Hello, Reader!

To many, this announcement will come as no surprise, however I also know there will be some people who will be caught off guard by it. But either way, I couldn’t be more excited for the future.

Your future, my future, and the future of SPI.

I decided to sell Smart Passive Income.

Before you read too deep into this, I invite you to read what I have to share below, because it’s important.

Selling SPI was never a goal of mine, and not too long ago if you asked me if I would sell it, my answer would have been a hard “NO”.

In fact, in 2022, I had my first offer from a venture capitalist who was attracted to the new community and recurring revenue business model Matt Gartland and I implemented. Even though the numbers were attractive, it was an easy no because I knew exactly what they wanted: your contact info, and eventually your wallet for whatever programs and services they were going to offer you that had nothing to do with SPI.

There was ZERO consideration for what the brand stood for, the community we were building, and zero care for your future as a subscriber and student of SPI, Reader.

A year later, another offer came through, from a different venture capital firm, and again, a hard pass.

In those conversations, it was always about the numbers first, and that’s what told me they knew nothing about what was important to me. If I were to even entertain the idea of selling SPI, it would have to be because that’s what was best for the community and the future of the brand.

Fast forward to 2025 in Seattle, at my 4th Card Party, an event I host that brings nearly 10,000 Pokémon fans together. While at the event, someone who was working with me noticed that I was answering emails and preparing a script for a YouTube video for SPI that I had to film when I got back home the next week.

She could tell I was tired and distracted, and I definitely was.

It was like I was straddling two different ladders, trying to climb both at the same time. The Pokémon YouTube channel that I started with my kids in 2020 has become a new calling for me, however Smart Passive Income, which I started in 2008, is my baby.

And for the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve felt the push and pull mentally between the two. My time and my actions have been divided, and maybe you’ve even felt that on your end.

But, like a parent who sees their child off to college (which I will likely experience very soon), Smart Passive Income just turned 18 years old in 2026, and it’s my time to let it go, so it can move forward into even bigger and better things, beyond me.

So now you might be wondering: “Pat, so who bought Smart Passive Income from you?”
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Funny story.

The person helping me at Card Party was a woman named Patricia Prak, who happens to be Liz Wilcox’s sister and assistant. Patricia told Liz how busy and tired I was at the event, and she jokingly suggested to Liz, “You should just buy SPI from him so he can focus on the Pokémon thing, and maybe you could take over and give SPI your full attention.”

One week later Liz, Matt and I had a discussion about what that might even look like, and guess what: no numbers were shared on either side. 100% of our discussion in the first two months were about the future of SPI, its community, and its subscribers.

Do we share the same values? Is there alignment in what the goals are for the community? Could SPI potentially be left in better hands with Liz? Could Liz’s business goals align with SPI, and vice versa?

The answer to all of the above questions was yes.

Let’s be honest though: Liz and I are not the same. Although we’re both 80s babies, Liz is a former Survivor contestant that is way more quirky and bubbly than I am. She’s animated, expressive and some may even say, eccentric.

But at the same time, when it comes to why we do what we do online, and who we’re doing it for, the similarities are incredible.

Like my LEED Exam blog, she got her start with an RV blog that she later sold. She currently generates passive income from her email marketing business that houses a community of over 4,000 people, which is what gave her the time to explore buying SPI and giving more of herself and her time to it.

But most of all, when it comes to our similarities: we’re both authentically ourselves, and we show up to serve.

Liz officially bought SPI in April of 2026, and while I had contemplated making this announcement back then, we decided to first have her come on as Director of Community so people could get to know her first, and I wanted to make sure to set her up for success and give her time to prove herself.

And she has.

Since April, she’s already increased activity and engagement in our community by over 400%. I’ve personally received messages and DMs from people who have said that the only other time the community has ever “felt like this” was back when it was launched in 2020.

That’s Liz’s doing. She’s showing up more than I ever did. She’s implemented a successful recurring co-working experience, and is helping to answer so many questions and make connections that only a person who truly cares would.

Also since April, she’s doubled the number of new members in our community. That’s all Liz, too. She saw some very clear holes in our marketing and used her email expertise to encourage more sign-ups, and the community is booming because of it.

So now that the announcement is official, I can confidently welcome the new owner of SPI, Liz Wilcox, who will take the baton and run the next leg of this journey alongside you.

I’m not going too far, though. I will be back on the podcast from time to time with updates, and I’m here to advise and help Liz through the transition as well. She’s already been showing up on the podcast, and I’ve heard a lot of people say they love the new style and energy she brings to the show. She’s got a vision for the show that is akin to the early days of the podcast, and I can’t wait to hear it, too.

Now finally, you might be wondering, what are my plans for the future?

As you might remember, my partner Caleb Wojcik and I recently sold our physical product company SwitchPod. Today, you just got the news about Smart Passive Income.

Other than advising a few companies on the side, most of my time will be spent on building upon what I started in the Pokémon space with my channels. My family is also involved in that venture as well, and it’s something that is bringing us even closer together.

I invested in a large physical space to become a film studio where a lot of production will occur both for Pokémon related content, and other new ventures, too. I do have a drive to learn more about storytelling and eventually get into filmmaking, too.

But it’s not just about videos and content, or Pokémon. The drive is much bigger than that. In several episodes of the SPI podcast, you may recall that I’ve spoken about how I’ve wanted to do something that positively impacts kids and families. I even tried to make an impact in my local community at a school and curriculum level, only to be met with a lot of politics and red tape.
​
With the Pokémon content and the event I run, I’m seeing firsthand the impact that my content is having on kids and their families. Moms and Dads are spending time with their kids, off-screen, to connect together. I’ve had parents tell me that my content is the only content they’re comfortable letting their kids watch. And I’ve even had people struggling with mental illness say my videos have saved their lives.

Although many people have called me “The Mr. Beast of Pokémon”, I personally do not like that comparison, nor do I believe Mr. Beast is all that good for kids to begin with, but that’s a conversation for another time.

What matters is, I don’t want to become the next Mr. Beast…

I want to become, in a sense, the next Mr. Rogers.

I grew up with Mr. Rogers, someone who taught me about good values, and about life. He was that voice I heard on my television almost every day, and I’d like to step forward and be a similar voice to today’s kids. Right now that’s with Pokémon, and in the future, it could be through something else.

No one will ever replace Mr. Rogers, and I could never be him. But, I am inspired by him, and I’d like to have that same positive impact on the world.

None of this would be possible without you.

You have given me the opportunity to step forward into something I never thought possible. Thank you, so much, from the bottom of my heart.

I’d like to think the world is a better place because of what I started in 2008, and I’m grateful for those of you who have sent me messages or letters saying I played some positive role in your life story as an entrepreneur.

A big thanks to the SPI team and everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. The openness to Liz and how y’all have teamed up to work even better together is so exciting!
​
Former CEO, and my business partner Matt Gartland, deserves a big thanks as well. He has played a major role in shaping SPI for nearly a decade and a ton of the biggest business decisions over the years were made with his counsel. And thanks to Caleb Wojcik too, the previous CEO, who spent the last 2 years keeping things organized and getting us to this point as well.
​
Thank you to Jess Lindgren, my assistant turned business manager, who will continue to make sure I have what I need and get to where I need to go, when I need to, on my new adventure.

And thank you, to Liz. I am so blessed we crossed paths, first on the SPI podcast, then at Kit’s event Craft + Commerce, and through your sister once again. There is literally no one else in the world I could imagine taking it from here. SPI is in good hands with you, and you are in good hands with SPI. You already know this.​
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And to think, none of this would have even been a thing if I didn’t get laid off from my architecture job in 2008. Thanks boss, you did me a solid back then, even though I didn’t know it at the time. Truly.

Here’s to the future. Whatever road you’re on, I know you’ll get there. But remember, where you’re going, you might not even need roads.

Sincerely,

Pat Flynn

​P.S. Please listen to this podcast episode on SPI with both Liz and I talking about the acquisition. A heartfelt, genuine conversation about the sale, and our plans for the future, too.

PPS. For those that are super curious, Liz is doing something wildly transparent over here. It's these kinds of ideas that I'm most excited for you to see, study, and implement into your own online business.

The post The Most Important Announcement I Have Ever Written appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

So I bought Smart Passive Income. Holy moly. I can finally say it. 

My palms are literally sweating. And my stomach feels like it’s in knots thinking about how to fill this blank document…not to mention thinking about you reading this right now. Woooo. This is a lot.

Even though I’ve been around, I’m not sure I’ve been properly introduced. 

Hi friend. My name is Liz Wilcox. I’m a single mom of two (one bio, one bonus) girls and I’ve been in the online business arena for 10 years. I started as an RV travel blogger back in August 2016. I sold my first digital product in July 2017, and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

You name a digital product, I’ve tried it. Plus, I’ve even dabbled in ecommerce with a site that sells merch around the state of Texas. No. I’m not from Texas. I’m just a lady who has loads of ideas and jumps on an opportunity when I see it. 

And since April 1st, 2026, I’ve been the sole owner of this website. 

Right now, I’m going back and forth on this page between waxing poetic and trying to get out “the most brilliant piece I’ve ever written” and remembering that brevity is our friend. 

Let’s go with the latter, shall we? (maybe there’s brilliance in that, anyway.)

Okay…so the facts first.

I’m not Pat Flynn.
I’m not from San Diego.
And Back to the Future is not even in my top ten favorite movies of all time. 

But the big thing Pat and I have in common is you. 

Yes…you!

We both love entrepreneurs. Especially the ones just trying to figure out this online thing so they can reap the benefits later. 

And we’re both incredibly transparent about how we’ve built online income.

Another difference between Pat and myself is that (and you may have noticed this if you already started to Google me) I’m just not as successful as him. 

My YouTube channel holds steady at around 2k subscribers. And my videos compared to his are laughable. Unedited. Crappy camera. No transitions. You get the picture. Or maybe not? Feel free to watch a few seconds here to see just how cruddy and cringe they really are.

As for my socials, I have an Instagram account that looks like I have a decent amount of followers, but let me tell you something. I was on a TV show a few years ago and that’s the only reason I have 15k. If you compared it to other people who did that show with me, my “follower count” is embarrassingly low. 

Now, my email list… that’s what I’m most proud of and where I feel like I really shine. With about 13k, I’ve managed to make around half a million dollars a year for the last three years. But even then! When I got SPI, the email list here sat at over 92k!! That’s literally seven times the size of mine. Plus a thousand more.

Wait…why the heck am I pointing out all my flaws to you in an intro post that is supposed to convince you that I’m the right fit to take over this brand?

Well, like I said…I’m transparent over everything else. 

Plus, I want you to know that you and me? 

We’re in this together, friend. 

Like you, I don’t feel like I’ve “made it” the way Pat Flynn has.

Like you, I am still on my learning journey when it comes to building an online business that takes advantage of systems that allow me to make money without being involved in every transaction. (<— aka: how we define smart passive income around here)

And like you (especially now that I bought SPI and have to pay it off), I really need to focus on my WINs.

If I focus on What’s Important Now each and every day, I know I will stack my wins and learn a whole heck of a lot. 

And everything I learn, I’m going to report back to you.

That is exactly what Pat did at the start of this site.  And it’s exactly what I’m going to do now.

In a kinda fun and weird way (with a nod to our founder’s favorite movie of all time), we’re gonna go back to the roots of the site…which is the only way I see us creating a future for SPI. 

I hope you’ll follow along. I’m sure we have a lot to teach one another.

Your new crash test dummy,
Liz Wilcox 

PS. There’s a “where we’re going, we don’t need roads” joke in here somewhere, but I can’t figure it out.

The post A note from the new owner of Smart Passive Income appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

SAN DIEGO, Calif., September 2, 2026 — Smart Passive Income (SPI), the online business education brand founded by entrepreneur and creator Pat Flynn, today announced that entrepreneur and email marketing expert Liz Wilcox has purchased 100% of SPI Media and SPI Labs from Flynn and his longtime business partner, Matt Gartland. The transaction was completed on April 1, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks a new chapter for one of the longest-running education brands in the creator and online business space. Flynn founded Smart Passive Income in 2008 after being laid off from his architecture job and building his first successful online business. What began as a blog documenting his experiences building income online grew into a global education platform encompassing podcasts, courses, a membership community, newsletters, and other resources for entrepreneurs.

Today, the Smart Passive Income Podcast has surpassed 80 million downloads, SPI's educational programs have served more than 50,000 students, and the brand reaches an audience of more than 100,000 subscribers.

“Smart Passive Income has been my baby for 18 years, so selling it was never something I took lightly,” said Flynn. “Over the years, Matt and I had opportunities to sell, but I always knew that if I ever handed SPI to someone else, it had to be about more than numbers. It had to be someone who understood what this brand stands for, who genuinely cares about the people we serve, and who could give SPI the attention it deserves. There is no one else I could imagine taking it from here besides Liz.”

A New Owner With Deep Roots in Online Business

Wilcox is an entrepreneur and email marketing expert who has spent a decade building online businesses. She began her entrepreneurial journey with an RV travel blog, which she later sold before focusing full-time on email marketing. Her Email Marketing Membership has grown to a community of more than 4,000 members, and Wilcox has generated more than 70,000 sales across her online businesses.

Her relationship with SPI began years before the acquisition. Wilcox appeared multiple times as a guest on the Smart Passive Income Podcast and developed a relationship with Flynn and the SPI team before eventually joining the company as Director of Community in 2026.

The idea of an acquisition first surfaced in 2025 while Flynn was balancing his responsibilities at SPI with the rapid growth of his Pokémon-focused media ventures. Initial conversations between Wilcox, Flynn, and Gartland centered not on the financial terms of a potential sale, but on whether Wilcox's values and vision aligned with SPI's mission and community.

Those conversations ultimately led to Wilcox purchasing SPI Media and SPI Labs in April 2026.

“SPI represents so much of what made me want to become an entrepreneur in the first place,” said Wilcox. “I've built my own businesses around the idea that you can work hard and with intention on the right things now to create more freedom for yourself later. That's what Smart Passive Income has always stood for. I'm incredibly excited to build on that foundation and help the next generation of entrepreneurs put the ‘income' in Smart Passive Income.”

Wilcox will serve as Owner and CEO of Smart Passive Income.

Building on SPI's Original Mission

Under Wilcox's leadership, Smart Passive Income will continue its focus on helping entrepreneurs build sustainable online businesses. The SPI name, community, educational programs, and core brand will remain in place, with no major changes planned as a result of the acquisition.

Wilcox plans to place particular emphasis on helping early-stage entrepreneurs move from ideas and audiences to businesses that generate meaningful income.

“One of the original ideas behind Smart Passive Income was simple: work hard now so you can reap the benefits later,” said Wilcox. “I love that idea because passive income was never supposed to mean doing nothing. It's about building something intentionally that can eventually give you more freedom, flexibility, and choice. I want to bring that message to a whole new generation of entrepreneurs.

This is why we are taking things from ‘Team Flynn’ to ‘Team WIN.’ WIN stands for What’s Important Now and I think it’s important for each person that comes to us to learn what they need to focus on. Too many new business owners and content creators try to do everything, all at once. Our main focus from here on out will be to help each individual realize what path will strengthen their vision and make them true and smart, passive income.”

Since the acquisition closed in April, Wilcox has been working inside SPI as Director of Community while Flynn and the team prepared for the public transition. During that period, SPI has seen significant increases in community participation and new member growth, giving Wilcox an opportunity to begin shaping the company's next chapter before formally stepping forward as its owner.

What's Next for Pat Flynn

Flynn will step away from the day-to-day operations of Smart Passive Income while remaining connected to the brand he founded. He will continue to make monthly appearances on the Smart Passive Income Podcast and will serve as an advisor to Wilcox during the transition.

His next chapter will focus primarily on the Pokémon and family-focused media ventures he began building in 2020, along with new projects centered on storytelling and filmmaking.

“Over the last few years, I've felt myself being pulled in two directions,” Flynn said. “SPI will always be part of who I am, but the work I'm doing now with Pokémon, storytelling, and families has become a new calling for me. I'm seeing firsthand how this work can bring parents and kids together, and I want to give myself the space to see where that can lead. Knowing SPI is in Liz's hands makes it possible for me to do that.”

Flynn has invested in a new physical production studio that will support his Pokémon-related content and future creative projects. His longer-term goal is to use storytelling and entertainment to positively impact children and families.

Gartland, who played a key role in SPI's growth and evolution for nearly a decade, will also fully exit the company to focus on other business ventures.

“Matt has played an enormous role in shaping SPI into the company it is today,” Flynn added. “Some of the biggest decisions we've made over the last decade happened with his counsel and leadership. I'm incredibly grateful for what we built together and excited for what's ahead for all of us.”

An 18-Year Legacy Enters Its Next Chapter

Flynn created Smart Passive Income in 2008 after his architecture career was unexpectedly disrupted by a layoff. He began publicly sharing what he was learning about building businesses online, including both his successes and failures, and became known for his transparency and “crash-test dummy of online business” approach.

That philosophy helped SPI grow alongside the creator economy itself. The Smart Passive Income Podcast launched in 2010 and has since surpassed 80 million downloads. SPI's online courses have served more than 50,000 students, while its newsletters, podcasts, community, and educational resources reach entrepreneurs around the world.

For Wilcox, preserving that trust while evolving SPI for today's entrepreneurs is at the center of what comes next.

“I don’t want to chance SPI at all” Wilcox said. “In fact, I want to bring it back to its roots. My vision is to take everything people already trust and love about SPI and ask, ‘How do we get back to what matters to early stage entrepreneurs? How do we make this even more useful for the entrepreneur who's sitting at home right now wondering how to turn their idea into real income?' I've been that person. I know what that feels like. And I can’t wait to dig in with our subscribers and listeners.”

Flynn added, “SPI is in good hands with Liz, and Liz is in good hands with SPI. This isn't the end of Smart Passive Income. It's the beginning of its next chapter.”

The transition will be discussed in a special episode of the Smart Passive Income Podcast featuring Flynn and Wilcox, along with a video interview and additional information here.

About Smart Passive Income

Founded by Pat Flynn in 2008, Smart Passive Income helps entrepreneurs build businesses that generate income, create freedom, and serve their audiences. Through podcasts, online courses, community, newsletters, workshops, and other educational resources, SPI provides practical strategies and support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

The Smart Passive Income Podcast, launched in 2010, has surpassed 80 million downloads, and SPI's educational programs have served more than 50,000 students.

For more information, visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

About Liz Wilcox

Liz Wilcox is an entrepreneur and email marketing expert known for helping business owners simplify email marketing and turn subscribers into customers. After beginning her online business journey as an RV travel blogger, Wilcox sold the business and built an email marketing company centered around her Email Marketing Membership.

Over a decade in online business, Wilcox has generated more than 70,000 sales, built a membership community of more than 4,000 entrepreneurs, and created a business generating more than half a million dollars annually from an email list of fewer than 15,000 subscribers. She has appeared multiple times on the Smart Passive Income Podcast and joined SPI as Director of Community before becoming Owner and CEO in 2026.

For more information, visit LizWilcox.com.

Media Contact

Sandra Mann
Director of Marketing
Smart Passive Income
[email protected]

The post Liz Wilcox Purchases Smart Passive Income from Founder Pat Flynn and Business Partner Matt Gartland appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 21, 2026 — Smart Passive Income (SPI), the online business education company founded by entrepreneur and creator Pat Flynn, today announced the launch of the Superfans System, a new guided roadmap designed to help creators and online entrepreneurs know what to build, when to build it, and how to turn an audience into a sustainable business.

Built into the SPI Community and based on the framework Flynn introduced in his 2019 book Superfans, the Superfans System organizes the entrepreneurial journey into five distinct levels: Foundation, Casual, Active, Connected, and Superfans.

Rather than giving entrepreneurs another library of information to navigate on their own, the system identifies where someone is in their journey and directs them toward the courses, strategies, community support, and monetization opportunities most relevant to that stage.

“Entrepreneurs today don't have an information problem. They have an overwhelm problem,” said Flynn. “There are thousands of videos, podcasts, courses, and experts telling you what you should be doing. The harder question is, ‘What should I be doing right now?’ That's what we wanted the Superfans System to answer.”

From Information Library to Guided Roadmap

Since launching in 2008, Smart Passive Income has helped entrepreneurs learn how to start and grow online businesses through podcasts, courses, workshops, and community.

But as the creator economy has expanded, so has the number of strategies competing for entrepreneurs' attention.

Creators are now expected to navigate short-form video, YouTube, podcasting, email marketing, online courses, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, communities, memberships, live events, and more, often without a clear understanding of which strategies make sense for their current stage.

The Superfans System was created to simplify that journey.

Members begin by identifying their current stage within the system and are then guided toward the SPI resources most relevant to what they need to accomplish next. Instead of presenting every available course and tactic at once, the system provides a clearer pathway through SPI's existing education, community, workshops, office hours, and other resources.

“We're trying to lead the forefront of entrepreneurial education and not just overwhelm you,” Flynn said during the system's launch. “We want to guide you.”

The shift also reflects SPI's move toward what Flynn describes as “community-powered courses,” combining education with implementation, accountability, feedback, and support from other entrepreneurs working through similar challenges.

The Five Levels of the Superfans System

At the center of the system is Flynn's Pyramid of Fandom, which illustrates how someone can move from discovering a creator for the first time to becoming an active member of that creator's audience, community, and ultimately one of their most loyal supporters.

The Superfans System translates that concept into a five-level business roadmap:

Level 0: Foundation — Get Clear
Entrepreneurs define who they serve, what their audience needs, and the problem their business is positioned to solve.

Level 1: Casual — Get Found
Creators focus on discoverability and audience growth through channels such as short-form video and social media, while exploring early monetization opportunities including affiliate marketing, advertising, sponsorships, and brand partnerships.

Level 2: Active — Grow the Relationship
Entrepreneurs turn casual followers into an audience that intentionally follows their work. Strategies include email marketing, podcasting, YouTube, products, services, courses, and other ways to build deeper relationships while generating revenue.

Level 3: Connected — Build Community
Creators deepen those relationships through communities, memberships, live streaming, virtual and in-person events, webinars, and other experiences that allow audience members to interact with both the brand and each other.

Level 4: Superfans — Create Deeper Experiences
At the highest level, entrepreneurs focus on their most engaged customers and supporters, creating deeper experiences, increasing loyalty, encouraging word-of-mouth growth, and building a business supported by people who actively want the brand to succeed.

Each level builds on the one before it, while allowing entrepreneurs to return to earlier stages as their business evolves.

“Most people are taught to think about their audience like a funnel,” Flynn said. “Traffic comes in, some become subscribers, and a smaller number become customers. Funnels are useful, but they don't automatically create connection. Superfans are created by the moments and experiences you give people over time.”

Building Businesses Around People, Not Just Algorithms

The launch comes at a time when artificial intelligence, changing algorithms, and an increasingly crowded content landscape are reshaping how creators build audiences online.

While social media can help creators reach large numbers of people, the Superfans System emphasizes moving beyond reach alone and developing relationships that creators can sustain regardless of platform changes.

“You don't need millions of followers to build a thriving business,” Flynn said. “You need the right people who care about what you're doing.”

Short-form content, for example, may introduce a creator to a casual audience. Email, podcasts, and long-form video can then deepen that relationship. Communities and live experiences can create stronger connections between audience members, while the most engaged supporters can ultimately become customers, advocates, and Superfans.

That progression also opens different monetization opportunities throughout the entrepreneurial journey rather than treating monetization as something that only becomes possible after building a massive following. During the launch, Flynn highlighted opportunities ranging from affiliate marketing, platform revenue, and brand partnerships at earlier stages to courses, consulting, memberships, events, and other offers as audience relationships deepen.

A New Direction for Entrepreneurial Education at SPI

The Superfans System represents a broader evolution in how Smart Passive Income approaches online business education.

Rather than asking members to choose from a large catalog of courses independently, SPI has organized its educational library around the five Superfans levels. Members can access resources including Smart From Scratch, Short-Form Formula, Email Marketing Magic, YouTube From Scratch, podcasting education, community-building programs, and other SPI courses according to where those resources fit within their business journey.

New courses and resources can also be added to the system without requiring every member to immediately pursue them. Instead, resources become available as options when they are relevant to a member's stage.

“Information is everywhere now,” Flynn said. “Technically, you can probably find out how to do almost anything we teach somewhere online. What's missing is having that information put into a system, knowing when you need it, and having other people taking that journey alongside you.”

That emphasis on implementation was central to the system's April launch, which followed SPI's 14-Day Video Challenge. Flynn used the challenge to demonstrate how a single tactic, short-form video, fits within the larger process of building an audience and business. Participants were encouraged to view publishing consistently not as an end goal, but as one step toward developing deeper audience relationships.

“Entrepreneurship can feel incredibly lonely, especially when the people around you don't understand what you're trying to build,” Flynn said. “Having a roadmap matters. Having people who can help you stay on that roadmap matters just as much.”

Flynn goes into more details of how someone can build a creator empire with their Superfans in episode 928 of the Smart Passive Income podcast.

From Followers to Superfans

Flynn first introduced the Pyramid of Fandom in Superfans in 2019, arguing that creators and entrepreneurs don't need massive audiences to build successful businesses. Instead, they can create meaningful growth by deliberately moving people from casual awareness toward deeper connection and advocacy.

Seven years later, SPI has turned that philosophy into a structured learning experience.

“Superfans aren't created the moment somebody sees one of your videos,” Flynn said. “They're created through the moments you create for them over time.”

The Superfans System is now available as part of the SPI Community.

For more information, visit The Superfans System.

About Smart Passive Income

Founded by Pat Flynn in 2008, Smart Passive Income helps creators and entrepreneurs build sustainable online businesses through education, community, and practical implementation. Through its podcasts, courses, workshops, challenges, and membership community, SPI provides entrepreneurs with proven strategies for growing an audience, generating income, and building businesses designed to create greater freedom and flexibility.

At the center of SPI's approach is the belief that successful online businesses are built by serving people first and developing trust over time.

Media Contact

Sandra Mann
Director of Marketing
Smart Passive Income
[email protected]

The post Smart Passive Income Launches the Superfans System, a New Roadmap for Turning Audiences Into Sustainable Online Businesses appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

Smart Passive Income (SPI) is excited to announce the merger of its two entrepreneurial online communities into one unified SPI Community. This integration introduces a three-tiered membership structure designed to provide targeted resources and benefits that support entrepreneurs from the early stages of ideation to achieving full-time income.

The decision behind the merger

For years, SPI successfully operated two distinct communities: the All-Access Pass for early-stage entrepreneurs and SPI Pro for advanced business owners. While these communities served members well, SPI recognized the potential to deliver even greater value by combining them into one unified space.

“When I joined SPI, we began exploring why these two communities existed separately,” said Caleb Wojcik, CEO of Smart Passive Income. “It became clear that merging them into one place would enhance interactions, learning, and networking opportunities for everyone. This also led us to implement a tiered structure to better meet the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage, including features like mastermind groups, sprints, and quests to foster connection and progress.”

These changes ensure members can share insights, collaborate, and grow together within a more dynamic, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The new tiered membership structure

The SPI Community now offers three membership tiers tailored to different levels of entrepreneurial growth and unique learning needs:

• Start: Geared toward beginners, this tier provides DIY education through self-paced courses, live events, and discussion channels to help members build a strong foundation.
• Accelerate: Designed for those seeking additional support and accountability in a do-it-with-you setting, this tier includes everything in Start plus benefits like cohort-based course accelerators, peer-led masterminds, monthly quests, and office hours with Pat Flynn.
• Thrive: Built for established entrepreneurs, this application-based tier with quarterly enrollment periods offers exclusive access to vetted Mastermind groups, quarterly Sprints, additional office hours with Pat Flynn, the Full-Time Entrepreneur Playbook, and expert-led Thrive-only discussion channels.

This marks the start of an exciting new phase for Smart Passive Income. By uniting its communities and introducing a tiered membership structure, SPI is reinforcing its commitment to equipping members with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to achieve their business goals — supported by a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

To learn more about the decision to restructure and merge the communities, listen to the bonus podcast episode, The Updated SPI Community Is Here—Behind the Scenes of What’s New with Caleb Wojcik. The episode is available at https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/podcasts/the-updated-spi-community/.

About Smart Passive Income

Smart Passive Income (SPI) is committed to guiding entrepreneurs from idea to income through education, feedback, and accountability. Founded by Pat Flynn, SPI equips individuals with the tools and support to achieve personal fulfillment, financial independence, and long-term success. By offering a range of resources and a thriving membership community, SPI fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth. Rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship is the best path to controlling your future, SPI empowers its members to build meaningful and sustainable businesses. Learn more at smartpassiveincome.com.

The post Smart Passive Income Unites Two Entrepreneurial Communities with a Tiered Membership Model appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media announces the addition of award-winning author, speaker, and agency owner Pamela Slim to its Experts in Residence Program. Pamela joins a distinguished roster of members, including Amy Nelson, Nausheen I. Chen, Yasmine Salem Hamdan, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland. With three decades of experience helping business owners scale their enterprises, Pamela brings invaluable expertise to the SPI Pro community.

About Pamela Slim

Pamela Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation, Body of Work, and The Widest Net (winner of the Best Sales and Marketing Book of 2021 award from Porchlight Books), is also the co-founder of the K’é Community Lab in Mesa, Arizona. Alongside her husband, Darryl, Pamela provides support and resources to numerous BIPOC entrepreneurs, contributing to the social, health, and economic development of their local community.

Pamela is frequently quoted as a business expert in publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. She also runs an agency specializing in developing certification and licensing programs.

About the Experts in Residence Program

The Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

When asked about joining the program, Pamela expressed excitement to share her expertise, helping SPI Pro members overcome roadblocks, accelerate market entry, and scale their businesses. She looks forward to learning about everyone’s business ventures and contributing to the exchange of ideas within the community.

About SPI Media

SPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

The post SPI Media Welcomes Award-Winning Author Pamela Slim to Its Experts in Residence Program appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is thrilled to welcome Yasmine Salem Hamdan to its Experts in Residence Program, an exclusive offering within the SPI Pro community. As the founder of Coaches & Company, Yasmine brings a wealth of experience as both a business lawyer and a brand consultant. She joins a prestigious roster of industry experts, including Nausheen I. Chen, Pamela Slim, Amy Nelson, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland.

About Yasmine Salem Hamdan

Yasmine Salem Hamdan is a dynamic entrepreneur, business lawyer, and brand consultant. As the founder of Coaches & Company, she's committed to modernizing legal education and protection for online businesses, offering accessible solutions and contracts to secure entrepreneurs' online ventures and financial futures without hefty law firm fees.

Yasmine's innovative approach has earned recognition from esteemed platforms like Entrepreneur magazine, Forbes, Thinkific, and Dallas Startup Week. Additionally, she's the driving force behind the Crème de la Crème® Business Network, empowering professional women with curated networking opportunities and resources.

About the Experts in Residence Program

The Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

Yasmine is enthusiastic about joining the program to demystify the intimidating topic of legal protection. Her goal is to empower entrepreneurs with knowledge, expert support, and proactive action, ensuring they can navigate legal matters confidently and avoid potential pitfalls.

About SPI Media

SPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

The post SPI Media Welcomes Yasmine Salem Hamdan to Its Experts in Residence Program appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is thrilled to welcome Nausheen I. Chen to its Experts in Residence Program. An acclaimed public speaking coach, three-time TEDx speaker, and former Fortune 50 manager, Nausheen brings a wealth of experience to the SPI Pro community. She joins a prestigious lineup of experts, including Pamela Slim, Yasmine Salem Hamdan, Amy Nelson, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland.

About Nausheen I. Chen

Nausheen I. Chen is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience as an acclaimed public speaking coach, three-time TEDx speaker, and former Fortune 50 manager. She excels in empowering entrepreneurs to communicate with greater impact and confidence. 

Her clients — including LinkedIn creators and executives from top companies like Google, Amazon, and IBM — have spoken on prestigious platforms such as the BBC, TechCrunch, and TEDx. Nausheen is dedicated to helping others find their voice and deliver their message effectively, ensuring they attract opportunities and achieve their career goals.

About the Experts in Residence Program

The Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

Nausheen's decision to join the program reflects her passion for community building and engagement. She emphasizes her commitment to helping entrepreneurs speak with more impact and realize that effective communication is the key to unlocking unstoppable potential.

About SPI Media

SPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

The post Meet Expert in Residence Nausheen I. Chen appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is excited to welcome award-winning entrepreneur Amy Nelson to its Experts in Residence Program. Amy joins a distinguished roster of members, including Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland, bringing her unique skillset and passion for storytelling to the SPI Pro community.

About Amy Nelson

Amy is the founder and CEO of The Riveter, a national network of coworking spaces, community content, and resources designed to amplify the voices and experiences of working women worldwide. Since its launch in 2017, The Riveter has experienced remarkable growth, recently closing a $15 million Series A funding round led by Alpha Edison.

With a background in corporate litigation in New York City and Seattle, Amy brings over a decade of legal expertise to her role. She served on President Obama’s National Finance Committee and collaborated with President Carter’s The Carter Center, shaping her commitment to empowerment and inclusion.

Her work has been featured in the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. She is also a sought-after speaker, having appeared on prestigious stages worldwide, including Forbes Under 30, Cannes Lions, and SXSW.

About the Experts in Residence Program

The Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events; it is designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains. In joining the program, Amy is eager to share her expertise and experiences with SPI Pro members, guiding them to leverage the potential of storytelling to build brands, sell products, and connect with stakeholders.

Bringing Amy Nelson into the Experts in Residence Program represents a pivotal moment for SPI Pro, as it continues to foster a supportive and inclusive community where entrepreneurs can thrive. Her commitment to amplifying the voices of working women aligns perfectly with SPI Media's mission to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

About SPI Media

SPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community tailored for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

The post Amy Nelson Joins SPI Media’s Experts in Residence Program appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Experts in Residence Program: filmmaker Caleb Wojcik. Joining the ranks of esteemed members Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland, Wojcik brings a wealth of expertise to the SPI Pro community.

About Caleb Wojcik and the Experts in Residence Program

Caleb Wojcik is a seasoned video production expert with a career stretching back to 2010. He describes himself as a self-proclaimed “recovering camera gear addict” and runs his own video production company. With mastery in filming, editing, and strategic distribution, Caleb is a trusted authority in the industry. His entrepreneurial journey extends beyond video to include successful ventures in course launches, podcasts, YouTube growth, Kickstarter campaigns, and ecommerce brand management. He is also the co-founder of the wildly successful SwitchPod — a minimal handheld tripod that lets users quickly switch between handheld and tripod modes.

When asked about his goals within the SPI Pro community, Caleb emphasized his commitment to helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles. He aims to empower those who feel stuck, guiding them toward success in the rewarding yet challenging world of entrepreneurship.

Caleb Wojcik's arrival marks a new chapter for SPI Pro's Experts in Residence Program, providing members with direct access to leaders in online entrepreneurship. The program encompasses key business domains such as leadership, sales and marketing, product development, and operational strategies. It offers exclusive insights and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth. Caleb's expertise adds depth to the program, further enhancing its value to SPI Pro members seeking guidance and inspiration on their entrepreneurial journey.

About SPI Media

SPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community tailored for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

The post SPI Media Welcomes Filmmaker Caleb Wojcik to its Experts in Residence Program appeared first on Smart Passive Income.