When to Cancel Projects and Refocus Your Team | Lazy Leverage #51
What happens when you tell your entire executive team that all their projects are cancelled? Jon Matzner did exactly that, and the results were shocking. In this episode, Jon and Peter Lohmann dive deep into the art of extreme focus, why most businesses are working on the wrong things, and how to identify what actually moves the needle. Plus: fascinating insights on the Toyota Way, why some fires need to burn, and the infamous jazz cup jacket story you didn't know you needed to hear.
Timestamps
(00:31) Introduction
(01:20) Focusing on Constraints
(03:33) The Importance of Prioritizing Tasks
(06:56) Understanding and Tackling Churn
(18:13) Project Management Simplified
(20:17) Maintaining Accountability
(25:58) Account Management Strategies
(27:26) Exploring the Toyota Way
(30:00) Applying Toyota Principles to Knowledge Work
(40:14) Questions to Always Be Asking
(42:00) Closing Thoughts: The Art of Being Present
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
--------
44:25
Rethinking Business Communities: What Makes Them Work in 2025 | Lazy Leverage #50
Want to know what's really happening in the world of B2B communities? Jon and Peter pull back the curtain on how they're building multi-million dollar business communities that are making traditional trade associations obsolete. They reveal their strategy for using AI to circumvent legacy software, share insider tips on community building, and discuss how to use capital to accelerate growth. Warning: This episode might make traditional SaaS companies uncomfortable.
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome to Lazy Leverage
(02:27) Discussing AI in Business
(04:33) Challenges with traditional SaaS
(09:36) Innovative Solutions for Data Management
(11:26) The Future of Vertical SaaS
(21:00) Building a Community and Influencer Impact
(35:12) Value Proposition of Modern Trade Associations
(38:37) Geographic Dispersion and Competitive Dynamics
(40:37) Sponsorship and Revenue Models
(46:02) Using Capital to Accelerate Strategy
(53:05) Building a Media Property for Niche Communities
(58:00) Final Thoughts and Tools
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
--------
1:03:00
Content, Consulting, and Franchising: A Discussion with Patrick | Lazy Leverage #49
In this candid conversation, Patrick (formerly known as Franchise Wolf) opens up about his evolution from anonymous content creator to co-founder of Frandawgs. Learn why he initially hid his identity, how he grew his audience through strategic storytelling, and the unexpected lessons he learned about monetization in the B2B space. A masterclass in pivoting from pure content creation to building a real business.
Follow Patrick on X or FranDawgs.com
TIMESTAMPS
(00:25) Introduction and Background
(06:22) Launching Frandawgs: The New Vision
(10:20) Content Strategy Deep Dive
(19:00) The YouTube Opportunity
(27:25) The Journey from HVAC Sales to Tech Startups
(31:00) The Franchise Industry Reality Check
(33:00) Data Challenges
(36:05) Monetization Strategies for B2B Content
(41:49) Perfect Day Vision
(43:56) Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
--------
46:17
Why Your Best Hire Might Know Nothing About Your Industry | Lazy Leverage #48
Ever hired someone with 'perfect experience' only to watch them fail? Justin Brown, Director of Operations at Zen Windows, shares how they transformed their hiring process by focusing on three key attributes instead of industry experience. Learn how they turned a guy with zero window knowledge into their Installation Manager superstar in just 7 days, and why their global talent strategy is crushing traditional hiring methods.
Timestamps
(00:26) Introduction to Justin Brown and Zen Windows
(01:39) The "Smart, Hungry, Coachable" Hiring Philosophy
(06:36) Fast Hiring vs. Slow Hiring Debate
(11:06) Success Stories with Global Talent
(16:01) Building Elite Teams Through Training
(19:31) Future of Learning and Development at Sagan
(27:36) Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
--------
29:05
The Daily Brief Method: Adapting White House Systems for Business | Lazy Leverage #47
Ever wonder how the President stays on top of everything? Jon and Peter break down how to adapt presidential-style daily briefs for your business, plus share raw insights from their recent entrepreneur retreat. From brand building to managing global teams, they reveal what actually works (and what doesn't) in running a growing company.
Timestamps
(00:31) Welcome
(02:28) Customizing The Executive Brief
(12:49) The One-Number Management Philosophy
(17:17) Hiring for Specific Roles
(21:03) The "Death Zone" in Business
(24:30) The Power of Branding in Business
(29:19) Challenges and Reflections of Entrepreneurs
(40:30) Chat GPT Integration Tips
(46:35) Wrap Up
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Ireland