Jack Wendt is the founder of High-Rise Influence, where he helps young creators and local service business owners build authority, deliver results, and become the obvious choice in their city. Trained under Dennis Yu and co-author of upcoming books on Google Knowledge Panels and marketing systems, Jack leads the High-Rise Academy to bridge the gap between education and execution.
He began his career as Head of Relationship Development at BetterWealth under the mentorship of Caleb Guilliams, shortly after completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training with the Army National Guard. Since then, he’s consulted with private equity firms and helped numerous local service businesses grow revenue and brand authority through his companies — all before turning 20.
Unlock the full potential of your franchise’s marketing by training a young adult—your son, daughter or a team member—to become a dedicated digital marketing and AI-powered social media expert. In this video, Dennis Yu and Jack Wendt explain how a one-year program equips them with the tools and strategies to manage the Content Factory process for your local service business.
This program includes:
Weekly Office Hours and coaching
Full access to all training materials
Hands-on support with analytics, ads, and websites
A community of peers and mentors
The curriculum is built on proven methods used by major brands like Red Bull and Nike and thousands of local service businesses. Think of it as trade school for digital marketing—tailored specifically for your franchise.
If you’re ready to give a young adult the opportunity to grow into your business’s marketing champion, watch the video and learn how to enroll them today.
If you’re tired of vague “consulting” promises and want a repeatable blueprint for building a service agency that actually scales, this candid conversation is for you.
Dennis Yu and Jack Wendt pull no punches as they share how High‑Rise Influence helps 7‑ and 8‑figure founders earn a Google Knowledge Panel — the digital stamp of legitimacy most gurus can’t deliver. They reveal why clarity and proof matter more than hype, why you must draw a line on who you serve, and how to create an operations playbook that lets you hire and train without reinventing the wheel each time.
Highlights include:
Why “customizable” beats “custom” — and how to productize services without becoming a cookie cutter.
The hard truth about clients who think they’re the exception: you can’t make a beef Wellington out of baloney.
Real numbers: thousands of AI bots (from Claude, ChatGPT, and others) hitting their content, turning free education into actual leads.
How to leverage AI, social snippets and small ad spends to attract the right people — and repel the wrong ones.
Lessons from plumbing and HVAC agencies: focus on one niche, own your proof, and watch referrals snowball.
If you’re ready to stop selling air and start delivering results that even Google recognizes, hit play. Then let us know in the comments: what’s the one thing holding your agency back from scaling?
Featured Image: Henry on a video call sharing his first week in High Rise Academy (placeholder)
When Dylan and I started High Rise Academy, our goal was simple: give young adults the tools, mentorship, and confidence to do real work for real businesses. Henry is one of the first apprentices to join, and his journey shows exactly how this program works in practice.
This story comes from a Youtube interview we did with Henry, reflecting on his early months in the program. What he shared provides a clear picture of what new apprentices can expect.
Flexibility From Day One
When we asked Henry what he loved most about the program, his answer was immediate: freedom and versatility.
He explained: “I can basically work from wherever I want as long as I have internet access and Wi-Fi.”
That flexibility meant Henry could work from his family’s cabin or his home without missing deadlines. For him, work-life balance wasn’t theory — it was lived experience.
This is the same principle Dennis Yu, Dylan, and I experienced when we spent a month traveling to eight countries and five U.S. states while speaking at conferences. Our output didn’t dip, because we follow documented processes like the Content Factory model.
Starting With No Experience
Henry admitted he had “little to no experience” before joining. His only teamwork experience came from school projects.
Within weeks, he built professional habits:
Communicating directly with clients.
Finishing projects on time.
Following through on commitments.
As Henry put it: “It’s greatly helped me to communicate with others, get work done on time, and finish what you said you would finish.”
Henry proves that even with no experience, the system works.
Real Client Work: Flax Dental in Atlanta
One of Henry’s first major projects was with Flax Dental, a dentist in Atlanta.
Instead of just being handed a task list, Henry collaborates directly with the client to define what success looks like. That means listening, asking questions, and aligning deliverables with business goals.
His work included:
Repurposing long-form dentist videos into SEO-optimized blog posts.
Creating short-form video clips for YouTube and Facebook.
Uploading and formatting website content.
These are practical skills every local business needs. For apprentices learning to serve small businesses, this is where training meets real-world impact. See our detailed walkthrough: read our full guide to repurposing video content.
Building Transferable Skills
Henry quickly realized that the methods we used for a dentist could apply to almost any local service business — landscapers, plumbers, roofers, and more.
He learned to:
Build repeatable workflows for repurposing.
Adapt formats to each platform’s audience.
Use tools like Descript and Underlord to speed up editing.
Henry discovered that while tools help, real skill lies in understanding client goals and target audiences. That’s why we built documented processes like the Content Factory model: they create scalable systems anyone can learn and apply.
Weekly Reports and SEO Growth
Every Friday, Henry contributed to our MAA End-of-Week Reports for Flax Dental. In week one, the reports simply listed content produced.
As weeks progressed, Henry learned how to:
Add SEO tracking.
Summarize keyword performance.
Include engagement numbers from social posts.
These reports became the backbone of client communication. Henry moved from never having written a report to producing one that guided business decisions. To see exactly how to structure these reports, check out our full guide on how to write Weekly MAA reports for local service businesses.
Support From the Team
Henry didn’t navigate this alone. He had access to mentors like Dennis Yu, Dylan, and myself, along with a full library of playbooks and processes.
As he explained: “Everything is documented. Everything that Dennis and BlitzMetricshas done is out there. You can literally just search whatever you’re saying.”
When apprentices run into obstacles, they’re never stuck. They can:
Reference documented checklists.
Ask team members who’ve executed these tasks thousands of times.
Henry is clear about the time investment. He doesn’t log hours for the sake of it. He focuses on getting projects done.
For apprentices managing one client, Henry estimated “probably no more than an hour a day” is sufficient. That makes High Rise Academy accessible for students, part-time workers, and young adults balancing other commitments.
Advice to Future Apprentices
When we asked Henry what advice he’d give someone just starting, he said: “At the beginning, I didn’t really know much. But there are so many resources. And even if you end up getting stuck, there are team members who’ve done this thousands of times you can fall back on.”
That mindset is exactly what makes High Rise Academy work: you don’t need to start as an expert. You need to start willing to learn.
Closing Thoughts
Henry’s journey represents what High Rise Academy is about: taking motivated young adults, giving them real-world work with real clients, and surrounding them with mentorship and repeatable processes that lead to success.
Key takeaways from Henry’s story:
Flexibility to work from anywhere.
Transferable skills that apply to any local business.
Step-by-step guidance through reporting, SEO, and content creation.
Supportive mentors and documented playbooks.
Realistic time commitment that fits into everyday life.
Want to build these skills while helping real businesses? Start by applying what Henry did — commit to doing the work, ask questions, and follow the process.
In this video, Dennis Yu, Dylan Haugen, and I, Jack Wendt, explain how High Rise Academy equips young adults to deliver results local businesses can measure—leads, calls, and customers.
Goals: Creating Jobs Through Mentorship
High Rise Academy is built on Dennis Yu’s mission to create one million jobs for young adults. That idea comes from mentorship Dennis received 30 years ago from the CEO of American Airlines, who helped him see opportunities as a young professional.
That mentorship model defines the Academy. Students learn by doing and then teaching others. Dylan Haugen explained: “Since starting this, all my friends have been implementing this into their personal branding. I’ve helped them get Knowledge Panels just by sharing what I learned.”
Dylan and I documented the steps to trigger a Google Knowledge Panel so peers could follow the same process. Each student builds a public portfolio of campaigns, dashboards, and videos that employers or clients can verify.
Content: Documented Systems That Deliver
The Content Factory
Apprentices follow BlitzMetrics’ Content Factory framework, the same workflow applied with Nike and the Golden State Warriors. It turns one video into many outputs across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Tools like Descript and CapCut simplify editing, so even first-time students can caption and repurpose clips.
The 3×3 Video Grid
Students start with a 3×3 video grid: nine short clips—three “Why,” three “How,” and three “What.” For example, a dentist might record why they entered the field, how they calm nervous patients, and what treatments they offer. These build authenticity and become ads or blog content.
This method reflects BlitzMetrics’ personal branding guide: authentic storytelling is the backbone of effective marketing.
Dennis commented: “Most local businesses say they’ve been burned by three agencies before us.” Documented dashboards help rebuild that trust.
Targeting: Parents and Local Businesses
Parents and Students
Parents want skills that translate into work. At High Rise Academy, apprentices launch campaigns in their first month.
Instead of theory, each student documents campaigns that prove competence.
Local Service Providers
For dentists, roofers, and lawyers, marketing is often a struggle. The Academy prepares someone they trust—a son, daughter, or local student—to manage it.
The Academy succeeds because apprentices run live campaigns, not simulations. Every assignment delivers measurable results—calls, leads, or video views.
Dennis explained: “This isn’t about tuition or replacing college. These are individual lives. When these young adults succeed, I feel pride.”
By documenting their work publicly—through checklists, YouTube videos, and blogs—students create repeatable paths for others to follow. That cycle scales the mission from dozens of jobs to thousands.
Conclusion: Training Built on Proof
High Rise Academy is grounded in execution. Apprentices create content, run ads, and manage analytics that businesses can measure. Parents see confidence grow. Business owners get work tied to visible data.
The systems behind it—the Content Factory framework, the Dollar-a-Day method, and steps to trigger a Google Knowledge Panel—have been tested with global brands and adapted for local providers.
Want to equip your young adult with these skills? Enroll in High Rise Academy and give them hands-on experience running real campaigns.
Many young adults wonder what comes after high school. Retail or fast food jobs are easy to get, but don’t provide transferable skills. College is an option, but it doesn’t always connect directly to real work. High Rise Academy offers an alternative: apprentices work with real businesses, apply AI tools, and learn by producing measurable outcomes.
This article is based on a session led by Jack Wendt and Dylan Haugen, where they discussed how the program works in practice. You can watch the original video session here.
Who This Is For
The GCT framework—Goals, Content, Targeting—is a simple way to clarify who a program is designed for and how it delivers value. It helps align expectations by showing what you’ll learn, how you’ll learn it, and who the program is best suited for.
Goal: Learn practical digital marketing and business skills by working with real clients. Content: Apprentices apply frameworks, such as the Content Factory, to show results and accountability. Target: Young adults who want to build portfolios and experience instead of settling for jobs that don’t transfer into long-term skills.
It’s also for parents who run local service businesses and want their kids to gain meaningful work experience early—whether by contributing to the family business or working with other real clients. High Rise Academy provides proof of work—real numbers, real businesses, and clear documentation. Anyone who values learning through action rather than theory will find this program a fit.
What Apprentices Do
Apprentices are matched with real businesses and given practical tasks. They gather raw content from business owners, create social media posts, manage advertising campaigns, and document outcomes. Every week they submit reports following the MAA framework—showing metrics, providing analysis, and outlining actions for the next week.
The focus is on producing measurable improvements for businesses. Apprentices learn to set up campaigns, analyze performance, and present results in a professional format. They also get practice in communication, coordination, and accountability by working with both clients and mentors.
Learning Beyond Technical Skills
Jack described it this way:
“Most jobs extract value from you. Get a job that you can extract value from. Learning from the job, adding to your resume, improving your interpersonal skills and your soft skills—all those things are going to be huge and you’ll never lose that value.”
The program develops more than technical expertise. Apprentices practice project management, communication, and leadership on every campaign. Writing weekly reports, presenting results, and coordinating with teams mirrors what’s expected in professional roles.
Dennis Yu—who has worked with major organizations like Nike and the Golden State Warriors—personally leads weekly office hours, which are open to every member of the academy. Apprentices review campaigns, identify weak points, and adjust strategy on the spot. Understanding what happens in office hours and why documenting progress is critical helps ensure steady growth and accountability.
Building a Portfolio That Matters
Every campaign turns into a case study. Apprentices save screenshots, MAA reports, and before-and-after analytics. This evidence becomes the backbone of their portfolio.
Instead of saying “I know social media marketing,” apprentices can show:
A Facebook campaign that generated a specific number of leads.
A Google Ads report showing cost per lead reduced by half.
An SEO dashboard proving month-over-month traffic growth.
This level of documentation prevents fluff and builds credibility. It aligns with industry best practices such as E-E-A-T principles. Apprentices present their portfolios in review sessions with mentors, practicing how to explain results clearly and answer questions.
Visuals include:
Screenshots from campaigns.
Sample MAA reports.
Quote cards from apprentices and clients.
Analytics charts showing measurable improvements.
Employers and clients value proof. By the end of the program, every apprentice has a body of work they can point to as evidence of skill.
Get Started Here
If you want to stop guessing about your future and start working on real projects, apply to High Rise Academy. You’ll build campaigns, work with mentors, and graduate with a portfolio of documented results. This is not theory. It is work you can prove.
Want to build a strong online presence? Austin Palacios, a dynamic entrepreneur and real estate investor, reveals his formula for creating a powerful digital footprint.
By turning podcasts into YouTube videos, social media content, and even a book, Austin has not only provided valuable content but also earned himself a prominent Knowledge Panel on Google.
How does it work? First, Austin records insightful podcast interviews with top-level entrepreneurs, business leaders, and real estate investors on his podcast, The Austin Palacios Podcast. Next, he repurposes those episodes into shorter, shareable clips for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
By doing so, he captures a broader audience and encourages engagement across multiple channels. Over time, these efforts help solidify his online reputation, build credibility, and increase visibility in search results.
By claiming and optimizing his Knowledge Panel, Austin ensured his most accurate and authoritative information appears when people search for him. This strategic move not only increases his credibility but also gives potential clients and partners a reliable, first-impression resource.
If you’re ready to establish authority, build trust, and make your mark online, start by repurposing your content like Austin—and watch your digital presence grow.
Did you know that getting a Google Knowledge Panel doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve complicated tricks? RJ Ahmed recently proved just how straightforward it can be.
RJ Ahmed claimed his Knowledge Panel entirely on his own, using nothing but free content. “You can’t pay someone for a Google Knowledge Panel—even though many agencies will try to pretend you can,” he said. “When you have the right authority components, organize them, and then claim them, you get a Knowledge Panel. It’s as easy as that.”
In fact, by following Dennis free advice and resources, RJ was able to pull together the necessary authority signals and present them in a way that got Google’s attention. Instead of relying on paid services or gimmicks, he used the clear guidance and structured approach he have laid out—proving that when you follow the right process, you get real results.
RJ Ahmed and Dennis Yu
Many entrepreneurs and creators have found that Dennis content provides practical, no-cost strategies to establish online authority. By focusing on building a solid online presence and organizing the right information, anyone can take the same steps RJ did, no expensive shortcuts required.
What if I told you a former bricklayer from London could show you how to network with some of the world’s biggest names? No gimmicks, no elaborate schemes—just a simple shift in mindset and a willingness to take action.
Steve Sims did exactly that, transforming a humble start into an extraordinary career mingling with Elon Musk, Richard Branson, Elton John, and many more. He’s not just in the room—he’s creating unforgettable experiences, writing bestselling books, speaking on renowned stages, and inspiring others to dream bigger.
When Dennis asked him how he managed to get such high-profile guests on his podcast, Steve’s answer was surprisingly straightforward: “Just ask.” No complicated strategies, no hidden formulas—just a willingness to reach out, form connections, and offer value.
Dennis Yu, Steve Sims, and Henry Sims
But that’s not all that sets Steve apart. He understands the importance of branding—not just in the traditional sense, but in owning a digital footprint that reflects his real-world impact.
He’s secured a full Google Knowledge Panel, connecting his social channels and content so that anyone searching his name gets the full picture. It’s a signal of authority, credibility, and visibility that amplifies everything he’s accomplished.
Even while battling cancer, Steve hasn’t slowed down. Instead of retreating, he’s doubled his efforts to help other entrepreneurs succeed. While most people might crumble under the weight of such challenges, Steve reframed his approach.
He turned from working harder to thinking smarter, from being the asset to owning assets—investments, businesses, relationships, and opportunities. His story is a masterclass in creating value and leveraging connections.
So, if you’re ready to step up and own your own piece of the digital landscape, now’s the time to start. Whether it’s reaching out to someone who inspires you or solidifying your online presence, the path to building a powerful personal brand is right in front of you.
Roger Wakefield, a plumber turned digital influencer, is proof that a strong personal brand can catapult you to the top of search results.
Through strategic content creation, consistent audience engagement, and a clear focus on his niche, he achieved a coveted Google Knowledge Panel—an achievement that sets him apart from countless service professionals.
Roger’s digital journey began with a focus on authenticity and expertise. While many businesses see LinkedIn or their main website as their top search result,
Roger’s YouTube channel took the lead. By producing helpful, relatable content that addressed his audience’s questions and needs, he established himself as an industry authority. His videos not only ranked highly on YouTube but also boosted his credibility across search engines.
The release of Dennis book, Are You Googleable?, with Roger Wakefield, served as a cornerstone for his digital strategy.
Roger Wakefield is showcasing his book, Are You Googleable?
This book tied together his content, messaging, and social presence, helping him solidify his Knowledge Panel and amplify his reach. With every new piece of content, from videos to blog posts, Roger reinforced his position as the go-to expert in his field. His Knowledge Panel expanded to include his social media profiles, further demonstrating his credibility.
Roger’s success also showcases the power of strategic, targeted advertising. By running low-cost, highly-focused Dollar-A-Day ad campaigns, he maintained engagement across multiple channels.
These campaigns signaled to Google that his audience remained active and interested, helping sustain his top search ranking. Every video, blog, and ad contributed to the broader ecosystem of his personal brand, ensuring that when people searched for plumbing advice, his name appeared first.
But Roger’s rise isn’t just about technical SEO or marketing tactics. It’s a testament to the value of relationships, authenticity, and consistent effort.
He didn’t rely on gimmicks or shortcuts. Instead, he built a reputation on genuine expertise and real results, showing others in the service industry what’s possible when you invest in your personal brand.
For professionals in any field, Roger’s story is a powerful reminder. Establish your authority by sharing real, valuable knowledge. Keep your audience engaged through honest, helpful content.
Collaborate with experts like Dennis Yu to refine your strategy. Over time, these steps can lead to the same outcome Roger achieved, an expanded Google Knowledge Panel, greater visibility, and a thriving digital presence.
What does it take to make yourself truly “Googleable”? As a watchman committed to unpacking biblical prophecy, Daniel Larimer doesn’t sell a product or chase recognition.
Instead, he puts all his energy into carefully researched, scripturally grounded videos on his YouTube channel, Blow the Shofar. And the result? More people than ever are not only learning from his teachings but also wanting to know who he is.
When people search for Daniel, they’re met with a well-structured knowledge panel, clear information, and content that leads them to his mission-driven message. This isn’t about vanity; it’s about ensuring his message reaches those seeking understanding.
With 20,000 subscribers today, and growing fast, Daniel’s approach demonstrates the power of connecting meaningful content with smart digital strategy. By building a personal brand website, leveraging Google’s knowledge graph, and using targeted ad campaigns on platforms like YouTube,
Daniel has expanded his reach significantly. In just three weeks, his channel jumped from 3,000 to 20,000 subscribers, and it’s all fueled by the content people want: videos that hold their attention for nearly 25 minutes at a time.
Daniel’s focus on quality content and audience engagement, paired with a data-driven ad strategy, is paying off.
His work shows that when your message resonates and you back it up with the right strategy, you don’t just gain viewers, you earn trust, authority, and a prominent spot in the digital landscape.
