From Starting Strip Clubs to Bankruptcy: My Story

No Bollocks with Matt Haycox

I had a blast being interviewed by Dariush Soudi on his podcast! This guy knows his stuff and has an incredible following in the entrepreneurial world, so it was an honour to be invited on. We really dug into my journey as an entrepreneur, starting right from the beginning and all the wild twists and turns that brought me to where I am today.

We kicked off by discussing my decision to start a strip club—definitely not your typical business route! I shared insights into navigating the nightlife industry, the challenges of asset financing, and how tipping culture varies between the US and the UK. It’s fascinating stuff that reveals how culture impacts business.

We didn’t shy away from the tough topics, either. I opened up about the influence of gangs in the UK and what that means for entrepreneurs. Plus, we talked about hiring in a unique environment like a strip club and what it takes to find the right fit.

On a personal level, I shared what a balanced life looks like for me and reflected on the lessons I learned from my first marriage. Let’s be honest—I also had to confront my experiences with bankruptcy and how that rock-bottom moment turned into a story of redemption.

Throughout the episode, we explored key themes like venture capital, the current economic landscape, and the allure of yachting. I also revealed my personal recipe for success and what’s next for me.

What You Can Learn from This Episode:

• Resilience: How to bounce back from setbacks and failures.
• Navigating Challenges: Strategies for overcoming obstacles in unconventional industries.
• Cultural Insights: Understanding how different cultures influence business practices.
• Personal Growth: The importance of learning from personal experiences and relationships.
• Future Planning: Insights into venture capital and how to prepare for economic shifts.
• Community Impact: How to get involved in charitable initiatives and make a difference.

If you’re interested in real talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the rollercoaster ride that is business, this episode is for you. Huge thanks to Dariush for having me on—don’t miss it!

Timestamps
0:00 Matt’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
8:53 Starting a strip club
21:09 Asset financing and the American culture of tipping
26:06 Gangs in the UK
31:47 Hiring girls
37:51 Getting a license for a strip cl

Connect with Matt Haycox:

▶ Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/thematthaycox/

▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-haycox/

▶ Website: https://matt-haycox.com/podcasts/
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Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer
I’m Matt Haycox—entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and your go-to guy for no-bollocks advice on business and personal growth.

With over 25 years of experience building and funding businesses across industries, I’ve faced it all—wins, losses, and the ultimate comeback story. Through my podcasts, No Bollocks with Matt Haycox and Stripping Off with Matt Haycox, I cut through the bullshit to bring you real, actionable strategies and raw conversations with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders.

Whether you’re looking to scale your business, secure funding, or avoid the mistakes I’ve learned the hard way, my goal is simple: to help YOU create YOUR success story.

Want more? Subscribe to my No Bollocks Newsletter and get weekly insider tips on entrepreneurship, strategy, and business growth—because learning in 10 minutes is way better than wasting years on an MBA.

Kapitler

1. Matt’s Journey to Entrepreneurship (00:00:00)

2. Starting a Strip Club (00:08:53)

3. Asset financing and the American culture of tipping (00:21:09)

4. Gangs in the UK (00:26:06)

5. Hiring girls (00:31:47)

6. Getting a license for a strip club (00:37:51)

7. What is a balanced life? (00:42:02)

8. Why Matt’s first marriage failed (00:43:28)

9. Losing everything and becoming bankrupt (00:47:01)

10. Redemption (00:53:22)

11. Matt Haycox’s new life and business (00:55:31)

12. Venture Capital (01:00:51)

13. Inflation and the recession (01:04:32)

14. England is a mess (01:10:33)

15. Yachting (01:15:28)

16. Podcasting (01:23:31)

17. The recipe of success (01:27:25)

18. The future for Matt (01:28:38)

19. Help Alfie Walk (01:31:47)