In this episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, Paul Graham sits down with cost-reduction expert Shawn Stratton to uncover how business owners can save thousands without sacrificing service quality. From telecom audits to waste management, Shawn breaks down practical tips and reveals how his team identifies hidden savings through no-risk audits. If you’re running a seven or eight-figure business and think cost-cutting is just pennies on the dollar, this episode will change your perspective.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Opening Thoughts

01:24 – DIY Cost-Saving Tips for Business Owners

04:51 – Why Cost Reduction Is Often Overlooked

06:51 – Compensation Model & No-Risk Audit Process

08:38 – Detailed Walkthrough of the Cost Audit Process

12:53 – Long-Term Value & Why It Works

#BusinessSavings #CostReduction #SmartInvesting

In this episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham sits down with Shawn Stratton of Schooley Mitchell to uncover how businesses can boost profitability by slashing hidden operating costs without sacrificing service. From waste removal to telecom and credit card fees, Shawn shares real-world strategies and case studies, including how one client saved 84% annually. Discover how expert audits, vendor data, and zero-risk implementation can turn overlooked expenses into major savings.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

02:14 - When and Why to Cut Costs

05:27 – Knowledge is Power: The Value of 30 Years of Data

07:52 – Same Service, Lower Cost - Guaranteed

10:27 – Real-World Win: 84% Cost Savings

13:47 – Small Changes, Big Impact

16:57 – Custom, Transparent Implementation

19:37 – We Sit on Hold for You

21:37 – Service Categories Schooley Mitchell Handles

23:37 – Industries and Ideal Clients

26:07 – Why You Need a Regular Expense Review

27:22 – Compensation Model: No Savings, No Fee

28:27 – Closing Thoughts

#BusinessSavings #CostOptimization #ProfitabilityTips

In this episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, Paul Graham welcomes Trevor LaParl, to explore the power of the 1031 Exchange. Trevor breaks down how investors can legally defer capital gains taxes, shares real-life success stories, and explains how to avoid costly mistakes in real estate transactions. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with essential strategies to help you build long-term wealth.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introduction

01:45 – From Side Hustle to Real Estate Investing

04:20 – Discovering the Power of 1031 Exchanges

06:30 – Breaking Down 1031 Exchanges

10:15 – Limitations and Pitfalls of 1031s

12:40 – Introduction to Installment Sale Trusts

15:05 – Customizing Exit Strategies for Investors

18:20 – Real-Life Example: Using Installment Trusts Effectively

21:45 – Misconceptions Around Real Estate Tax Deferral

24:30 – Finding Joy Through Financial Education

27:10 – Final Takeaways and Resources

In this episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, Matt Drouin shares how he broke away from the grind of chasing money to build a life and business rooted in purpose, community, and joy. Tune in to hear his journey from burnout to breakthrough and how redefining success can transform everything.

Higlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Matt’s Background

04:00 – First Investment & Lessons

06:15 – Mindset Shift

08:45 – Minimalist Lifestyle

10:30 – Redefining Success

13:00 – Authenticity & Joy

16:20 – The Trap of Comparison

18:50 – Advice for New Investors

21:15 – Joy as a Business Strategy

22:50 – Closing Remarks

#PurposeDrivenInvesting #RealEstateJourney #RedefineSuccess

Discover how seven-figure entrepreneurs are cutting up to 50% in operational costs and scaling smarter with AI in this game-changing episode featuring Devan Dillard. From replacing entire departments with intelligent agents to optimizing workflows, marketing, and resource management, Devan shares practical insights on leveraging AI for exponential growth without the overhead. This is your essential guide to building a lean, future-proof business powered by automation and strategic innovation.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introduction & AI for 7-Figure Businesses

04:10 – Welcome Devan Dillard & AI Agents Overview

05:18 – Profit Margins and Hiring AI Over Staff

09:08 – Downsizing & Ethical Employee Transitions

10:14 – Hiring Developers for AI Buildouts

11:13 – Cost of AI Implementation

15:18 – Expense Reduction with AI

16:21 – When You're Ready for AI

18:21 – Competitive Advantage Through Cost Reduction

20:03 – Ongoing Optimization & AI Maintenance

22:11 – The 5 AI Executive Agents

24:47 – Where to Learn More

#AIAutomation #ScalableBusiness #EntrepreneurGrowth

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Paul Graham sits down with AI strategist Devan Dillard to explore how six-figure business owners can leverage AI to scale smarter, not harder. From automating content creation and lead nurturing to using AI agents for tasks like email management and branding, Devan shares actionable tips that help solopreneurs and small teams save time, reduce costs, and boost impact without hiring a full staff.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introduction

02:06 – Meet Devan Dillard

04:01 – When to Start Integrating AI

06:03 – AI as an Aid: Content Creation

09:22 – AI for Visual Content & Branding

11:37 – Delegation with AI Agents

14:10 – Real-World Use: AI Email Assistant

15:24 – Educating Yourself & Getting Started

16:43 – Strategic Automation: Focus on Revenue

19:32 – Connect with Devan Dillard

In this insightful episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, Jay Bourgana seasoned entrepreneur and GoBundance member, shares powerful strategies for buying and scaling service-based businesses. From fire extinguisher compliance services to niche landscaping specialties and military base contracts, Jay breaks down how to spot high-margin opportunities, leverage SBA financing, and create synergy through smart acquisitions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a growth-focused operator, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples that reveal how to build profitable, sustainable businesses.

In this solo episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham unveils a powerful new direction for the podcast focusing on helping business owners scale without burnout, exit with clarity, and build lasting wealth. Drawing from his own journey through entrepreneurship, burnout, and breakthrough, Paul shares how his Octane growth group is empowering founders to break free from the grind and reclaim their freedom. If you're ready to stop surviving and start designing a business and life that truly work for you, this episode is your starting point.