The Friday Habit

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.

From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim’s story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn’t always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.

If you’ve ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom.

🧠 Takeaways:

• Why telling the truth is the ultimate business strategy
• The “Hourglass of Niching” framework for finding your sweet spot
• How to hire top global talent (and avoid bad hires)
• Why paying more can lead to better results
• How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and marketing
• Why doing what doesn’t scale is the real secret to growth

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon.

From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn’t enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life.

If you’ve ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you’re simply curious about what makes a company truly valuable—this episode is packed with insights you can apply today.

🧠 Takeaways:

-Don’t marry products—marry the brand and data.
-Amazon is just one channel: leverage it, then expand beyond it.
-The biggest myth: e-commerce success requires a brand-new invention.
-Sales fix everything—but only if profit margins are real.
-Avoid the “hopium” mindset of chasing overnight success.
-Purpose and values create sustainable growth (profit follows).
-The Five F’s for entrepreneurs: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Freedom.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter.

From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy’s path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life.

If you’ve ever struggled with focus, wondered when to quit versus push through, or dreamed of creating a company that runs without you—this conversation is packed with perspective.

🧠 Takeaways:

• Why focus—not chasing every shiny object—is the key to sustainable growth
• The power of perseverance and “outlasting” to find traction
• How taking a vacation exposes the cracks in your business
• Scaling by firing yourself from roles and empowering your team
• Building with intention: serving clients, your team, and your family
• Why faith and entrepreneurship don’t have to be in conflict

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who’s spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive.

From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands.

This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie also offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs about branding, building impact, and why moving slower may actually help you accomplish more.

🧠 Takeaways:

-Being good at something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it—follow what energizes you.
-Diversity, creativity, and authenticity create stronger businesses than profit-driven spreadsheets.
-Our culture often resists innovation—entrepreneurs must persist despite resistance.
-AI will disrupt every industry, but it also levels the playing field for entrepreneurs.
-Brands today aren’t built—they’re revealed. Authenticity is the new currency.
-Long-term planning and intentional focus allow you to move slower but do more.
-Success isn’t about accumulating marbles—it’s about creating meaningful impact.