The Young Genius Who Built a $15M Business Empire (Brez Scales Podcast)

Brez's Journey to Success 00:00

"You got billions of views. You became a liquid millionaire at 20 years old."

• Brez Scales achieved extraordinary success at a young age, becoming a liquid millionaire by 20 years old after amassing billions of views online. His accomplishments have led to significant financial gains, generating $19 million in revenue for his agency clients and fulfilling his childhood dreams of owning luxury cars.

The Surreal Nature of Success 00:57

"Do you ever sit back and just think, like, what the hell?"

• Brez reflects on the surreal experience of reaching his current status, emphasizing that he often contemplates the improbability of his success. Despite recognizing that he has surpassed traditional expectations, he believes he deserves this fortune due to the hard work he put in along the way.

Statistical Rarity of His Achievements 01:28

"The AI gave us a 0.0005% chance."

• Research conducted using AI revealed that there is a minuscule probability of someone matching Brez's accomplishments, with estimates as low as 0.0005%. This stark comparison highlights that it is statistically more likely for someone to become a professional athlete than to replicate Brez's business success.

Reflecting on Younger Aspirations 02:50

"That would sound insane to my younger self."

• Brez expresses that his younger self would be astonished by the current trajectory of his life. He recalls dreaming of becoming an NBA player at a young age, and now finds it remarkable to realize he has achieved a level of success beyond that of many professional athletes.

Early Influences in Entrepreneurship 03:38

"Everything started with my dad."

• Brez attributes his entrepreneurial spirit to his father, who modeled hard work and discipline throughout his life. Inspired by his father's entrepreneurial journey and his mother's creativity, Brez sought to carve out his own path while blending both creative and business mindsets.

Transitioning to Online Business 05:58

"I made the transition from Fortnite to day trading."

• Brez reveals that his journey into entrepreneurship began at age 15 when he transitioned from playing Fortnite to attempting day trading. He describes being clueless initially but felt compelled to dive into the experience, demonstrating a tendency to learn through direct experience rather than traditional guidance.

Early Experiences and Work Ethic 08:34

"I wasn't a super spoiled kid. My parents did nice things for me, but when I wanted something, they made sure I had to work for it."

• Brez Scales reflects on his childhood, emphasizing that while he came from a well-off family, he was not given everything he wanted without effort. Instead, his parents instilled in him the value of working for his desires, such as new toys or gaming consoles.

• He describes his first job at 16 years old at Farm and Fleet, where he was able to earn his own money—a significant step beyond simple chores for his father.

Risk-Taking and Consequences 10:01

"I'm a very 'live in the moment' person. Tomorrow's not promised, so why not do everything you can today to push yourself forward?"

• Brez emphasizes that his approach to life involves living in the moment and taking risks without fear of consequences. He believes that engaging with challenges head-on is essential for personal growth.

• He attributes his learning style to a preference for hands-on experiences, pointing out that failure often provides insights that mere instruction cannot offer.

Learning from Failure 14:32

"The couple grand I had saved up wasn't that significant. It was more about realizing I wasn't getting closer to my goal."

• Throughout his journey, Brez faced setbacks in trading and NFT investments, despite his significant efforts. He highlights that while he initially felt doubt about his entrepreneurial path, he later recognized those challenges as valuable learning experiences.

• He conveys the emotional struggle of comparing his progress to others’ successes, reminding viewers of the importance of focusing on one’s unique journey rather than others' achievements.

Proving Himself to His Parents 16:40

"I was confident in my abilities to make something happen, and I knew that the only way I could get them to understand was by proving it to them."

• Brez describes his desire to gain his parents' understanding and approval of his entrepreneurial pursuits. He expresses the need to validate his endeavors and demonstrate success, driving him to earn even a small amount of money as proof of concept.

• He reflects on his close relationship with his parents and their support, noting they weren't outright dismissive but rather cautious about his pursuits. This motivated him further to show his capability as an entrepreneur, particularly to his father.

Feelings of Isolation and Pressure 18:10

"It felt very demoralizing because I wanted it so bad, but I just was never able to prove it to anyone in that moment."

• Brez shares his feelings of disappointment and failure, especially when comparing himself to his brothers, who were achieving significant academic success. This comparison heightened his sense of isolation as he struggled to make progress in his own endeavors.

• He acknowledges a sense of aloneness, despite having friends. They didn't understand the pressures he felt or his aspirations, leading him to feel different and isolated even in a social setting.

Manifesting Success Amid Struggles 20:20

"I will make it. I will live in Miami. I will own my dream car."

• Brez recounts finding an old notebook filled with affirmations and goals he wrote during challenging times. He emphasized the importance of manifesting his desires through written declarations, which reflected his determination amidst feelings of being at his lowest.

• The act of writing down aspirations like living in Miami and owning his dream car served both as motivation and a reminder of his potential despite current struggles.

Impact of Online Content on Motivation 22:06

"What kept me going was a lot of the people's content that I consumed online."

• Brez reveals how the content he consumed from other successful entrepreneurs inspired him to persevere during tough periods. He aimed to create similar motivational content himself, recognizing the role it played in boosting his own morale.

• He expresses a deep desire to be a source of inspiration for others who might be feeling lost or alone in their pursuits, just as he once felt. This realization has shifted the purpose of his content creation to empower others.

Transition from Drop Shipping to Clothing Brand 23:50

"If anyone out there has ever launched a Shopify store and gotten their first sale, that feeling is priceless."

• Brez discusses his initial ventures into drop shipping, where he experienced the exhilaration of making sales through platforms like TikTok. He recalls specific products he sold, which provided him with valuable insights and experience in e-commerce.

• The transition to launching his own clothing brand stemmed from these experiences, showcasing his growth and evolution in the business world as he sought more creative control over his entrepreneurial journey.

Starting a Clothing Brand in High School 24:56

"I was just like any other kid saying he wants to start his own clothing brand... but I was really grinding to figure that out."

• Brez was inspired to start his own clothing brand during a trend in Atlanta, motivated by his interest in clothes and shoes. Initially, his designs lacked taste, meaning, and story, but he dedicated himself to learning and improving.

• While in high school, specifically in his senior year, he used online communities like Discord to connect with others and hone his skills in brand development.

The Role of Education and Early Drops 25:51

"I would literally just be designing clothes in Discords talking to people... I had my first drop with my brand and it did okay."

• Brez found a way to use his own MacBook at school, which was typically not allowed, enabling him to focus on his clothing brand instead of his studies.

• His first product drop generated approximately $2,500 in sales, selling out most of his inventory, although there were issues with the t-shirt manufacturing from Pakistan.

The Growth and Evolution of Brez's Brand 28:34

"That first drop taught me a lot about consumer psychology, products, manufacturing, and shipping."

• After the initial drop, Brez learned critical lessons about the clothing industry and began to plan his second drop with better quality products.

• He faced the challenge of being scrutinized by peers at school, which motivated him to succeed despite any negativity.

Utilizing Social Media for Promotion 28:43

"I was going to post on TikTok because all these people from my school are going to see it, and if I don't make this work, I'm going to look stupid."

• Brez decided to leverage TikTok as a marketing tool, creating content around his clothing brand while facing fears of judgment from his classmates.

• His strategy included posting mock-up ads for products on social media, which he found effective in reaching a broader audience.

Advertising Strategy and Monetization 30:50

"So I was like, 'I'm going to just see what this does,' like boost it to a broad audience."

• Brez experimented with social media ad features like boosting posts on Instagram, which significantly increased his sales and visibility.

• By spring of his senior year, he was running ads while on a senior trip in Mexico, leading to impressive sales and a sense of accomplishment despite being away from his business. He recorded consistent daily sales of about $1,000 during this period.

Hiring an Ads Agency and Continued Success 32:20

"I stumbled across an ads agency. So, I hired them to run my ads for my brand."

• After returning from Mexico, Brez hired an advertising agency, which helped maintain the momentum of his sales, achieving consistent earnings of around $30,000 in a month.

• This progression reflected his commitment and strategic approach to building a successful clothing brand while balancing his final year of high school.

Brez Scales' Journey in Dropshipping and Advertising 32:36

"I remember I felt so good having a car full of orders going to the post office."

• Brez Scales began his entrepreneurial journey in high school by fulfilling a bulk order, which gave him a sense of achievement. He recalls the excitement of shipping out multiple orders in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, highlighting the initial milestones of his dropshipping business.

• After his first successful product drops, he launched his third drop, which didn't perform as well as he hoped. He started to run ads through an agency, which began to improve his revenue to about $500 to $1,000 per day, marking a pivotal moment in his business growth.

"When I launched my fourth drop, I ended up firing the agency."

• During this period, Scales took the initiative to understand the ads manager, a daunting tool that felt overwhelming at first. Despite initially hiring an agency for help, he recognized that he could learn to manage his advertising efforts independently.

• Scales embarked on a rigorous posting schedule on TikTok, sharing content multiple times a day across both his personal and brand accounts. This approach aimed to leverage organic engagement as each post represented a potential sale for his brand.

"Every video I posted was a chance to get a sale for my brand."

• His intense content creation strategy, amounting to 120 posts per month, stemmed from a desire to generate revenue while simultaneously building a personal following. He was motivated by the vision of becoming a successful brand owner and achieving a high standard of living.

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Learning 36:30

"I'm really grateful because I think in that moment a lot of people struggle with realizing how much they're learning from eating dirt."

• Brez Scales emphasized the importance of appreciating the learning journey that comes with setbacks and failures. He recognized that during challenging times, he was acquiring valuable skills that would ultimately contribute to his future success.

• He learned to value persistence, fully aware that the inputs put into his efforts, even when results were lacking, were crucial to his growth. Throughout his struggles, he understood that the knowledge gained during those periods was integral to handling future successes.

"It's only a matter of time before I do see that result that I want to see."

• Scales acknowledged that at the time, he had to shift his perspective to see that learning and growth were paramount, which would lead to eventual success. This realization was a key moment in his journey, allowing him to enjoy the process and take pride in his development as an entrepreneur.

Financial Struggles and Breakthroughs in the Clothing Brand 40:17

"I realized, damn, what these dudes were doing is not hard. This is easy."

• The speaker talks about the challenges faced while running a clothing brand, particularly the tight profit margins that left them with limited earnings after paying expenses.

• After deciding to fire employees to increase his profit margin, he launched a new drop that generated significant initial revenue, indicating a successful product.

• Encouraged by the results, he started learning more about running ads by watching YouTube videos and consulting with other advertisers, leading to a faster understanding of effective ad strategies.

• His first month with the new drop reportedly yielded revenues between $70K to $100K, showcasing the effectiveness of his transition to managing ads independently.

Transition to Agency Work and College Life 42:21

"I was in college, and I was like, how am I going to run my brand while I'm in college?"

• As his clothing brand started earning a stable income, the speaker faced the challenge of balancing college and business. He often skipped classes to focus on his burgeoning venture.

• He was studying digital marketing, but soon found traditional education to be less useful compared to the practical knowledge he was gaining through his own experiences.

• Recognizing gaps in the market as others struggled with running ads, he began taking on clients for advertising, marking the transition from his own brand to doing agency work for others.

Establishing the Agency and Earning Potential 44:24

"I started reaching out to a couple of brands I knew. My first client was a jewelry brand."

• The speaker's first agency client was a jewelry brand that generated substantial revenue shortly after they started working together, underscoring the effectiveness of his advertising strategies.

• He reported excellent returns on ad spend (ROAS), allowing brands to significantly increase their revenue with minimal investment.

• As he gained more clients and developed case studies, he began to position himself as an expert and promoted his success on social media, which increased demand for his services.

Ascending Profitability and Client Demand 46:11

"I was simply collecting cash, making like 20K a month, 30K a month."

• As the agency grew, he started earning substantial monthly profits, mainly from advertising retainer fees without needing to hire any employees initially, which allowed for high profit margins.

• His success and the methods he employed led to a surge in demand, with many people reaching out for his help to run ads for their brands.

• As he charged higher retainers for his services, his earnings continued to grow, demonstrating the scalability and profitability of his agency model while he was still managing his own clothing brand.

The Journey to Independence and Financial Success 48:00

"I was making like 20, 30k a month in college for like the 2 months I was in college."

• Brez Scales experienced a significant increase in income while running his clothing brand and agency during his time in college. In just two months, he generated between $20,000 and $30,000 each month, leading him to reconsider his educational path.

• After realizing his potential earnings and success, he initiated discussions with his parents about dropping out of college. He proposed having dinner to discuss his future plans, indicating the seriousness of the conversation.

The Decision to Drop Out 49:01

"I told them, ‘I’m going to drop out of school.’ They were like, ‘What?’"

• During the dinner, Brez broke the news to his parents that he intended to drop out of college to pursue his business ambitions. His parents reacted with surprise and concern, especially given the financial independence that he would need to assume.

• He shared with them that he had around $50,000 to $60,000 saved, which seemed to ease their worries regarding his financial stability.

Moving to Arizona and Taking Risks 49:40

"I packed up all my stuff in a U-Haul, drove 26 hours across the country, and moved to Arizona."

• After the conversation with his parents, Brez made the bold decision to move to Arizona, where he would continue to grow his business. This transition represented a crucial step in his journey, as it removed him from familiar surroundings and allowed him to experience a new lifestyle.

• Brez noted that leaving his hometown was a significant mental shift, providing him with a fresh perspective and the freedom to explore his entrepreneurial instincts without judgment.

Parental Support Amid Concern 51:26

"They understood that the best thing they could do for me is to let me go and do that."

• Despite their initial concerns about his decision, Brez's parents ultimately supported his choice to pursue entrepreneurship. They acknowledged his determination and creativity, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed.

• His parents communicated that he would be financially on his own, a gesture that demonstrated both their concern and trust in his capabilities.

The Challenge of Being Scammed 52:46

"I got scammed for 60 grand. So, I had just moved out... and I get rinsed for like almost all the money that I had."

• Shortly after moving to Arizona, Brez faced a setback when he was scammed for $60,000 linked to his business operations. This event occurred shortly after a successful Black Friday sale, amplifying the impact since he was relying on that revenue to support his new life.

• Despite this significant loss, Brez had been generating around $40,000 a month from his agency, which provided him with a cushion during this difficult time.

The Importance of Being Delusional 54:51

"What am I going to do? Sit here and cry about it or am I going to go figure out the next thing to do?"

• Brez emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a "delusional" mindset in the face of adversity. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, he advocates for proactive problem-solving and moving forward.

• His philosophy highlights the importance of resilience and optimism in achieving entrepreneurial success, especially when confronted with challenges such as financial scams.

Transitioning to the Agency Model 55:18

"Why would I not put my balls on the table and put my foot to the floor and just go all in on it?"

• Brez Scales decided to fully commit to his agency after realizing it generated significant monthly income, specifically $30,000 to $40,000. This shift marked a clear departure from his previous branding efforts.

• Even though he previously faced setbacks, such as being scammed, Brez still found ways to make money as he transitioned into the agency focus. He was investing approximately 70% of his effort into the agency, recognizing it as the "needle mover" for growth.

Managing Client Work Alone 55:42

"This was the period of my life where all I did was work."

• At this juncture, Brez was managing around 20 clients without any employees, which demanded extensive working hours that disrupted his health and lifestyle. He stuck to an unhealthy routine, often working 14 to 16 hours a day with little regard for his well-being.

• His life revolved around his work, where he dedicated his time to responding to clients and refining ad campaigns. This hands-on approach to every task showcased his dedication but also brought challenges related to workload management.

Learning Through Experience 57:54

"I just threw myself into the fire."

• Brez entered the world of sales learning through real-life experience by engaging directly with potential clients and handling inbound leads. This was facilitated by the visibility he gained from social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

• His initial ignorance about operational roles did not hinder his progress; he simply focused on learning the necessary skills and performing all tasks himself. This approach, however, contributed to his reluctance to delegate responsibilities to others.

The Need for Partnership 59:51

"I cannot sustain this workload anymore on my own."

• After recognizing the unsustainable nature of his workload, especially in light of his burgeoning success, Brez sought partnership with someone he had mentored, Mason. Mason had shown promise and capability within Brez’s coaching program.

• This decision reflected Brez's evolution from a solo entrepreneur to a more strategic business operator, indicating a shift towards understanding the necessity of operational support to manage growth effectively.

The Start of a Successful Partnership 01:02:50

"He saw me on TikTok and then ended up meeting up in person, becoming good friends. That was when I was like, okay, I need a partner and I think this is the right dude."

• The conversation reveals how Mason, a young entrepreneur, initially reached out to Brez Scales after seeing his journey on TikTok. Mason was already familiar with basic advertising skills, having worked with a few clients while employed at his nine-to-five job.

• Brez recognized Mason's potential and decided he needed a partner to help grow the agency. Their partnership has proven to be fruitful, lasting over three years with both actively participating in their entrepreneurial journey.

Agency Evolution and Transition to a CEO Role 01:04:20

"When I brought Mason on, it was a lot of us just kind of trenching together."

• Initially, Brez was heavily involved in the operations of the agency as they brainstormed how to scale the business while managing the growing workload. He had been generating significant revenue on his own but faced challenges with burnout due to the extensive demands of running the business.

• As Brez transitioned into a CEO role, he learned the importance of delegation and streamlined operations. The focus shifted to high-level decision-making rather than daily operational tasks, allowing for a more sustainable business model.

Learning to Scale the Business 01:05:00

"It was a matter of figuring out, 'How do we scale and make more money but how do we sustain this workload?'"

• They attempted to grow the agency by hiring team members from within their program, including account managers and media buyers. This approach initially seemed effective but soon led to issues of client retention and overall satisfaction due to a high churn rate among lower-value clients.

• Realizing the need for a change, Brez and Mason decided to focus on fewer, higher-paying clients and reduce their internal team size, leading to a more streamlined and effective business model.

Adapting to Change and Embracing AI 01:09:10

"AI plays a huge role in our business, whether it's creatives, whether it's email designs, or service delivery."

• The decision to scale down and focus on high-value clients coincided with the rise of artificial intelligence tools in the marketing space, which helped them optimize their operations and deliverables.

• Brez emphasizes the value of having a capable team member like Mason who manages everyday client communications and operational tasks effectively, showcasing the importance of having the right people in key roles for agency success.

The Importance of Social Awareness in Hiring 01:10:39

“I am very grateful that God blessed me with the skill set of being socially aware and being able to read people very well.”

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of social awareness when it comes to hiring new team members. They believe that understanding people's emotions and motivations is crucial for building a successful business.

• The speaker admits that they cannot fully articulate how they read people but notes that they can differentiate between genuine and insincere behavior.

• When hiring, the speaker looks for individuals who are willing to endure the hardships they faced, exhibit resilience, and possess a strong work ethic, stating, "Are they willing to do what it takes?"

Assessing Work Ethic and Resilience in Candidates 01:11:06

“The number one trait to look for in someone is just are they willing to work hard?”

• The speaker discusses the traits they value in potential employees, emphasizing the necessity of grit and hard work.

• Candidates must not only be prepared to face challenges and failures but also show a commitment to achieving results through their efforts.

• The presence of a motivated partner also contributed to the speaker's drive to work hard, indicating the influence of a strong support system in personal and professional growth.

Growth and Success Through Content Creation 01:13:00

“I started first posting on TikTok...and that’s when I started posting on YouTube.”

• The speaker recounts their journey of discovering success through social media platforms, specifically TikTok and YouTube, marking them as pivotal in their business expansion.

• They began gaining traction with content creation during a transition period in Arizona, achieving significant follower growth and eventually leading them to post on YouTube.

• The move to produce YouTube content was catalyzed by encouragement from peers, illustrating the role of collaboration and community in personal growth.

The Role of Compounding Efforts in Success 01:15:28

“Everything you do before compounds.”

• The speaker explains that their success did not happen overnight but was the result of years of dedication and consistent content creation across platforms.

• They highlight the importance of prior efforts, including TikTok content, which helped cultivate an audience that migrated to their YouTube channel.

• The speaker notes that successful communication with their audience came from understanding the nuances of content delivery learned through their experiences in TikTok.

First Experiences with Video Production and Content Creation 01:16:45

“For the next two years, every five days, YouTube video, no matter what.”

• The speaker describes their rigorous content creation schedule, committing to produce a video every five days for two years.

• They reveal that they single-handedly filmed and edited their own videos initially, showcasing a hands-on approach to content creation.

• This dedication to their craft included late-night editing sessions, which were not only a labor of love but also fueled by their enjoyment of the creative process.

Brez's Journey to Success on YouTube 01:18:10

"I fell in love with posting videos, and eventually it got to a point where business was becoming a lot."

• Brez Scales expresses his initial passion for creating videos and how it provided him a great outlet.

• As he started gaining traction on YouTube, he realized the demands of his growing business made it challenging to maintain consistency with his content creation.

• To help manage this, he enlisted the assistance of Josh, a filmmaker and editor, to streamline his video production.

The Impact of YouTube on Relationships with Viewers 01:18:42

"YouTube creates a different type of relationship between you and your viewers."

• Brez notes how the format of longer YouTube videos fosters a unique connection with viewers compared to shorter platforms like TikTok.

• During his first year and a half on YouTube, he experienced significant growth, averaging around 100,000 views per video, which contributed to a more personal connection with his audience.

Transition to Social Media Growth 01:19:30

"I went from 30k followers to a million on Instagram in less than a year."

• Scales describes how moving to Miami and focusing on Instagram Reels was pivotal in his rapid follower growth.

• Initially hesitant about posting Reels due to concerns about professionalism, he eventually embraced the format, leading to an exponential increase in engagement and followers.

• His approach included repurposing TikTok clips, which played a major role in this growth strategy.

Notable Experiences with Fame 01:21:20

"I was shocked when a guy asked if I wanted to take his girlfriend home."

• Brez recounts a bizarre interaction where he was approached by a fan at a bar who suggested he should date his girlfriend, illustrating the oddities that can come with sudden fame.

• He describes the encounter as the strangest fan interaction he had ever experienced, highlighting the unexpected nature of celebrity moments.

Recognition and Security Concerns 01:24:50

"Security was a big concern, even in a gated community."

• Brez discusses his experience living in a house with security concerns, despite it being located in a gated community that wasn't very secure.

• He mentions his choice to occasionally move with security for peace of mind, showing how his rising fame has influenced his lifestyle and safety precautions.

Encounter with Danger 01:25:48

"I thought he was trolling. So I turn around. I'm like, he's not trolling. I saw the look on his face."

• Brez shares a tense moment when he was alerted by his associate Pierre about a potential threat outside their home. Pierre noticed a suspicious individual in the driveway, leading Brez to fetch his firearm, contemplating the seriousness of the situation.

• Brez emphasizes that at that moment, he realized the importance of prioritizing safety over material possessions.

The Break-In Attempt 01:27:41

"They tried to steal my Mansory G Wagon out of the driveway. That's what they were there for."

• After calling the police, they discovered the intruders had attempted to break into Brez's vehicle, specifically his luxurious Mansory G Wagon. The police explained that criminals often look for unlocked cars, keeping an eye out for vehicles with folded mirrors, which indicate they are locked.

• Luckily, Brez had locked his vehicle keys inside, which foiled the theft attempt. The incident highlighted the vulnerability that comes with their public lifestyle.

Life in the Spotlight 01:30:14

"You're a grown-ass man spending your own money to get another man's name on your sign."

• Brez describes how his popularity has led to bizarre situations, such as encountering fans who go to extreme lengths to get his attention, like creating signs with his name at clubs. He observes that this behavior, particularly from adults, is peculiar and illustrates the dynamics of fame.

• Even while trying to socialize and enjoy a night out, Brez admits that these situations often become uncomfortable due to his public persona.

Privacy and Personal Life 01:31:04

"I came home from a run at my house. There was a kid standing in my backyard."

• Brez recounts a bizarre incident where a stranger accessed his property, demonstrating the loss of privacy that accompanies his public figure status. He reflects on how this impacts his daily life and relationships, including dates where unwanted attention disrupts the experience.

• He shares that when his family visits, they often attract attention as well, which contributes to his feeling of being constantly watched and hinders normal family interactions.

Social Media Attention 01:32:52

"One of her posts, I commented on it and liked it, and it blew up, like 30,000 likes."

• Brez talks about the unusual attention his family receives on social media, particularly when he interacts with their posts. This can lead to unexpected viral moments, amplifying the challenges of maintaining a private life within the public eye.

• He expresses concern for his family's wellbeing in the landscape of social media, emphasizing the importance of privacy and protection from fans and followers.

Navigating Fame and Relationships 01:32:58

"I never really have a desire to make any sort of friends... but I know to keep the majority of people at a distance."

• Brez discusses how fame can complicate personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tight circle of trusted friends and family. He expresses that, while he's open to making connections, he is cautious and prefers to keep most people at arm's length.

• He highlights his ability to detect genuine intentions, stating, "I just have a really good radar for that," which helps him navigate potential friendships and business relationships effectively.

Managing Expectations and Transparency in Collaborations 01:37:41

"I totally respect and appreciate if you're transparent and honest about the fact that you want to go and do your own thing."

• Brez explains the challenge of working with individuals who may have ulterior motives, wanting to benefit from their relationship without a genuine commitment. He appreciates when collaborators are upfront about their future intentions.

• He notes that many individuals may initially use their association with him to build their platforms before disconnecting, which can lead to feelings of being taken advantage of. Transparency in intentions is something he values highly in his professional relationships.

The Rise of Educational Ventures 01:38:36

"I had some value to people here and my DMs were flooded with people wanting to learn how to do it themselves."

• Brez reflects on the inspiration behind starting his educational programs, which came after he recognized the demand from his audience for guidance in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Initially starting with a small group to test the waters, he saw positive results, leading to the expansion of his business. He mentions that over time, as his social media presence grew, so did the demand for his programs, reinforcing the idea that his educational offerings could be a significant aspect of his business.

Building a Successful Platform 01:40:20

"You built a whole platform around it. A lot of people just launch without caring."

• The discussion highlights the importance of seriousness in building a platform for advertisers, emphasizing a careful and methodical approach rather than a casual one.

• It underlines the necessity of investing effort and time into crafting a product that yields results for users, contrasting it with the approach of many who fail to take actionable steps.

The Joy of Teaching and Results 01:40:55

"I really enjoy seeing the results that people are able to achieve from it."

• The speaker expresses their passion for teaching, finding fulfillment in witnessing the successes of participants in their program.

• There is an important correlation made between sharing valuable content and helping others, indicating that fulfilling a role one always wished they had in their youth is a motivating factor.

Traits of Successful Participants 01:41:30

"The number one trait for a successful person is being willing to throw themselves in an uncomfortable situation."

• The speaker identifies a crucial trait of successful individuals as their willingness to embrace discomfort and challenge themselves.

• They illustrate this through examples from their business model, highlighting that reaching out to leads, closing sales, and managing pressure are all uncomfortable yet necessary steps to achieving success.

The Importance of Taking Responsibility 01:43:09

"It purely does come down to just making the conscious decision to do the work."

• The conversation shifts to emphasize personal responsibility in one's success, advocating that success is ultimately a choice that requires dedication.

• Successful individuals are those who are ready to do what others are reluctant to do, and this choice defines their path to achieving their goals.

Embracing the Process 01:44:04

"It sucks until you fall in love with the process."

• The notion that enduring discomfort is part of the journey is reinforced, with a suggestion that love for the process comes from perseverance.

• The speaker encourages staying in the game long enough to experience results, which shift one's perspective making the struggles seem nostalgic and part of a rewarding journey.

The Evolution of Brand Strategy 01:46:30

"We've realized we’re selling a supplement, not a candy, and we need to frame it that way."

• As the conversation evolves, it reveals the learning process in marketing their product, initially misbranding it as candy rather than a supplement.

• Acknowledging that the product messaging needed to be tailored to align with its purpose shows adaptability and an understanding of consumer perception.

Handling Backlash and Improvement 01:46:45

"You can never do anything perfect, so you have to just get used to criticism."

• The speaker talks about the inevitable backlash that follows any major launch, emphasizing a mindset of moving onto the next challenge.

• Handling criticism is framed as part of the job, suggesting that one must accept that flaws are part of the entrepreneurial journey, and improvements will happen over time.

Understanding Business Partnerships 01:47:53

"The partnership just made sense; I believed in the product from when I first saw it and tried it."

• The conversation discusses a strategic partnership where one party has a strong background in dropshipping and e-commerce, while the other brings a marketing background and a personal brand with a substantial reach. This combination allows for effective product promotion to a broad audience.

• The original product concept was developed by another individual, who spent eight months preparing for the launch. One participant saw the potential and decided to invest, obtaining a significant stake in the project.

• The new project serves as an enjoyable outlet and a chance to engage deeply with the business, which is a shift from past experiences of scaling existing brands.

Reinvesting for Growth and Enjoyment 01:48:40

"It's definitely fun to have some new journey and endeavor; something to build over the next couple of years."

• Engaging in this new venture is portrayed as both a fun opportunity and a means to reconnect with the entrepreneurial spirit. Despite not being involved in day-to-day operations to the extent of previous ventures, the impact of having a new project is highlighted.

• The excitement lies in the prospect of building something new that could potentially grow significantly in the coming years.

Proving Capabilities to Oneself and Others 01:49:32

"I want to continue to prove to myself that I'm capable of achieving these goals."

• There is a dual motivation behind the partnership: a desire to prove personal capabilities and a commitment to demonstrating success to the audience of followers.

• The speaker sees an opportunity for individuals to connect with their products without necessarily knowing the owner, drawing parallels to successful brands launched by notable individuals who are not widely recognized for those brands.

The Role and Importance of Product Quality 01:51:07

"Product is everything in business; the foundation of a business is a good product."

• A key focus of the discussion is the significance of having a robust product as a base for any business. This philosophy underpins the development of a new software company, AdLevel.

• Through personal experience in various business domains, the focus has been shifted towards refining product quality before any marketing efforts are made, emphasizing the need for consumer feedback in this iterative process.

Differentiated Advertising Solutions with AI 01:51:58

"It's a software that runs ads for you, simplifying the entire process."

• The software, AdLevel, is introduced as an AI-driven solution designed to manage ad campaigns efficiently for users. By interacting with an AI interface named Athena, users can launch targeted campaigns with minimal effort.

• The AI system is based on years of advertising experience and aims to provide effective campaign monitoring and adjustments, making it suitable for newcomers in the advertising space.

Community and Iteration in Product Development 01:53:48

"We're just getting a lot of feedback from consumers to see what we need to fix and what we need to make better."

• There is an emphasis on the continuous improvement of the software through community feedback, which helps in identifying areas that require enhancement.

• The goal is to ensure that beginners in advertising can navigate the landscape more easily, allowing them to focus on acquiring clients and refining their outreach skills, rather than getting bogged down in complex ad management.

The Importance of Balance and Future Goals 01:55:15

"I've done a lot of thinking over the past 6 months about what I want my future self to look like."

• Brez Scales, reflecting on his business journey, emphasizes the significance of balance in both content creation and business management. He acknowledges the support of key individuals in his life, such as Fredo, which helps him maintain this equilibrium.

• As he considers his future, Brez expresses his goal of improving his skills continually, believing that proficiency in his field will lead to natural financial success.

• He plans to leverage his existing platform to explore investments in other businesses. This involves obtaining equity in various companies while providing them with exposure and expertise.

Strategic Business Endeavors 01:56:50

"I have a lot of different valuable assets I can provide to a lot of these businesses in the space."

• Brez aims to become an active participant in the business ecosystem, possibly acting as an angel investor or forming strategic partnerships.

• He notes the importance of not pursuing risky financial deals but instead focusing on high-level genuine business operations. He wants to emphasize creating substantial contributions rather than engaging in short-term gains.

• Brez recognizes the value of showcasing his abilities and being perceived as a smart investor, reinforcing his brand and business reputation.

Relating to the Audience and Personal Growth 01:58:16

"I've done an amazing job showing my viewers that I'm human."

• He believes that connecting with his audience on a personal level is crucial. This relatability inspires others by demonstrating that he is not fundamentally different from them.

• The dynamic of being perceived differently by various audience segments challenges him to balance his image as both a successful businessman and a relatable individual.

• Brez's message to his younger self highlights the importance of dedication to mastering one's craft and finding joy in the process while remaining resilient in the face of challenges.