Video Summary
Look for simple, high-margin local businesses anyone can start with low capital and operational complexity.
Three highlighted side hustles: parking‑lot pizza/food booths, B2B stump‑grinding/tree services, and pet‑cremation logistics.
Validate demand by asking questions: cold‑call potential customers (e.g., tree trimmers) and measure willingness to outsource.
Start small and learn the operations yourself before outsourcing; liquidate or rent equipment to reduce upfront cost.
Avoid low‑ticket, high‑complexity businesses (e.g., custom home building, house cleaning, 3PL) because mistakes compound into big headaches unless margins justify them.
He highlights simple, high‑margin plays: running a parking‑lot/portable pizza oven, a B2B stump‑grinding service that outsources to tree trimmers, and a pet‑cremation logistics/middleman model.
He scraped local tree‑trimming listings, hired a virtual assistant to cold‑call them, asked whether they'd outsource stump grinding and what they'd pay — about 20% said they'd gladly outsource, proving demand.
Those businesses are operationally complex with frequent customer friction and low margins; small mistakes create outsized headaches unless margins can absorb them.
Humility, gratitude, a bias for action, speed (ability to get things done quickly) and an entrepreneurial mindset — demonstrated eagerness often predicts performance.
Start by doing the work yourself or renting equipment (e.g., rent a stump grinder), liquidate small inventory buys, validate the model, and only outsource after you know the operations.
"You can't have no money and pride. That doesn't work."
"Chris Koerner has made a career after finding these overlooked, hidden, super profitable small businesses that just about anybody can start."
"They're making $700 a day, 80% margins selling pizzas from an oven that they bought at Home Depot."
"If you take $700 times 30 days in a month, we're talking about a $30,000 a month business."
"There could be a world where you could be a business-to-business stump grinding business."
"Constraints equal creativity."
"We're doing half a million a year."
"You can't have no money and pride. That just doesn't work, right?"
To successfully start a business, a person must set aside their pride and be willing to ask for help or sell. Being curious about potential opportunities is crucial, which leads to an active search for answers.
The idea of habit stacking can be applied here; by pairing the habit of questioning with the habit of seeking answers, one can develop a propensity for action. This mindset can lead to the creation of multiple businesses, as curiosity drives exploration and engagement in commerce.
"I look for humility, gratitude, and some sort of an entrepreneurial gene."
Essential traits for successful business partners include humility, gratitude, and a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship. Those who demonstrate eagerness and commitment are more likely to excel in their roles.
Personal experiences show that those who reach out energetically tend to perform better once hired or partnered with, compared to those who approach the opportunity with less enthusiasm.
"You really got to get in the weeds so you can recognize the weeds before you get out of the weeds."
Individuals with some financial resources but limited time are encouraged to start by liquidating items, such as purchasing pallets of returned or surplus goods. By doing so, they can learn the business process while gradually building their experience.
It is important to understand the intricacies of the business before outsourcing tasks to others in order to ensure effective management and hiring later on.
"She’s making over a million dollars a year just buying wholesale pumpkins."
One standout side hustle involves decorating porches with pumpkins, where someone can turn a simple idea into a lucrative business with minimal initial investment.
The visually appealing nature of such businesses makes them highly marketable on platforms like Instagram, attracting significant attention. The potential for seasonal decorations can also cater to various markets, emphasizing the idea that creativity can lead to high margins.
Other examples include decorative floral arrangements that provide regular revenue through ongoing services, highlighting the importance of uniqueness and high demand in choosing side hustles.
"He rents them out and he's making six figures a year, working five hours a week."
This entrepreneur has capitalized on a unique opportunity by renting out equipment, specifically washers, for $1 to $200 a month through Facebook Marketplace.
Despite potential challenges such as moving heavy machines or theft, the manageable workload and high income demonstrate that even simple businesses can yield substantial profits.
The speaker emphasizes that all business ventures come with problems, implying that overcoming these challenges is a part of entrepreneurship.
"Find a business that does something and find the things that they hate doing."
A successful business model discussed involves providing coil cleaning for HVAC units, which companies often find burdensome. This entrepreneur identified a gap in service provision where there was high demand but low willingness to execute the task.
He approached grocery stores to offer his services, indicating a proactive strategy in seeking customers by directly engaging with businesses to fulfill their unmet needs.
This model highlights the importance of finding unaddressed problems within existing businesses to create opportunities.
"Not everybody has a size 10 shoe; you're probably a good fit for what you're doing."
The discussion contrasts different views on business sizes and profitability, noting that small, niche businesses can bring satisfaction and stability to certain entrepreneurs.
The example of a podcast production studio illustrates that not all profitable businesses appeal to every entrepreneur. The speaker reminisces about selling his share when it felt too small, while his successor continues to thrive in that environment, emphasizing differing ambitions in entrepreneurship.
This notion reinforces that the ideal business model varies from person to person based on their goals and threshold for complexity.
"The common thread between all of them are just non-binary outcomes."
The speaker lists pitfalls to avoid when starting businesses, specifically mentioning third-party logistics (3PL) as problematic due to high operational complexity and emotional investment from clients.
He elaborates that 3PL can lead to potential mistakes, such as shipping errors, which not only diminish profits but create significant stress.
The discussion suggests that avoiding businesses with complicated operations and unclear outcomes can save time and reduce frustration.
"If it's low ticket and complex, stay away."
House cleaning and custom home building are two businesses deemed unfavorable, due to the high likelihood of customer dissatisfaction arising from minor mistakes.
The speaker explains that small missteps can lead to big complaints, making low-margin, high-stress businesses less desirable.
Furthermore, entering the custom home building sector can lead to numerous logistical headaches and legal liabilities, particularly when renovation projects encounter complications during construction.
"You have to have enough margin in the business to be able to deal with all the headaches from mistakes."
Higher profit margins are crucial in business, especially when errors occur; sufficient financial cushioning allows entrepreneurs to navigate challenges without devastating impacts.
The conversation suggests that businesses dealing in high-ticket items should be careful to ensure that the potential profits justify the complexities involved in their operations.
This sentiment underscores that effective entrepreneurship involves selecting the right type of business model that aligns with one’s capabilities and market conditions.
"We thought, wow, we need to get them as a customer. Instead of just fulfilling their products, we're going to bring them online and fulfill their products."
Chris recounts how he and his cousin stumbled upon a gap in the market for Bies, a successful gas station chain in Texas known for their unique merchandise. Six years ago, while visiting, they realized that there was no option to purchase the merchandise online, which presented a significant opportunity.
Recognizing the potential, they conceptualized a strategy to get the attention of Bies' executive team, which involved launching their own version of the business to demonstrate the demand for an online platform.
They faced initial challenges in getting responses from Bies' executives, leading them to devise a plan where they would cold-email reporters about their intention to launch a business on Bies' behalf if Bies did not respond.
"We had a dozen news outlets write about us, and we went viral and did $200,000 of sales in our first month."
In a bold move, Chris and his business partner purchased a variety of Bies merchandise for around $3,000 and created an online store, showcasing the products with professionally taken photographs. Their innovative approach generated significant media interest and coverage.
This marketing effort led to them going viral and achieving impressive sales right out of the gate—$200,000 in their first month alone. Their success has scaled over time, with the business now generating millions in annual revenue.
"We don’t have an official partnership with them, but we have an understanding and they support us."
Although Chris's company operates independently and is not an official licensed provider for Bies, there exists a mutual understanding between them. Bies supports Chris's business by enabling bulk purchases of their merch.
The operation involves Chris's team regularly visiting Bies locations, purchasing products in bulk, and shipping them worldwide through their online platform.
"I like doing things where the worst case is a good story."
A prevailing theme in Chris's entrepreneurial journey is the idea that even if a venture fails, the experience itself can provide a valuable story. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace risks and actions that lead to interesting narratives.
Chris points out the significance of having genuine stories to share, which can enhance personal branding and relevance in online conversations.
"Marketing is so boring… you need to decide if you want to look rich or be rich."
Chris reflects on the often uninspiring nature of traditional marketing strategies and emphasizes the courage to put oneself out there, even if it feels embarrassing at times. He shares the wisdom of evaluating priorities between superficial appearances and genuine success.
This perspective is coupled with the idea that anyone can succeed in business by simply being willing to sell their product and embrace the cringe associated with self-promotion, as others are often too consumed by their own lives to focus on others' efforts.
"There are more puppies in the United States than children today, and cremation is exploding in popularity."
The rise in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant market for pet-related services, particularly cremation. As of two years ago, there were more puppies in the U.S. than children, which indicates a growing demand for pet-related services.
A friend in private equity highlighted the high profit margins in pet cremation, with gross margins reported at around 92%. This presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to enter this market.
A practical approach in this space involves lowering startup costs and complexities, such as acting as a middleman in logistics by using a refrigerated van to transport deceased pets to cremation facilities, rather than investing heavily in cremation equipment.
"Instead of taking on the entire process, I'm just going to take this step."
The speaker emphasizes the importance of breaking down a business model to focus on what can be effectively managed with limited resources. By isolating a specific segment of the business—like logistics—the entrepreneur can enter the market with much lower initial capital.
This model allows for a win-win relationship with cremation facilities, which face operational headaches related to sales and logistics. The speaker's approach solves these pain points by offering a streamlined service in exchange for a margin.
It’s highlighted that by understanding the existing business dynamics and offering a tailored solution, new entrepreneurs can effectively tap into established markets and create value for themselves and their partners.
"Instead of having 12 homes across a metroplex, you can have 12 homes all on the same two acres."
The discussion shifts to RV parks, where the speaker shares insights gained from investing in both small and large parks. The efficiency of managing multiple units on a smaller land footprint makes RV parks more profitable than scattered single-family homes.
RV parks serve as a form of affordable housing that is recession-resistant, providing a practical investment route. This model frees investors from the costs associated with maintaining the units, as the tenants own their RVs or mobile homes, leaving the owner responsible mainly for the land.
The speaker explains their strategy of acquiring small RV and mobile home parks across regions, steering away from conventional single-family home investments in favor of the lower-cost, higher-efficiency park model.
"It's like 30 to 60% cash on cash returns."
The speaker shares insights about high cash flow investment opportunities, specifically mentioning an impressive return rate of 30% to 60% cash on cash. This suggests that there are still profitable ventures available today that many people might overlook.
There is a common perception that the golden days of certain investments are over, but the speaker counters this belief by indicating that opportunities still exist, especially in sectors that are perceived as unattractive or difficult.
The discussion highlights how some sectors, such as RV parks, remain underexploited due to their perceived challenges.
"There are so many good deals on there that nobody's buying."
The speaker emphasizes the abundance of available good deals in the small business marketplace, despite these opportunities being seemingly unnoticed by potential buyers.
They noted their own experience with acquiring small businesses and referred to the influx of new listings, indicating an ongoing opportunity for savvy investors to purchase businesses with good profit margins at low prices.
An example was provided of a business generating $160,000 in revenue with a modest $50,000 profit, being offered for the same $50,000 price, illustrating the potential for lucrative deals on the market.
"Stay away from mobile home parks that have on-site wastewater treatment."
The speaker advises potential investors to be cautious and avoid mobile home parks that manage their own wastewater treatment due to regulatory risks and potential for government closure.
They present a strategic approach by comparing investments in mobile home parks to a barbell model: one end featuring properties without amenities and the other with rich amenities, suggesting that investments in parks at either extreme tend to yield better management efficiency and profitability.
The speaker describes their current investment strategy of focusing on amenity-rich parks, emphasizing the importance of selecting properties that align with one’s management capabilities and personal investment philosophy.
"I opened up my MacBook, and I started talking, and he's like, 'This is brilliant. Of course it works. Why wouldn't it work?'"
Chris recounts an intriguing encounter at a breakfast nook where he was surprised to find himself explaining a business idea. Initially met with skepticism, the conversation shifted when John, a key figure, recognized the merit of the concept.
Despite the initial misunderstanding with a bodyguard, the dialogue blossomed, and Chris was able to persuade John to partner with him on a new venture, leading to exciting possibilities in cryptocurrency.
"We started a cryptocurrency that we gave out for free. It reached a $30 million market cap and built a community of 70,000 people."
After partnering, Chris and John launched a cryptocurrency aimed at creating a large community. They successfully gained traction with a $30 million market cap despite challenging market conditions.
This venture included planning conferences and building a network of supporters, highlighting how unconventional approaches can foster community and generate interest, even in difficult times.
"We launched at the worst possible time."
As the cryptocurrency market crashed, the initial success of Chris and John's venture rapidly declined. This highlighted the volatility and risks associated with operating in the crypto space.
The success of their business was short-lived, emphasizing the importance of timing in entrepreneurial ventures and how external factors can drastically affect outcomes.
"They have an insane bias for action."
Chris describes successful entrepreneurs as having a unique ability to make quick decisions and take action without hesitation. This trait often distinguishes them from others in business.
He notes that this bias for action can be perceived negatively in personal life but is a crucial element in the entrepreneurial journey, leading to long-term success if persistence is maintained.
"The best employees I've had work fast."
Chris emphasizes the significance of speed as a critical indicator of an employee’s performance. He distinguishes between employees who can complete tasks quickly and those who take considerably longer.
The mention of a 30-day trial period for new employees allows for assessing their speed and adaptability, suggesting that the right mindset can lead to better productivity.
"If you're able to harness it, then it's not silly."
Chris reflects on how frustrations and challenges can serve as motivation in building a successful business. Personal experiences often fuel the drive to overcome obstacles.
He believes that feeling a sense of urgency or irritation about existing problems can be a powerful catalyst for entrepreneurial action, ultimately leading to innovative solutions and success.
"Be really careful with the fuel you put into other people. Your enemies can be powerful too."
"Partnerships should be few and far between, or really set with a lot of expectations."
"If you're in the game long enough, you're going to get hit. But the crazy part is it doesn't kill you."
"Figure out what bucket you're in: Do you love entrepreneurship or just the idea of it?"
"What do you love? What are you good at? What does the world need? And what could you charge for?"
"Start with what you enjoy and what you know, and what is in kind of your zone of genius."
It's essential to choose a business venture that aligns with your interests and existing knowledge. This foundation helps to maintain motivation and passion while working.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs make the mistake of venturing into areas outside their expertise, often leading to disillusionment. For example, a lawyer shouldn’t start a pressure washing business simply because they feel the urge to become an entrepreneur.
The feeling of entrepreneurship can be exciting, but it's vital to focus on something that genuinely interests you to avoid burnout or discouragement.
"People typically don't regret the things they do, but they regret the things they didn't do."
Testing your business ideas is crucial; don't let fear hold you back. Embracing a framework of minimizing regret can help drive you to take necessary steps toward entrepreneurship.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) can serve as a powerful motivator. Entrepreneurs should not let opportunities fade due to hesitation, as failing can often yield valuable insights.
As age increases, the likelihood of leaving a stable job decreases, which makes trying out new ventures while you're younger highly beneficial.
"People really underestimate what happens after you start. The hard thing is the start."
Starting a business is often perceived as daunting, but the reality is that once you begin, the challenges may not be as overwhelming as they seem.
It’s essential to overcome the initial hesitation and get started; many people wait too long out of fear, which can lead to missed opportunities.
Following through on business ideas and allowing yourself to experiment with various ventures can lead to discovering your true passion and market fit.
"The focus that's important is focusing on your superpower."
While it can be tempting to concentrate on one business, it’s equally valid to pursue multiple ventures, especially if they align with your strengths.
Identifying your superpower—what you excel at—and allowing that to guide your business choices can lead to success across several ventures.
The emphasis should be on performing tasks that give energy and motivation. Engaging in work that is fulfilling can lead to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial experience.
"If you are humble and you genuinely want it, I can't think of any excuses why you can't do it."
A successful entrepreneur often displays humility and a genuine desire to succeed, which can outweigh many challenges.
Characteristics that hinder entrepreneurship include a strong ego or pride, which can prevent risk-taking and learning from failure.
Many people may like the idea of entrepreneurship but prefer the security of a paycheck. Understanding personal motivations and desires is crucial in evaluating one's entrepreneurial aspirations.
"I had 24,000 times rejected to my face."
Experiences in challenging situations, such as door-to-door sales, can build resilience and skills that are vital for entrepreneurs.
Learning to face rejection head-on, especially in early high-pressure situations, contributes to an individual's growth and adaptability in business.
Adapting to uncomfortable experiences can develop a mindset that is critical for long-term entrepreneurial success.
"I can do anything; this is America. I can do whatever I want."
"I learned after a while that it was all for me."
"People don't realize that entrepreneurship can truly be that."
"Follow me across the internet."
