Coffeez for Closers with Joe Shalaby
Episode: Burn the Ships: Bankruptcy, Comebacks & Building LeadHackers ft. Alex Machuca
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Welcome to a deep dive into Alex Machuca's entrepreneurial journey, resilience in the face of adversity, and the strategic maneuvers that led to the creation of LeadHackers. Hosted by Joseph Shalaby, this episode uncovers the highs and lows of building a successful business from the ground up.
Introduction to Alex Machuca
The episode kicks off with a warm introduction of Alex Machuca, a respected figure in the marketing industry and a close colleague of Joe Shalaby. Their camaraderie is evident as they reminisce about shared experiences and the strengthening of their professional bond.
Morning Routines and Unconventional Work Ethic
Alex challenges conventional morning routines, emphasizing a no-routine approach driven by an innate desire to work continuously.
Alex Machuca [00:36]: "I wake up, brush my teeth, and get right on my computer and get to work. I don't have a morning routine."
He elaborates on his relentless work ethic, often working until the early hours of the morning.
Alex Machuca [01:29]: "I work till midnight, one in the morning every single night. I wake up at six, probably get like five hours of sleep. I wake up, I do it all over again."
From Tacotopia to Marketing: Overcoming Early Setbacks
Alex recounts his experience with Tacotopia, a venture that initially showed promise but was ultimately derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its brick-and-mortar operations.
Alex Machuca [03:07]: "Covid really kind of put the stop. It was a brick and mortar, and so people couldn't go outside. And so that went out of business."
This setback propelled him into the marketing realm, where he discovered a new passion and potential for scaling businesses.
Building LeadHackers: The Power of Delegation
A pivotal moment in Alex's career was recognizing the importance of delegation. Initially hesitant to trust others with his vision, he faced stagnation at the $100k monthly mark.
Alex Machuca [05:25]: "Delegation. You'll find this a lot when people are first starting their company. You want to hold on to everything tight because you don't trust anybody else to do it correctly."
Upon embracing delegation, Alex expanded his team, leading to exponential growth.
Alex Machuca [06:05]: "I opened up an office, hired 12 of my friends, and that's when we made the push to half a million dollars a month."
He emphasizes that even if someone performs 70% as well as him, it's a victory worth celebrating, allowing for teaching and growth.
Navigating Bankruptcy with Integrity
One of the most compelling segments of the episode revolves around Alex's experience with bankruptcy after running Linkrest Media. Facing financial collapse, Alex chose to approach his clients directly, taking full accountability for his company's shortcomings.
Alex Machuca [14:35]: "I called 135 people. I sold every single one of them on the leads. A lot of them became customers for LeadHackers or."
This approach not only salvaged his reputation but also converted many disgruntled clients into loyal customers for his new venture.
Emotional and Spiritual Resilience
Amidst his professional struggles, Alex faced personal challenges, including his parents' health crises. These moments tested his faith and resilience, leading to profound spiritual experiences.
Alex Machuca [17:32]: "When I walked outside after my presentation, lightning started pouring rain on me. It was the most euphoric thing I've ever experienced."
This spiritual encounter reinforced his determination to persevere through adversity.
Mentorship and Learning from the Best
A serendipitous meeting with John Reese, a legendary figure in the marketing world, became a turning point for Alex. Reese's mentorship provided Alex with invaluable insights and strategies that further accelerated his business growth.
Alex Machuca [19:08]: "He spends the next four hours with me dissecting my business on a whiteboard. He's the smartest guy that I know, period."
Alex highly regards Reese's ability to simplify complex business challenges, making them manageable and solvable.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Despite his successes, Alex grappled with imposter syndrome, a common challenge among entrepreneurs. His breakthrough came when he realized that everyone is continuously learning and evolving.
Alex Machuca [21:03]: "Everybody else is just figuring shit out on the way. When I realized that, it was very easy for me to say, okay, I can do this."
This mindset shift allowed him to embrace his journey and confidently lead others.
Personal Reflections: Work-Life Balance and Future Goals
Alex candidly shares his fears about balancing his intense work schedule with personal life, especially with the impending arrival of his child.
Alex Machuca [21:47]: "My biggest fear is that I am not going to spend a lot of time with him. That's my biggest fear."
He also outlines his goals, which include retiring his family, achieving an entrepreneurial exit, and dedicating himself to philanthropy.
Alex Machuca [23:50]: "Personal entrepreneurial goal is an exit. I need to get an exit under my belt. It's a badge of honor."
Conclusion and Connecting with Alex
The episode wraps up with actionable insights for listeners looking to expand their businesses through effective lead generation. Alex provides his contact information for those interested in leveraging his expertise.
Alex Machuca [26:19]: "If you want to follow me on Instagram, it's Alex Machuca HQ."
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience in Adversity: Alex's journey underscores the importance of bouncing back from failures and using setbacks as stepping stones for greater success.
- The Art of Delegation: Trusting others with responsibilities, even if they don't perform at one's own level initially, can lead to exponential growth and streamlined operations.
- Authentic Client Relationships: Taking accountability and maintaining integrity with clients can preserve and even enhance business relationships, even in dire circumstances.
- Personal Growth and Faith: Balancing professional endeavors with personal faith and resilience can provide the strength needed to overcome significant challenges.
- Continuous Learning and Mentorship: Engaging with mentors and being open to learning can provide critical insights that drive business success.
- Work-Life Balance: While passion for work fuels success, being mindful of personal life and relationships is crucial for long-term fulfillment and happiness.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex Machuca [00:36]: "I don't have a morning routine. My morning routine is getting right to work."
- Alex Machuca [05:25]: "Delegation... Letting the reins go, which is a difficult thing to do when you've built something special."
- Alex Machuca [14:35]: "I called 135 people. I sold every single one of them on the leads."
- Alex Machuca [17:32]: "It was the most euphoric thing I've ever experienced."
- Alex Machuca [21:03]: "Everybody else's figuring shit out on the way. I can do this."
Whether you're navigating the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship or seeking strategies to scale your business, Alex Machuca's insights offer valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and strategic growth. Tune in to gain inspiration and practical advice from a seasoned industry leader.