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In this Maker Manager Money podcast episode, host Kyle Knowles sits down with Kevin Biebelhausen, an investor and business owner based in North Carolina. Kevin shares his journey into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), a unique path to business ownership that focuses on acquiring established, profitable companies rather than starting from scratch.

Discover how Kevin's fund, Fruition Capital, targets B2B companies at least 10 years old and generates between $1 to $2 million in EBITDA. He explains why acquiring an existing business can be easier than chasing venture capital. He offers powerful insights on betting on yourself and building sustainable wealth through business ownership.

Throughout the conversation, Kevin discusses his background, including his experience as a professional opera singer and how it has influenced his approach to business. He also shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those transitioning from corporate careers or military service.

Join us for an inspiring discussion highlighting ETA's potential and the importance of finding your own path in entrepreneurship.

Key Topics:

• What is Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)?
• The benefits of acquiring established businesses
• Insights on investing in small to medium-sized businesses
• Kevin's journey from opera singer to business owner
• Advice for transitioning military veterans and corporate professionals

Links:

• Learn more about Kevin Biebelhausen at biebelhausen.com
• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Maker Manager Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Howard, a credit card loyalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight to the Points (STTP). Spencer's journey into the world of travel rewards began after a career in politics, where he honed his skills in research and communication. He shared how his background in political science from Notre Dame and his experiences running political campaigns prepared him for the entrepreneurial path he eventually took.

Spencer's passion for travel and deal hunting led him to create STTP in 2017. He aims to help business owners and everyday travelers demystify credit card points and maximize their travel experiences without breaking the bank. His award-alert newsletters curate the best deals on premium cabin flights, making it easier for subscribers to book luxury travel.

During our conversation, we explored Spencer's transition from politics to travel writing, his unique approach to building a newsletter, and the importance of engaging with his audience. He emphasized the value of personalized consulting and how he helps clients optimize their points strategies. We also discussed the various credit card strategies he recommends for small business owners, highlighting the benefits of using business credit cards to earn more points.

Spencer shared insights into the growth of his newsletter, which started as a hobby and has now grown to around 10,000 subscribers. He explained the different subscription options, including a premium tier offering more in-depth travel insights. We also touched on the challenges of navigating the complex world of travel rewards and how Spencer aims to simplify that process for his readers.

As we delved deeper into Spencer's personal life, he opened up about his experiences with mental health, the impact of his parents on his life, and his passion for travel. He shared some of his favorite travel destinations, including Taiwan, and has on his bucket list to attend the Monaco Formula One race.

Spencer's enthusiasm for travel and helping others experience the luxury of flying business class was evident throughout the episode. He also discussed the tools he uses to manage his business, including MailChimp and Simple Texting, and how he balances work with family life, especially as a new father.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in travel rewards, entrepreneurship, and turning a passion into a successful business. Join us as we uncover Spencer's story and learn how to use credit card points to create unforgettable travel experiences.

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In this episode of "Make or Manage Your Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Roger Einstoss, the CEO and co-founder of Braintly. This company connects U.S. businesses with top-tier software engineering talent in Latin America. Roger's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, from his childhood days of selling burned CDs to leading a successful international business.

Roger shared insights into his educational background, highlighting his decision to pursue a technical school specializing in informatics, ultimately leading him to a software engineering degree. He recounted his early professional experiences, including his first job as a junior developer and his transition into management, where he learned the complexities of leading a team and navigating interpersonal dynamics.

As we delved deeper into his story, Roger explained how he and his co-founders identified a significant opportunity in the nearshore outsourcing market. They founded Braintly in 2012, and within a year, they secured their first client in Silicon Valley. Roger emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration, mainly through his involvement with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), which has provided him invaluable support and connections throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

We discussed Braintly's services, including staff augmentation and complete project teams, and how they cater to the needs of U.S. companies looking to build engineering teams in Latin America. Roger elaborated on their projects, often working with technology-driven companies that rely on software for their operations.

Much of our conversation focused on artificial intelligence's impact on the software development landscape. Roger shared his thoughts on the future of work for developers, the importance of maintaining foundational knowledge despite the rise of AI tools, and how Braintly is leveraging AI to enhance its recruitment processes.

As we wrapped up the episode, Roger reflected on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. He candidly discussed the difficulties of making tough decisions regarding team members and his company's profound impact on the lives of talented individuals in Argentina, providing them with opportunities to work for U.S. companies and improve their quality of life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. Roger's story is inspiring and offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate their journeys in the business world.

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