Digital Social Hour – Episode #906: How I Built a $40M Company Without a College Degree | Matt Sapaula

Release Date: November 20, 2024

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Matt Sapaula, the visionary behind the Seven Figure Squad and a top performer at PHP Agency. Matt shares his inspiring journey of building a $40 million company without relying on a traditional college degree, offering invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, company culture, personal development, and financial strategies.

1. Introduction to Matt Sapaula and PHP Agency

Matt begins by discussing his long-term association with PHP Agency, highlighting his nine-year journey within the company. He attributes his success to a strong foundation in mentorship and the fundamental principles instilled by PHP’s CEO, David (referred to as Patrick in parts of the transcript).

Matt Sapaula [00:40]: "It's all about capitalism, that company. It doesn't matter when you start with the company, if you're not performing, if you're not doing the fundamentals of business, growing, understanding your KPIs, and focusing on the fundamentals, you get past that very quickly."

2. Company Culture and Performance

A significant portion of Matt’s strategy revolves around fostering a high-performance culture devoid of entitlement. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and accountability within the organization.

Matt Sapaula [01:05]: "FOMO is a big part of our culture there."

He contrasts this with traditional companies that offer long-term bonuses irrespective of performance, arguing that PHP’s model encourages sustained excellence and discourages complacency.

Matt Sapaula [01:23]: "None. You royalty if they're performing right."

3. Recruiting Strategies and Diverse Backgrounds

Matt shares his innovative approach to recruiting, which predominantly attracts individuals from non-financial backgrounds. This diversity fosters a dynamic and resilient team capable of driving the company forward.

Matt Sapaula [04:48]: "All these insurance companies want to poach other insurance companies. 99% of my guys, my personal team, not PHP my personal team don't come from the insurance industry."

He highlights the importance of values, principles, and a shared vision over traditional industry experience, allowing fresh perspectives to invigorate the business.

4. Personal Values and Family

Deeply rooted in his personal values, Matt discusses the role of faith, family, and moral principles in both his business and personal life. He underscores the significance of teaching his children the value of entrepreneurship and financial independence.

Matt Sapaula [12:05]: "You don’t have to be a doctor. You don’t have to be an engineer... there are other ways for you to make money."

His dedication to instilling these values ensures his children are equipped with the mindset to pursue success outside conventional educational paths.

5. Health and Discipline in Entrepreneurship

Matt opens up about his personal health journey, emphasizing the critical role physical well-being plays in sustaining entrepreneurial energy and resilience.

Matt Sapaula [17:48]: "I'm looking at it as an athlete looks at their sport... study the game, tape, know my competition."

He introduces the concept of the "entrepathlete," likening business to sports, where discipline, continuous improvement, and strategic thinking are paramount.

6. Business as a Sport: Pressure vs. Stress

Drawing parallels between entrepreneurship and athletics, Matt differentiates between pressure and stress, advocating for the former as a motivating force that drives growth.

Matt Sapaula [19:19]: "Business is the biggest sport in the world... I love the stress. So I don't even call it stress. I put it pressure."

This athletic mindset fosters resilience and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, essential traits for sustained business success.

7. Financial Strategies for Success and Retirement

Delving into financial planning, Matt elucidates the "4% rule" for retirement, advising clients to save adequately to ensure financial security without depleting their principal.

Matt Sapaula [23:32]: "We have a rule called the 4% rule. So whatever you're going to save up. No, don't draw more than 4%."

He stresses the importance of building a solid financial foundation, discouraging risky investments like crypto for core portfolios, and promoting long-term wealth accumulation.

Matt Sapaula [25:02]: "If you're looking to always get rich quick, try and cut corners, not think about long-term wealth, eventually is going to catch up to you."

8. Critique of Government and Economic Policies

Matt offers a candid critique of government inefficiency and its impact on business and personal finances. He warns against over-reliance on government programs, advocating for financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Matt Sapaula [33:45]: "Federal government is the number one employer in America... Imagine being run like a DMV."

He highlights the pitfalls of bureaucratic systems, emphasizing the need for oversight and entrepreneurial spirit to drive economic growth and efficiency.

9. Future Plans and Growth for PHP Agency

Looking ahead, Matt reveals ambitious plans to scale PHP Agency to a billion-dollar company through strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to values-driven growth.

Matt Sapaula [36:47]: "We're building a billion-dollar company. We just partnered with Integrity Marketing Group... we're close to a half a billion-dollar company right now."

This expansion is rooted in enhancing client experiences and maintaining exceptional customer service, ensuring sustained growth and industry leadership.

10. Leadership Insights and Customer Service

Matt underscores the essence of servant leadership and exemplary customer service in fostering loyalty and organic growth. He recounts experiences that illustrate the profound impact of humility and attentiveness in leadership roles.

Matt Sapaula [38:31]: "Brian Adams comes out with a towel... That's servant leadership, man."

By prioritizing client and employee satisfaction, Matt ensures that PHP Agency remains a respected and sought-after organization in the competitive financial services landscape.

11. Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

As the episode concludes, Matt hints at upcoming high-profile interviews, including one with NFL legend Bill Belichick, reflecting his commitment to delivering insightful and impactful content. He also shares his online presence, inviting listeners to engage with his platforms for continued learning and growth.

Matt Sapaula [41:14]: "MoneySmartGuy on X, MoneySmartGuy on Instagram, moneysmartguy.com... my YouTube channel is called Seven Figure Squad."

Key Takeaways

• Performance Over Tenure: Success at PHP Agency is driven by performance metrics rather than tenure, fostering a culture of excellence.

• Diverse Recruiting: Recruiting talented individuals from varied backgrounds enriches the company’s perspective and resilience.

• Values-Driven Leadership: Strong personal values and principles are integral to both personal success and organizational culture.

• Health and Discipline: Maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for sustaining entrepreneurial energy and efficiency.

• Long-Term Financial Planning: Building a robust financial foundation through disciplined savings and strategic investments is crucial for long-term security.

• Servant Leadership: Humble and attentive leadership fosters loyalty, enhances customer experiences, and drives organic growth.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Viewing business as a sport with strategic thinking and resilience is key to navigating challenges and securing success.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Sapaula [01:05]: "FOMO is a big part of our culture there."

• Matt Sapaula [02:58]: "Business culture attracts people and culture eats talent for lunch."

• Matt Sapaula [19:19]: "Business is the biggest sport in the world... I love the stress. So I don't even call it stress. I put it pressure."

• Matt Sapaula [25:02]: "If you're looking to always get rich quick, try and cut corners, not think about long-term wealth, eventually is going to catch up to you."

• Matt Sapaula [38:31]: "Brian Adams comes out with a towel... That's servant leadership, man."

This episode serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to personal and organizational values. Matt Sapaula’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to build successful, resilient, and values-driven businesses without the traditional educational pathways.

For more insights and to follow Matt’s journey, visit MoneySmartGuy on X, MoneySmartGuy on Instagram, or moneysmartguy.com. Subscribe to the Seven Figure Squad YouTube channel to stay updated with strategies to think and strategize like a millionaire.