Mark Szymanski

Join me for a conversation with Nick Saraev, AI automation expert, agency owner, and content creator who scaled his service business to $72K/month.In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, business mindset, and content creation strategy. Nick shares his journey into AI automation, revealing why focusing ruthlessly on revenue-generating activities is the key to success.We discuss the power of transparency in marketing, the value of personal branding, and practical advice on building systems that deliver demonstrable ROI for clients.Whether you're looking to transition from technical skills to entrepreneurship, scale your service business, or leverage AI automation for growth, this conversation offers actionable insights from someone who's built successful businesses in both the technical and educational spaces. Plus, Nick shares his time management philosophy that allows him to create massive amounts of content while still maintaining a thriving agency and personal life.GUEST: Nick Saraev- Website: https://nicksaraev.com/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicksaraev- Maker School: https://www.skool.com/makerschool/- Make Money With Make.com: https://www.skool.com/makemoneywithmake/Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Nick Saraev8:35 - Conversation with Nick starts9:04 - Nick's perspective on why transparency and authenticity will be crucial in an AI-saturated future11:05 - Comparing our journeys from web development to exploring automation opportunities14:11 - Nick's path from struggling with WordPress to discovering front-end and AI technologies17:56 - The limitations of web design and why ROI-focused services are more valuable20:18 - The generational differences between WordPress and AI/automation communities25:12 - Why you need existing profitable processes before applying automation and AI29:04 - How to identify automation opportunities that deliver 100x results for businesses33:09 - Navigating criticism when sharing revenue figures and dealing with "trust fund kid" accusations38:13 - Nick's advice on when to start teaching: "learn, achieve, then share" to build credibility42:17 - Time management secrets: effectiveness over efficiency and the $500/hour mindset45:00 - Being ruthless about focusing only on tasks that generate significant ROI51:00 - Why growth solves most business problems better than optimization or hiring56:20 - The technician vs. entrepreneur spectrum and moving beyond technical skills59:08 - Three recurring revenue models for automation businesses explained in detail1:01:15 - Nick's inspiring story about confidence in success and where to find his content

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Matt Medeiros, the "Podfather of WordPress" and creator of The WP Minute, as we dive deep into the world of content creation, personal branding, and playing the long game in the digital space.In this episode, Matt shares his 15+ years of experience as a digital professional and reveals why he consciously chose to build without chasing fame or algorithms. We explore:- The true value of personal branding vs. building sellable assets- Why Matt avoids the content hamster wheel of viral marketing- The importance of creating for the love of the game, not just metrics- How podcasting serves as the ultimate "dynamic resume"- The transition from WordPress to AI and what's next- Strategic insights on when to name products after yourself (and when not to)- The "blue collar digital worker" mindset- How authentic content creation leads to unexpected opportunities- Building sustainable content businesses without burnoutMatt discusses his journey from running a WordPress agency to becoming a key voice in the podcasting space, his experiences with various ventures (from The Matt Report to The WP Minute to South Coast FM), and why staying "in the mix" has been his most valuable content strategy.Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or someone interested in building a lasting digital presence, this conversation offers invaluable insights on creating meaningful content that stands the test of time.GUEST: Matt Medeiros- Website: https://craftedbymatt.com- WP Minute: https://thewpminute.com- Gravity Forms: https://gravity.com 

Welcome to the first episode of the MJS Podcast!I'm Mark Szymanski, and in this introduction, I share why I'm starting this podcast journey to have authentic conversations with interesting minds who have mentored and influenced me. I explain my background in WordPress, digital marketing, and content creation, plus my previous podcasting experience with "Fueled by Progress."This podcast will focus on business, technology, AI, psychology, and philosophy through raw, unedited conversations with people who are innovating in these spaces. I believe strongly in my motto "learn, try, and share," which drives this podcast's purpose.Episodes will be released 1-2 times monthly, running about an hour each. Subscribe to join me in these valuable conversations, and find all my other content at https://mjs.bio!More of a watcher than a listener? Me, too.

CT is in the 'Burgh! CT Kaupp is a Wisconsin native that has a true passion for web design and entrepreneurship. He is the owner of CT Kaupp, LLC, a full-service web design firm, and the host of the Business In Boardshorts Podcast. His approach to web design emphasizes developing strong relationships with his clients. He takes care of everything, so they can focus on running their business. CT talks about the importance of building relationships with people, why he likes podcasting, his concerns with social media, how he stays ultra productive, and much more! Watch CT's last appearance on FBP! Follow CT: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website Follow CT Kaupp, LLC: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website Follow Business In Boardshorts Podcast: Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

She's Back! Amanda Masters has become a fitness fanatic over the past 14 months. She went from zero exercise to now working out 5 days per week. How'd she do it? She found a few great influences on social media that positively impacted her and now she's looking to inspire others to do the same via her brand, Amanda's Inspiration. On top of that, Amanda is also an Apparel Designer for Fueled By Progress and the Co-Host of AM In The PM.  Amanda talks about her fitness journey to this point, how working out has improved her life, her goals for Amanda's Inspiration, and much more! Check out Amanda's previous FBP episode! Follow Amanda's Inspiration: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  TikTok  -  Twitter  -  YouTube  -  Website Follow AM In The PM: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  TikTok  -  YouTube  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Benjamin Cartwright is back as our first repeat guest! He is a U.S. Military veteran and entrepreneur with thoughtful perspectives on the current U.S. political and economic landscape. In this second time around, Benjamin provides updates on his new venture, Stonebridge Security Consultants, which is set to launch later in 2021. SSC will provide a variety of security services to its clients across the country. A lot has happened in the world since Benjamin's first appearance, as well. He further defines his position as an anarcho-capitalist by sharing his thoughts on the new Presidential administration, human rights, and other geopolitical issues. Check out Benjamin's previous FBP episode! Connect with Benjamin & Stonebridge Security Consultants: Email  -  Facebook  -  Instagram -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Joe Tersak is a Pittsburgh native with a fierce passion for 2 things: self-improvement and cryptocurrency. By day, he works as an Elite Senior District Manager at ADP. By night, he is the host of Viva La Coin, his YouTube channel and brand devoted to educating others on cryptocurrency. Joe's story is something that everyone can benefit from hearing. Like many of us, he has had to struggle to find his purpose. His journey has not been easy, but it has hardened him into a relentless warrior. One of his life mottos is to "Be your own hero". In times of great hardship, we need to be able to look within to find the strength to keep going. Joe got into the crypto space in 2017. Back then, it was less developed, but many people still saw the opportunities it offered. Over the next couple of years, Joe's involvement stagnated a bit as he continued to navigate life. Then, 2020 came. He realized that a lot was about to change and he dove back into crypto, even deeper than before. Right now in 2021, as the US dollar deteriorates, we are all living through the early stages of, quite possibly, the greatest shift in global economics of all time. Educate yourself on cryptocurrency! Joe talks about his battle to find his purpose, the bargain he upholds every day, why people should care about cryptocurrency, the current state of the global economy, and much more! Follow Joe: Facebook - Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Twitter Follow Viva La Coin: Instagram  -  Twitter  -  YouTube -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Jeff Fieldhouse is a Pittsburgh native with a passion for comedy and a love for all types of creative art. He is a stand-up comedian the host of The BabyFace Assassin Podcast. Alongside his girlfriend and producer Danielle Bernick, he has spent the past 2 years building up the brand. The dynamic duo has big plans for the future! The craziness of 2020 put a temporary halt on comedy, but that didn't stop Jeff's progress. He shifted his focus to podcasting and is approaching his 100th episode! Every Monday, The BabyFace Assassin Podcast shines the spotlight on a special guest. Many musicians, comedians, artists, and other creatives have been featured thus far and there are many more to come! Jeff talks about the origin of the BabyFace Assassin, his experience as a podcaster, his love for comedy, the power of optimism, the importance of self-love, and much more! Follow Jeff: Instagram  -  Twitter Follow The BabyFace Assassin Podcast: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter  -  YouTube Follow Jeff's Squad: Danielle Bernick  -  TyDanzuso  -  Sarah Holby  -  Larry Lane -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

CT Kaupp is a Wisconsin native that has a true passion for web design and entrepreneurship. He is the owner of CT Kaupp, LLC, a full-service web design firm, and the host of the Business In Boardshorts Podcast. His approach to web design emphasizes developing strong relationships with his clients. He takes care of everything, so they can focus on running their business. CT's personal story is something everyone can learn from and be inspired by. CT worked at his father's advertising agency for several years before beginning freelance work. Shortly after, in September 2016, his father was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma (GMB) brain tumor and was called to Heaven in November 2016. Since then, CT has started up his own businesses and firmly believes his dad passed on his entrepreneurial spirit to him. A true lesson in turning tragedy into triumph. Read CT's full "My Why". CT talks about his "Why", what he's learned from running his own web design business, his thoughts on podcasting, the importance of having a skill, and much more! Follow CT: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website Follow CT Kaupp, LLC: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website Follow Business In Boardshorts Podcast: Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Benjamin Cartwright is a U.S. Military veteran and entrepreneur that has lived up and down the east coast of the United States. He's also a certified sous-chef and has worked at many top-notch establishments in the past. Benjamin's new venture, Stonebridge Security Consultants, is set to launch in 2021 and will provide a variety of services to its clients across the country. Benjamin's perspective on the current U.S. political and economic landscape is thoughtful. When analyzing issues, he implements a certain blend of logic and emotion that is quite refreshing. He points out hypocrisy no matter what side it's on and always has his sights set on long-term solutions, rather than short-term "victories". Benjamin talks about his views on society & politics, his past work experiences, his new security business, and much more! Follow Benjamin & Stonebridge Security Consultants: Facebook  -  Instagram -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Liam Carlin is a Pittsburgh native currently working full-time at a logistics company. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in 2019 with a Masters in Business Administration and has plans to work for himself in the future. In mid-2020, Liam launched his first business, Carlin Fitness Systems. Initially, he offered one-on-one training sessions and workout programs. More recently, the apparel side of his business has begun to flourish and he is looking to expand into other industries such as supplements and gym ownership in the future. Liam talks about his passion for fitness, his past ACL injuries, his daily nutrition, his new business venture, and much more! Follow Liam & Carlin Fitness Systems: Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Twitter Check Out Liam's Friends: Shane McFarland (Videography)  -  Jordan Lee (Photography)  -  Michael Lotenero (Graphic Design)  -  Taylor Bobak (Photography) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Josh Santiago is a freelance video editor and YouTuber with over 3,000 subscribers. He recently moved back to Wisconsin after living out in Oregon for a short time. Josh started to focus on building his video editing business, Thrive Media Productions, after he lost his day job due to the pandemic. He also began publishing more content on his YouTube channel, an amalgamation of everything he enjoys doing. His archive consists of videos about sports cards, fitness, business advice, life optimization, and much more. Josh chats about some of his YouTube secrets, life as a freelancer, the importance of self-awareness, and much more! Follow Josh: Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  YouTube Follow Thrive: Discord  -  Website  -  FREE Thrive Sticker -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

We've got big things planned for 2021! Podcast improvements, bringing the apparel line to life, and expanding the FBP community are just the beginning! Thank you all for your support! Stay Fueled By Progress & Let's Keep Going! FBP Clips Channel: YouTube Follow Fueled By Progress: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  TikTok  -  Twitter  -  YouTube  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Max Novak is a Director, VFX Artist, and YouTuber with over 240,000 subscribers. He is a Pittsburgh native that recently returned from living out in Los Angeles, California. Max attended CCAC for two years before transferring to Slippery Rock University (SRU). At the time, he was studying Cybersecurity but developed a passion for video editing and YouTube during his college years. He found some success, left SRU, went all-in on his passion, and has never looked back. Max's YouTube channel is an archive of hundreds of free video editing tutorials and his company, Media Monopoly, sells various types of digital assets to help creators expand their toolset and improve their workflow. Max talks about his process of mastering video effects, the keys to growing a successful YouTube channel, the pros/cons of service-based and product-based business models, and much more! Follow Max & Media Monopoly: Instagram  -  Twitter  -  YouTube  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Cal Tarasi is a Mail Carrier at The United States Postal Service. He is a Pittsburgh native that relocated to Yakima, Washington in June 2020 for a change of scenery. Prior to USPS, Cal studied Music at California University of Pennsylvania. After completing his core courses, he auditioned and was accepted into Berklee College of Music, one of the best music schools in the world. He spent one semester there and left because it wasn't right for him. Cal is incredibly talented on the guitar and harmonica, but he doesn't believe that. He has struggled with self-deprecation and it has resulted in a lack of interest in his single biggest passion, music. He is fighting a difficult battle against himself, but he has the strength to overcome it and pursue his dream of being a full-time musician. Go get it, Cal. Cal talks about his love for music, his time at Berklee, his struggle with self-confidence, his experience as a mail carrier, and much more! Follow Cal: Instagram Follow Friends of Friends of Friends: Website Follow Anton Ego: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Ryan Praskovich is a Cyber Threat Intelligence Consultant at Nationwide. He is a Pittsburgh native that relocated to Columbus, Ohio after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in information science/networks and security. Over the past few years, Ryan has developed a passion for personal finance and has implemented several strategies into his life because of it. On top of all that, he is also a professional bagpipe player! Ryan gives his perspective on college, the day-to-day of a Cyber Threat Intelligence Consultant, his personal finance journey, his bagpiping backstory, and much more! Follow Ryan: Instagram (Personal)  -  Instagram (The Columbus Bagpiper)  -  LinkedIn  -  Website -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Lucas Brennan is a Long Island, New York native and is currently working as a Full Stack Developer at BlueMatrix based in New York City. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in computer science in just 3.5 years. Lucas has a passion for gaming and has been building up his following on Twitch in his spare time. Lucas talks about his experience at the University of Pittsburgh, life as a Full Stack Developer, streaming on Twitch, the importance of mental health, and much more! Follow Lucas: Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  Twitch -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Alex Connor is a graduate student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute working towards his Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering. His current research focuses on the genetic design, recombinant production, and characterization of silk-inspired proteins produced in a variety of microorganisms. He also has a passion for learning about nutritional biochemistry and human physiology. Alex talks about what his typical day is like, his pillars of focus in life, his silk protein research, his experience with the carnivore diet, and much more! Follow Alex: LinkedIn Watch Alex's Material Innovation Initiative Presentation: Watch Now Watch Is Spider Silk Stronger Than Steel? | MythBusters Jr.: Watch Now -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Brian Carothers is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Select Realty in Moon Township, PA. He loves the real estate transaction process and enjoys helping people through one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Since social media's conception, Brian has learned to leverage it in a way not many other agents have. His persistence has resulted in great success. In the past, he was the host of a radio show in Atlanta, Georgia called "The Giant Show" and has always enjoyed making people laugh.  Brian talks about how authenticity and comedy on social media have helped him do more business, his real estate marketing strategy, the importance of seeing the silver linings during the craziness of 2020, and much more! Follow Brian: Facebook (Main Profile)  -  Facebook (Secondary Fan Page)  -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn  -  YouTube Check Out The "Scrambleeasy": Instagram Clint Hurdle Quote: "When your job brings people pleasure, people take pleasure in telling you how to do your job." (If you know Clint, tell him that he should be a guest on FBP with Brian) Brian's Top 3 Internet Videos: 1. Man Throws Shoes At Bush 2. Dopey Falls from Fantasmic Upper Level Onto Goofy at Disney's Hollywood Studios 3. Hilarious Irish Toddler Swearing "Fuckin Chucky" -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel

Cory Herschk is a 3rd Grade Math Teacher at Dilworth Elementary School, Director of Hockey Operations at USA Ball Hockey, and the Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Gods. The sport of ball hockey has grown exponentially over the past 10+ years and Cory has been one of the driving forces behind its rapid growth. He's spent and continues to spend, countless hours working to make ball hockey a certified sport in the U.S. with the ultimate goal of getting it into the Olympics. While ball hockey is a significant part of Cory's life, it's not his only focus. By day, he is revolutionizing the way Pittsburgh youth are taught critical life skills. This is where Cory's creativity shines through. His lesson planning goes beyond the typical math class and instead, he incorporates entrepreneurship, personal finance, life skills, and more into his teaching. Cory shares the story of how he got into ball hockey, the details of what he and many others are doing to help #GrowTheGame, his innovative approach to educating our youth, his secrets on how he balances all of this with family time, and much more! Follow Cory: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter Follow USA Ball Hockey: Email  -  Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter  -  Website Follow Pittsburgh Gods Ball Hockey: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening! FBP Website: fueledbyprogress.com YouTube: Fueled By Progress Instagram: @fbpapparel