Ben Krueger, the owner and operator of Authority Engine is an avid entrepreneur, marketer and adventurer, He started Authority Engine as a hub for podcasting information and services that re-define best practices to get your voice heard by exactly the type of people you want to reach out to. It wasn’t too long ago he was penned up in an office working the dreaded dead-end job but he resorted to listening to marketing and business podcasts until his ears bled. As he listened, he started researching, and learning more about podcasting as a personal interest. This quickly grew into voracious research trying to uncover what made certain podcasts wild successes, and others a flop. How were podcasters using their online shows to reach and surpass their business objectives? The more podcasters he talked to and research he did, he realized the raw power of what podcasting can do for an individual’s or a business’ success. He dedicated himself to digging deeper, learning everything there is to learn about strategic podcasting for business growth and acceleration. Since then he has built Authority Engine to implement his findings, test new approaches, work closely with clients to create and launch their podcasts.
Secret Entourage Academy
Secret Academy Episode – Ryan Beltran
Upon graduation, Ryan Beltran immediately left for what he believed was the new frontier of international entrepreneurship and business; China. During his first year abroad he developed a strong skill set in manufacturing and product development. Shortly after, he recognized the opportunity to create his own unique products and decided to launch a line of men’s watches: 100% all-natural wood and stainless steel watches by Original Grain. Ryan has a strong understanding and background in dealing with Chinese culture and their business practices. His emphasis is building businesses that will facilitate trade between the U.S. and China.
Secret Academy Episode – Tom Cruz
Tom Cruz was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and moved to the United States when he was six. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Finance. After successfully clearing $100,000 running an ecommerce website in high school, Tom wanted a more scalable and passive income stream through the internet. He started a web development company – AptoHosting.com – when his freshman year of college. Since then Apto Hosting has grown and is currently hosting over 500 websites in 10 different countries. Tom gives us his insight and success to date from launching a business from nothing to running a 6 employee operation at just the young age of 22. He has built a reputation for getting their clients to the top of the search engines for competitive and profitable keywords.
Secret Academy Episode – Shawn Nelson
While in high school, Shawn wanted to make an oversized bean bag, so he filled it with everything he could find – from packing peanuts to pillow and foam – chopped up on a paper cutter. The bean bag got so the attention of his friends from school that he had no choice but to start making more and selling them. “Lovesac” came to life as an alternative furniture retailer focused on comfort, sophistication and…excitement! After thirteen years, the company has expanded to 20+ stores in the U.S. and Australia. In addition to the Sacs, Nelson came up with a Lego-like concept for sectional sofas, called “Sactionals,” a patented concept making big waves in the furniture industry. Shawn has not only created an amazing business but has managed to win Rebel Billionaire, which has earned him the right to be president of Virgin Worldwide and work directly with Richard Branson.
Secret Academy Episode – Gabe Zichermann
A resident of NYC, Gabe Zichermann is a board member of StartOut.org, advisor to a number of startups and facilitator for the Founder Institute in Manhattan. He is also on the chair of GSummit where top gamification experts across industries gather to share knowledge and insight about customer & employee engagement and loyalty. As an author, Gabe identified himself as an entrepreneur. His book, “Gamification by Design,” analyzes the technical and architectural considerations for designing engagement using games concepts and his other book, “Game-Based Marketing,” achieved critical and industry acclaim for its detailed look at innovators who blend the power of games with brand strategy.
Secret Academy Episode – Chris Hurn
Christopher G. Hurn is the co-founder and CEO of Mercantile Capital Corporation: a three-time Inc. 500|5000 honoree, a three-time SBA Financial Services Champion, and a nationwide provider of small business real estate loans and interim financing. Chris is also the author of The Entrepreneur’s Secret to Creating Wealth, an Amazon Bestseller. Chris’ specialty lies in the acquisition and leverage of commercial real estate in the startup world. While many do not believe that they should own their building rather than lease it, Chris believes his company will change the way Entrepreneurs think and leverage commercial properties in the long run.
Secret Academy Episode – Nino Batista
There are many talented photographers in the world and while they all have a unique gift for photography, very few have the drive and understanding of the business behind the art. Nino not only is one of today’s best glamour photographers but he also has been able to change the typical way photographers monetize their business. His ability to go from photographer to trainer while continuing to follow his passion has made him a great example of how photographers can learn to monetize their passion. Nino shares his tips on turning your hobby into a business but more importantly shares his best practices on growing as a photographer.