Joe Grover sits down with Jake Bengzten, an innovative entrepreneur and the founder of Zipper.

They discuss the multi trillion dollar health care problem, the crazy premiums, extra fees and how Jake was on a mission to solve it, using his company: Zipper.
After 92 pitches, 7 investing angels, 18 months of grinding and paying himself only 3 times, he eventually hit rock bottom.

Jake realized the healthcare problem was too big to solve and it was time to shut down Zipper.

Jake shares, “There are a lot of people who choose unhappiness over uncertainty.” What matters most now, is what you are going to do after failing.

Growing up, he was exposed to the realities of entrepreneurship by his father and grandfather, both of whom started and ran small and medium sized businesses. As a young full-time college student, Jake networked his way into an entry level sales position at an up and coming Utah fintech startup called Finicity. It was an incredible journey where he took on various roles, including that of Chief of Staff. After the company was acquired by Mastercard for just under $1 Billion, Jake started contemplating making his own entrepreneurial jump.

This led to starting Zipper Health, a healthcare fintech startup focused on lowering the cost of healthcare for individuals and families. Rising healthcare costs is a problem that is near and dear to Jake.

Jake is a husband and father to 3 kids (with one more on the way at the time this episode was filmed).Outside of professional pursuits, Jake got hooked on triathlons about 10 years ago and has competed in Ironman. He is adamant about qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Jake also loves playing pickup basketball, fly fishing, and golfing.

This episode was recorded on November 8th, 2024

-Links-

For Jake Bengzten:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-bengtzen-0a8ab365/

For Joe Grover:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgrover/

#entrepreneurship #realfword #startups #Failure #zipper

Joe Grover sits down with the journal enthusiast, traveler, entrepreneur, and founder of Rustico Leather, Isaac Childs. In this episode, they discuss how Rustico Leather started, the challenges of parting ways with loyal employees, insights into product development, and how journaling is a therapeutic tool.

Isaac has been a serial entrepreneur and business owner for most of his life. While in college, his passion for writing and travel led him to create and build Rustico.com, a leather goods company that focused on journals and notebooks. Isaac's lifelong passion for journaling and His vast knowledge and expertise have made him a highly sought-after speaker on the effective methodologies and science behind the subject. He is a practicing yogi, breathwork practitioner, and meditation guide. Isaac can often be found traveling the world, hanging out with his kids, or fly fishing on a remote spot on the river.

This episode was recorded on September 27th, 2024

-Links-

For Isaac:

https://www.instagram.com/mindfulnessmatrix/

For Joe:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgrover/

#entrepreneurship #ecommerce #businessgrowth #Journaling #leathercraft #realfword

Joe Grover sits down with serial entrepreneur, mother of four, and partnership specialist Lindsey Ivie. They discuss her journey as a leader in marketing, stories from the businesses she’s consulted, and why balance can fulfill both personal and professional commitments.

Lindsey is an expert in channel sales, partner management and ecosystem development through networking and events marketing. Lindsey identifies valuable company partnerships and creates environments where those relationships thrive in the most organic, natural and productive ways. She has established valuable relationships with tech giants like Microsoft and Cisco, as well as E Commerce focused tech brands like Klaviyo and EasyPost along with other broker partners for clients. Lindsey flips the script on boring webinars and tired networking events into compelling experiences that are engaging, lead generating powerhouses.

This episode was recorded on September 19th, 2024

-Links-
For Lindsey Ivie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyivie/

#WorkLifeBalance #Entrepreneurship #MarketingLeaders

Chapters
00:00:00 - Navigating Entrepreneurial Setbacks and Growth
00:08:37 - Sales Strategies for Startups
00:13:39 - Building Only Brands Platform and Marketplace
00:22:39 - Balancing Work and Family Life
00:30:26 - Embracing Failure and Learning Lessons
00:40:53 - Lessons From Entrepreneurial Failures and Growth
00:44:14 - Journey of Resilience and Growth