The Unsexy Businessmen

Ep. 1 - Unsexy Coaching: Alex's First Session with Aaron

Unsexy Businessmen — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Follow the Journey on Instagram: @unsexyalex

On this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen Podcast, Alex sits in the hot seat as Aaron runs him through a full coaching intake session — the same one Aaron uses with real clients. No fluff, no BS, just the exact questions, numbers, and awkward guesses (bicep size, anyone?) that go into building a real training and nutrition plan. Alex opens up about his training history, his relationship with alcohol, stress-eating, and why "genetics" isn't the excuse he used to think it was. Aaron breaks down DEXA scans, the A/G ratio you've probably never heard of, and why literally everyone — even the coaches — has a coach. It's honest, it's a little TMI, and it's exactly how this six-month transformation series kicks off.

What you'll learn:

The exact questions a real coach asks in a first session (training history, diet, sleep, stress, lifestyle)
Why tracking macros and understanding your "why" matters more than chasing a number on the scale
What a DEXA scan actually tells you — including body fat %, lean mass, and the often-overlooked A/G (android/gynoid) ratio
Why consistency beats intensity, and how accountability changes the game
How stress-driven habits (drinking, binge eating) sabotage progress — and how to plan around them instead of ignoring them

From Skinny Farm Kid to 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder: Dan Maddox's No-Excuse Fitness Journey

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This week Alex and Aaron sit down with Dan Maddox — a northeastern Montana farm kid turned law enforcement officer, 22-year paramedic, gym manager, motivational speaker, and competitive bodybuilder who just stepped on stage at 60 years old. Yeah, he's doing a lot.

Dan's story isn't your typical fitness journey. We're talking a guy who graduated high school at 6 feet tall and 140 pounds soaking wet, crushed his arm so badly doctors said he'd never grip anything again, and responded by working up to a 612-pound raw deadlift. Doctors say never — Dan says watch me.

What You'll Learn:

Why "no growth in your comfort zone" isn't just a bumper sticker — and how Dan actually lives it
The dietary shifts that made the biggest difference between his 2013 debut and stepping on stage four years ago
How self-esteem is the real barrier to entry at the gym (and what to do about it)
Why Dan thinks your first gym step is harder than any set you'll ever do — and how to take it anyway
The 85/15 rule for eating that lets you stay consistent without losing your mind
What 22 years of 911 calls taught him about using the gym for mental health
How to keep building muscle and bone density after 50, 55, or 60 — no excuses accepted
Why you can't soar with eagles if you're hanging around with buzzards

Dan's the kind of guy who doesn't preach what he doesn't practice. Come for the deadlift numbers, stay for the life advice.

From Costco Hot Dogs to Cream of Wheat: Our Full Day of Eating

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

We heard you asking, so we're opening up the fridge and the pantry. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down exactly what they eat on a daily basis — pre-workout, post-workout, lunch, dinner, snacks, and yes, the cheat meals too. No gatekeeping, no perfect diet BS, just real food, real macros, and a lot of opinions on Minute Made rice.

What You'll Learn:

What Alex and Aaron actually eat from morning to night (with real macro breakdowns)
Why tracking your food is non-negotiable — and why it takes about 10 seconds, not an hour
Snack hacks that actually taste good AND fit your macros (Greek yogurt cheesecake, anyone?)
The caffeine conversation: does cutting it really improve your sleep?
Why goals matter just as much as tracking — and what happens when you have one without the other
The sneaky calorie bombs hiding in "simple" meals (looking at you, Taco Bell run)
How to build a sustainable way of eating you actually look forward to

Strong, Not Skinny: How Gordon Steele Built a Body (and a Routine) That Actually Lasts

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This week Alex and Aaron sit down with their old mission buddy Gordon Steele — and yes, he looks exactly as jacked as you'd expect someone named "Steele" to look. But it wasn't always that way. Gordon went from managing a restaurant and eating his way through the menu to becoming a five-to-six-days-a-week lifter who's now training for his first Hyrox with his wife. No overnight transformation, no magic pill — just baby steps, a good playlist, and a hard-won routine.

What You'll Learn:

How Gordon went from zero gym habit to five or six days a week — and why starting with just two days was the actual key
The mindset shift that made nutrition finally click (hint: eight months of MyFitnessPal and a lot of tacos)
Why the number on the scale is almost completely useless and what to pay attention to instead
The supplements worth taking (creatine and magnesium) and the ones you can skip
How to actually protect your sleep schedule when you've got three kids and a nine-to-five
Why your kids aren't your excuse — they're your reason
The "appointment with yourself" philosophy that Gordon's father-in-law swears by (and that changed everything)
Walking as a legitimate, underrated form of cardio — and why your knees will thank you
The Heavy app, progressive overload, and why tracking your lifts will keep you sane on the bad days

Ignore the Noise: How to Handle Negativity When You're Trying to Get Healthy

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Let's be real — the hardest part of getting healthy sometimes isn't the workouts or the meal prep. It's the people around you. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down the different flavors of negativity you'll run into on your health journey: the friend who won't stop pushing the cheesecake, the spouse who makes you feel dumb for going to the gym, and the random internet troll who's convinced Aaron claimed to be an elite athlete (he didn't). They also get into why gym culture gets a bad rap it doesn't deserve, why obesity is apparently contagious (there's a real study on this), and how surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your goals.

What You'll Learn:

Why people pressure you to eat bad food — and why it's not really about the food
The truth about gym culture and why the fear of being judged is probably holding you back
How social media negativity is different from real-life negativity (and how to handle both)
Why the people you spend the most time with have a massive impact on your health outcomes
How to be the kind of friend or partner that actually helps people hit their goals

From Torn Achilles to the Pitch Again: Juan Guitron's Road Back

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What do you do when you're in the best shape of your life and your body just... snaps? That's exactly what happened to Juan Guitron — Division I soccer player, CrossFit convert, and all-around competitor — when he ruptured his Achilles tendon during a late-night futsal game in November 2021. No one hit him. No one fouled him. One pivot, one pop, and suddenly he's lying on the court wondering why his foot won't move.

Alex and Aaron sit down with Juan to get the full story — from the moment he hit the floor to nine months of grueling physical therapy, sciatic pain, and the mental battle that honestly might've been harder than the injury itself. We're talking teddy bears and toe cups, golf ball rolling, unbalanced hips, and what it actually feels like to lace up your boots again for the first time after a full Achilles rupture. Oh, and he somehow ended up with a fresh Achilles AND a new hobby — so there's that.

What You'll Learn:

What a ruptured Achilles actually feels and sounds like (hint: you'll think someone hit you with a bat)
The difference between a partial and full tear — and why it matters for surgery decisions
What the first weeks of Achilles recovery actually look like, step by step
How compensating for one injury can wreck the rest of your body if you're not careful
Why the mental side of injury recovery is the hardest part nobody talks about
The small wins mentality that got Juan through nine months of rehab
What Juan wishes he'd done differently during recovery

Ego Lifts, Bad Form, and Blown Shoulders: What Not to Do at the Gym

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Look, we've both been that guy — too much weight, bad form, too proud to drop it down. And we've both paid for it. Alex has wrecked his lower back and shoulder. Aaron literally had surgery and was out of the gym for six months. So yeah, we know a thing or two about what NOT to do.

In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down the real, unglamorous stuff that keeps you lifting long-term without ending up sidelined. No fluff, no bro science spirals — just the habits that actually work.

What You'll Learn:

Why warming up (the right way) takes 30 seconds and saves you months of pain
How ego lifting is silently destroying your joints — and what to do instead
The difference between muscle burn and actual pain (and why it matters)
What progressive overload really means and how to use it without overdoing it
Why recovery days aren't lazy — they're literally when your muscles grow
How to be the friend who speaks up before someone blows their shoulder out

Whether you're working out at home or in the gym, training hard or just getting started — this one's worth a listen before your next session.

Don't Come Back Soft: Staying Fit While Traveling

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Nobody wants to be the guy who packed his gym shoes for every trip and never once used them. Alex and Aaron have been that guy — and they're not anymore. In this episode, they break down exactly how they stay consistent with workouts and nutrition while traveling, whether it's a long weekend or a full week away. From researching hotel gyms before you even book the room, to why mornings are the only time that actually works, to what's sitting in Aaron's hotel fridge on day one of any trip — it's all here. They also get into the nutrition side: how to shop smart at the local Walmart, why bringing your own creatine isn't weird, and the two-restaurant-a-day rule that changed everything after their legendary Vegas food marathon. No meal prep containers required. Just a little bit of thought before you leave, and the willingness to get after it anyway.

What You'll Learn:

Why packing your gear is half the battle — and how to make sure you actually use it
How to research hotel gyms ahead of time and build a workout around what's actually there
Why mornings are the lowest-excuse time to get your workout done while traveling
How to count "exercise-adjacent" activities (snorkeling, concerts, beach walks) toward your daily goals
Aaron's hotel grocery store strategy for keeping nutrition on track without being miserable
How Alex packs supplements from home in under five minutes
The two-meal-per-day rule for longer trips
Why vacations kill healthy habits — and exactly how to make sure they don't kill yours

Getting Back to the Gym After Being Sick: How to Know When You're Actually Ready

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Alex came back from the dead (strep throat style) and lived to tell the tale — and work out again. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down something nobody really talks about: how do you actually know when it's time to get back in the gym after being sick? Alex shares his firsthand experience recovering from strep, including what his Oura Ring data revealed about just how hard his body was working while he was down bad. Aaron gives his take on why pushing through too early is only hurting yourself — and everyone at the gym around you.

They also get into nutrition when you're sick (spoiler: pizza and Dots pretzels have a role to play), the mental game of losing weight during illness, and why having a solid routine before you get sick makes getting back on track almost automatic.

What You'll Learn:

How to gauge whether your body is actually ready to return to the gym after illness
Why going too hard too soon after being sick prolongs your recovery (not shortens it)
How wearables like the Oura Ring and HRV tracking can guide your return to training
The truth about weight loss during sickness — what you're actually losing
Why building a consistent routine makes bouncing back from setbacks way easier
How to ease back in with a lighter session and go from there

Why Alcohol Is Killing Your Gains (And Everything Else)

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Look, we're not here to lecture you — but we are here to tell you the truth nobody's saying out loud: alcohol is doing way more damage to your health than you probably realize. Alex and Aaron break down exactly what happens to your body when you drink — from your body flat-out stopping fat burn (yes, really) to tanking your testosterone, spiking cortisol, and cutting your muscle protein synthesis by up to 37%. Spoiler: it's not great.

What You'll Learn:

Why your body treats alcohol like a poison and drops everything else to deal with it
How a single night of drinking can halt fat metabolism for up to 14 days
The hormonal chaos alcohol causes — lower testosterone, spiked cortisol, and up to 70% reduction in HGH
Why "I only drink on weekends" is probably why you're not hitting your goals
How alcohol destroys your sleep quality even when you think it knocked you out cold
The flawed studies that had us all convinced a glass of red wine was somehow good for us
Why accountability — whether it's a coach, a tracker, or just documenting your progress — is the cheat code most people skip

Whether you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just feel better, this one's worth the listen. We're not saying never drink again — we're just saying know what you're trading.

GLP-1s, Ozempic Face, and Why You Still Have to Do the Work

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Everyone's talking about Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro — but are people actually talking about what happens when you get off it? Alex and Aaron break down how GLP-1s actually work, why your buddy who dropped 40 pounds now looks like he's got the Ozempic face, and what you need to be doing if you're going to take one of these things and not just balloon right back up. They get into the muscle loss problem, why protein and resistance training aren't optional, and why pharmaceutical companies are handing these out like candy without teaching people the habits that actually make it stick.

They're not here to tell you GLP-1s are evil — if you're headed toward a heart attack, by all means, hop on. But if you're taking it because you don't feel like going to the gym? Yeah, they've got some thoughts on that too.

What You'll Learn:

How GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic actually work and why the hunger suppression comes with a catch
Why muscle loss and tanking your resting metabolic rate sets you up to gain the weight back faster
What dosage mistakes most people are making that lead to that gaunt, sickly look
Why resistance training and protein intake aren't suggestions — they're requirements
How to use GLP-1s the right way, the way the original studies actually intended
Why building habits around food tracking and whole foods is the only long-term play
The difference between discipline and misery (spoiler: you can still have pizza)

Your AI Health Coach: How to Use ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini to Build Workouts & Stop Guessing

Unsexy Businessmen — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:28:10 GMT

Look, nobody's here to sell you a supplement or tell you to eat tilapia. Alex and Aaron are breaking down how they actually use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to make their health journeys simpler — not sexier, just simpler.

In this episode, the Skinner brothers get into the real, unglamorous stuff: tracking macros, knowing your RMR, getting a DEXA scan, and letting an AI hold you accountable when your gym buddy is too busy slacking off. Because here's the thing — AI doesn't care if you had a bad week, it's not going to guilt trip you, and it's definitely not going to tell you to eat tuna if you tell it not to.

What you'll learn:

How to use AI tools to build a fully personalized nutrition and workout plan based on YOUR data points — not some generic template
What RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) is, why it matters, and how being wrong about it could be wrecking your progress
How Aaron uses a dedicated AI chat to log macros, track workouts, and get real-time food suggestions based on what's already in his kitchen
Why getting tested (DEXA scans, RMR testing) before starting your health journey will save you months of guessing
The one prompting tip that makes AI give you more accurate, medically-referenced health advice
Why AI is better than most trainers at remembering you hate fish

Whether you're just starting out or you've been grinding for a while and something still isn't clicking — this episode is worth the listen. No doctor's coat required.

We are not doctors. Please consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes. But also, just go get a DEXA scan.

Is Health Insurance the Biggest Scam in America?

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Let's be honest — health insurance might be the biggest scam running in America right now, and Alex and Aaron aren't holding back. In this episode, the brothers break down exactly why the system is built to take your money and deny your claims, sharing real stories of people who got screwed when they needed coverage the most. From the employee Alex hired just to get on the company's health plan (spoiler: he had 9 family members to cover) to cancer patients being denied "medically necessary" treatment, this one gets real fast.

They also get into what you can actually do about it — personal accountability, food prep, breaking bad habits, and why getting healthy might be the best middle finger you can give to the insurance industry. Oh, and they go on a very justified rant about companies taking credit for your charitable donations. Classic.

What You'll Learn:

Why health insurance costs keep going up and what's actually driving it (hint: GLP-1s are part of the story)
How insurance companies literally employ people just to deny your claims
What the ACA rollbacks mean for everyday Americans
How much your employer is actually spending on you (the number will surprise you)
Why personal health habits are your best — and only — real leverage against a broken system
The gray market GLP-1 situation (Aaron's words, not ours — consult a doctor, people)
How building healthy habits makes it easier to bounce back when life throws you off track

D1 Athlete to Desk Job to Jacked Again: Darin Tuttle's Real Weight Loss Journey

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Darin Tuttle walked on at BYU as a D1 football player and then life happened. A desk job, long hours, energy drinks, and years of being a "weekend warrior" in the wrong ways left him sitting at 250 pounds wondering where his old self went. So he did something about it.

In this episode, Alex and Aaron sit down with Darin to dig into the real, unsexy side of his transformation not the highlight reel, but the daily 4:30 AM wake-ups, the weekend-long water fasts, the canned tuna lunches nobody wants to smell, and the whiteboard full of mean comments he used as fuel. Darin's dropped over 40 pounds, completed four HYROX races, a couple Tough Mudders, and is now deep into 75 Hard and Vedic meditation. Dude's not messing around.

This one's for anyone who's been grinding at the gym for six months and wondering why nothing's changing — or anyone who just needs a reminder that consistency beats motivation every single time.

What You'll Learn:

Why joining a community (even a WhatsApp group) can be the single thing that kickstarts your journey
How intermittent fasting — including extended weekend fasts — unlocked real weight loss for Darin when the gym alone wasn't doing it
Why your diet needs to work for YOUR personality, not someone else's protocol
How to use AI to create a visual goal for your body (and why it actually works)
What peptides like Retatrutide are doing in the health space and why the guys don't think using tools is "cheating"
The four levels of Darin's transformation: community, nutrition, fitness competitions, and Vedic meditation
Why tracking your weight as a data point — not a pass/fail test — changes everything
How fitness bleeds into every other area of your life: confidence, career, relationships, and how people perceive you
The Tim Tealdo "Positive Self Talk" YouTube video that kept Darin going when his own voice wasn't enough
Why believing in yourself is the cheesiest — and most accurate — advice anyone can give you

Artemis II, World Peace, and Why We Should Hug Our Kids

Unsexy Businessmen — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:37:16 GMT

Alex and Aaron kicked off this one thinking they were going to talk about the Artemis II launch and they did, kind of. What started as two guys with zero astronaut credentials breaking down NASA's big moon mission quickly spiraled into one of those conversations that somehow ends up hitting you right in the chest.

From the wild perspective shift of seeing Earth from space, to politics, religion, Epstein files, moose attacks, tigers trying to eat babies at the zoo, and a Subaru commercial that might make you cry this episode has it all. And somehow, it all circles back to the same thing: stop sweating the stuff you can't control and go be present with the people you love.

What You'll Learn:

What the Artemis II mission actually is (sort of) and why it matters beyond just cool rocket footage
Why seeing Earth from space has a way of putting all your problems in perspective
How both Alex and Aaron think about the noise of politics, war, and world events — and why they mostly try to tune it out
The sobering stat about how much time you actually have left with your kids after age 18
Why it takes a certain kind of person (read: sociopath) to make it to the top of politics — and what that means for the rest of us
How to stop projecting 35 years of life experience onto a 13-month-old (Alex is working on it)

Why Hardworking Americans Always Get Screwed First

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The TSA was created to keep us safe—but what happens when the system meant to protect people starts hurting them instead?

In this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen Podcast, Alex and Aaron break down the real impact of government shutdowns, why TSA agents end up working without pay, and how everyday Americans get caught in the crossfire of political games.

This isn’t just about airport lines—it’s about a much bigger problem: a system where accountability is nonexistent, incentives are broken, and the people at the bottom always take the hit.

They also dive into why blindly trusting politicians is a losing game, how media fuels division, and what you can actually do to take control of your own situation.

📚 What You Will Learn

Why government shutdowns disproportionately hurt working-class Americans
How the TSA became a symbol of a much larger systemic issue
The real reason nothing seems to change politically
How media and social platforms amplify division
Why financial impact is the only thing that drives real change
The dangers of blindly supporting any political figure
How to think independently instead of relying on “talking heads”
Why protests rarely create meaningful change
The connection between government decisions and your wallet
How building your own business is one of the only ways to gain control

We Owe Everything to Social Media (Seriously)

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Most people think they understand how social media works… but they don’t.

In this episode, we break down the real mechanics behind social media platforms how they keep you hooked, why outrage spreads faster than truth, and how AI-generated content is starting to take over your feed.

From controversial thumbnails to fake viral videos, we explain how the system rewards engagement at all costs even if that means misinformation, manipulation, or straight-up fiction.

We also get into the bigger issue: what this is doing to your attention, your beliefs, and even the next generation growing up in it.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my feed look like this?” this episode will answer it.

🎓 What You’ll Learn

How social media algorithms actually decide what you see
Why controversial or misleading content performs better than truth
The role of engagement (comments, watch time, outrage) in content distribution
How AI-generated content is flooding platforms — and why it works
Why people argue without even watching full content
How misinformation spreads faster than fact
The psychology behind why you keep getting “stuck” in certain content loops
Practical ways to take control of your feed and break the algorithm

Stop Starting Over: How to Build Sustainable Health Habits

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen podcast, Alex and Aaron break down the unsexy truth about getting healthy, losing weight, and building habits that actually last. They talk about why New Year’s resolutions usually fail, how guilt and all-or-nothing thinking wreck progress, and why health has to be treated like a long-term system instead of a short-term sprint.

They also get into tracking macros, resistance training, calorie deficits, building muscle, using AI tools for accountability, and the mindset shift that helps you recover quickly when you slip up. On top of that, they dive into hot-button topics like Ozempic, TRT, motivation, body image, and why sustainable health is really about finding what works for you and sticking with it.

If you’ve ever started a diet on Monday, blown it over the weekend, and promised yourself you’d “try again next week,” this episode is for you.

What you will learn

Why New Year’s resolutions are usually a terrible way to start a health journey
How guilt and self-loathing can sabotage long-term progress
Why sustainable systems matter more than motivation
How tracking food, workouts, and progress can improve consistency
Why resistance training is a key part of long-term health
How muscle affects resting metabolic rate and calorie burn
Why cheat meals only become a problem when they derail your whole plan
How to think about Ozempic, TRT, and other health tools realistically
Why your health goals need to align with your real lifestyle

The Unsexy Side of Agency Growth with Ben Webber of Big Red Jelly

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen Podcast, Alex and Aaron sit down with Ben Webber of Big Red Jelly to talk about what it actually takes to build and scale a creative agency. Ben shares how Big Red Jelly started from humble beginnings, the role partnerships played in their growth, and why process matters more than most entrepreneurs think.

They get into what it looks like to build a company with family, how to create a workplace people genuinely want to be part of, and why branding is much more than just a logo. The conversation also dives into AI, authenticity, client relationships, and the “unsexy” systems that quietly make businesses successful.

This is a great episode for entrepreneurs, agency owners, and anyone trying to grow a business without losing the human side of what makes great companies stand out.

What You Will Learn

How Big Red Jelly got started and evolved over time
Why process and SOPs are critical for scaling a business
How partnerships can become a major growth channel
What founders should know before working with family
Why branding is more than logos and colors
How to build a strong company culture as your team grows
The role AI is playing in branding and digital marketing
Where AI helps businesses and where it hurts creativity
Why human connection is becoming even more valuable
The biggest lesson Ben wishes he knew earlier in business

Your Opinion on The Iran War Is Wrong

Unsexy Businessmen — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:59:45 GMT

In this episode of the Unsexy Podcast, Alex and Aaron tackle something that seems to happen every time a major global event hits the news: suddenly everyone becomes an expert.

From social media outrage to political tribalism, the guys break down why so many people form strong opinions on issues they barely understand—and why algorithms make the problem worse.

They talk about the dangers of echo chambers, why people rarely question their own side, and how social media has amplified human nature’s worst tendencies. Along the way, they discuss examples ranging from foreign policy reactions to political double standards and why critical thinking seems to be disappearing online.

The core message? You don’t have to agree with everyone—but you should at least understand what you’re talking about.

Sometimes the most radical idea today is simply thinking for yourself.

Why Everyone Loves Ticketmaster

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen podcast, Alex and Aaron take on one of the most hated companies in live entertainment: Ticketmaster. From absurd fees and impossible presale queues to scalpers, resale madness, and monopoly accusations, they break down why buying concert tickets has become such a miserable experience for everyday people.

They dig into Aaron’s failed attempt to get Metallica tickets at the Sphere, why even major artists seem powerless against the system, and how companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation keep making money at every step of the process. They also get into the bigger business lesson underneath all of it: when a company controls too much of the market, the customer usually loses.

On top of the Ticketmaster rant, they answer two listener questions: one about an employee using company relationships to build a side business, and another about a cleaning client constantly expanding the scope of work without increasing pay.

What You Will Learn

Why Ticketmaster creates so much frustration for consumers
How scalpers and resale platforms make ticket prices explode
Why Live Nation and Ticketmaster have so much market power
Why artists often have less control than fans think
How monopoly-like systems can trap both customers and creators
What to do when an employee starts becoming your competition
How to handle a client who keeps asking for more without paying more
Why business owners need contracts, boundaries, and scope control

Stop Avoiding Conflict: Fix the Client Problem Fast

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

In service businesses, “bad clients” usually aren’t the real problem—bad expectations and slow communication are. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down what actually causes client blow-ups (hint: it’s rarely the work itself), why residential customers can be way more intense than commercial accounts, and how to respond when someone calls furious so you don’t make it worse.

They also get into the uncomfortable truth: avoiding conflict doesn’t prevent drama—it compounds it. Whether you’re dealing with resurfacing stains, “no one called me back” complaints, or clients who suddenly start interrogating every charge, the fix is the same: address it fast, set the frame, and lead the relationship.

What you will learn

How to set expectations so clients don’t mentally write their own story (and hate you for it)
The real difference between commercial vs residential clients (and how to manage each)
A simple script for dealing with angry customers without escalating the situation
How to recognize when a client is quiet-panicking (more questions = something’s wrong)
The “address vs resolve” approach: how to buy back trust fast
The top complaints clients make—and how your process can prevent most of them
How to identify the 0.3% crazy client vs a normal client having a bad day
Why “the customer is always right” is misunderstood—and how to handle it correctly

8 Books That Built Our Businesses And Broke Our Brains

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Alex and Aaron break down the books that genuinely shaped how they build businesses—plus a few that made them better humans, which turns out to be the same thing. From trust and communication (so clients stop hovering) to leadership, accountability, and the uncomfortable truth that “everything is your fault,” this episode is a rapid-fire, no-fluff book list with real-world takeaways you can apply immediately.

They also go off-script on why famous people get misquoted, why “diva” behavior in teams is optional (not inevitable), and they react to two listener scenarios: a landscaping partnership stuck in a growth vs. optimization standoff, and a roofing company debating whether to keep a top-producing salesperson who’s poisoning operations.

What you will learn

Which books helped them most with trust, leadership, and communication
How fast trust reduces friction, emails, and second-guessing from clients
The “Radical Candor” framework: Care personally + challenge directly
Why “Extreme Ownership” is a cheat code for leadership and team loyalty
How to think about growth vs. efficiency when margins are tightening
How to handle a top producer who breaks systems without nuking culture
Why most “wealth” is quiet—and how to avoid the comparison trap

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Bad Bunny Ended The NFL

Unsexy Businessmen — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:33:53 GMT

This was supposed to be football. Instead, it turned into another culture-war meltdown.

In this emergency episode of the Unsexy Businessmen podcast, Alex and Aaron break down the Bad Bunny halftime show controversy, why everyone suddenly became an expert on NFL intent, and how outrage has become the easiest form of entertainment in America.

The NFL didn’t make a political statement — they made a business decision. And just like clockwork, people took the bait, got mad, and kept watching anyway.

This episode isn’t about defending the halftime show. It’s about understanding why people need to be angry, how escapism works, and why obsessing over things that don’t improve your life keeps you stuck.

If you’re tired of manufactured outrage, performative opinions, and wasting emotional energy on stuff that doesn’t matter — this one’s for you.

Bottom line: The NFL won. The game went on. And none of this helped your life even a little bit.

Ep. 21 - Layoffs Are Spiking Again. Here’s Why “Unsexy” Businesses Win in 2026

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

January’s job report is ugly: layoffs jumped to the highest January level since 2009, tech is bleeding, and transportation got rocked (hello, UPS). Alex and Aaron break down what’s actually happening when public companies “save money” by cutting headcount, why AI is accelerating the trend, and why the so-called “AI bubble” might not be the tools… but the people pretending they can drive revenue with them.

Then they bring it back to the Unsexy Businessmen thesis: if your business touches the physical world (cleaning, landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, electrical), you’re harder to replace. And if you can hold a normal conversation and deliver a solid service, you’re already ahead of the pack.

Plus: a listener email about a commercial landscaping company where one client is 62% of revenue and the guys give the exact playbook for de-risking without nuking margins.

What you will learn

Why layoffs can make a company look “healthier” (and why that should scare you)
The difference between AI replacing work vs robots replacing labor (and why trades are safer)
Why “AI growth” won’t automatically create enough new jobs to offset displacement
How to spot the real AI bubble: activity that doesn’t tie back to revenue
The simplest career cheat code for the next decade: communication + competence
How to handle an anchor client that’s become a single point of failure (62% risk)
A practical plan to diversify revenue without abandoning commercial work

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Watch Next:
The Unsexy Businessmen Podcast ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpkzRR2FIrzTteTigUZswaxeScm0QXMCv

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Don't forget to hit that subscribe button 🔥 if you want to learn how to turn ANY unsexy business idea into a thriving business! We are sharing the raw, real steps to succeed in this unsexy world of business. Let’s get to work!

Ep. 20 - If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying: The Complacency Trap in Small Business

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Comfort feels like winning—until it turns into complacency. In this episode of Unsexy Businessmen, Alex and Aaron break down why “everything’s fine” can be the most dangerous phase of your business: you stop selling as hard, tolerate B and C players, delay decisions, and slowly let standards slip. Then one hit lands—losing a key client, a top employee leaving, a new competitor undercutting you, or an economic slowdown—and suddenly the business you thought was “stable” is scrambling to survive.

They share real-world stories (including the early client-loss wake-up call that reshaped Aaron’s entire approach), plus practical ways to pressure-test your operation before the market forces you to.

What you’ll learn

The difference between comfort and stability—and how to tell which one you actually have
Why “plateauing” is often the start of decline (even when revenue looks fine)
The two core habits that prevent most service businesses from getting blindsided: consistent sales + consistent hiring
How complacency shows up in real life: stale pay bands, outdated pricing, ignored SOPs, weak communication, and delayed hard decisions
The simplest “health dashboard” for a small service business (what to track once you’re past survival mode)
Smart recession prep that isn’t doom-and-gloom: cash reserves, retention systems, upsells/add-on services, and tighter client relationships
A self-audit you can run today: what hasn’t changed in 12 months, where you’re coasting on old wins, and which decisions you keep pushing off

Ep. 19 - Stop Overpaying Taxes: The CPA Playbook for Unsexy Business Owners With Brian Basinger

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Aaron and Alex sit down with Aaron’s CPA and tax strategist, Brian Basinger, to break down the tax mistakes that quietly drain small business cash—especially in home services and “unsexy” businesses. They cover the single biggest lever most owners miss: entity structure—and why the S-Corp shift is based on profit (not revenue), with a practical rule of thumb around the $30,000 profit mark.

Brian explains what an S-Corp actually changes (hint: you wear two hats—employee and owner) and why balancing payroll and distributions matters if you want the tax benefits to work. The conversation also dismantles the most common “write-off” myth: buying a $100,000 vehicle doesn’t make it free—it usually saves a percentage, not a dollar-for-dollar credit. They also dig into why proactive planning beats last-minute panic, what happens when your books are a mess, and how entrepreneurs get blindsided by six-figure tax bills.

To close it out, they run a rapid-fire Top 10 tax mistakes list (sourced from the IRS/AICPA) and explain what these mistakes look like in the real world—so you can fix them before they cost you years of profit.

What you’ll learn

The #1 tax/finance mistake that causes chaos (and how to correct it fast)
When an S-Corp makes sense and why it’s tied to profit, not revenue
How S-Corps reduce self-employment tax, and what “reasonable salary” really means
The truth about write-offs (and why “it’s a write-off” isn’t a business plan)
Why clean books unlock better tax planning—and how messy books destroy visibility
What wealthy business owners do differently: proactive planning, entity strategy, and incentive-aligned investing
The top IRS/AICPA tax mistakes and how to avoid them in a service business

Ep. 18 - Ego Is The Enemy That Kills Small Businesses (And How to Spot Yours)

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout
Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/unsexy-business-group-2742/about?ref=16cfaba2d15643c690ae36a699b64ae3

Ego in small business rarely looks like arrogance. More often, it shows up as defensiveness, “I’ll just do it myself,” and refusing to hear feedback without taking it personally. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down the most common ego traps founders and employees fall into—and why those traps quietly slow growth, block delegation, and create toxic “yes-man” cultures that kill innovation.

They cover what ego looks like in employees (pushback, uncoachable behavior), what it looks like in founders (control issues, refusal to document processes), and how to build a trust-based environment where people can challenge ideas without drama. You’ll also hear a simple “ego self-audit” to identify operational risk, plus a Top 10 segment on what people hate about Disneyland, and two listener questions about attracting the wrong leads from Google Ads and managing employees who won’t take initiative.

What you will learn

How ego shows up as defensiveness, not just arrogance
The difference between confidence and “false confidence” (and why it’s so destructive)
Why uncoachable employees are operationally expensive (and what to do about it)
How trust accelerates execution (and why low trust forces “feedback sandwiches”)
Why “everyone’s stupid except me” prevents delegation and caps growth
The “two-week disappearance” test to expose what your business depends on
How SOPs and clear accountability reduce repeat mistakes and constant reminders
Listener Q&A: filtering “bad” leads from Google Ads, and dealing with low-initiative crews

Ep. 17 - Hire Slow, Fire Fast: The Simple System to Avoid Bad Hires

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Get The Course: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout
Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/unsexy-business-group-2742/about?ref=16cfaba2d15643c690ae36a699b64ae3

Hiring your first few employees can feel like trying to fix a house fire with a garden hose—everything feels urgent, you’re overwhelmed, and you’ll hire the first person who seems “motivated” just to make the pain stop. In this episode of Unsexy Businessmen, Alex shares his worst hire ever (and the obvious mistake behind it), while Aaron breaks down what “turnover hell” looks like when you hire anyone with a pulse.

Then they get practical: how to stop hiring in panic mode, how to write a job post that filters out bad fits, what interview red flags actually matter, and why having a hiring pipeline beats scrambling every time someone quits. They also cover the common first-hire traps—hiring friends/family, going too cheap, and “clone hiring”—and how to recover fast when you realize you hired the wrong person.

What you will learn

Why “urgency hiring” is the fastest path to bad employees (and constant babysitting)
The best way to reduce turnover: make the job post painfully specific (pay, hours, duties, requirements)
Interview red flags that predict problems: late arrivals, trashing past employers, zero curiosity
Green flags that matter more than experience: coachability, humility, trainability, attitude
How to build a hiring pipeline so you’re not hiring to put out fires
When it’s smart to “overhire” slightly to avoid missing out on A-players
How to recover from a bad hire quickly—without repeating the same mistake
Listener Q&A: “too busy to hire,” and “profitable on paper but stressed about payroll”

Ep. 16 - The Biggest Lie in Entrepreneurship: “Do What You Love”

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Everyone’s heard the quote: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” In this episode of the Unsexy Businessmen Podcast, Alex and Aaron Skinner break down why that advice is one of the most misleading ideas in entrepreneurship—and how it sets new business owners up for burnout, disappointment, and wasted time.

They explain why turning a hobby into a business often destroys the very thing you love, how customers and stress change the game, and what you should focus on instead if you actually want freedom, income, and long-term success. The bottom line: don’t build a business around what sounds sexy, build it around what works.

What You’ll Learn

Why “do what you love” is dangerous advice for new entrepreneurs
How turning hobbies into income can kill the joy (and accelerate burnout)
The better framework: what you’re good at, what you can learn, and what pays
How unsexy businesses create freedom faster than “passion projects”
Why not loving your job doesn’t mean you’re failing—and what actually matters
How to use hobbies as decompression instead of turning them into a stress factory

Ep. 15 - Stop Romanticizing the Grind: Real Productivity vs Fake Busy

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The conversation delves into the concept of the 'grind myth' and the detrimental effects of romanticizing the grind. It also explores the importance of self-validation and the negative impact of seeking external affirmation. The discussion highlights the need for efficiency in business operations and the significance of prioritizing self-care and personal growth.

Takeaways

Grind myth
Self-validation Effective decision-making requires a focus on the rule, not the exception.
Identifying and eliminating non-coachable employees is crucial for business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Hustle Culture and Self-Validation
22:28 The Cost of Delayed Decision-Making
34:11 Solving Business Challenges with Practical Solutions

Ep. 14 - Scammers, Haters, and Wins: An Unsexy Reflection on 2025

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:03:15 GMT

August 2025. Aaron and Alex are staring at a hosting bill wondering if they should pull the plug on Unsexy Businessmen. Then the sales started coming in. 💰

This episode is different—no advice, no how-tos, just two brothers getting real about what it's been like building this company for the past year. The imposter syndrome when waiting for that first $17 sale. The validation when Greg (not his real name) called to say their advice saved him from an IRS nightmare. The frustration watching scam artists get millions of followers while promising "easy" success.

They also get into the darker stuff: agencies charging $70/month for $10 hosting (for 12 years 🤯). Registered agent companies preying on new entrepreneurs for $1,000. The commenter who shit on their "obvious" advice to ask for referrals (which, spoiler, most people don't think to do). And why they refuse to join the "get rich quick" crowd even though it would probably make them way more money.

Plus: Why their LLC videos have gotten thousands of views and comments like "this made me so much less scared." Why they'll die on the hill of "starting a business is hard." And why breaking even would make them incredibly happy—because this was never about building an empire, it was about helping people avoid the expensive mistakes they made. 🙏

What You'll Learn:

The real story behind Unsexy Businessmen's first year (including almost quitting)
Why validation from real clients matters more than thousands of followers
The actual scams preying on new entrepreneurs (registered agents, hosting, LLC services)
Why Aaron and Alex refuse to promise "easy" success even though it sells better
How they've saved people thousands with free YouTube content
The difference between building a passion project and chasing money
Why dealing with haters is actually a sign you're doing something right

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here’s how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 5 - Working With Family and Friends: When Business Gets Personal

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Ever wondered if you should go into business with your best friend or family member? Aaron and Alex Skinner get brutally honest about the messy reality of mixing business with personal relationships. From dealing with underperforming relatives to firing a friend who's stealing, they share hard-earned lessons from managing family businesses and working with friends. Learn when shared trust becomes a liability, how to set clear expectations before things go sideways, and why you need to ask yourself: "Am I willing to lose this friendship over this business?" Plus, they answer listener questions about handling theft and managing demanding stakeholders. Raw, practical advice for anyone considering—or already stuck in—a business partnership with people they care about.

What You'll Learn:

The double-edged sword of built-in trust with family and friends
How to set clear roles, responsibilities, and metrics from day one
Why you need everything in writing (no handshake deals!)
The importance of being willing to have uncomfortable conversations
How to identify if someone actually has marketable skills or just talks a lot
When to fire a family member or friend (and how to do it)
Managing expectations and avoiding resentment in partnerships
The critical question: Are you okay losing this relationship if the business fails?
How to handle demanding stakeholders without burning out your team
Real examples of what works (and what spectacularly doesn't) in family businesses

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 4 - Boundaries, Discounts, and Day-Ones: Navigating Relationships as a Founder

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Alex and Aaron map out six friend/family archetypes every entrepreneur runs into—from the ones who don't care, to the ones who want free work, to the "how much do you make?" comparers, the quiet haters, fellow founders, and the true supporters. They get real about why discounts backfire, how to set clean boundaries without drama, when to prune your circle, and how to keep your head down and build.

Plus, a rapid-fire listener Q&A:
• A manager gets scolded for raising a report to the company's salary minimum—what now?
• A septic business struggles with SEO/Google Ads—what local play actually works?

What you'll learn

The 6 relationship types entrepreneurs face—and how to respond to each
Why friends-and-family discounts set the wrong expectations (and what to do instead)
How to spot comparison energy and protect your momentum
Using skepticism as fuel vs. mental drain
The value of entrepreneur peers for honest numbers, tactics, and tax/ops tips
Q&A Tactics: handling a boss who ignores company policy, and the simple local stack for trades (GBP locations, reviews, and Local Services Ads) to drive real leads

If you've ever felt torn between keeping the peace and protecting your business, this episode gives you a practical playbook—no fluff, just moves.

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 6 - Staring Down Self-Doubt (and Shipping Nightmares)

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Self-doubt hits everyone—new founders, seasoned owners, and yes, even the loud confident ones. In this episode of Unsexy Businessmen, Alex and Aaron break down how they've handled doubt at critical moments (quitting jobs, starting companies, taking risks), and the simple habits that keep momentum going when your brain wants to stall. They also get real about internet "gurus," why vetting advice matters, and how to build a circle that fuels progress instead of insecurity.

In the listener Q&A, they tackle two super-practical topics: (1) how to price commercial cleaning work when you're new, and (2) how to stop costly shipping mistakes with better SOPs and checks. No hype—just frameworks you can use today.

What you'll learn

A practical definition of self-doubt (and why motion beats rumination)
Two mindsets that work: blind persistence vs. disciplined stubbornness
The "calendar cure": structuring your day so fear has nowhere to sit
When to pivot vs. when to persevere (and how to tell the difference)
How to sanity-check advice and spot course-seller red flags
Building a support system that gives help, not hot air
Pricing a commercial cleaning contract: competitor recon → hours → margin
Why mid-market pricing often wins—and how to defend your rate
Turning a shipping error into a process win: checklists, dual-address flags, final confirms
How to correct mistakes with customers without torching trust

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 8 - How to Sell Like You: Door-to-Door Mastery with Erik Pyper

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:01:00 GMT

Download The Workbook: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Join Our Entrepreneur Skool Group: https://www.skool.com/unsexy-business-group-2742/about?ref=16cfaba2d15643c690ae36a699b64ae3

Follow Erik:

Instagram: @mediocresalesman

Instagram: @breaksnotbroken

Sales doesn't have to be loud or slick—it has to be you. In this episode, Aaron and Alex sit down with door-to-door veteran Erik Pyper (DoorDriven) to unpack how he rebuilt after a brutal slump and scaled multi-state teams using systems, analytics, and "tactical empathy." We hit the real stuff: handling rejection without ego, training reps to their strengths (not yours), qualifying hard, getting paid upfront, and landing your first sale in 24 hours. Erik breaks down persuasion frameworks (logos/ethos/pathos + kairos), the hunter vs farmer mindset, why product-belief matters, and how to balance innovation with execution using Blue Ocean Strategy and The Innovator's Dilemma. If you're an entrepreneur who needs sales to work—today—this one's your field manual.

What you'll learn

How to turn rejection into signal and move from defense → offense
The persuasion stack: using logos, ethos, pathos—and kairos (timing) in real conversations
"Tactical empathy" (à la Chris Voss): mirroring, labeling, and better how/what questions
Why belief in the product matters—and how to pick the right market "carrot"
Training reps to their strengths (not cloning your top closer)
Building simple systems & analytics so new reps ramp in days, not months
Hard qualifying, handling "not interested," and preventing non-payment (get paid upfront)
A 24-hour first-sale play: quick market research, routing, and offer testing
Hunter vs. farmer pipelines—and when to use each
Balancing innovation with execution (Blue Ocean + Innovator's Dilemma) without perfection paralysis
Why network + self-worth = net worth for entrepreneurs

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 13 - The New Year's Resolution BS Stops Here

Unsexy Businessmen — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

It's that time of year when everyone sets goals they'll never hit. "Grow my business." "Make more money." "Hire more people." What the hell does that actually mean?

Aaron built a multimillion-dollar cleaning company starting with $500 in his bank account, and he's here to tell you: if your goals aren't specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, you're just pissing in the wind.

In this episode, we break down the SMART goal framework—not the corporate version where everyone nods and nothing happens, but the unsexy business version that Aaron used to scale from solo cleaner to $5 million exit. We also tear apart examples of terrible goals (including Alex's former company that set a $20 million revenue goal with zero plan beyond "sell more").

We get into the nitty-gritty: How to set revenue goals that aren't pipe dreams. When to hire employees (with actual dates, not "sometime this year"). Why you need weekly check-ins and quarterly reviews. How to know if your goals are synergistic or if you're just chasing shiny objects. And most importantly, why your goals should always tie back to making more money, because that's why you're in business.

Plus, we cover the different goal categories you need to think about: revenue, capacity, operations, marketing, and your own personal life (because working 80-hour weeks forever isn't the dream).

What You'll Learn:

The SMART framework explained: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Why "grow my business" is not a goal and what to say instead
How to make goals specific enough that you can't weasel out of them
Real example: "Hire one full-time cleaner by March to increase weekly capacity by 25%"
Why measurable goals force you to do the math (and why that's a good thing)
The difference between achievable and delusional (95% retention in an agency is impossible, folks)
How bad leaders set unattainable goals to cover their own asses
Why all your goals should tie back to revenue and profit
The five goal categories: revenue, capacity, operational, marketing, and personal
How to make sure all your goals are synergistic (they should support each other)
Why you need weekly priorities (singular, not plural) to hit quarterly goals
The importance of writing goals down where you see them every day
Aaron's daily reminder: "What did you do to achieve your goals today? What are you doing tomorrow?"
Why you should adjust goals mid-year if you're crushing them or if something's broken
Real example: How Alex saved $12K by setting a payment processing goal on the fly
Lead measures vs. lag measures (and why you need both)
Why quarterly check-ins keep you honest about what's working and what's not

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 11 - Stop Saying You Can't Afford to Start a Business (Here's Proof)

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Think you need tens of thousands of dollars to start a business? Aaron started his cleaning company with $500 in his bank account and sold it for over $5 million. Alex has worked with guys making $20K a month detailing cars who started with equipment they bought for $1,500.

In this episode, we break down five businesses you can literally start tomorrow with minimal capital. We're talking window cleaning (under $100 to start), junk removal (one pickup truck), carpet cleaning, auto detailing, and pressure washing. These aren't theoretical, Aaron has personally built two of these from scratch, and we've seen countless people crush it with the others.

Most of these you can start as a side hustle while keeping your 9-to-5. Work weekends, build your client base, and once you're making enough, tell your boss to fuck off. We get into the exact startup costs, what equipment you actually need (not the overpriced shit agencies will try to sell you), and how much you can realistically make per job.

We also talk about why these businesses are perfect for scaling—once you nail window cleaning, you can easily add gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or other services to the same clients. It's all about getting your foot in the door and building relationships.

Plus, we cover the mindset you need: working Saturdays, missing football games, and putting in the hours that nobody else is willing to put in so you can eventually live like nobody else can.

What You'll Learn:

The exact startup costs for window cleaning, junk removal, carpet cleaning, auto detailing, and pressure washing
Why window cleaning is the absolute cheapest business to start (under $100 for equipment)
How high school kids are making $200-$400 per house doing windows (and you can too)
The profit margins on each job and how many jobs it takes to break even on equipment
Why commercial clients are better than residential (hint: consistent, regular income)
How to bundle services and upsell existing clients once you've built trust
Real example: 19-year-old auto detailer making $20K/month after one year
Why you should start these as a weekend side hustle before quitting your job
The mindset required: sacrificing Saturdays and working your ass off in the beginning
How to avoid overpaying for equipment and services you don't need
Why these businesses are perfect for scaling with crews once you've dialed in your systems
The importance of follow-up systems so clients keep coming back

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 12 - Sexy Garbage of the Year 2025: Calling Out Fake Gurus, AI Lies, College Scams, and Get-Rich-Quick Nonsense

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:01:00 GMT

Download The Workbook: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

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In this no-holds-barred episode of the Unsexy Businessmen Podcast, Alex and Aaron Skinner air their full list of business grievances—what they call the "sexy garbage of the year." From thought leaders with no receipts and fake internet gurus to AI denial, college debt scams, lazy 'busy' culture, MLMs, crypto hype, and passive income fantasies, nothing is off-limits.

This episode is a hard reset for entrepreneurs, employees, and anyone tired of being sold dopamine instead of results. The Skinners break down why easy-money narratives keep people stuck, how real businesses are actually built, why unsexy trades still win, and what accountability really looks like in business, hiring, education, and personal responsibility.

If you're frustrated with fake success stories, burned out by corporate nonsense, or questioning whether the system is even designed for you to win—this episode will hit home.

What You Will Learn

Why "thought leaders" without proof are one of the biggest threats to new entrepreneurs
How motivation gurus and conferences monetize short-term dopamine, not long-term results
The truth about AI taking jobs—and why pretending otherwise is dangerous
Why unsexy, service-based businesses are safer and more scalable than internet trends
How "I'm too busy" is usually a prioritization problem, not a workload problem
What college and student loans actually optimize for—and why it's not student success
Why most get-rich-quick schemes (crypto, dropshipping, MLMs, NFTs) fail the majority
How to spot fake success signals versus real operational competence
What accountability looks like for business owners with bad employees
Why building your own business beats building someone else's upside

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 7 - Why Your Business Will Fail Without SOPs (And How to Build Them)

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Want to know the real difference between a business that scales and one that keeps you trapped as an employee? Standard Operating Procedures. In this episode, Aaron breaks down how losing his first major client taught him the hard way why SOPs are non-negotiable—and how documenting every process in his cleaning business eventually led to a $5 million exit.

We're talking about the nuts and bolts: how to write procedures so specific that anyone can follow them (think peanut butter and jelly sandwich levels of detail), why consistency beats creativity when you're trying to scale, and how proper documentation protects you from everything—shady managers, insurance nightmares, and business chaos.

If you've ever wondered why McDonald's can run the same way in every location or how companies like Google maintain quality at scale, this episode breaks it all down. Plus, we answer listener questions about workers' comp and handling workplace politics when you're building something new.

What You'll Learn:

Why your first hire will expose every gap in your business processes
The exact framework for creating SOPs that actually get followed
How detailed your procedures need to be (spoiler: very)
Why SOPs are the only way to sell your business for real money
How to train employees so they improve your systems, not just follow them
The connection between proper documentation and lower insurance premiums
Real examples from a business that scaled from solo operation to 7-figure exit
How to handle pushback from managers when implementing new training systems
Why everything needs to be in writing (and how it'll save your ass later)

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 10 - How AI Protects Blue-Collar Businesses While Destroying White-Collar Jobs

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Think AI is coming for your cleaning business? Good news—it's not. But it IS coming for the white-collar workers who are about to flood into trades entrepreneurship. If you get ahead of this now, you'll dominate while everyone else scrambles to catch up.

Alex and Aaron break down why unsexy businesses are basically AI-proof and how you can use these tools to save massive amounts of time and money. We're talking $5,000 websites built in 30 minutes, $1,500/month SEO work you can do yourself, and automation that saves 3+ hours every single week.

This isn't some techie bullshit. We get into the real, practical ways carpet cleaners, janitorial services, plumbers, and other trades can use AI right now—without getting ripped off by agencies charging $2,500 to set up your LLC or $60,000 for marketing you could do for $15,000.

Plus, we answer listener questions about handling nightmare clients who threaten bad reviews and managing cash flow when you land your first big commercial contract with net 60 payment terms.

What You'll Learn:

Why unsexy businesses are actually AI-proof (and which jobs aren't)
How to build a professional website in 30 minutes using Wix's AI tools
The exact way to create SEO content that ranks without paying an agency $1,500/month
How AI saved Alex $45,000 on marketing agency costs (and how you can do the same)
Which AI tools to use for email automation, customer follow-ups, and content creation
How to avoid getting scammed by companies charging thousands for stuff you can do yourself
Why you should NOT pay someone to implement AI for you when starting out
Real examples of how AI saves 3+ hours per week (and why it'll be way more soon)
Practical uses: invoicing automation, customer relationship management, bid creation, and more
How to handle customers threatening bad reviews unless you refund them
Managing cash flow when big contracts have net 60 payment terms

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 2 - Our Favorite Parts About Building Businesses

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Get The Workbook: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tired of office politics, capped pay, and goals that make no mathematical sense? In this episode, brothers Alex and Aaron get real about why entrepreneurship is worth it—beyond the highlight reel. From owning your output (and upside) to designing a politics-free culture, they break down the freedom, wealth-building, and momentum that come from betting on yourself. You'll hear first-sale stories, building multiple income streams, smart reinvestment (not dumb flexes), and how "hooking up your future self" with today's effort compounds into options—travel, time, and a life you actually enjoy now, not "someday."

What you'll learn:

Why effort → reward is different when you own the business
How to think about churn, SMART goals, and realistic growth
Turning profit into diversified plays (real estate, products, partnerships)
Freedom as the real ROI: schedule, networking, family, experiences
The mindset: solve problems, learn new skills, and keep creating

Resources & next steps:
Grab step-by-step tools, LLC walk-throughs, and affordable mini-courses at unsexybusinessmen.com and our YouTube channel.

Ep. 3 - What Sucks About Owning A Business And Listener Submitted Questions

Unsexy Businessmen — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Get The Workbook: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

In this candid Unsexy Businessmen episode, Alex and Aaron strip away the highlight-reel and talk through the real grind of entrepreneurship—finding those first customers, living with uncertainty for months, managing employees (and your own standards), drawing boundaries with clients, and carrying stress on "vacation." They share early-stage timelines that actually happen, why some clients cost more than they pay, when to fire nicely, and how to hold people accountable without poisoning your culture. Plus: listener questions on "free work" from a big client and handling a distracting employee—complete with scripts, guardrails, and documentation tips you can use today. And Business Advice!

What you'll learn

Why the first 6–12 months feel terrible—and how to push through it
A simple rule for saying "no" to scope creep (without nuking the relationship)
The "asshole tax," when to cut clients, and how to do it professionally
One-on-one frameworks for performance issues (and why to keep names out of it)
Cash discipline 101: don't buy the boat—build the buffer
The mindset shift that makes your second (and third) business less scary

If you're stuck at the start, drowning in "small tweaks," or worried about being "too harsh," this episode gives you the playbook—and a shove—to keep going.

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 1 - Balancing a Day Job with Your Startup (Without Wrecking Your Life)

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Get The Business Startup Guidebook and Checklist: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Alex and Aaron Skinner—brothers, founders of Unsexy Businessmen, and veterans of the "build it after hours" grind—get real about juggling full-time work while launching a new venture. Alex shares how getting fired, taking a job he hated, and later quitting a cushy teaching gig sharpened his risk tolerance. Aaron breaks down how he started a cleaning company while working a call center job, proved demand, then jumped—without burning bridges.

This episode is a no-BS blueprint: when to stay, when to quit, how to set proof-of-concept milestones, why to keep your startup quiet at work, and how to protect your relationships (and sanity) while you scale. It's not about hype; it's about grit, calendars, and cash flow.

You'll learn:

A simple decision framework for staying or quitting: risk tolerance + proof of concept + runway
The "don't burn bridges" rule—and how ex-coworkers can become your first clients
Why you should keep early progress quiet (dopamine traps are real)
How to time-block sales, delivery, and rest so you don't flame out
What to discuss with your spouse/partner before you ramp
How setbacks create opportunity (losing a $4k/mo client → landing a $50k/mo client)

If you're ready to trade doom-scrolling for disciplined execution, this one's your playbook.
Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes, and grab step-by-step tools at unsexybusinessmen.com.

Connect with Us!

TikTok ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

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Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen

Ep. 9 - From Parties to Profit: Using the Holidays to Build Culture & Loyalty

Unsexy Businessmen — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:01:00 GMT

$17 Workbook: https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Running an "unsexy" business during the holidays can either be a chaotic mess or a massive advantage. In this episode, Alex and Aaron break down exactly how they handled holiday schedules, employee time-off requests, staff appreciation, client gifts, premium pricing, and end-of-year planning while scaling a cleaning business. They talk candidly about real bonuses (not $10 gift cards), why you should reward top performers, how to use holiday demand to your advantage, and how strategic planning with a solid CPA turns Q4 into a launchpad for next year's growth. This is the holiday playbook every small service business owner wishes they had.

What You'll Learn

How to build holiday schedules that keep clients happy without burning out your team
Simple systems to manage time-off requests and avoid last-minute coverage chaos
Smart ways to structure bonuses (without wasting money or breeding resentment)
How to use parties, recognition, and gifts to genuinely increase loyalty
Holiday pricing tactics, premium jobs, and when to charge more
How to treat interns and newer staff without alienating your core team
End-of-year goal setting that actually drives next year's growth
Basic tax and write-off strategies to discuss with your CPA before year-end

🔥 Ready to scale your business to millions? Here's how to do it now ➡️ https://www.unsexybusinessmen.com/offers/4VxHyQbf/checkout

Tik Tok: ➡︎ /https://www.tiktok.com/@unsexybusinessmen

IG: ➡︎ /https://www.instagram.com/unsexybusinessmen/

Facebook: ➡︎ /https://www.facebook.com/unsexybusinessmen