Vic Keller founded 17 companies and exited 9 of them, including three sales to Berkshire Hathaway. He breaks down how growing up blue collar shaped his edge, why getting punched in the mouth early almost killed his first business, and how rebuilding instead of quitting changed everything. We also cover what real buyers look for, why cheap deals are not worth the pain, how to deleverage the founder, and the hidden cost of exits when selling the business means losing relationships too. This episode is a blueprint for building companies that survive bad weather and outlast the founder. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kirt Linington is a South Africa–born entrepreneur who came to the U.S. with $700, started door knocking at 42, and sold his roofing company in 2022 for a nine-figure exit. He breaks down how he built $62M in revenue while still working his corporate job, why sales must come before systems, and how to think about rejection as a skill—not a personality trait. We also cover what private equity looks for, how to maximize enterprise value, and why personal discipline shows up in business outcomes. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Daniel Lubetzky is the founder of KIND and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in modern consumer brands. In this episode, we break down how he went from a $24,000 salary after Stanford Law School to building a $5 billion company, why long term thinking matters more than early wins, and how purpose driven capitalism can create both impact and scale. Daniel shares how embracing setbacks shaped his approach to business, why most people misunderstand wealth creation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts without chasing hype. We also talk about discipline, values, and the role of hard work in a world obsessed with shortcuts. Because real wealth isn’t a paycheck. It’s building something meaningful that compounds over time. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ari Rastegar is a real estate developer and investor behind some of the most ambitious projects reshaping major U.S. cities. In this episode, we break down how starting with just $3,000 turned into a multi-billion-dollar real estate portfolio, why failure became his greatest advantage, and why most people misunderstand what it actually takes to build long term wealth. Ari explains why zoning, timing, and anticipation matter more than chasing “safe” deals, and why a billion-dollar valuation doesn’t mean cash in the bank. He also shares the story of writing himself a $1 billion check at 23 and carrying it for 15 years as a reminder of what he was building toward. Because real wealth isn’t reacting to the present. It’s having the patience to build the future before everyone else sees it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dr. De is the CEO of Biohax, a healthcare company focused on optimizing health, performance, and longevity for high performers. In this episode, we break down why burnout is normalized, why modern systems treat symptoms instead of building long-term health, and how hidden stressors quietly drain energy and performance over time. Dr. De shares his framework for reclaiming control over your biology through discipline, awareness, and long-term thinking. I also open up about my own health journey and why longevity has become a non-negotiable as I build for the future. Because real wealth isn’t money. It’s energy, clarity, and time to enjoy what you build. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dariush Soudhi is a serial entrepreneur who built — lost — and rebuilt multiple companies after a violent home invasion led to a heart attack, frozen accounts, and total collapse. Starting over in Dubai with just $750, he rebuilt from zero through door-to-door sales, ruthless self-accountability, and value-based pricing. Today, he runs a portfolio of businesses by solving real problems and charging what outcomes are worth. This episode breaks down rebuilding after trauma, pricing with self-worth, choosing time over ego, and what it actually takes to earn a second chance without wasting it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the School of Hard Knocks, we sit down with Robert Kiyosaki, legendary author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and real estate investor with over 15,000 rental properties. He shares how he went from Marine helicopter pilot and failed employee to building massive tax-free cash flow and global financial influence. Robert breaks down why he rejects traditional education, why “your house is not an asset,” and how smart debt, cash flow, and the right teachers changed his life. We also explore his lowest moments: homelessness, business failures, betrayal, and the $30M lesson that reshaped his strategy and his circle. This conversation is a masterclass in money psychology, resilience, masculine responsibility, and playing the game of wealth on your own terms. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door, scaled his home-service company to more than $300M in annual revenue and over 1,100 employees. His journey spans two decades of failures, rebuilding, systemizing, and mastering leadership. In this episode, he breaks down talent acquisition, firing top performers, building an owner-mindset workforce, and the philosophy that helped him 10x EBITDA in under two years.A grounded, tactical conversation on scaling, discipline, mentorship, and the mindset required to build a dominant organization. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the School of Hard Knocks Podcast, we sit down with Ken McEelroy, a real estate investor who manages over $2 billion in assets and runs a 300-person company in just 90 minutes a week. He shares how he went from property manager to owner, using distressed properties, billboards, and smart debt to build a massive portfolio. Ken breaks down tax strategies, passive income, hiring challenges, and why most investors misunderstand risk. We also dive into his views on family, legacy, and what real success looks like after the money is made. This is a raw, practical masterclass in real estate, time freedom, and long-term wealth. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Butch Hartman — creator of The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and more — reveals how he turned rejection into one of the most successful runs in Nickelodeon history. From his early days as an animator to running his own studio, Hartman shares the formula behind hit shows, building creative teams, learning business in Hollywood, and how faith shaped his success. A masterclass in creativity, persistence, and purpose. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.