242: $745M Exit – Golf.com & Buddy Media Founders, Kass & Mike on Grit, Growth, and Startup Truths

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Holtz interviews Cass and Mike Lazerow, a husband-and-wife duo who have successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family. They discuss their journey, the sacrifices made along the way, and the importance of balancing work and family life. The Lazerows share insights on mental health, parenting, and the dynamics of working in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the need for authenticity and resilience in both personal and professional realms. In this conversation, Kass and Mike Lazerow share their experiences as entrepreneurs and co-founders, discussing the impact of their upbringing on their confidence, the emotional journey of writing a book, and the dynamics of their partnership. They delve into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of financial literacy, and the art of making an ask in business. Their insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlight the significance of resilience and self-awareness in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. In this conversation, Mike and Kass Lazerow discuss the importance of asking for help and building genuine relationships in entrepreneurship. They share personal anecdotes about their journey, emphasizing the need for commitment and integrity in business. The discussion also touches on the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, the purpose behind their new book, and advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs. The Lazerows highlight the significance of taking action and not letting fear hold you back, while also stressing the value of giving back to the community. Takeaways -Entrepreneurship requires significant sacrifices, including family time. -It’s essential to model hard work and values for children. -Mental health challenges can shape personal and professional journeys. -Navigating a male-dominated industry requires resilience and strength. -Life as an entrepreneur is often chaotic and unpredictable. -Children learn more from actions than from words. -Bringing kids into the business can foster empathy and understanding. -Coping mechanisms developed in childhood can influence adult behavior. -The importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life. -Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth and success. Kass’s father instilled confidence in her from a young age. -The Lazerows wrote their book in three months based on years of notes. -Emotional moments can arise when reflecting on past successes. -Effective communication is key in co-founder relationships. -Identifying traits in entrepreneurs can help in partnerships. -Entrepreneurship involves a constant struggle between highs and lows. -Financial literacy is crucial for understanding money management. -Money is a reflection of the energy put into building a business. -Teaching financial literacy should start at a young age. -Knowing when to make an ask is essential for entrepreneurs. The hard part about asking is just starting to ask. -Building relationships is crucial for successful entrepreneurship. -It’s easier to ask for help from those you’ve helped before. -Integrity in commitments is key to maintaining relationships. -Many entrepreneurs settle for ‘good enough’ instead of striving for greatness. -Investing time in family is as important as business success. -The book contains cheat codes for navigating entrepreneurship. -Young entrepreneurs should not fear failure and should start small. -Genuine connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. -Giving back to others can create lasting relationships. Check out Kass & Mike’s AMAZING book here. To work with Ryan and his team to brand, market or produce your podcast or get coached by Ryan, simply click here.