? you glean from that? you glean from that? Yeah. Um, so I I'll I'll get into it. Yeah. Um, so I I'll I'll get into it. Yeah. Um, so I I'll I'll get into it. It's a it's a really good question. The It's a it's a really good question. The It's a it's a really good question. The the other reality is I was burned out in the other reality is I was burned out in the other reality is I was burned out in agency life. Agency is so hard agency life. Agency is so hard agency life. Agency is so hard because it's sometimes a hard sales because it's sometimes a hard sales because it's sometimes a hard sales cycle. It's not as hard as like cycle. It's not as hard as like cycle. It's not as hard as like enterprise SAS, enterprise SAS, enterprise SAS, but it's an emotional roller coaster and but it's an emotional roller coaster and but it's an emotional roller coaster and it's very mentally taxing as well when it's very mentally taxing as well when it's very mentally taxing as well when you have a lot of clients that you have a lot of clients that you have a lot of clients that um um um are in different industries. So like I are in different industries. So like I are in different industries. So like I did addiction treatment marketing and did addiction treatment marketing and did addiction treatment marketing and then we had some law firms and med spas then we had some law firms and med spas then we had some law firms and med spas and medical doctors and then we also had and medical doctors and then we also had and medical doctors and then we also had some like e-commerce clients and we also some like e-commerce clients and we also some like e-commerce clients and we also had uh some like backyard pond people. had uh some like backyard pond people. had uh some like backyard pond people. I'm sick. This and I'm sick. This and I'm sick. This and it's very mentally hard to shift to the it's very mentally hard to shift to the it's very mentally hard to shift to the KPIs and the needs and KPIs and the needs and KPIs and the needs and what the what the what the target person target uh ICP of the brand target person target uh ICP of the brand target person target uh ICP of the brand and business is is interested in. And and business is is interested in. And and business is is interested in. And sometimes the deliverables are a little sometimes the deliverables are a little sometimes the deliverables are a little bit different. And so it's just like bit different. And so it's just like bit different. And so it's just like mental shifting when you have 10, 15, 20 mental shifting when you have 10, 15, 20 mental shifting when you have 10, 15, 20 clients clients clients to do that on a daily basis. And then to do that on a daily basis. And then to do that on a daily basis. And then financially, financially, financially, you'll have really good months, six you'll have really good months, six you'll have really good months, six figure months, multiple six-figure figure months, multiple six-figure figure months, multiple six-figure months, tons of profit, everything's months, tons of profit, everything's months, tons of profit, everything's fantastic, and then fantastic, and then fantastic, and then contracts end and they don't renew. contracts end and they don't renew. contracts end and they don't renew. they're unhappy for whatever reason and they're unhappy for whatever reason and they're unhappy for whatever reason and they find an opt out clause, they find an opt out clause, they find an opt out clause, whatever. A key employee quits that's whatever. A key employee quits that's whatever. A key employee quits that's responsible for um uh scheduling and responsible for um uh scheduling and responsible for um uh scheduling and posting all of the content. We've had posting all of the content. We've had posting all of the content. We've had that happen just and then so like the that happen just and then so like the that happen just and then so like the next month is like oh my gosh, am I next month is like oh my gosh, am I next month is like oh my gosh, am I going to be able to afford uh payroll going to be able to afford uh payroll going to be able to afford uh payroll this month, this month, this month, you know, and so just an emotional you know, and so just an emotional you know, and so just an emotional roller coaster. Plus, I did it for I was roller coaster. Plus, I did it for I was roller coaster. Plus, I did it for I was in agency space for like 11 12 years or in agency space for like 11 12 years or in agency space for like 11 12 years or something like that. And so I I just got something like that. And so I I just got something like that. And so I I just got to a point where like I was burning to a point where like I was burning to a point where like I was burning burned out. I was looking for something burned out. I was looking for something burned out. I was looking for something else to do. I'm still very passionate else to do. I'm still very passionate else to do. I'm still very passionate about helping people uh especially about helping people uh especially about helping people uh especially online. And um and that's where like I I online. And um and that's where like I I online. And um and that's where like I I mentioned like the this the the idea and mentioned like the this the the idea and mentioned like the this the the idea and uh inception of of syllabi really came uh inception of of syllabi really came uh inception of of syllabi really came from a combination of from a combination of from a combination of automating everything that I was already automating everything that I was already automating everything that I was already doing at my agency. doing at my agency. doing at my agency. This AI wave coming This AI wave coming This AI wave coming and wanting to get out and just pivoting and wanting to get out and just pivoting and wanting to get out and just pivoting a lot of what I was doing into one AI a lot of what I was doing into one AI a lot of what I was doing into one AI software tool. software tool. software tool. It was a really interesting pivot, but I It was a really interesting pivot, but I It was a really interesting pivot, but I mean, I built it in public. I'm I'm very mean, I built it in public. I'm I'm very mean, I built it in public. I'm I'm very passionate about build in public and uh passionate about build in public and uh passionate about build in public and uh f stealth stealth mode. Um I could go f stealth stealth mode. Um I could go f stealth stealth mode. Um I could go off a whole rant on uh why you should off a whole rant on uh why you should off a whole rant on uh why you should not build in stealth mode, but not build in stealth mode, but not build in stealth mode, but um um um it was a very easy transition for me for it was a very easy transition for me for it was a very easy transition for me for a lot of reasons. Um and I started to a lot of reasons. Um and I started to a lot of reasons. Um and I started to step away. I tried to find uh operators step away. I tried to find uh operators step away. I tried to find uh operators for my agency. I ultimately like learned for my agency. I ultimately like learned for my agency. I ultimately like learned a lot of lessons. I ran the agency into a lot of lessons. I ran the agency into a lot of lessons. I ran the agency into the ground uh because a lot of the the ground uh because a lot of the the ground uh because a lot of the clients that we had were clients because clients that we had were clients because clients that we had were clients because they wanted to work with me. They didn't they wanted to work with me. They didn't they wanted to work with me. They didn't want to work with somebody else. want to work with somebody else. want to work with somebody else. And um when I started to step away, we And um when I started to step away, we And um when I started to step away, we started to lose clients. And I we were started to lose clients. And I we were started to lose clients. And I we were never able like I tried multiple never able like I tried multiple never able like I tried multiple salespeople salespeople salespeople and uh just have operators and all all and uh just have operators and all all and uh just have operators and all all of that stuff. And it never really of that stuff. And it never really of that stuff. And it never really worked until it just came to the worked until it just came to the worked until it just came to the conclusion, we need to shut this down. conclusion, we need to shut this down. conclusion, we need to shut this down. Um, but it was yeah, it was a it was a Um, but it was yeah, it was a it was a Um, but it was yeah, it was a it was a fun ride, but it wasn't it was an easy fun ride, but it wasn't it was an easy fun ride, but it wasn't it was an easy uh transition and I I've never been uh transition and I I've never been uh transition and I I've never been happier. It's been it's been just happier. It's been it's been just happier. It's been it's been just emotionally so much better for me and so emotionally so much better for me and so emotionally so much better for me and so much more fun because now I have a lot much more fun because now I have a lot much more fun because now I have a lot of different businesses, but they're all of different businesses, but they're all of different businesses, but they're all my businesses uh that I can task shift my businesses uh that I can task shift my businesses uh that I can task shift and and uh and and market. I I'm not and and uh and and market. I I'm not and and uh and and market. I I'm not responsible for everybody. responsible for everybody. responsible for everybody. You you you that last point you made You you you that last point you made You you you that last point you made about about about clients wanting to work with you. Uh and clients wanting to work with you. Uh and clients wanting to work with you. Uh and you were probably the one that closed you were probably the one that closed you were probably the one that closed the sale to begin with with them. what the sale to begin with with them. what the sale to begin with with them. what I'm seeing and what I'm hearing like I I'm seeing and what I'm hearing like I I'm seeing and what I'm hearing like I I've I've been in sort of a closer role I've I've been in sort of a closer role I've I've been in sort of a closer role for some of my clients working with for some of my clients working with for some of my clients working with startups and what I've noticed is like startups and what I've noticed is like startups and what I've noticed is like although I would have closed the role or although I would have closed the role or although I would have closed the role or sorry the deal um sorry the deal um sorry the deal um the CEO really needs to sort of be the CEO really needs to sort of be the CEO really needs to sort of be involved on the nitty-gritty part of involved on the nitty-gritty part of involved on the nitty-gritty part of things especially if the the company is things especially if the the company is things especially if the the company is just trying to still looking at product just trying to still looking at product just trying to still looking at product market fit. It's just getting started market fit. It's just getting started market fit. It's just getting started things like that. So I I I believe things like that. So I I I believe things like that. So I I I believe that's called founderled sales. Um what that's called founderled sales. Um what that's called founderled sales. Um what are your thoughts on that? are your thoughts on that? are your thoughts on that? Oh yeah, especially in startup. Um, now Oh yeah, especially in startup. Um, now Oh yeah, especially in startup. Um, now I did take the the lesson of I did take the the lesson of I did take the the lesson of from my agency to syllabi to not be the from my agency to syllabi to not be the from my agency to syllabi to not be the main lead generation source, main lead generation source, main lead generation source, right? right? right? And so my personal brand drives a lot of And so my personal brand drives a lot of And so my personal brand drives a lot of uh signups and traffic and and whatnot. uh signups and traffic and and whatnot. uh signups and traffic and and whatnot. I'm very in involved in the marketing, I'm very in involved in the marketing, I'm very in involved in the marketing, but it I'm like third down the totem but it I'm like third down the totem but it I'm like third down the totem pole for how we get users. And I think pole for how we get users. And I think pole for how we get users. And I think every you know founder sales is every you know founder sales is every you know founder sales is extremely important especially as you're extremely important especially as you're extremely important especially as you're starting uh and founder market fit as starting uh and founder market fit as starting uh and founder market fit as well like if you want to raise money well like if you want to raise money well like if you want to raise money like why are you the best person to like why are you the best person to like why are you the best person to start this company you know I yeah I'm I start this company you know I yeah I'm I start this company you know I yeah I'm I have very good founder market fit for have very good founder market fit for have very good founder market fit for syllabi you very 20 years of experience syllabi you very 20 years of experience syllabi you very 20 years of experience use cases personally you know um but our use cases personally you know um but our use cases personally you know um but our affiliate uh um uh program is our is by affiliate uh um uh program is our is by affiliate uh um uh program is our is by far our number one um user adoption far our number one um user adoption far our number one um user adoption Uh so we have like 11,000 syllabi Uh so we have like 11,000 syllabi Uh so we have like 11,000 syllabi affiliates. Of course, not all of them affiliates. Of course, not all of them affiliates. Of course, not all of them are active, but that's driven over a are active, but that's driven over a are active, but that's driven over a third of our revenue have just been from third of our revenue have just been from third of our revenue have just been from affiliates uh promoting our our service affiliates uh promoting our our service affiliates uh promoting our our service for us. And then after that is ads. So for us. And then after that is ads. So for us. And then after that is ads. So paid ads, uh we have uh profitable, paid ads, uh we have uh profitable, paid ads, uh we have uh profitable, scalable ads. Um and then I'm probably scalable ads. Um and then I'm probably scalable ads. Um and then I'm probably right, you know, right down there. But right, you know, right down there. But right, you know, right down there. But then aside from that, we have uh we do then aside from that, we have uh we do then aside from that, we have uh we do uh email marketing and SEO and uh we do uh email marketing and SEO and uh we do uh email marketing and SEO and uh we do brand deals with other influencers and brand deals with other influencers and brand deals with other influencers and all all kinds of other things along the all all kinds of other things along the all all kinds of other things along the lines of that. But I think the founder lines of that. But I think the founder lines of that. But I think the founder should have a place and a presence. And should have a place and a presence. And should have a place and a presence. And I love doing podcast interviews like I love doing podcast interviews like I love doing podcast interviews like this and doing public speaking and this and doing public speaking and this and doing public speaking and traveling around and making big deals traveling around and making big deals traveling around and making big deals and partnerships and joint ventures. And and partnerships and joint ventures. And and partnerships and joint ventures. And that's kind of my role. Lead the that's kind of my role. Lead the that's kind of my role. Lead the direction of the company, make the direction of the company, make the direction of the company, make the partnerships happen, be a face. Uh but I partnerships happen, be a face. Uh but I partnerships happen, be a face. Uh but I don't think that the founders should be don't think that the founders should be don't think that the founders should be the exclusive and number one source of the exclusive and number one source of the exclusive and number one source of where you get users because where you get users because where you get users because postacquisition, what are you going to postacquisition, what are you going to postacquisition, what are you going to do, do, do, right? right? right? We couldn't get, you know, they no one We couldn't get, you know, they no one We couldn't get, you know, they no one nobody would want to acquire us if the nobody would want to acquire us if the nobody would want to acquire us if the only reason that anybody signs up is me. only reason that anybody signs up is me. only reason that anybody signs up is me. That wouldn't make any sense. That wouldn't make any sense. That wouldn't make any sense. Yes. Um, that absolutely makes sense if Yes. Um, that absolutely makes sense if Yes. Um, that absolutely makes sense if you're out of I I would say way past you're out of I I would say way past you're out of I I would say way past postrevenue, right? Like so you're 20 postrevenue, right? Like so you're 20 postrevenue, right? Like so you're 20 deals in in or something like that. Um, deals in in or something like that. Um, deals in in or something like that. Um, one thing I wanted to get your take on, one thing I wanted to get your take on, one thing I wanted to get your take on, um, is AI UGC um, is AI UGC um, is AI UGC and and and maybe are we going towards like a maybe are we going towards like a maybe are we going towards like a disclosure disclosure disclosure norm or do you think we ride this out norm or do you think we ride this out norm or do you think we ride this out and we just have this arms race of uh, and we just have this arms race of uh, and we just have this arms race of uh, trying to see who looks more real? trying to see who looks more real? trying to see who looks more real? I don't know where you stand. I have I don't know where you stand. I have I don't know where you stand. I have pretty harsh takes on this. I am very pretty harsh takes on this. I am very pretty harsh takes on this. I am very anti- AI UGC. I think it's unethical. I anti- AI UGC. I think it's unethical. I anti- AI UGC. I think it's unethical. I think it's basically illegal. The FTC think it's basically illegal. The FTC think it's basically illegal. The FTC has exclusively said that um AI uh fake has exclusively said that um AI uh fake has exclusively said that um AI uh fake product reviews and AI reviews uh are an product reviews and AI reviews uh are an product reviews and AI reviews uh are an FTC direct violation that came out in FTC direct violation that came out in FTC direct violation that came out in 2024. I was just reviewing it the other 2024. I was just reviewing it the other 2024. I was just reviewing it the other day. I love when anyone asks me this day. I love when anyone asks me this day. I love when anyone asks me this question. Uh it is unethical of a question. Uh it is unethical of a question. Uh it is unethical of a company to offer AI UGC. It is unethical company to offer AI UGC. It is unethical company to offer AI UGC. It is unethical for a brand to create fake product for a brand to create fake product for a brand to create fake product reviews using AI UGC. It is reviews using AI UGC. It is reviews using AI UGC. It is shortsighted. It is a gold rush right shortsighted. It is a gold rush right shortsighted. It is a gold rush right now. But I think there were going to be now. But I think there were going to be now. But I think there were going to be huge fines happening for the startups huge fines happening for the startups huge fines happening for the startups that push AIUGC. And I think companies that push AIUGC. And I think companies that push AIUGC. And I think companies that are using AI UGC to create fake that are using AI UGC to create fake that are using AI UGC to create fake product reviews are going to get fined product reviews are going to get fined product reviews are going to get fined as well. and they're going to lose all as well. and they're going to lose all as well. and they're going to lose all trust that they have in the marketplace. trust that they have in the marketplace. trust that they have in the marketplace. Don't do it. It's shortsighted. Johan, I Don't do it. It's shortsighted. Johan, I Don't do it. It's shortsighted. Johan, I don't know if you own or a part of don't know if you own or a part of don't know if you own or a part of AIUGC. Sorry if the you are on the AIUGC. Sorry if the you are on the AIUGC. Sorry if the you are on the opposite side of things. That's just my opposite side of things. That's just my opposite side of things. That's just my honest uh blunt opinion. honest uh blunt opinion. honest uh blunt opinion. Okay, I take that. I like it from the Okay, I take that. I like it from the Okay, I take that. I like it from the storytelling point of view. Um not storytelling point of view. Um not storytelling point of view. Um not necessarily just giving a review. necessarily just giving a review. necessarily just giving a review. Uh so that's where I stand. I think it's Uh so that's where I stand. I think it's Uh so that's where I stand. I think it's cool. I think it's a creative medium. cool. I think it's a creative medium. cool. I think it's a creative medium. Um, however, I agree with you on Um, however, I agree with you on Um, however, I agree with you on deliberately trying to to to deliberately trying to to to deliberately trying to to to uh mislead somebody is is wrong. So, uh mislead somebody is is wrong. So, uh mislead somebody is is wrong. So, yeah. Yeah. Cuz we see a lot of like, yeah. Yeah. Cuz we see a lot of like, yeah. Yeah. Cuz we see a lot of like, you know, upload your image, choose a you know, upload your image, choose a you know, upload your image, choose a fake actor, create a Tik Tok video, fake actor, create a Tik Tok video, fake actor, create a Tik Tok video, drive sales, and it's an AI avatar drive sales, and it's an AI avatar drive sales, and it's an AI avatar saying, "Oh my gosh, I just got this new saying, "Oh my gosh, I just got this new saying, "Oh my gosh, I just got this new product and it's amazing. Look at it on product and it's amazing. Look at it on product and it's amazing. Look at it on me. You should buy this, too. It's me. You should buy this, too. It's me. You should buy this, too. It's fantastic. " Literally illegal. Don't do fantastic. " Literally illegal. Don't do fantastic. " Literally illegal. Don't do that. that. that. Okay. Well, good to know. Okay. Well, good to know. Okay. Well, good to know. I love that you have such a strong I love that you have such a strong I love that you have such a strong opinion on that. [clears throat] Well, um that's it from me. Um I had a Well, um that's it from me. Um I had a really good time getting to know Austin really good time getting to know Austin really good time getting to know Austin Armstrong, the superhero, and also uh Armstrong, the superhero, and also uh Armstrong, the superhero, and also uh getting to know you um as well. So, getting to know you um as well. So, getting to know you um as well. So, thank you so much for joining us on this thank you so much for joining us on this thank you so much for joining us on this episode and I'm going to share and clip episode and I'm going to share and clip episode and I'm going to share and clip this um and share it on LinkedIn and Tik this um and share it on LinkedIn and Tik this um and share it on LinkedIn and Tik Tok where I uh I've to are getting more Tok where I uh I've to are getting more Tok where I uh I've to are getting more and more views on there for some reason. and more views on there for some reason. and more views on there for some reason. Um it seems like Um it seems like Um it seems like I love it, man. I love it, man. I love it, man. Yeah. Well, thanks Austin for coming on. Yeah. Well, thanks Austin for coming on. Yeah. Well, thanks Austin for coming on. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. Thank you, brother. I appreciate you.