About this episodeThe conversation covers a guest's experience with toe amputation, the operational challenges of running a liqu…AI summary
The conversation covers a guest's experience with toe amputation, the operational challenges of running a liquor store and smoke shop, and detailed advice on navigating economic instability through financial discipline and social media marketing. Key themes include the low profit margins in the liquor industry compared to the high margins in the vape industry, the importance of customer service over social media algorithms, and specific product recommendations for tequila and mezcal.
Key takeaways 5
Liquor store profit margins are extremely low, often described as 'absentee' businesses that require a strong team to run, whereas smoke shops can have markups from 100% to 5,000%.
Social media is essential for business growth; ignoring it means failing, but consistency and listening to customer feedback are more valuable than chasing viral trends.
Tequila tastes different in Mexico because it is bottled at 35-38% alcohol content rather than the US standard of 40%, and authentic tequila should not have additives.
Economic crashes are viewed as necessary corrections for inflation, and individuals should be stacking money and saving during these periods rather than relying on credit.
Japan offers a stark contrast to the US regarding safety and social norms, with specific cultural observations about homeless behavior, tipping etiquette, and tattoo restrictions in public baths.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Don't ever open up a liquor store. That's being facts. ... It's a 100% absentee store. And a 100% absentee store is you don't got to be there. The store runs itself once you set it up.”
▶ 33:18Barts explaining the operational reality of his liquor store business compared to his smoke shop.
“If you do not use any social media to your advantage, you are [ __ ] up. ... It takes five minutes of your time, my guy. And you're sitting there paying all these [ __ ] people $500, $1,000 and stuff like that.”
▶ 1:38:27Advice on why business owners must utilize social media for marketing rather than hiring expensive agencies.
“You know why tequila tastes better in [ __ ] Mexico? Because it's 35 to 40% or 35 to 38%. That's it. It's never 40%. It's not steel strength.”
▶ 1:15:31Barts explaining the technical difference in alcohol proof between US and Mexican tequila.
“I've had nine businesses. I've had seven fail. ... You have to find your niche. You have to find your [ __ ] thing. And it's like stick with it. stick to what the [ __ ] you know and like just grind your [ __ ] like grind grind till you cannot grind no more.”
▶ 1:57:39Barts sharing his entrepreneurial journey and advice on persistence.
Chapters & Sections (91)▼
0:10Toe Amputation Procedure and Recoverychapter2
0:10Toe Amputation Medical Procedure and Anesthesia
2:20Amputation and Fame in the Entertainment Industry
16:23Product Sponsors and Collaborations Announcedchapter3
16:23Product Sponsors and Collaborations at Kushto
17:52Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast
19:05Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership Experience
21:01Preparing for Economic Market Crashchapter4
21:01Preparing for Economic Market Crash
22:48Comparing Cost of Living in Mexico and USA
24:26Preventing Shoplifting with Social Media
25:55Managing Difficult Customers in a Liquor Store
27:36High Costs and Low Profit Margins in Industrychapter2
27:36Challenges of Running a Small Business
29:58Challenges of Modern Family Dynamics and Relationships
32:42Challenges of Running a Liquor Store Businesschapter3
32:42Challenges and Strategies of Running a Liquor Store
34:14Overcoming Adversity in Entrepreneurship
35:37Importance of Space and Relationships in Marriage
37:31Comparing Lockdown Restrictions and Personal Freedomschapter4
37:31Life During Pandemic Lockdown Restrictions
39:22Cultural Similarities Between Armenians and Latinos
40:35Upcoming Event Promotion and Sponsorship
42:22Collecting and Trading Pokémon Trading Cards
43:47Importance of Car Registration Paperworkchapter3
43:47Importance of Car Registration Paperwork
45:53Cultural Differences Between Japan and America
47:13Differences Between Urban and Rural American Cultures
48:53Lack of Empathy in Modern Societychapter4
48:53Lack of Social Awareness in Modern Society
50:18Bystander Effect and Social Norms in Japan
51:37Homeless Behavior and Social Interactions
53:20Racism and Xenophobia in Service Industry
54:34Cultural Differences in Urban Living Experienceschapter4
54:34Cultural Differences in Urban Living Experiences
56:28High Cost of Living in the US
58:37Hotel Stays and Intimate Relationship Expectations
1:00:02Love Hotels and Their Psychological Impact
1:01:48Japanese Onsen and Tattoo Policieschapter4
1:01:48Japanese Onsen Culture and Tattoo Policies
1:03:19Security Measures in Retail Establishments
1:04:44Retail Store Theft and Confrontation
1:06:09Importance of Human Empathy and Assistance
1:07:24The Ethics of Selling Recreational Substanceschapter3
1:07:24The Ethics of Selling Recreational Substances
1:09:37Homelessness and Addiction Challenges
1:10:48Moderation in Drinking Habits and Consequences
1:12:35The Challenges of Craft Beer Industrychapter2
1:12:35Craft Beer Industry Challenges and Health Risks
1:14:29Differences in Alcohol Preferences and Proof Levels
1:17:03The Dangers of High-Proof Liquor Consumptionchapter2
1:17:03Effects of High Alcohol Content in Liquor
1:19:59Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments During Workouts
1:22:41Discussion of Substance Use and Gym Culturechapter3
1:22:41Discussion of Gym Wear and Performance Benefits
1:24:05Changes in Vaping Culture at Champs
1:25:24Regulations and the Rise of Alternative Hustles
1:28:34Heroin Use and Addiction Stories Sharedchapter4
1:28:34Heroin Use and Addiction Discussion
1:30:29Family Dynamics and Aging Parents
1:31:52Hot Boxing in Public Places
1:33:07Growing Up and the Influence of Parents
1:34:46Impact of Chinese Products on American Industrychapter2
1:34:46Impact of Chinese Products on American Industry
1:36:37The Dangers of Credit Card Debt Culture
1:39:02The Reality of Instant Gratification and Successchapter2
1:39:02Chasing Instant Gratification in Business
1:40:27Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies
1:43:19Airport Security and Travel Experienceschapter2
1:43:19Airport Security and Travel Experiences
1:45:12Visiting Tequila Distilleries and Town
1:47:33Authenticity and Additives in Tequila Productionchapter2
1:47:33Authenticity and Quality in Tequila Production
1:50:16Favorite Liquor Brands and Drinking Culture
1:51:55Product Development and Marketing Strategieschapter3
1:51:55Product Development and Marketing Strategies
1:53:56Cannabis Product Quality and Safety Concerns
1:55:19Taste Perception and Flavor Identification Issues
1:56:44Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset and Effortchapter4
1:56:44Importance of Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership
1:58:21Importance of Personal Effort and Authenticity
2:00:15Observations of Human Physique and Appearance
2:01:35Injuries and Risks in Entertainment Performances
2:03:14Growing Up with Cultural References and Expectationschapter2
2:03:14Cultural Significance of Parental Discipline and Expectations
2:06:09Recommendations for Smoky Mezcal Tequilas
2:07:27Upcoming Sales and Business Promotionschapter4
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