What do you do when life takes an unexpected turn? If you’re Garr Russell, you turn setbacks into opportunities and sometimes, you turn an unwanted RV into a thriving business.

In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with Garr Russell, entrepreneur and Founder of Fireside RV Rental, to explore his remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and entrepreneurship.

Garr’s path to success has been anything but straightforward. From pitching business ideas as a child to being fired for his faith, navigating bankruptcy, and learning the world of credit repair through his own personal experience, Garr has faced his share of challenges. Rather than allowing those setbacks to define him, he transformed them into opportunities to learn, grow, and build.

He went on to found and sell an award-winning credit counseling company before taking an unexpected leap into the world of “wheel-estate.” What began with a single, initially unwanted RV gift eventually grew into Fireside RV Rental, a business that has expanded into a major RV rental management franchise.

In this candid conversation, Garr shares:

· The early experiences that sparked his entrepreneurial mindset

· How being fired, facing bankruptcy, and other setbacks shaped his resilience

· The lessons he learned from building and selling an award-winning company

· How one unexpected RV helped launch an entirely new entrepreneurial journey

· The challenges of transforming an idea into a scalable franchise business

· His biggest wins and toughest moments as a founder

· What five years of full-time RV living and homeschooling four children taught him about life, family, and entrepreneurship

· The role of faith, passion, and purpose in his journey

· How entrepreneurs can turn failure, rejection, and personal setbacks into future breakthroughs

· His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those navigating difficult seasons

Garr Russell’s story is a powerful reminder that success is rarely a straight line. Sometimes the experiences we least expect and the challenges we never wanted can become the foundation for our greatest opportunities.

If you are an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply someone navigating an unexpected twist in life, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest reflections, and inspiration to help you keep moving forward.

Listen now and join the conversation.

#TheEntrepreneurSpeaks #GarrRussell #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurialJourney #FiresideRVRental #RVRental #FranchiseBusiness #BusinessSuccess #Resilience #Leadership #StartupStories #FounderStory #BusinessLessons #FaithAndBusiness #PersonalGrowth

Turning Setbacks Into Success : Garr Russell on Resilience, Faith and  Fireside RV Rental

What happens when technology designed to make life easier actually makes life more frustrating?

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Andrew Bolton, CEO and Co-Founder of TechRescue, a 24/7 human-powered tech support company helping seniors, families, and small businesses navigate an increasingly complicated digital world.

Andrew shares his journey from Harvard and Wall Street to entrepreneurship, and the experience that inspired him to build a company where people not software are the product.

We explore the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, including costly early mistakes, difficult decisions, the pressure of building a purpose-driven business, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Andrew also shares his perspective on the limits of automation, why some problems still require a human touch, and how technology can be made safer, simpler, and more accessible.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Andrew’s journey from finance to entrepreneurship
 * The inspiration behind TechRescue
 * Building a business around human connection
 * The highs, lows and costly mistakes of entrepreneurship
 * Balancing purpose with profitability
 * Scaling a people-driven service business
 * Technology, AI and the importance of human support
 * Protecting families and seniors in an increasingly digital world
 * Lessons Andrew wishes he knew before becoming an entrepreneur

This is a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, purpose, pressure, technology and the lessons that come from building a business from the ground up.

From Wall Street to TechRescue: Why the Future of Tech Still Needs Humans

What if your business could grow without demanding more of your time?

For many entrepreneurs, success comes with an unexpected price: becoming the person the business cannot operate without. The bigger the company grows, the more decisions, problems and responsibilities find their way back to the founder.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, I sit down with George Rivera, creator of the Father-First OS™ and author of Buy Back Time Formula, to explore how entrepreneurs can build businesses that don't depend on them for every decision.

George shares the lessons behind his own transformation including the deeply personal advice from his father that challenged him to rethink what success really means. That experience ultimately shaped his Father-First philosophy: building a successful business while remaining present for the people who matter most.

We explore George's practical frameworks for buying back time, including the $10K/Hour Filter, the Father-First Owner OS™, delegating outcomes rather than tasks, and the Two-Week Vacation Test.
George also explains where growing businesses lose the most time, how to eliminate key-person dependency, establish genuine ownership within teams, and use systems, scoreboards and decision rights to create greater organisational independence.

And because AI is transforming the way entrepreneurs work, we discuss practical ways founders can use AI to save time without necessarily adding headcount from documentation and SOPs to meeting summaries, hiring, customer support and sales preparation.

But this conversation ultimately goes beyond productivity and business growth.

It asks a bigger question:

What is the point of building a successful business if you don't have the time to enjoy the life you're building it for?

If you're an entrepreneur, founder, business leader or aspiring entrepreneur looking to scale your business, reclaim your time and become less indispensable to your organisation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen, learn and share your thoughts.

#TheEntrepreneurSpeaks #GeorgeRivera #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BuyBackTime #AI #BusinessGrowth #Founder #Delegation #Productivity

Buy Back Time: George Rivera on Building a Business That Doesn't Depend on You

What if everything you've worked for still left you feeling unfulfilled?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and Next Level University Founder & CEO Alan Lazaros to explore the journey from external success to genuine fulfillment.

After surviving a near-fatal car accident at age 26, Alan questioned everything he believed about success, purpose, and happiness. That pivotal moment inspired him to leave the conventional path and dedicate his life to helping others unlock their highest potential.

Today, Alan leads a global team, has produced more than 2,300 podcast episodes, coached thousands of individuals, and built a seven-figure personal development company focused on helping people grow in Health, Wealth, and Love.

In this inspiring conversation, you'll discover:

✅ Why success alone doesn't guarantee fulfillment
✅ The difference between happiness and purpose
✅ The mindset shifts that transform your life and career
✅ How to achieve peak performance without burnout
✅ The importance of optimizing your health, wealth, and relationships together
✅ Leadership lessons from building a global business
✅ Practical strategies to become the best version of yourself

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, student, leader, or someone searching for greater purpose, this episode will challenge the way you define success and inspire you to pursue lasting fulfillment.

Key Topics:

 * Personal Development
 * Mindset
 * Peak Performance
 * Entrepreneurship
 * Leadership
 * Success
 * Fulfillment
 * High Performance Habits
 * Self-Improvement
 * Business Growth
 * Coaching
 * Health, Wealth & Love

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share. Your support helps us continue bringing you world-class entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the globe.

Success to Fulfillment: Mindset, Peak Performance & Living Your Next Level

How do you build a meaningful life while leading with purpose? What does it take to navigate uncertainty, reinvent yourself, and create lasting impact?

In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with leadership strategists Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera for a powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, mindset, resilience, and personal transformation.

Dr. Esther Zeledon is an executive coach, founder of Be.Act.Change and YourPitch, former diplomat, scientist, bestselling author of Creating Your Limitless Life on Your Terms, and TEDx speaker. Dr. Paul Rivera is a strategic planner, international economist, leadership coach, and expert in organizational transformation and inclusive leadership.

Together, they share practical insights on:

✅ Leadership during uncertainty
✅ Entrepreneurship and purpose-driven impact
✅ Building a limitless life on your own terms
✅ Mindset shifts for high performers
✅ Reinvention and personal growth
✅ Finding your voice and building your legacy
✅ Strategic leadership and organizational alignment
✅ The future of leadership in a changing world

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, development professional, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success, purpose, and the legacy you are creating.

🎙️ Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast for inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, and changemakers from around the world.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe.

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Purpose #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #PersonalGrowth #Legacy #Podcast #TheEntrepreneurSpeaks #KofiAnyemedu #DrEstherZeledon #DrPaulRivera

Leadership, Innovation & Building a Limitless Life

What does it really take to survive nearly 40 years in business?

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, Chris Shurian, founder of Bootstraps & Battle Scars and creator of Founders Exchange  shares real lessons from a serial entrepreneur who has built, broken, and rebuilt companies across construction, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and foreign investment.

Chris has lived what he calls “nine business lives in one.” He’s led multi-million-dollar ventures, faced business collapse, survived cancer, completed two Ironmans, and rebuilt when everything fell apart.

If you’re an entrepreneur facing failure, burnout, or doubt, this episode will show you:

✔️ How to rebuild after business failure
✔️ The mindset required to survive long-term entrepreneurship
✔️ What 39 years in business teaches you about resilience
✔️ Why founders must drop the armor and get real
✔️ The difference between hustle culture and true endurance
✔️ Practical lessons from wins, losses, and comebacks

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or seasoned entrepreneur, these battle-tested insights will help you navigate uncertainty and build something that lasts.

This conversation is about resilience in business, founder mindset, reinvention, and the courage to start over.

To  host amazing guests on your podcast, join PodMatch here  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/kofiasare

What It Really Costs to Become an Entrepreneur | 40 Years of Hard Lessons from a Serial Founder

Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship, where the journey is anything but linear. In this episode of the Entrepreneurs Speaks podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu engages Andrew Ackerman, an experienced entrepreneur and author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey.  

 Together, they dive deep into the multifaceted experiences that shape entrepreneurs, offering insights and valuable lessons drawn from real-life challenges and triumphs.  The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with uncertainty, challenges, and invaluable lessons. Andrew Ackerman's experiences serve as a testament to the resilience required to navigate this path. 

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the key takeaways from this discussion include the importance of adaptability, the necessity of testing ideas, and the value of learning from both successes and failures.  

Remember, entrepreneurship is not just about the destination; it's about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.  

Check out Andrew on his personal site https://www.andrewbackerman.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFVQQzV3aGhYYnY4X3QxdmFsYVhOdHR1RV84QXxBQ3Jtc0trWlY3M2kwby03Ylhfc0VwaWNuckRmbkxocGpwUzBVYmhLSnFYUlpFdVFzS1lqcTIySDlKY0pBZWJ5ZS1laE1DS09yM3p3ZUE1MW9TdkdDSVNIMUUzR0l6Y292ZlE2QVhSRDk3NzN0NEx1RXE5T25iYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andrewbackerman.com%2F&v=peMZ6IJsv5w] or buy his book at https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnNpeDR4WVNja21tZnZzU1NBMEJWVUQ3RGY2Z3xBQ3Jtc0tscl9MRDZFNTRDdm9zUmVJTmJvMXg5c3EwVEpnX2FJdU1GQ190T2VCZG1ZY2VlWkNyTGVndGRjV1B4U3dkbWowMlUwdjJqbTFPZjJ5TGJvV0xZTnVkLU8yQXpFOFFGbldKRGVibDZ1YUp0czJIbkQ1aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEntrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success%2Fdp%2F1032883545%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0&v=peMZ6IJsv5w]



Don't forget to like and subscribe!!



To get amazing guests on your show , join PodMatch here https://www.joinpodmatch.com/kofiasare

#TheEntrepreneurSpeaks #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #StartupLife #Podcast #theentrepreneurspeakspodcast #podmatch

Entrepreneurship is an Odyssey : Lessons from the Highs, Lows, and in-between

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi  Anyemedu sits down with Steve Seidel, CEO and Founder of The Seidel Agency, to explore his entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and the power of human connection in business. 

 With over 25 years of experience in marketing, media, and PR, Steve shares the highs and lows of building a people-first agency, the setbacks that shaped his leadership, and the pivotal moments that confirmed he was on the right path. He unpacks his powerful philosophy of “Connection as Currency,” explaining why authentic relationships, storytelling, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable even in the age of AI.  This conversation also dives into:  

 * Turning disadvantages into strengths  
 * Building resilient, purpose-driven leadership  
 * Creating strong organizational culture  
 * The role of grit, rejection, and reinvention in entrepreneurship 
 * The future of leadership in AI-driven workplaces  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creative, or founder navigating growth and change, this episode offers practical insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons you can apply immediately.  

🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired.  

🔔 Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast for regular conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and change-makers from around the world.

Steve Seidel on Entrepreneurship, Connection as Currency & Leadership Lessons

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Jimi Gibson , Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, TEDx speaker, professional magician, and a respected voice in the world of digital marketing.  Thrive Agency has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, and under Jimi’s leadership, the company continues to transform websites into powerful, client-growing machines. 

In this conversation, Jimi shares his entrepreneurial journey : the highs, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the lessons that shaped his career.  We dive into: 

✨ How Thrive Agency’s results-driven approach fuels sustainable business growth 

✨ Why websites must constantly evolve to remain relevant 

✨ The 215-point digital health analysis that sets Thrive apart 

✨ How to build a people-centered company culture 

✨ The surprising connection between magic, leadership, and marketing 

✨ Jimi’s biggest lessons from decades in the digital marketing space  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, small business owner, or someone curious about digital strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.  

📌 About Jimi Gibson  

Jimi Gibson is the VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, a Forbes Agency Council member, digital marketing expert, author, and TEDx speaker. He specializes in results-driven digital strategies, website transformation, and people-centered leadership. 

 👍 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to:  

✔️ Like 

✔️ Subscribe 

✔️ Comment your biggest takeaway 

✔️ Share with someone building a business or brand

Marketing , Magic , Mindset - Insights from Jimi Gibson

Why do some press releases make headlines while others go completely unnoticed? Is public relations only for big brands, or can small businesses use PR to build credibility, land media coverage, and drive real results?  

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and a PR expert with over 25 years of experience helping small businesses get featured in top media outlets. Mickie has mastered the art of writing and distributing press releases that journalists actually pay attention to without the need for a massive PR budget.   

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

 *  Mickie’s entrepreneurial journey and the origin story of eReleases 
 * Why most press releases fail and how to fix them 
 * Common mistakes businesses make when trying to get media coverage 
 * Insider strategies to boost credibility, conversions, and visibility through PR 
 * How to leverage press releases in the AI era without getting lost in the noise 
 * Real-world success stories of small businesses that used PR to scale 
 * Mickie’s advice for entrepreneurs new to press releases  

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or marketing professional, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you get noticed, build trust, and grow your brand with PR.  

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more entrepreneurial insights and strategies that can help your business thrive.

How to Use PR to Grow Your Business (Even on a Small Budget) | eReleases Founder Shares Secrets

Kofi Anyemedu (@kofi) · Zencastr

Kofi Anyemedu (@kofi)

The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast brings you honest, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders who share the real stories :-  wins, failures, tough decisions, and lessons learned the hard way. 

Hosted by Kofi Anyemedu, each episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for builders and leaders.

Learn to live a life of PASSION and PURPOSE.

The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast

A monthly podcast produced by OAA 99 that talks about everything there is to
know about our 25th anniversary of leaving Achimota School.