Episodes

What’s the #1 reason salespeople fail? Jeb Blount, legendary sales strategist and author of Fanatical Prospecting and The AI Edge, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur to deliver an unfiltered masterclass on what it takes to thrive in today’s hyper-competitive sales landscape. Jeb unpacks how emotional intelligence, consistency, and human connection remain your greatest assets, even in a world being reshaped by AI. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, sales leader, or just starti...

From broke at 24 to building a multimillion-dollar flashlight empire on the shelves of Walmart and Target, Cody Grandadam's story is one of grit, mindset, and relentless drive. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down in-studio with the man known as The Flashlight Guy to uncover how a small-town hustler from Illinois created jobs for hundreds, revitalized a massive abandoned clock factory, and turned a side hustle into a national brand, all without outside investors ...

In this conversation, Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian memory champion, shares his insights on memory techniques and their application in personal and professional growth. He emphasizes that memory is a skill that can be developed through visualization, storytelling, and resilience. Tansel discusses the importance of continuous learning and curiosity, as well as the impact of memory on decision-making and stress management. He also highlights the need for individuals to take action and apply t...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with email marketing powerhouse Jay Schwedelson to unpack the mindset and strategies behind today’s most effective marketing. Jay shares why your email database is your company’s most valuable asset, how to craft subject lines that demand attention, and why perfectionism kills momentum in business. He dives into the psychology driving consumer behavior and explains how authenticity and consistency build lasting relationships ...

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Jon Giganti, keynote speaker, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention, for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation on intentional living, leadership, mental health, and resilience. Jon shares his journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, emphasizing how starting your day with intention, embracing struggle, and leading with a service mindset can radicall...

In this high-impact conversation, Scaling Up author and Entrepreneurs’ Organization founder Verne Harnish sits down with Mark Perkins to unpack the real mechanics behind scaling a business that lasts. Verne shares powerful insights on why sustainable growth requires more than just execution—it demands the right mindset, strategy, people, and purpose. From unlocking bottlenecks to leveraging advisory boards, Verne reveals the most overlooked growth levers and explains why understanding the soul ...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist Dr. Karim R. Ellis to unpack what true success really looks like. Together, they dive deep into the power of mentorship, the role of character development, and the value of serving others on the path to purpose. Dr. Ellis shares powerful personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about rising through adversity, mastering your message, and building influence through s...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , bestselling author Craig Johnson joins host Mark Perkins to discuss the creation and evolution of the Longmire series—one of the most iconic modern Western literary franchises. Craig shares the real-life inspiration behind Sheriff Walt Longmire, the role of Wyoming's rugged landscape in shaping his storytelling, and how life experiences continue to fuel his creativity. The conversation dives into the entrepreneurial side of being a full-time a...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Amanda Goetz joins Mark Perkins for a candid conversation about ambition, self-worth, and the evolving definition of success. Amanda unpacks the concept of "toxic grit" —the relentless pursuit of achievement without intention—and why it's time to replace blind hustle with aligned, purpose-driven action. They explore Amanda’s transition from chasing titles and ego to building meaningful, mission-led ventures. She shares lessons learned through ...

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author and mindset coach Tommy Breedlove joins Mark Perkins to explore what it truly means to live and lead with intention. Tommy unpacks the journey from pain to purpose, sharing how self-awareness, vulnerability, and clarity are the keys to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. They dive into the real cost of success, the dangers of ego, and why intentional living beats chasing wealth every time. Tommy shares har...

In this conversation, Tim Castle shares his insights on negotiation, self-regulation, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of negotiation as a meta skill that can influence various aspects of life, including leadership and communication. Tim recounts his journey of overcoming challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his belief in the possibility of success. The discussion also touches on the role of effective communication in negotiations ...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur , Mark Perkins welcomes Danny Lehr — co-founder of Caffeine & Kilos, gym owner, and now author of the powerful new book, Win the Next Hour . Danny shares real-world insights on what it takes to do the hard things , make meaningful progress, and build momentum through consistent, mindful execution. Drawing from years of entrepreneurial experience, he breaks down the exact mental frameworks that have helped him grow multiple businesses, balance ...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, former Navy SEAL Commander and best-selling author Rich Diviney joins host Mark Perkins to talk about the mental edge required to lead, perform, and thrive when the stakes are high and the path isn’t...

In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark sits down with world-renowned performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman—the mind behind The 90 Day Year and The Alter Ego Effect. Todd has helped Olympic athletes, Fortune...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with John Hussey, longtime NFL referee turned CEO of CUDDLY, the leading fundraising platform for animal rescues. John shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports to...

What does it take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from the ground up? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dylan Jahraus—entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist—to talk about her...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Bill Canady, a serial entrepreneur, business leader, and expert in leadership and acquisitions, to break down the key principles of business growth, high-stakes decision-making, and...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dave Chandler, better known as Big Dave from The Big Dave Show on B105. With years of experience as a top morning radio host, Dave shares his journey through the world of broadcasting,...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Kristen Butler, bestselling author, founder of Power of Positivity, and mindset expert, to discuss her latest book, Instant Positivity: 365 Ways to Become 1% Better Every Day. Kristen...

What does it take to truly own your journey—both in business and in life? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Jeff Galletly, CEO of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience. Jeff...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with filmmaker and creative visionary Johnny Catalano to explore the intersection of passion, persistence, and the art of storytelling. From the power of blind optimism in chasing big dreams...

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Ryan Hanley, founder of Rogue Risk Insurance, marketing expert, and business strategist. Ryan has built a career on challenging the status quo, embracing new perspectives, and leading with...

💼 Want to build a thriving business and avoid hidden pitfalls? In this power-packed episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Ken Wentworth (aka Mr. Biz)—a renowned on-demand CFO, business strategist, cash flow pro, radio host, and...

The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Greg S. Reid, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and filmmaker known for his expertise in personal development, entrepreneurship, and success principles. As the bestselling author of Think and Grow Rich:...