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Contrarian Thinking

Read this if you’re sick of getting hammered

January 24, 2025
8 min read

Contrarians,

Netflix is raising prices again. But somehow, Arizona Iced Tea has been holding strong at $0.99 since 1992. Consistency is underrated…

It’s part of why we preach ownership. In the long run, ownership just never seems to go out of style.

Figuring out how to get there, though? An entirely different story. Someone told us it’s “like standing at a crossroads with no map, no signs, and no idea which way to turn.”

That’s why we’re starting today with a simple, no-BS rule. Learn this well, and it could tip the scales of your path to ownership forever…

Today in 5 minutes or less, you'll learn:

✔️ Choose Your Hard: Hammer or Nail

✔️ The Bedrock Business Plan

✔️ The 1 Institution That Really Matters

✔️ How We’re Going to Help You Build

Choose Your Hard: Hammer or Nail

You ever notice how renters often treat their apartments like a crash pad?

Owners see it differently. They think about the structural integrity, future value, and even how the bathroom tile might impact their sanity.

This Owner Mindset isn’t just a mindset; it’s a way of operating that fundamentally changes the trajectory of your business and life. And here’s the idea at the center of it all...

You’re either the hammer or the nail.

Hammers make things happen. They drive the point home. They aren’t afraid to swing hard, take calculated risks, and make an impact. They don’t wait for things to happen; they make things happen.

Nails? They get pounded. They hold things in place, but only because someone else decided that’s where they should be. They stay put, keep their heads down, and hope they don’t get bent out of shape.

Nails might hold things together, but hammers build the house. No one remembers the nails — they remember who hammered them in.

It can be easy to look at the work of a hammer and think, “Must be nice.” What you don’t see are the years of blunt force trauma on the hammer’s head, face, neck, cheek, throat, eye, and claw (all real parts of a hammer). Years of being thrown around. Years of missing the mark and smashing a finger.

Are you starting to get it now? Hammers are owners. They live a hard but rewarding life. Nails? The owned.

How to Be A Hammer: The 100-50-10 to 1 Rule

This holds true for jobs, dates, and yes, especially deals.Ownership isn’t built through luck or magic. It’s about:

  • Running the process
  • Analyzing patterns
  • Sifting through the noise to find something that’s worth your time, money, and effort.

It’s a numbers game — and the 100-50-10 to 1 Rule is a good frame to think about how you win it. Here’s how it works:

100-50-10 to 1 rule

STEP 1

Look at 100+ Options (Yes. 100+.)

If we’re talking business buying, browse marketplaces, review broker listings, and build a stack of possibilities. At this stage, you’re probably skimming — no attachments, no deep dives.

Think of this as smart window shopping for potential cash flow. You’re browsing listings, talking to brokers, and saying “interesting…” to anything that might fit your Deal Box and doesn’t scream 'dumpster fire.' Ask yourself:

  • Is it making money?
  • Why is it for sale?
  • Does it actually fit my Deal Box?
  • Do I hate anything about it?

STEP 2

Analyze 50

This is where the real work starts. Narrow the field. Dig into financials & operations. You’re now answering specific questions, and determining if these businesses are as they claim — or just pigs with lipstick.

STEP 3

Deep Dive 10

By now, you’ve weeded out the fluff. Now you inspect financials, interview owners, analyze risks, and dig into what REALLY makes the business tick.

Do due diligence like your retirement depends on it (because it very well might).

Find out what’s broken, what’s thriving, and whether you’re about to buy a business or another full-time job you’ll hate. This step isn’t for dreamers. It’s for dealmakers.

STEP 4

Find the 1 Worth It

After all that work, ideally you’re left with one that you feel good about:

  • It matches your Deal Box
  • Survived your due diligence
  • Fits your vision

That’s one high-level method for finding a business to buy. But there’s so much more to know when it comes to actually taking action on this.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re turning the idea of buying a business over in your head pretty seriously.

So if that’s you, you’d get a ton out of our MASSIVE virtual bootcamp coming up next month. It’s part education, part revolution, and a hefty dose of personalized action.

The price goes up as we get closer, so get details and grab your ticket here →

Click HERE To Save Your Spot

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What You Want is a Bedrock Business

Businesses that thrive over time often aren’t built on what’s trendy — they’re built on what’s timeless.

Jeff Bezos knew this when he built Amazon. Instead of guessing trends, he focused on certainties:

  • People will always want low prices
  • People will always want fast delivery
  • People will always want a wide selection

“It’s impossible to imagine a future,” Bezos said, “where a customer comes up and says, ‘Jeff, I just wish the prices were a little higher,’ or, ‘I wish you’d deliver a little more slowly.’”

Chasing trends might feel exciting — like you’re riding the wave. But here’s the problem: waves crash.

You don’t need to invent the next Amazon or disrupt an industry. What you need is a business built on rock-solid foundations that won’t go out of style: solving problems, serving communities, and generating consistent cash. Doing that takes learning how to…

  • Zero in on these kinds of opportunities
  • Analyze businesses for their long-term viability
  • Avoid deals that look shiny but break down under pressure

It’s hard work, but that’s how it’s done (and we’re here to help you learn it 😉).

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TIMELESS TRUTH

The 1 Institution That Really Matters

No matter how much the world changes, one truth holds steady: small business owners are the backbone of America.

For decades, they’ve driven nearly half the economy and employed millions, but their real magic? Trust. People overwhelmingly feel that small businesses have a positive effect on the country.

For too long, our nation’s pastime has been fighting ‘til we’re blue in the face about religion, cow farts, and education. But guess what can we all agree on? Small business:

Small businesses unite us, not because they’re sexy (they’re not)… Not because they’re easy (they’re not)…

But because they’re real. They’re grounded. They’re owned and operated by people with skin in the game, who know that their success is tied to their community.

Take a listen to what Treasury Secretary pick Scott Bessent said at his Senate hearing a few days ago...

“I believe Wall Street has done great the past few years and that Main Street has suffered. It’s time to have a Main Street small business-led recovery.”

Main Street is going mainstream, folks. And you have a real chance to be at the center of it.

You Probably Need to Hear This…

So now you’re probably scratching your head, trying to figure out where to go from here and how to “find your passion” on Main Street. Sorry to burst your bubble — you don’t just need passion, you need focus.

You need to find something you’re good at in a (likely) non-romantic industry, and build a passion for being f*cking incredible at it.

If you’ve read Main Street Millionaire, there’s a lot in there that’ll help you build clarity here. But even if you’ve read the book, that’s likely not enough for you to actually just get up and go buy a business…

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How We’re Going to Help You Build

So we’re hosting a massive virtual bootcamp as an extension of the book, to give you the hands-on guidance you need to ACTUALLY start doing what the book teaches. Most people need help:

  • Building clarity and clear plans-of-action
  • Spotting the right opportunities
  • Developing the skills to become qualified buyers
  • Finding the time to make it all happen

And that’s why we’re doing Main Street Millionaire LIVE.

3 dedicated days for you to rapidly accelerate your skill stack and build clarity. This thing is a BEAST to organize, and frankly, we may never do it again.

But you’ll walk away with a business-buying playbook built for you, personalized for you and your goals. And just wait for the surprise guests we’re bringing in...

Click HERE To Save Your Spot

We know you’ve got questions, so let’s get you sorted:

Where’s the Event?

It’s 100% virtual, so you can join from anywhere with Wi-Fi and oxygen. But this isn’t just another Zoom call — it’s dedicated time to get sh*t done with Codie and other pros.

How Interactive Are We Talking?

This is FAR from “sit and stare at slides” territory. Translation: You’ll leave with real momentum. We’re putting you in the driver’s seat with:

  • Breakout sessions for you to DO the work
  • Live Q&As with Codie and top-tier experts
  • Hands-on exercises to sharpen deal-making skills

How’s This Different from Codie’s Book?

The book’s a goldmine, but Main Street Millionaire Live is do-the-work action. The book should open your mind to the possibility, and this is where you’ll learn to turn it into reality.

Should I Bring My Spouse?

You 100% can! Your partner’s buy-in could be a secret weapon to your success. Plus, they’ll love seeing the vision you’re working toward.

What’s the Time Commitment?

Each day runs from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM ET — with breaks to stretch, refuel, and connect. If you can’t catch everything, VIP members get unlimited replays.

What If I Already Own a Business?

This event is designed for curious first-timers and seasoned owners. You’ll learn how to spot opportunities, structure deals, and scale.

If you’re actually serious about this, you should 1000% be there...

Click HERE To Save Your Spot

Team Contrarian

The information contained here is educational, may not be typical, and does not guarantee returns. Background, education, effort, and application will affect your experience and the profitability of any business. Individual results may vary.

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