Next Level Pros Podcast – Episode #157: My 9-Figure Blue Collar Journey Part 2

Host: Chris Lee
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction and Context

Timestamp: [00:00]

In this episode, Chris Lee revisits a pivotal conversation originally recorded during his tenure with the Founder Podcast, prior to the inception of Next Level Pros. He emphasizes the enduring value of the tactical insights shared with fellow entrepreneurs, particularly those in the trades or home service industries. Chris sets the stage for Part Two of his entrepreneurial saga, building on his upbringing and the early motivations that propelled him into business.

Launching the First Business Amidst Adversity

Timestamp: [03:45]

In 2008, driven by the "entrepreneur bug," a 24-year-old Chris made the bold decision to drop out of BYU and start his first venture in the home security automation sector. He reflects on the romanticism of entrepreneurship, believing he could outperform established players like Vivint and Apex Alarm by being bigger, better, and more cost-effective.

“I was caught with the entrepreneur bug and I thought, man, you know, I already know everything that I'm doing.” (03:50)

Early Mistakes and Financial Missteps

Timestamp: [12:30]

Chris candidly shares his initial miscalculations, notably underestimating expenses and overestimating revenue projections. Partnering with two associates from Security One, the team faced significant setbacks when back-end commissions went unpaid, resulting in a loss of approximately $100,000—a substantial sum for a fledgling business.

“We became spreadsheet millionaires. I think this is a common mistake that a lot of entrepreneurs make...” (17:10)

He underscores the importance of conservative financial planning, advising entrepreneurs to at least double anticipated expenses and halve expected revenues to maintain operational viability.

Raising Capital and Navigating Partnerships

Timestamp: [25:00]

Desperate to scale, Chris secured a million-dollar investment from his father-in-law and an additional $200,000 from his father, who had dramatically reduced his stock market investments following the 2008 crash. Despite this injection of capital, Chris admits to operational naivety, leading to overspending on office spaces and sales team bonuses without sustainable revenue to match.

“I was just so totally self-deceived... I had these blinders on and I refused to look at the macro environment...” (32:45)

Facing Economic Realities and Business Collapse

Timestamp: [42:20]

The economic downturn severely impacted Chris’s business model. With rising cancellation rates and restricted contract purchases from Security Networks, the company struggled to meet the break-even point. Internal tensions escalated as partners failed to contribute, leading to interpersonal conflicts and eventual financial collapse.

“All of a sudden, boom, he starts threatening legal... I had a terrible choice to make.” (53:15)

This period culminated in mounting debts totaling over $2 million and the realization that bankruptcy was the only viable option to salvage his personal and professional life.

Bankruptcy and Humbling Realizations

Timestamp: [1:05:30]

At nearly 27 years old, Chris filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, marking one of the lowest points in his career. He reflects on the emotional and financial toll, acknowledging his reluctance to seek help and the stigma associated with bankruptcy. This humbling experience, however, became a catalyst for personal growth and future success.

“If I could get talk to myself at that point right now, I would say, Chris, there's somebody else that's been through this.” (1:12:50)

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Timestamp: [1:20:00]

Post-bankruptcy, Chris teamed up with Darrell Kelly to launch K2K Alarm, a new home security venture. Operating with minimal resources and enduring personal financial strain, they successfully built a profitable business model independent of traditional monitoring companies. This resilience laid the foundation for Chris's recovery and subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors.

“We started building a business different, no longer were we selling monitoring contracts... we were creating residual income.” (1:28:10)

Competing and Achieving the Impossible

Timestamp: [1:35:45]

Inspired by Tim Ferriss’s "The Four Hour Work Week," Chris and Darrell shifted their focus towards leveraging technology and building scalable businesses. This mindset culminated in a high-stakes sales competition where Chris sold an unprecedented 18 contracts in a single day, overshadowing competitor Adam Webb’s 7 sales. This achievement not only secured a Range Rover as a prize but also solidified Chris's belief in the power of mental fortitude and self-competition.

“This is the day when impossible became a reality.” (1:45:30)

He details the strategies employed, such as setting higher sales targets and maintaining relentless motivation, which enabled him to surpass his limits and achieve extraordinary results.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

Timestamp: [1:55:20]

Chris concludes the episode by reflecting on his tumultuous journey—from entrepreneurial triumphs and devastating failures to ultimate redemption. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, humility, and the willingness to seek help during challenging times. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship and the critical lessons learned through hardship.

“Please do not do what I do. And just give up.” (2:05:50)

He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their struggles, seek mentorship, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of success despite inevitable setbacks.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Timestamp: [2:10:00]

Looking ahead, Chris hints at the next chapter of his journey, where he expanded his expertise by working with other companies to gain invaluable knowledge, setting the stage for launching more successful ventures. He invites listeners to stay tuned for Episode #158, which promises to delve deeper into his strategies for scaling businesses and achieving sustained growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial Prudence: Always overestimate expenses and underestimate revenues to maintain sustainability.
• Resilience Through Adversity: Personal and professional setbacks can be transformative if met with determination and adaptability.
• The Power of Mental Fortitude: Setting high personal standards and competing against oneself can unlock extraordinary potential.
• Seek Help and Mentorship: Overcoming pride and seeking guidance can provide crucial support during challenging times.

Notable Quotes:

• “We were spreadsheet millionaires...” (17:10)
• “If I could get talk to myself at that point right now, I would say, Chris, there's somebody else that's been through this.” (1:12:50)
• “This is the day when impossible became a reality.” (1:45:30)
• “Please do not do what I do. And just give up.” (2:05:50)

This episode offers a raw and honest portrayal of the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting both the exhilarating highs and the crushing lows. Chris Lee's experiences serve as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of building and sustaining a successful business.