The Entrepreneur Forum | Financial Freedom | Starting a Business | Motivation | Money | Success

Welcome to the only entrepreneur forum dedicated to building life-changing wealth.

Build a Fastlane business. Earn real financial freedom. Join free.

Join over 80,000 entrepreneurs who have rejected the paradigm of mediocrity and said "NO!" to underpaid jobs, ascetic frugality, and suffocating savings rituals— learn how to build a Fastlane business that pays both freedom and lifestyle affluence.

Free registration at the forum removes this block.

The Undercover Billionaire: Building a $1m business in 90 days

SteveO

Legendary Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
456%
Jul 24, 2007
4,228
19,294
I appreciate Glenn taking the viewer through scenarios they may encounter.

Hardships. Luck. Pivot Points.

For example we know he has internet access.

Do you think he couldn't type in...

View attachment 26774

The show is more like a book filled with lessons and anecdotes.
He was specifically requesting a new license. That is different from a transfer. I also believe he was looking for a special type of brewer licensing.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.
Last edited:

ApparentHorizon

Platinum Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
301%
Apr 1, 2016
942
2,836
Greenville, SC
He was specifically requesting an new license. That is different from a transfer. I also believe he was looking for a special type of brewer licensing.

You're right. I think he was doing it for effect. 90 days to get $1M. 90 days to get approved.

On the same results page, the actual time-frame shows around 6 months for a new one. (180 days)
 

Andy Black

Help people. Get paid. Help more people.
Staff member
FASTLANE INSIDER
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Fastlane!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
370%
May 20, 2014
18,566
68,699
Ireland

TheCj

Bronze Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
191%
Jan 3, 2017
223
425
Ontario, Canada
Glenn's process of assembling a team and his way of approaching starting a business, is probably the biggest difference I see.

Most people when starting a restaurant or any business will be doing everything themselves. They'll be in charge of renovating, hiring the cooks and wait staff, food control, inventory etc..

He's basically working with the end business structure in mind, going backwards from a huge company to a small start up. By already delegating out different "divisions" he's already the manager. So he's separated his time from the day to day running of the small details. The scaling framework part of running the business is in place. If they have issues with the beer relationships they won't be going to Glenn they'll go to Mark the beer guy repeat for any problem in any division. Problem with the house go to the decorator, Is awesome to see.

Can apply this to dealing with the front line employee's that's already not Glenn's role, he deals with his leadership group which he has chosen and likes. By guiding them they learn what Glenn likes to do and they become an extension of him. Or more like he guides them to take ownership of there division, and gives feedback when he feels necessary. So less work for him in long run as he trains/guides them in short term.

There also won't be a transition phase where the owner/operator has to rethink the business to grow and how to add people after years of running as sole proprietor.

Can see now how it makes sense for the metal fab guy, the carpenter, and Rj to be involved. The metal fab guy could be the company contracted to make the signature bbq cook top or whatever it is for the restaurant's if goes nationwide. Repeat for the carpenter business, and Rj gets contracted to handle all the merchandise sales and product creations.

A lot going on this episode, and they revealed that he was doing a lot more in the earlier weeks than they let on in those episodes.

Fun to see.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

oku

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
82%
Aug 20, 2019
34
28
I guess that'd be like putting a professional athlete through college again. Interesting.
 

oku

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
82%
Aug 20, 2019
34
28
Great premise. Make a million dollars from scratch. In 90 days. From $100.

Thanks for posting. Definitely going to watch.

Most people will hate on the show because of cognitive dissonance.

The Script tells them that it takes 40 years to make a million dollars.

If he does it in 90 days, then their belief systems are wrong. And that's impossible.
Quite right. There are many factors he's not prepared for.
Nothing like his first business.
Neuroplasticiteit making habits and expectations hard to break -- "Can't teach an old do new tricks."

If Leonardo DaVinci was born in 2019, would he still be successful?
 

Rawseed

Legendary Lurker
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
255%
Mar 1, 2018
421
1,074
45
Atlanta, GA
You're right. I think he was doing it for effect. 90 days to get $1M. 90 days to get approved.

On the same results page, the actual time-frame shows around 6 months for a new one. (180 days)

He may or may not have been doing it for effect. But, it was still a great move.

When I googled: Get a brewery license in Pennsylvania, I found this resource:


They say that it takes six weeks to get the required:

Manufacture, Storage or Transportation License to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

If he had listened to that, he may have continued with his original brewery plan.

Talking to a lawyer with domain experience helped him get two key pieces of information that isn't found in the above article.
  1. In addition to a state brewer's license, he needs a federal brewer's license
  2. The government shut down has severely slowed down that process
Those two pieces of information were worth way more than he paid for them. Without those two pieces of information, he would have surely failed.

The lawyer may have also had a shortcut that the average person doesn't know about.

Billionaires understand the value of time more than the average person. They also know that there are undocumented loop holes in every system.

For most things, reading a book or website is all you need to move on to the next step.

But, if you have a specific critical question, talking directly to a professional who has walked down the path you are trying to walk, is better.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

TheCj

Bronze Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
191%
Jan 3, 2017
223
425
Ontario, Canada
Another thing that sticks out, it looks like he approaches problems by asking who can help me? Instead of how can I do something.

Also what he's wearing or how's he wearing what he has, has changed improved.
 

Bertram

Silver Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
147%
Oct 25, 2015
573
842
Virginia
I have no use for TV but checked it out. It's great entertainment to follow the execution of an inspired, talented, truly vulnerable hero. And my knowledge pivots every episode.

Glenn knows people and sales but like any fallible mortal he has occupational blindness now and then.

As soon as he sees the cat pee/green mold in his real estate flip house he thinks "remediation company." I would be calculating the costs of a plastic spray bottle, paper towels and diluted bleach.

Did anyone predict that the tatted T-shirt baron would be reluctant to find a BBQ master?
 
Last edited:

Vigilante

Legendary Contributor
Staff member
FASTLANE INSIDER
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
596%
Oct 31, 2011
11,116
66,265
Gulf Coast
Did anyone predict that the tatted T-shirt baron would be reluctant to find a BBQ master?

Might be theatrics with an engineered turnaround story. His business is getting a TON of free publicity along the way. He probably went from obscure to national.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Bertram

Silver Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
147%
Oct 25, 2015
573
842
Virginia
I like the concept, though I am skeptical of televised success. Now, I might just set a challenge for myself to do something like this, which would be where the real value lies.
I'm thinking the same thing, doing an outrageous challenge by everyday standards.
 

Bertram

Silver Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
147%
Oct 25, 2015
573
842
Virginia
I'm thinking the same thing, doing an outrageous challenge by everyday standards.
Nine adventurous souls to join the challenge and it's on. Not sure about moving to a new locale and living in a truck.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.
Last edited:

Originsofchase

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
232%
Jun 3, 2019
19
44
Keller, Texas
Just caught up on the latest episode. Some things that stood out to me.

- Glenn talks of servant leadership. Working for and with his team.

- Ownership. He takes ownership when things do not go as planned, but also encourages his team to own their role in the operation. The Dichotomy of Leadership (great book that I'm reading).

- Networking and relationships are very important. He wouldn't have made it even this far without the relationships he has built. I think he struck gold with Matt, the guy running the alcohol/beer side of the business.

- Mindset, be prepared and willing to pivot. Don't marry yourself to one idea.
 

Ecom man

Legendary Contributor
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Fastlane!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
496%
Apr 17, 2014
1,039
5,154
35
Just got caught up today as well.

One thing that struck me was he was getting the ball rolling on his business before he has even close to the money to make it happen. I know I’m often a do this then that kind of thing but he already had the business picked out, the pivot to Beer and BBQ done and was getting after people for not hiring a pittboss before he even has the house bought.

To me it’s been challenging to my beliefs. Why haven’t I hired someone to do x?

Why didn’t I build a team around me when it became successful instead of being a solopreneur?

What am I going to change that can take my business to the next level in 90 days, or a year?

Honestly this show is powerful if you watch for themes and what you can implement in your business form his experience!
 

Melissa Tucker

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
356%
Aug 17, 2019
9
32
Scottsdale, AZ
I binged watched all the episodes that are out so far...(3 or 4 I think?). I LOVE this show! Is it scripted? Possibly - but his hustle, grit, and ability to pivot and keep going are just a few of the qualities that many of us are missing. I was so inspired by watching his approach to getting his business up and running that it's caused me to look at my business a bit different and make moves I was scared to take before.

Haters are going to hate but there's always a lesson. I think this show is inspiring.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

SiuLung

Bronze Contributor
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
218%
Aug 13, 2019
49
107
France
I don't know if the show is scripted, but I really liked it so far!

The main lesson that I get from it is that if you have a will and a vision, and if you want to bring that vision to life more than anything else, you will eventually succeed.

I mean, at first glance, Glenn Stearns doesn't radiate confidence and charisma. I even find him kind of socially awkward in some situations. But man, once he starts moving, he is able to sell his idea to other people, motivate them and make things happen.

What do you think?
 

ProcessPro

Bronze Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
121%
Apr 26, 2018
380
461
Just going to throw this out there as it relates to the current direction on the discussion....

As a business consultant who has worked with many self made millionaires I'll just say this: Whatever excuse you have, or have heard anyone else use, someone with a worse situation made the decision to be successful and succeeded.

I'm constantly amazed at some of the obstacles many of my clients have had to overcome. Amazing.

If you live in the USA or Europe and have an IQ of 95+, you really don't have many legitimate excuses for not living up to your potiental.

I'm in a developing country. Also a lot of opportunities. We can just import ideas.
 

ProcessPro

Bronze Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
121%
Apr 26, 2018
380
461
Just saw the 2 episodes, I thought it was a lot of fun !
Can't wait to see the next one !
One thing I noticed also, and Felix Dennis insist a lot in his book too, is betting on human capital
I think it's a really great shortcut to scale and a necessary step in growing a business. What do you think guys ?

What's betting on human capital?
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

The Abundant Man

Gold Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
150%
Jul 3, 2018
1,428
2,140
I like the concept, though I am skeptical of televised success. Now, I might just set a challenge for myself to do something like this, which would be where the real value lies.
Youtube it
 

The Abundant Man

Gold Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
150%
Jul 3, 2018
1,428
2,140
I wonder what the general public thinks of this show?

I know as business owners we'll always appreciate and take something out of this but it doesn't mean others will.

I play the Cello so I have a fondness for classical music but to others it's boring.
 

biophase

Legendary Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Unscripted!
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
474%
Jul 25, 2007
9,121
43,261
Scottsdale, AZ
I appreciate Glenn taking the viewer through scenarios they may encounter.

Hardships. Luck. Pivot Points.

For example we know he has internet access.

Do you think he couldn't type in...

View attachment 26774

The show is more like a book filled with lessons and anecdotes.

I think this is a lesson. Sure you can find the answer online, but do you know if it is correct, or the only way? For something this important, I would never read it online and give up. I'd ask for another opinion.

He's a billionaire, and billionaires don't search for things online. They ask the people who do it for a living.

What if... the attorney says, "but there was a law that just passed last month that allows you to get a license if you purchase a historic building".

What if you were Glenn's employee and all you did was run an internet search and it was wrong?
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

ApparentHorizon

Platinum Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
301%
Apr 1, 2016
942
2,836
Greenville, SC
I think this is a lesson. Sure you can find the answer online, but do you know if it is correct, or the only way? For something this important, I would never read it online and give up. I'd ask for another opinion.

He's a billionaire, and billionaires don't search for things online. They ask the people who do it for a living.

What if... the attorney says, "but there was a law that just passed last month that allows you to get a license if you purchase a historic building".

What if you were Glenn's employee and all you did was run an internet search and it was wrong?

You don't truly know if something is correct for your business unless you try.

Glenn understands it, so he increases his %, by tapping experts.

(I noticed this in my more successful clients as well.)

And they do it in the following pattern:

Aim. Execute. Aim. Execute. . . repeating. Repeating quickly.

As soon as new information comes up, they take action.

No waiting or sitting down to double and triple check the source.
 

Nikhil God

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
126%
Jun 18, 2019
34
43

Rawseed

Legendary Lurker
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
255%
Mar 1, 2018
421
1,074
45
Atlanta, GA

You ruined the ending for me. Joking.

Can't believe I didn't think to google that. It didn't click in me that the show was actually filmed over a year ago.

I'm glad to see them doing the sauces. Alot of potential for scale with those.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Nikhil God

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
126%
Jun 18, 2019
34
43
You ruined the ending for me. Joking.

Can't believe I didn't think to google that. It didn't click in me that the show was actually filmed over a year ago.

I'm glad to see them doing the sauces. Alot of potential for scale with those.
Haha, I guess I ruined it for myself too. Now I know he somehow flipped the house (or did I know that already?)

I wouldn't say a year as the Shopify store does have a 2019 register mark at the bottom. Maybe they update that every year so then that might be true.

Yeah, he was already talking about selling sauces and other stuff online right from the beginning. Not in the least surprised to see a Shopify store, the merch though lol

Spoiler: He might give away the business in the end to his team as he is in a photo but not in the About Us section.
 

ChrisV

Legendary Contributor
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
225%
May 10, 2015
3,141
7,055
Islands of Calleja
Guess what I found with a simple google search: Underdog BBQ-Erie, PA | Scrappy in the Streets and Saucy on the Meats

Seems like Glenn really took action and took it pretty quick as well. Also, nice to see RJ still hanging around. Can't wait to see all the process that went behind it and if he was actually able to clock the $1m mark.
You ruined the ending for me. Joking.

Can't believe I didn't think to google that. It didn't click in me that the show was actually filmed over a year ago.

I'm glad to see them doing the sauces. Alot of potential for scale with those.
I f---in love this guy.

Screw your MBA, watch this show.

But we don't know if it's a million dollar business. So keep watching.
 

ChrisV

Legendary Contributor
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
225%
May 10, 2015
3,141
7,055
Islands of Calleja
The tattoo'd guy: "you either win or you learn.. you don't lose"

I love that so much. Stealing.

But Holy crap @ the YouTube comments on the interview I posted

These people are really sad.

26861

26863
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Rawseed

Legendary Lurker
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
255%
Mar 1, 2018
421
1,074
45
Atlanta, GA
"you either win or you learn.. you don't lose"

Great quote. Great book too.

My initial thought on the "American Dream is Dead" mindset was yay! Because, ideally it means more wealth for those of us who know it's alive and well.

But, the more people who believe this, the more people there are looking for ways to violently steal the wealth from the people who have earned it.

We need more shows like this one and Shark Tank, along with books like Unscripted , to show people that they can do it.

We currently have more and more people feeling entitled. Coupled with more and more people blaming others for their perceived hardships. Coupled with fewer people taking responsibility for their outcomes.

More entitlement + more blame + less responsibility = Anger and Violence.
 

Kak

Legendary Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
EPIC CONTRIBUTOR
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
493%
Jan 23, 2011
9,678
47,666
34
Texas
My initial thought on the "American Dream is Dead" mindset was yay! Because, ideally it means more wealth for those of us who know it's alive and well.

The difference is that wealth isn't finite. It is not capped. It is created.

If everyone does better, everyone does better.

This is NOT an argument for redistribution... More like: If everyone knew that they could make something out of themselves, and tried, everyone would be better off, including the people that already did.
 

Post New Topic

Please SEARCH before posting.
Please select the BEST category.

Post new topic

Guest post submissions offered HERE.

Latest Posts

New Topics

Fastlane Insiders

View the forum AD FREE.
Private, unindexed content
Detailed process/execution threads
Ideas needing execution, more!

Join Fastlane Insiders.

Top