Super Entrepreneurs Podcast

What does it take to walk away from a six-figure career, take an 80% pay cut, and build a $17 million business from scratch — then sell it back to the very company that inspired you?
In this episode of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Shahid Durrani sits down with Darren Spicer - Founder & CEO of Clutch Coffee Bar, QSR consultant, keynote speaker, and 2x advisory board member - to unpack the real story behind a $20M exit to Dutch Bros Coffee.
Darren shares how a denied franchising opportunity pushed him to co-found Clutch Coffee Bar in 2018, scale it to 17 locations and $17M in annual revenue, and complete a full-circle acquisition back to the company that first inspired him.
In this episode:
Surviving an 80% pay cut and the mindset that kept him going
Zero-budget gorilla marketing that built real brand awareness
Using EOS and 90-day rocks to stay focused and avoid paralysis
The hidden family sacrifices behind scaling brick-and-mortar
Why execution always beats having ideas
What's next: staffing agency, BBQ rub, and business coaching
Whether you're running a business or sitting on an idea — this episode will push you to move.
 
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=============================
Chapter Stamps:
00:00 — Dutch Bros rejected him — so he built his own empire
00:44 — Taking an 80% pay cut to go all in
04:28 — Co-founding Clutch Coffee Bar in 2018
04:59 — The full-circle $20M exit back to Dutch Bros
06:10 - $17M revenue, 17 stores - what the numbers looked like
09:15 — Was the "all-in" mindset born or built?
10:29 — What life actually looked like in the early lean years
12:45 — When effort doesn't seem to compound — how to push through
13:24 — The EOS system and 90-day rocks that kept him on track
16:15 — Ideas vs. execution — why most people stay stuck
22:05 — Feeling invisible in the market and what they did about it
23:18 — Gorilla marketing: popups, free drinks, and changing habits
25:16 — Best business ideas for someone starting from zero
28:54 — How to diagnose if your problem is messaging or your offer
30:21 — The hidden sacrifices no one sees from the outside
31:23 — One truth for every overthinking entrepreneur
#SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #CoffeeBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessExit #ClutchCoffeeBar #DutchBros #EOS #GorrillaMarketing #BusinessCoaching #HowToScaleABusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #SuperEntrepreneursPodcast #DarrenSpicer #ShahidDurrani #QSR #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife #FounderStory #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurshipTips #ScaleYourBusiness #MindsetMatters #KeynoteSpeaker #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessOwner #StartupFounder #SuccessStory #BuildABusiness #EntrepreneurLife
 

Pullout Quotes:
"Innovation is rewarded, but execution is worshipped."
"There's no time like the present. If you have an idea, go do it."
"We were playing the long game and building enterprise value."
"Nobody besides my wife will ever fully appreciate the amount of work behind the scenes."
"If people don't know who you are, how can they ever try your product?"

Social:
Website: https://www.clutchcoffeebar.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-spicer-44243a74/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenspicer25/
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts.

Scale smarter. Operate cleaner. Exit stronger.
I help digital business owners turn founder-led companies into scalable, AI-enhanced, buyer-ready businesses. That means improving decision-making, removing growth bottlenecks, and increasing enterprise value so the business can perform better now and become more attractive later. If you're curious what your business may be worth today, start with a free business valuation
https://flippa.com/lps/shahiddurrani/
Also exploring new income opportunities? Join the THOTL waitlist early to get first access to a simpler AI-powered path to extra income online - without needing an audience, a product, tech skills, or constant content creation.
https://www.enterthotl.com/

What Nobody Tells You About Growing a Gin Brand From 1 Bottle to Global Shelves
Nishant Sharma went from washing dishes in Scotland to shipping container loads of premium gin across 3 continents.
In this episode, Nishant — founder of Rutland Square Spirits — breaks down how he built a £2M gin brand with no money, no connections, and no industry experience. Near-bankruptcy twice, a heart attack, and still didn't stop.
We talk about family legacy, shameless persistence, Vivek Oberoi joining as co-founder, and what it really takes to get your product on global shelves.
🔔 Super Entrepreneurs Podcast To watch more videos and get new video updates please subscribe to our channel and stay with us: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperEntrepreneursPod
✅ Stay Connected With Us:
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superentrepreneurs
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superentrepreneurspod
👉 X: https://twitter.com/officialshahidd
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-durrani/
👉 Website: https://shahiddurrani.com/

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Where is he today after starting from zero?
01:48 - How big is the team and the money now?
03:05 - Selling gin in 3 countries — how did he get there?
03:38 - A Bollywood billionaire invested in his gin brand — why?
04:45 - Alcohol was in his blood before he was born?
05:44 - His great-grandfather ran an illegal business — what was it?
06:38 - He never planned to make gin — so what happened?
07:35 - From cleaning toilets to running a global brand?
07:57 - He left a high-paying job for this — was it worth it?
08:28 - A death in the family changed everything — how?
09:55 - He had no idea how hard this would be — what did he find out?
11:39 - He failed not once but twice — did he almost give up?
12:35 - what kept him going?
13:28 - It stopped being about him — what changed his mindset?
14:32 - One word every founder needs to hear before launching?
15:12 - Even the biggest brands fail — what can founders learn?
17:15 - Chasing money in business is a trap — what should you chase instead?
19:29 - 3 things you must do before you even make the product?
20:44 - Why your story matters more than your product?
22:07 - The biggest mistake founders make when trying to get distribution?
23:29 - One contract took 5 years to close — was it worth the wait?
24:20 - The one word he uses to break every closed door?
25:13 - Why relationships are more valuable than any marketing budget?
26:41 - A simple tool that multiplied his work by 10x?
28:37 - His message to every entrepreneur who is struggling right now?
#Entrepreneurship #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #FounderStory #GinBrand #PremiumSpirits #BuildingABrand #BusinessGrowth #FailAndRise #NeverGiveUp #FromZeroToMillion #DistributionStrategy #GlobalBusiness #IndianEntrepreneur #ScottishGin #RutlandSquareSpirits #VivekOberoi #SuperEntrepreneurs
Pullout Quotes:
"It's not about where you end up — it's about surviving another day."
"If I fail now, I'm not just failing myself… I'm failing the people who believe in me."
"Failure isn't the problem — measuring success only through money is."
"You need to keep knocking on doors… shamelessly."
"Your product is just a vessel — your story is what connects people."

Social:
Website: https://rutlandsquare.com/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nishantsharma08
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishsharma08/
Disclaimer:
Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts.

Scale smarter. Operate cleaner. Exit stronger.
I help digital business owners turn founder-led companies into scalable, AI-enhanced, buyer-ready businesses. That means improving decision-making, removing growth bottlenecks, and increasing enterprise value so the business can perform better now and become more attractive later. If you're curious what your business may be worth today, start with a free business valuation
https://flippa.com/lps/shahiddurrani/
Also exploring new income opportunities? Join the THOTL waitlist early to get first access to a simpler AI-powered path to extra income online - without needing an audience, a product, tech skills, or constant content creation.
https://www.enterthotl.com/

Affiliate Disclaimer: If you buy through one of the links provided, I may receive a commission (without any additional charge to you).
▬▬▬ SHAHID'S LINKS ▬▬▬
https://zez.am/officialshahiddurrani

In today's episode, we sit down with Nathan Baws, serial entrepreneur and Guinness World Record holder, to talk about the reality of building businesses and the mindset behind never giving up.
He shares how he launched 19 businesses, co-authored with Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, and what really happened behind the scenes - from a 7-figure exit to losing 10–20K a month in failed restaurants.
We discuss how entrepreneurs actually think, why failure is misunderstood, and moments where everything fell apart but the mission stayed alive.
The conversation also covers the psychology of growth, one of the most underrated tools in business, and the real mindset driving success. Nathan explains the power of dopamine, reframing anxiety as excitement, and why your inner world determines your outer results - from cold plunges to joint ventures.
🔔 Super Entrepreneurs Podcast To watch more videos and get new video updates please subscribe to our channel and stay with us: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperEntrepreneursPod
✅ Stay Connected With Us:
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superentrepreneurs
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superentrepreneurspod
👉 X: https://twitter.com/officialshahidd
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-durrani/
👉 Website: https://shahiddurrani.com/
=============================
Chapter Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - Who is Nathan Baws?
01:56 - What does his business portfolio actually look like?
05:06 - What led him to study human potential & behavior?
06:25 - The restaurant failure that changed everything
08:01 - Why do our plans never go the way we think?
09:28 - Can extreme challenges actually create your best lessons?
10:27 - What did his internal world look like before & after the shift?
11:35 - Why do we think we have to feel bad about failure?
12:45 - What is really holding people back from taking risks?
14:43 - Where did his resilience actually come from?
16:16 - Did the people around him even support his vision?
18:37 - His struggle with anxiety & overwhelm
18:52 - Can action really overcome anxiety?
20:22 - Can you actually reinterpret stress as excitement?
21:07 - Using dopamine for business growth
21:41 - Can ice baths actually make you more successful in business?
25:26 - The two-step hack to reframe any setback
26:50 - Does shifting your perception really change everything?
28:42 - Is the energy you carry really deciding who wants to do business with you?
29:26 - Is collaboration the fastest way to grow a business overnight?
34:50 - Can you actually train your intuition like a business skill?
36:41 - Are you missing opportunities just because your mind is too noisy?
38:49 - Outro

Pullout Quotes
"You've got a choice—you can quit, or you can learn and apply it to the next business."
"Action is always the best tool to dig yourself out of anxiety."
"We make a choice about how we interpret everything in life."
"Find the lesson, then find how it benefits you going forward."
"Energy is everything—people are attracted to the vibration you carry."

Social:
Website: https://nathanbaws.com/
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nathan-baws
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbaws/
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts.

Scale smarter. Operate cleaner. Exit stronger.
I help digital business owners turn founder-led companies into scalable, AI-enhanced, buyer-ready businesses. That means improving decision-making, removing growth bottlenecks, and increasing enterprise value so the business can perform better now and become more attractive later. If you're curious what your business may be worth today, start with a free business valuation
https://flippa.com/lps/shahiddurrani/
Also exploring new income opportunities? Join the THOTL waitlist early to get first access to a simpler AI-powered path to extra income online - without needing an audience, a product, tech skills, or constant content creation.
https://www.enterthotl.com/

Affiliate Disclaimer: If you buy through one of the links provided, I may receive a commission (without any additional charge to you).
▬▬▬ SHAHID'S LINKS ▬▬▬
https://zez.am/officialshahiddurrani

He graduated college with three certifications.
Still drove Uber Eats at 2AM just to survive.
What happened next is not what anyone expected.
In this episode Tayo Lusi(Adetayo Ibijemilusi) breaks down the moment that changed everything, the dark chapter he has never talked about publicly, and the one strategy that took him from invisible to earning $489K a year without applying to a single job.
We also talk about a student of his whose story will make you rethink every excuse you have ever had about your own potential.
And if you think AI is going to make this path harder — Tayo explains exactly why it is doing the opposite.
🔔 Super Entrepreneurs Podcast
To watch more videos and get new video updates please subscribe to our channel and stay with us:
https://www.youtube.com/@SuperEntrepreneursPod
✅ Stay Connected With Us:
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superentrepreneurs
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superentrepreneurspod
👉 X: https://twitter.com/officialshahidd
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-durrani/
👉 Website: https://shahiddurrani.com/

Chapter Stamps:
00:00 Intro
01:37 How much money is he making right now?
04:21 Why certifications and degrees alone will never get you hired?
04:42 How do you get hired with zero job history?
05:27 The one move that unlocks a $130K salary
05:47 Why your income goal is probably too small?
06:07 How to go from $135K to $489K in 2 months?
07:18 What to do when you feel like giving up completely?
11:09 How one post online can change your entire career?
12:10 The price nobody tells you about success
19:42 Will AI take your job or make you more money?
27:20 Why 95% of success has nothing to do with strategy?
32:26 Proof that zero experience is not an excuse anymore
33:08 Can plumbers and retirees really break into tech?
33:50 Why college is keeping you broke not making you rich?
34:11 Your step by step path from zero to a $130K+ offer letter
35:22 How to scale from a job to $500K/year on your own terms?
#CloudEngineering #CareerChange #TechJobs2026 #NoDegreeTechJobs #HighIncomeSkills #AWS #SuperEntrepreneursPodcast #TayoLusi #CareerTransition #Entrepreneur2026
Pullout Quotes:
"I was so broke, I couldn't even put gas in my car to do Uber Eats."
"I created my own experience when nobody would hire me."
"95% of everything is mindset."
"AI today is like buying Bitcoin at a dollar."
"You don't need a degree—you need to show you can solve problems."

Social:
Website: https://apexedu.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayoibijemilusi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayolusi/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tayolusi
Disclaimer:
Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts.

Affiliate Disclaimer: If you buy through one of the links provided, I may receive a commission (without any additional charge to you).
CURRENT OFFERS:
1, Psst: Want consistent leads + sales from Youtube while only recording videos?, and only pay after you get results? connect with Shahid
2, Get your news by text, no bias, click bait or ads, texts the word "super" to 1-844-406-INFO (4636) and receive a free week with https://informed.now/
3, No BS Contrarian Investment Ideas Built for 300%+ Returns, The same research they use for their $360M fund. No Wall Street BS. Just contrarian stock ideas with 10x potential and complete transparency. 300+ issues. 8+ years. Try it for $1(30 days). https://capitalistexploits.at/newsletter/?orid=90906
4, Want AI clarity?
We'll put together a free, no-obligation proposal—whether you're exploring a new AI idea, or you want to save time, cut costs, and earn more by using AI in your business.
▬▬▬ SHAHID'S LINKS ▬▬▬
https://zez.am/officialshahiddurrani

In today's episode, we sit down with Jason Wong, founder of Packing Duck and serial 8-figure entrepreneur, to talk about building businesses from nothing - no funding, no experience, just execution.
We discuss how he went from peeling shrimp in restaurant kitchens as an immigrant kid to building multiple 8-figure companies before age 30. Jason shares how he bought into a Chinese factory, modernized it with content and AI, and hit 8 figures in year one — entirely self-funded. The conversation also covers the top 3 businesses you can start today using AI, why being "delusional" is a requirement for success, and how to know when to leave something good for something great.
Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs who actually did it.
🔔 Super Entrepreneurs Podcast To watch more videos and get new video updates please subscribe to our channel and stay with us:
https://www.youtube.com/@SuperEntrepreneursPod
✅ Stay Connected With Us:
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superentrepreneurs
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialshahiddurrani/
👉 SEP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superentrepreneurspod
👉 X: https://twitter.com/officialshahidd
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-durrani/
👉 Website: https://shahiddurrani.com/
=============================
Chapter Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 - What is Packing Duck and how big is it?
02:41 - Why he chose custom packaging
03:46 - How he bought into a Chinese factory
07:08 - 48M views with zero ad spend using AI avatars
08:45 - Growing up as an immigrant in restaurant kitchens
10:14 - The Indian kid who taught him how to make money online
11:47 - How he built his first business from a bedroom
15:08 - His thoughts on risk and confidence
18:11 - The fear of giving up what's already working
20:00 - Biggest challenge when starting out
22:58 - When everything looks great but secretly falling apart
24:59 - Top 3 businesses to start today with AI
28:07 - What he would do if he lost everything
#Podcast #Entrepreneur #Business #AIBusiness #Ecommerce #StartupAdvice #HowToMakeMoneyOnline #JasonWong

Pullout Quotes:
"If you're not paying my bills, you don't get to tell me what to do."
"You have to be so delusional that you believe you're the one who can do it."
"I don't pray for easier times. I pray for a stronger body to handle them."
"Everything is character building—I'm grateful for all of it."
"If you want to make it big, you have to swing for the fences."

Social:
Website: https://www.pakingduck.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imjasonwong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pug/
X: https://x.com/EggrolI
 
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts.

Affiliate Disclaimer: If you buy through one of the links provided, I may receive a commission (without any additional charge to you).
CURRENT OFFERS:
1, Psst: Want consistent leads + sales from Youtube while only recording videos?, and only pay after you get results? connect with Shahid
2, Get your news by text, no bias, click bait or ads, texts the word "super" to 1-844-406-INFO (4636) and receive a free week with https://informed.now/
3, No BS Contrarian Investment Ideas Built for 300%+ Returns, The same research they use for their $360M fund. No Wall Street BS. Just contrarian stock ideas with 10x potential and complete transparency. 300+ issues. 8+ years. Try it for $1(30 days). https://capitalistexploits.at/newsletter/?orid=90906
4, Want AI clarity?
We'll put together a free, no-obligation proposal—whether you're exploring a new AI idea, or you want to save time, cut costs, and earn more by using AI in your business.
▬▬▬ SHAHID'S LINKS ▬▬▬
https://zez.am/officialshahiddurrani